My Orc Next Door (Eastshore Isle Book 1)

Chapter 11

Jess

I wasn’tsure why I was so nervous for Friday’s meeting with the town council. It was a regular event, part of my job, and always very informal. It’s just that this Friday was the culmination of my plan.

The council—all of Eastshore—was going to learn what I already knew about Karnak: he was smart, funny, and fun to be around.

He was, in short, civilized.

It was also a big deal for him, I imagined. When he’d first come into our world, he’d been told he was a monster, and needed to protect those around him from himself. What I’d done during these last few weeks was—I hoped—taught him that just wasn’t true.

The artists at the fair respected his opinion and talent.

His neighbors appreciated his help.

And me? Well somewhere along the way I’d fallen in love with my orc next door.

This morning, when he’d stepped out of his front door looking so fine, I realized how proud I was to be seen walking next to him. I took his hand on the way to work, and I loved how his large one cradled mine.

It also made me remember all the naughty things we’d done last night, and again this morning, before he’d popped back to his house to get changed.

“You look amazing,” I said to him, tipping my head back to enjoy the sun on my face. “And not just your killer new haircut.”

A ghost of a smile threatened his lips. “You look beautiful, as always.”

I scoffed. I mean, yeah, on council days, I did put a little extra effort into my outfit and hair, trying to look more professional, but Karnak…

“I didn’t expect you to have a suit.”

He shot a glance my way, his expression carefully neutral. “Because I’m an orc?”

I rolled my eyes. “Because you’re a beach bum, silly,” I corrected, knocking my hip playfully against his leg. “The only time I see you in shoes is when we go out to eat, and even then it’s just flip-flops.”

As we walked, he grimaced slightly and looked down at his feet. “I’ll admit, these things pinch my toes.”

“But you look sharp.”

He frowned. “What does that mean?”

“Sharp? You know, like…you look good. Sleek. Professional.”

“Ah. Like Geoffrey A. Harrison.”

A chuckle surprised me. “No—well, yes, I suppose. But Geoffrey isn’t seven feet tall and four feet at the shoulders.”

It took a moment for his expression to ease into a sort of reluctant smile. “I suppose.”

“And where the hell did you even find a suit that fit you?”

He shrugged a bit sheepishly. “Bought it years ago because Sakkara said I needed one. Had to get it at a Big and Tall store, and then I tailored it to fit.”

“Wait.” I tugged him to a stop. “You tailored it?”

He was going to tell me sewing was also one of his myriad talents?

“Why not? I had a lot of time on my hands.”

Ah. That was right. The reason Karnak had learned to do all this stuff—carving, painting, art, cooking, sewing—was that he’d spent his life as a recluse. So he wouldn’t scare others.

As I stared up at him, his expression tugged into another frown, and I knew I needed to distract him.

“Karnak,” I told him, placing my free hand on his chest. “You really are a truly remarkable person. I’m so glad I know you.”

With that, I pushed myself up on my toes and brushed a light kiss across his chin, the highest I could reach.

Instead of kissing me back, he stood like a statue. “People will see you kissing an orc.”

We were in a busy part of town. I grinned. “Good. I could tell them what I get up to with that orc after dark.”

His lips eased into another reluctant smirk. “And sometimes when it’s not yet dark.”

“Like the other night in the hot tub?” I waggled my brows. “Or in your shower?”

“I’m going to have to expand that shower. It’s not as big as yours.”

Just remembering what he’d done last night in my shower, the way he’d eaten me out from behind…I squeezed my thighs together as liquid arousal flooded my core. And from the way his nostrils flared and he lowered his chin, Karnak knew.

“Later,” he murmured. “If you’d like.”

“Hell yes, I’d like.” I took a deep breath and stepped back. “But we’ll be late for the meeting.” I tugged him into motion. “Are you nervous?”

“Of course. Not as nervous as you are, though.”

I shouldn’t be surprised he could sense my moods. “I just want everyone to love you as much as I do!”

As soon as the words left my lips, I cringed and turned my face away, glad we were already walking at a nice clip.

You can’t just blurt that shit out.

Well, apparently I can.

Karnak hadn’t given me any indication he had any sort of feelings for me beyond the whole “worshiping my body” thing. Flattering, sure, but not forever.

And yeah, he always made certain to make me come at least once before we had The Sex, which was incredibly thoughtful and caring…but maybe that was a cultural thing. Maybe to him, I was just a convenient boink.

And there I go, blurting out my feelings.

Karnak didn’t say anything. When I risked a glance at him half a block later, his expression didn’t give any indication he’d even heard what I’d said. So I exhaled in relief and pulled him into the town administration building.

The meeting was held in our single board room, and everyone—even Geoffrey—was there already when we arrived. I made short work of setting up and the introductions.

I was delighted how Karnak’s polite charm seemed to impress the council. No, it wasn’t charm, exactly. It was the way Karnak seemed genuinely interested in each person, and listened to them speak, then replied with thoughtful questions or insight.

He didn’t loom, but stood with his hands behind his back and his expression arranged in that small smile which made his tusks seem smaller and made him look approachable.

And me?

I stood at the back of the room and marveled that this male had come into my life.

Yeah, I loved him, and while I wasn’t afraid to let the world know, I should probably tell Karnak. Properly.

Tonight.

Yeah, I’d tell him tonight. Maybe I could cook him something special—or grab takeout, because what I had in mind wouldn’t leave a lot of time for eating. I wanted to show him how special he was, and had some truly filthy ideas of stuff to try.

But more importantly, I needed to tell him how I felt about him. Tell him that somewhere between the lusting after him and him returning my cat…I’d fallen in love with him.

“You’re being disgusting,” a voice at my side hissed.

I startled, and shot a glare at Geoffrey. “I beg your pardon?”

“The way you’re looking at that monster. Don’t forget I saw what you were doing in the park weeks ago.” The asshole didn’t even look at me, but kept his suave sneer locked on Karnak. “You can lust after him all you want, but you can’t change what he is.”

How had I ever even considered Geoffrey to be handsome? His ugly personality made him so unattractive. And that suit he was wearing was nowhere near as fine as Karnak’s.

Or maybe I just liked the way Karnak filled his out better.

Or maybe I just liked Karnak better.

Yeah, that was it.

“I don’t want to change him,” I finally said to Geoffrey coldly. “I like Karnak just the way he is.”

“Yeah,” he snorted, then turned to me with a sneer down that long nose of his. “That much is obvious.”

“What does it matter if I like him?” Or he likes me, fingers crossed. “He’s a good guy, and it’s nothing to do with you.”

“Uh, correction, Jess, it’s everything to do with me. Remember our bargain?”

It took me a moment to figure out what he was talking about, but when I did, my eyes opened wide. “You mean—what?”

“You agreed to date me if I supported your pitch to the council.” His gaze dragged from my face down my body, lingering on my boobs. “If a man gives up a chance at a multi-million-dollar hotel franchise opportunity, he deserves some compensation.”

Compensation? I sputtered, uncertain how to respond to something so insulting.

“Well, Jess?” He sneered back at me. “I supported your silly little diversity idea, and the council seems to be lapping it up. I’m ready for my compensation.”

Holy shit, the guy meant it.

He wanted me to date him?

No, that look made it quite clear what he wants, and it’s not something as innocent as a dinner date.

Flustered, I tried to straighten my shoulders. “First of all, Geoffrey,” I hissed, half my attention on the meeting across the room, worried we were too distracting. “I never agreed to your little bargain. You just assumed I did. And secondly…”

I didn’t have a secondly, which is just as well. What was I going to tell him? Oh, I’m sorry, Geoffrey, I can’t give you a thank-you fuck because I’m busy having my brains boinked out by that gorgeous hunk of male across the room.

It wouldn’t make me look any better.

“You bitch,” he hissed, stepping into my personal space. “I gave you my vote, and this is how you repay me?”

I tipped my head back to glare at him, trying desperately not to show how uncomfortable I was. “You voted for my plan because it’s what’s best for Eastshore.”

“Fuck Eastshore, I’m in it for myself!”

Holy crap, really? “That’s the sort of thing you’re not supposed to say in your out-loud voice.”

“You bitch,” he repeated, leaning closer.

And despite my resolve to look badass, I flinched.

Karnak

I was speakingto two members of the council about the opportunities available in a town like Eastshore, in terms of employment. I couldn’t be certain, but the older lady seemed to be…flirting with me?

Considering I was basing this guess entirely on the bad romcom movies I’d seen over the years, I wasn’t sure.

But she was either flirting with me, or had something stuck in her eyelashes. Or both.

While I spoke with them, I kept half my attention on Jess on the other side of the room. To be honest, if I was anywhere near her half my attention was on her anyhow, so this was no different.

Until Geoffrey The Asshole approached her.

Then, easily three-quarters of my attention snapped to the pair, and I’ll admit I wasn’t sure exactly what I was saying to the council members.

And then…

And then the scent of her fear spiked, flowing across the room and battering my senses. Struggling to keep from growling, I gave an abrupt bow to the council members.

“Please excuse me for interrupting. I’ve suddenly remembered a question for Jess. I’ll return in a moment.”

Or something like that.

It could’ve been gibberish—hells, it could’ve been orcish. I just blurted out something and turned on my heel.

My Mate was scared, and I had to respond. Even if she didn’t know she was my Mate.

When I reached her, she was actually bending away from Geoffrey. I don’t know what the other male had said, but it was enough to scare her like that.

I wanted to pull her out of that situation, to tuck her against me and protect her. But I also knew I couldn’t touch her until she wanted me to.

So I cleared my throat. “Jess.” It was all I said. All I could think to say.

And relief flashed across her face as she turned to me.

Shewas the one to step closer, to tuck up against me, and I’ll admit; I preened a little, knowing she’d chosen to turn to me for protection.

Geoffrey noticed it too, judging from the way his eyes narrowed and his lips curled into a sneer.

“This was a conversation between myself and Jess, orc. I think you should go back to minding your own business.”

I could feel my claws begin to grow. One arm was around Jess’s shoulder and there was no way Geoffrey—or the whole council—could miss the sight.

I glanced down at her and hated the way she was looking at me, as if she wasn’t certain what I would do. As if she was afraid of what I might do.

If my claws came out, if my tusks released…

If I ripped out Geoffrey’s throat for threatening my Mate, or just broke a finger or two…

Then the council would see only the violence of my response. It was the orc way, but it couldn’t be, not here.

Here, I needed to remember how to act like a human. How to act civilized.

I couldn’t frighten Geoffrey or the council members.

So although it went against every instinct, I swallowed down my rage. I focused on my claws, retracting them, forcing myself to breathe deeper.

I managed to keep my voice light when I said, “Oh, I don’t know, Geoffrey. The way I see it, Jess is my business.”

“That’s Mr. Harrison to you,” the other male snarled, taking a step away from me—from us. “And don’t you forget it!”

I forced myself to smile, and hold his gaze. “Jess, sweetheart, is there anything you’d like to say to your colleague, Mr. Harrison?”

When she shook her head, she didn’t look scared any longer. In fact, she was pressing her lips together now, as if trying to keep her expression neutral, but I couldn’t tell what she was hiding.

“Well, there you go, Mr. Harrison.” It was far more satisfying to maintain a look of vague amusement at his anger, than allow my own anger to show. “Looks like your conversation is over. Want to talk to the council with me, Jess?”

She wriggled a little closer to me, and nodded. “Yes, please,” she said in a soft voice, and I guided us both back toward the pair of council members I’d been chatting with earlier.

And neither of us looked back.