7. Meiko

"Looks like we"ve got ourselves a game, folks!" Dragan muses.

I watch, thoroughly amused, as the cards fly through the air, the group"s banter a symphony of lively chatter. Sandra"s teasing jabs at Fordan, Maui"s infectious laughter, Lalaine"s sly smiles, and Macia"s witty one-liners create a vibrant energy that"s impossible to resist as Dragan matches her at every turn. And there"s Mustaf, the sly charmer, dealing out cards with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

As laughter erupts following a bold bet from Sandra, I exchange a knowing glance with Mustaf over the top of my oversized sunglasses. Our silent communication speaks volumes.

Damn, he's one good-looking orc…

Every movement he makes causes his muscles to ripple under the fabric of his shirt, and even as he flips cards, his eyes, deep brown with that enticing orcish hue, never dare to leave mine. As our eyes tease each other, I imagine myself grabbing the shark tooth necklace hanging tantalizingly at his breast and using it to pull him toward me for a kiss.

"Anyone interested in heading to the game room?" Maui asks, tossing his cards onto the table in defeat. He shakes his head, a rueful smile playing on his lips. "I think it"s safe to say I"m out of the running here."

Lalaine practically jumps up from her seat, her eyes shining with excitement and her injury forgotten by now. "A game room? Yes, please!"

Sandra grins, following quickly after. "I"m in, too! I could use a break from this card game."

Mustaf gets up, his large frame unfolding with a grace that belies his size. He turns to me, his dark eyes glinting with curiosity. His jaw clenches and his eyes narrow ever so slightly. His facial features are so perfect that they had to have been carved by a deity. "What do you say, Meiko? Are you up for some games?"

I hesitate for a moment, feeling a sense of nervousness wash over me. But then I nod, getting up from my seat. Mustaf leads the way, his muscular frame moving with a fluidity that I find mesmerizing. I can"t help but admire the way his shirt stretches across his broad shoulders and the way his powerful legs carry him forward with ease.

As we make our way to the game room, Mustaf glances back at me, a playful smirk playing on his lips. "I hope you"re ready for a challenge," he says, his voice low.

I laugh, feeling a sense of excitement build inside me. "Believe me, I never back down from a challenge," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

The look he gives me in response makes my heart race.

Sandra and Maui are already crowded around a pinball machine, their laughter echoing off the walls as they try to outdo each other. Her eyes light up with excitement as she sends the silver ball flying down the machine, while Maui cheers her on with a wide grin.

Lalaine and Macia are huddled around a vintage console, their heads close together as they debate which game to play first. Lalaine"s animated expressions are a contrast to Macia"s calm demeanor, and I can"t help but smile at their contrasting personalities.

"Bet I could beat you and loverboy in a game of bowling," Dragan says to Sandra and Maui with a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

Sandra raises an eyebrow, a challenging glint in her eye. "You"re on," she says, her voice laced with amusement.

"Teams, then?" Lalaine suggests, sidling up to Dragan with a hopeful expression.

"I think Macia and I can take all of you," Fordan says with a grin.

She nods in agreement, laughing at Dragan's expression of complete disbelief. "What?" she demands. "Don't believe us? We could take you in our sleep."

"Not likely," he drones back.

I get the sneaking suspicion that Fordan may not be as good of a bowler as he claims.

Mustaf joins me without hesitation. "Looks like we"re teaming up," he says with a playful smirk.

"If you think you can handle it," I reply, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest.

I can feel Mustaf"s eyes on me as I prepare to take my turn. His directness, a trait shared by his orc friends, is both refreshing and a little unnerving. But I can"t deny the thrill that runs through me every time he looks my way.

Our turns become a collaboration, as we strategize and work together to knock down as many pins as possible. Mustaf offers tips and encouragement as we go, his proximity sending ripples of awareness through me every time he passes by to take his shot.

"You"re a natural," Mustaf says as I knock down several pins on my next turn. "But I think I can offer you some guidance."

"Is that so?" I reply with a gentle scoff.

"Come on, we can"t let them win," Mustaf says, his eyes lighting up with amusement.

During our turn, Mustaf leans in close, whispering the techniques of a perfect roll. "You need to keep your arm straight and follow through," he says, his breath warm against my ear.

My breath catches, both from the heat of his breath and the nearness of his body. I nod in mock concentration, trying to focus on his instructions rather than the electric charge between us. His large hands gently guide my form, his touch sending a thrill down my spine. His fingers brush against my hips and waist, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.

I can feel the warmth of his body against my back, and his deep breaths against my neck make my heart race. His proximity is intoxicating, and I find myself leaning into him, wanting more.

So much more.

I can feel a fiery need building inside me, and I"m not sure if it"s from the excitement of the game or the desire I feel for him.

His lips caress the curve of my ear. "Take it nice and slow," he whispers, his voice low and husky.

The heat of his breath against my skin is almost too much to bear, and my body responds instinctively, pressing against him. Every inch of him is so firm, strong, and fit… and he just seems to align with every inch of me in all the right places.

"And just remember…" he adds. "I can"t stop thinking about you."

His hands squeeze my hips, and for a moment, I imagine him pulling me back into an impassioned thrust.

As Mustaf pulls away, I can feel his gaze lingering on me. There"s an unmistakable interest in his eyes, and I find myself considering the possibility of a fling with this captivating orc.

But as much as I"m drawn to him, I can"t help but feel a tug-of-war within me. My upbringing and past doubts battle with the magnetic pull I feel toward him. I find myself lost in thought, my mind drifting back to my failed almost-marriage. The pain of that breakup still lingers, and I can"t help but feel a sense of fear at the prospect of opening myself up to someone new.

Mustaf is nothing like Duncan, but the fear of heartbreak still lingers in the back of my mind. I find myself wondering if I"m ready to take that leap, to risk getting hurt again so soon.

I take a deep breath, trying to push those thoughts aside. I know I can"t let my past experiences dictate my present. But the fear still lingers, and I find myself hesitating.

Finally, I exhale, trying to steady my nerves as I approach the lane. Mustaf"s instructions echo in my ears as I take my stance, and I try to focus on the feel of the ball in my hand rather than the butterflies in my stomach.

As I release the ball, it rolls smoothly down the lane, knocking down several pins. Mustaf cheers, his enthusiasm infectious. I can"t help but smile, feeling a sense of pride at my accomplishment.

"Good girl," he cheers deeply, holding my gaze purposefully as we share a playful high-five.

Only, he doesn't release my hand. He brings it up and kisses it. My attention darts toward the others, but they aren't paying attention.

The kiss lingers on my hand, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. Mustaf"s eyes are locked on mine, and I can sense the desire building between us.

The rest of our friends finally notice my score and congratulate me, pulling me out of my trance-like state. I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks as they all cheer and clap. Mustaf"s hand is still holding mine, and I can feel the warmth of his touch.

"Great job!" Sandra exclaims, giving me a high-five.

"He's right, you are a natural," Maui adds, clapping me on the back.

"You"ve been holding out on us!" Lalaine teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I had a good teacher," I reason bashfully.

My gaze locks with Mustaf's yet again, but as much as I"m drawn to him, I can"t shake the fear that I"ll end up regretting this. I need to be cautious when it comes to relationships, and the idea of a no-strings-attached affair is both exciting and terrifying.

As we continue to play, I can feel the tension building between us. Every time Mustaf brushes against me or whispers in my ear, my heart races and my body responds. But I can"t ignore the voice in the back of my mind warning me to be careful.

"It's totally not fair," Sandra insists, pouting as Mustaf and I take the lead in the game easier than I'd anticipated.

"Don't be a sore loser," Mustaf teases, tossing a wink in my direction.

Eventually, the games wind down and the day fades into evening. The laughter and noise can"t drown out the silent question hanging between us. I"m on the brink, caught between my desires and a lifetime's worth of caution.