Page 38 of Protective Pucking Orc

The words sent a shiver down my spine.

I exhaled, then forced myself to meet his gaze, remembering the way my pulse had jumped when I’d seen his body outlined in that tight shirt, remembering how I wanted to do something for him.

I didn’t want this to just be a friendship anymore, did I?

I took a deep breath. “Then let me tell you what I know about you.”

His eyes darkened, but he didn’t stop me.

“You always arrive at exactly the same time. To the minute.”

His lips parted slightly.

“You align things without noticing. Your mug. Your fork. The edge of your plate.”

A muscle in his jaw twitched.

“You watch Rosa when you think no one is looking.”

His breath hitched.

“You nod when you agree with something but haven’t decided to say so yet.”

His claws dug into his palms.

“You have a sweet tooth you’re embarrassed about.”

His tusks gleamed as he licked his lips.

“You’re kind to the other servers, even though you barely speak to them.”

His chest rose, slow and deep.

“You tipped thirty percent even before I knew your name.”

His eyes burned green fire.

“And your drawings—the way you share that with Rosa—” My voice cracked. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

His hands shot out, slamming into the leather on either side of my hips like he was holding himself back.

I leaned forward, my heart pounding.

Do it do it do it.

My lips parted as I cupped his cheek.

His skin was warm, rough with stubble. His breath stuttered against my fingers, so I tilted my head, my pulse roaring.

I wanted to know what it would be like to kiss him, to fit my lips between his tusks and swirl my tongue across his…

I wanted to know everything.

I leaned in⁠—

And he jerked back.

His chair scraped against the floor as he stood, his chest heaving. “Goodnight, Sofia.”