Page 21 of Protective Pucking Orc

Dakvaar. But I tried for a brave half-smile. “I am thirsty.”

“And hungry too, I would bet. Well, we can solve both those problems. It’s well after lunch—you’ve been sleeping for hours, but the doc says you’re cleared to eat something. Dakvaar and Rosa will bring you back something from the cafeteria⁠—”

As soon as the woman had mentioned my daughter, panic had shot through me, and I struggled to push myself up on my elbows. “Rosa?” I croaked, suddenly remembering Anthony’s cruel laugh as he chased me, urging me to fetch her so he could find her.

Dios! What had happened while I was asleep? I thought she’d be safe with Mrs. Jourdan.

But now Lila was hushing me, holding a cup with a straw in front of my battered mouth so I could drink. I couldn’t, not when my stomach was so twisted. “Please—my daughter?”

The other woman just smiled gently and stroked my arm comfortingly. “She’s safe, Sofia. Dakvaar explained that the man who did this to you was unconscious when he brought you here, so the asshole doesn’t know where you are. One of Dakvaar’s teammates went to look for him—he was long gone, Torrk said—but My Mate and I went with Dakvaar to your apartment building.”

Oh no. Oh no.

Lila was still talking, and since she hadn’t moved the straw, I took a cautious sip, the water feeling good on my parched throat, while I begged her with my eyes for more information.

“We were able to find Mrs. Jourdan’s address, and as soon as Rosa saw Dakvaar, she lit right up. He explained you had a little fall, and she needed to go with him.”

Mrs. Jourdan wouldn’t have just let her go, would she? Well, yes, if Rosa knew him and she was distraught.

“Rosa showed us your apartment, and I helped her pack some things for both of you.” Lila nodded to four stuffed grocery bags in the corner. “We couldn’t find any luggage—I tried not to worry her, and just turned it into a game.”

¡Ay Dios!

My heart was thundering and there were tears gathering in my eyes again as I slowly sank back against the pillows. “Th-thank you,” I managed. For keeping my baby calm.

Maybe Lila heard the unspoken words, because she patted me again, then cocked her head to one side. “My Mate is coming. I still can’t get used to that—being able to feel him and his emotions through our Mate Bond.” With a rueful shrug, she offered me a smile. “And if Kardok is returning, that means Dakvaar is with him.”

Sure enough, the door opened, and the huge orc I’d come to know these last few weeks stepped through the door. Two weeks ago he’d been my best customer. Last week he’d asked about my daughter. Yesterday he’d proven he could be trusted with Rosa.

And today? Today he’d saved me.

My daughter was in his arms, her legs wrapped around his middle, chattering away as he listened solemnly, his now-glowing green gaze going straight to me. When I saw Rosa was safe and happy, my breath released with a sound halfway between a laugh and a sob.

Rosa’s chatter cut off as she noticed me, her dark eyes going wide. “Mama!”

She wriggled out of Dakvaar’s arms before I could even brace myself, and then she was flying at me, her small body slamming into my chest with enough force to make me gasp.

Pain flared through my ribs, my bruised face, my sprained wrist—but I didn’t care. I wrapped my good arm around her, pulling her close, burying my face in her hair.

“Mija,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Ay Dios, mi querida.”

She was trembling, her little hands clutching at the café apron I was still wearing. “You’re hurt,” she said, her voice small and scared. “Mr. Dakvaar said you fell, but⁠—”

“I did fall, baby,” I lied quickly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Just like he told you. I tripped on the ice, and my arm got a little banged up.” I forced a smile, even though it made my split lip sting. “But I’m okay now. See? I’m right here.”

Rosa pulled back just enough to study my face, her lower lip wobbling. “You look like you got into a fight.”

My heart clenched. She was too smart for her own good. “It was just a fall, sweetheart. A silly one.” She didn’t need to live in fear, the way I did.

She didn’t look convinced, but before she could argue, Dakvaar’s deep voice rumbled from beside us. “Rosa, why don’t you show your mama the pictures you drew while we waited for her to wake up?”

Rosa’s attention snapped to him like he was the sun, and she immediately brightened. “Oh! I drew you a dragon like Mr. Dakvaar wanted! And a fish! And a⁠—”

“That sounds wonderful,” I said, my voice still thick. I let her go just enough to wipe at my eyes with my uninjured hand. “Show me?”

She nodded eagerly and scrambled off the exam table, darting to the bags in the corner. Dakvaar watched her go, his expression carefully neutral, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his claws flexed at his sides.

Then his gaze slid back to me, and something in his eyes—something raw and hungry—made my breath catch.