The sharp cracks and dull thuds grow louder with my every step until I break through a dense area of the woods. I nearly gasp at the gorgeous sight before me.
Verig has removed his harnesses and stands in nothing but his loincloth as he chops wood. Splintered logs fall into a growing pile as he lifts the ax high and lets it fall with enormous power and precision. Thick, hard muscles gleam with sweat, a testament to his power, his ability to take down any other male.
I’ve never been attracted to muscular men like him before, maybe because I never saw them as ‘real’ men, only men whospent hours in a gym just to score. Verig’s physique is carved from hard work and dedication to his people, not vanity. There’s nothing false about him. He’s as human as anyone I know, maybe more so.
“I know you’re there, watching me, female.” He lifts the axe and brings it down again.
“I’ll never be able to sneak up on you, will I?”
“Why would you wish to?”
“To observe. Like when you watched me. Every time I turned around, it seemed you were watching me.”
“I was. And I still watch you, every chance I can. You’re all I think about.”
Oh. I didn’t expect him to say that. I’m not quite sure what I expected, and this is not a conversation I’m prepared to have.
“I should not have left you unprotected.”
“You didn’t. You left me in camp, surrounded by a ton of people, including very well-trained warriors.”
“You no longer fear us?”
“I’m not sure I ever did. Not really. Not even Baloq, at least not until the day he attacked me. I’ve known true evil, Verig. Your people aren’t it.”
He stops chopping wood. “Will you accept me in risha?”
I hesitate, tempted by the need in his voice and my own desire.
“I can’t, and you know why.”
With one fell swoop, he drives the ax into the stump and turns to me. His massive chest rises and falls rapidly, accentuating the definition of every muscle in this powerful male. From the size of the wood pile, I suspect he comes here often, working out his frustration or anger in a way that aids his people. Unlike Nash, who worked out his issues on everyone around him, including me.
One enormous leg steps toward me, and I step back. Not from fear. Verig’s eyes glow with an intensity that wakes the part of meI thought no longer existed, at least not since Nash. The woman who needs to be seen and recognized for who she is.
Which is why I step back.
Verig has become a weakness for me at a time when I must stay strong.
“This will change nothing.” I continue backing away. Another massive thigh flexes as he stalks toward me. My back strikes a tree, trapping me.
“I will have you, Tansey. The question is when.”
My heart races as his hand wraps around the back of my neck. All that power radiates down his fingers to the grip he has on me, but it’s not crippling or painful. Firm. Demanding. And full of a promise I’m not ready to accept.
“Why?” I ask. It’s a stupid question, but I want to understand where he thinks this can go when he knows my answer. Ethan comes first. He has to. I’m not sure Verig fully understands that.
“I’ve let the past control me for too long. It is time I move forward, but I can’t, not without you.”
I search his eyes. I’ve never been key to anyone’s goals or dreams before. “There are other women here, including orc females. Why me, Verig?”
“You suit me,” he says, his voice falling off.
I need more than that. A lot more. I wish I didn’t, but I do.
Before I can tell him that, his lips capture mine in a heat-searing kiss that shuts down my brain. At least that’s the only reason for the position I find myself in next. With my dress hiked up and his legs parting my thighs.
He unties his loincloth, revealing a very long, thick, impossibly hard cock. There are no more words between us, just heavy panting as he places his hands beneath my ass cheeks, lifts, and impales me with his cock in one swift move that has my legs locking around him. I have long legs, but fuck me, I can barely reach around this huge male. Not that I need to support myself.We’re fused together, except where his cock pistons in and out of me.
