Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

Xnaurl

As I sit across from Zana, I'm acutely aware of every curve of her body, every flick of her dark lashes. The candlelight dances across her tan skin, and I want nothing more than to trace its path with my fingers, my lips. I clench my fist under the table, willing myself to focus on the task at hand.

"So, Zana," I begin, my voice gruffer than intended. I clear my throat. "I'll cut to the chase."

She raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. "Uh oh. Should I brace myself?"

I can't help but chuckle. Even in tense moments, her wit shines through. It's one of the many things I adore about her. "No need for that. Unless you consider good news something to brace for."

"In my experience, good news usually comes with a catch," she quips, taking a sip of her wine.

I lean forward, my elbows on the table. "Fair enough. Here's the deal: Urul and the board have finally realized what a disaster I am at overseeing HR and staffing."

Zana snorts, nearly choking on her drink. "You don't say?"

"Hey now," I growl playfully, "I'm not that bad."

"Wasn't it you that proposed a ‘bring your pet to work' day. For remote workers."

I feel my cheeks flush green. "It was a morale-boosting initiative! And you all talked about how you loved your pets. There was a poll in the workspace chat channel and everything."

"Uh-huh. And how did that work out for you?"

I grumble, remembering the chaos of that conference call. "Moving on. The point is, they want me to stick to my strengths: real estate development and negotiations."

As I speak, I can't help but notice the way Zana's eyes light up, how she leans in slightly, hanging on my every word. It takes every ounce of self-control not to reach across the table and pull her into my arms. I want to shield her from every doubt, every moment of loneliness she's ever experienced. I know that pain all too well, and the thought of Zana feeling it makes my chest ache.

"That's great news," she says softly, her smile genuine. "You seem to prefer those areas anyway."

I nod, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through me at her praise. "Thanks. It's a relief, honestly. I was starting to worry I'd accidentally fire the entire company through some bureaucratic mishap."

Zana laughs, the sound music to my ears. "The day you master HR paperwork is the day I voluntarily attend a company picnic."

"Now that," I say, pointing my fork at her, "is a challenge I might just have to accept."

As we banter, I can see a flicker of uncertainty in Zana's eyes. She's happy for me, but there's something else there – a vulnerability that makes me want to gather her in my arms and never let go. I know she's wondering what this means for her, for us. And I'm about to turn her world upside down in the best way possible.

Zana's fork pauses halfway to her mouth, her brow furrowing. "So, what does that mean for me?" she asks, her voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

I take a deep breath, fighting the urge to reach across the table and take her hand. "Well, how do you feel about a change of scenery? Specifically, Obsidian City for the next twelve weeks?"

Her eyes widen, and I quickly continue before she can protest. "You'd be spearheading the transition of on-site employees to our newly acquired building. It's a big project, Zana. We need someone with your expertise to keep the timelines on track."

"Sounds...intense," she says, biting her lip in that adorable way that makes me want to kiss her senseless.

"It is," I admit. "But before you start imagining corporate doom and gloom, let me assure you—this isn't a fancy way of saying anyone's getting laid off or that we now have a mandatory return to work scenario. We're growing, which means new managers, new direct reports, all people who are used to, and prefer working, on-site. One of whom is your friend Caro."

Zana's eyebrows shoot up. "Caro? Really?"

I nod, allowing myself a small smile. "Really. But here's the kicker, Zana. I know how much you value working remotely. So, we've come up with a solution that I think you'll like."

She leans forward, curiosity written all over her face. It takes all my willpower not to close the distance between us.

"I'm listening," she says, her voice a mix of skepticism and intrigue.

"We're offering you an on-site residency," I explain, watching her reaction carefully. "The building we acquired? It used to be owned by vampires. They had living quarters connected to the offices. We are offering it to the executive suite and other integral support staff. HR and legal are finalizing a compensation package as we speak."

Zana's eyes are wide, her fork forgotten on her plate. I can practically see the gears turning in her brilliant mind, weighing the pros and cons. God, I love watching her think.

"On-site residency?" she repeats, her voice barely above a whisper. "You mean..."

I nod, unable to keep the grin off my face. "Your very own vampire lair, complete with all the modern amenities a data scientist could want. Plus, you'd be right in the heart of the action without having to deal with a daily commute."

As I watch Zana process this information, I'm struck by how desperately I want her to say yes. Not just for the project's sake, but for the selfish reason of having her closer to me. The thought of seeing her every day, of being able to protect her and cherish her the way she deserves, is almost overwhelming.

But I know Zana. I know her fears, her insecurities. And as much as I want to sweep her off her feet and show her how amazing she truly is, I have to let her make this decision on her own.

So I wait, my heart pounding, as Zana considers the offer that could change everything for both of us.

Zana's brow furrows, and I can see the hesitation in her eyes. "I literally will be living at work," she says, more a statement than a question.

"More like your commute will be very short," I explain, leaning in closer. "Your apartment is practically on-site, and you can dictate your working hours."

She bites her lower lip, and I have to resist the urge to reach out and touch her face. "I still have to be in the office, though, and the apartment won't really be mine. It's the company's," she points out.

I nod, impressed by her quick mind processing all this information. "Yes, for twelve weeks," I confirm. Hopefully, it won't matter because she will be living with me before that term is up. Then, unable to contain my excitement, I add, "But that's not all. On top of the stipend, you have free use of the cafeteria and grocery stores, all on-site as well, all comped by the company." I pause for effect before delivering the coup de grace. "Oh, and a bonus for a successful completion of the project."

Zana's eyes widen, a mix of excitement and apprehension dancing across her features. She bites her lip harder, and I swear I can see the gears turning in her head. It's like watching a computer process a complex algorithm, and I'm dying to know the result.

As I watch Zana's expression shift from uncertainty to intrigue, I find myself holding my breath. Part of me wants to grab her hands and tell her how perfect this opportunity is for her, how much I want her to take it. But I know I need to let her make this decision on her own. Still, I can't help but hope that this might be the chance I've been waiting for—to show Zana just how incredible she truly is, both professionally and personally.

"I...wow," she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is... a lot to take in."

I lean forward, my elbows on the table. "But it's good, right? I mean, it checks all your boxes, doesn't it?"

She nods slowly, her long black hair swaying with the movement. "It does, but..."

That ‘but' hangs in the air like a storm cloud, and I feel my stomach clench. As someone who prides himself on closing deals with a win-win outcome, I need to know what's holding her back. I've spoken to all her desires on paper, everything she's discussed in her performance reviews. What am I missing?

"Zana," I say, trying to keep my voice level, "what's on your mind? You can be honest with me."

She fidgets with her napkin, her tan fingers twisting the fabric. "Can I... can I ask you something?"

I brace myself, nodding. "Of course. Anything."

Zana takes a deep breath, her eyes meeting mine. "Will I be working for you at all?"

The question hits me like a ton of bricks, and I realize there's more to her hesitation than I thought. Is she worried about the implications of our relationship? Or is there something else?

I can't help but smile, understanding dawning on me. Of course, that's what's bothering her. Even though nepotism and interpersonal favors are common among orcs, Zana's different. She values her independence, her integrity.

"Ah, I see," I say, leaning back in my chair. "Well, I've got some news on that front too. Turns out, my partners have finally realized what a disaster I am at running a technically intensive department."

Zana's eyebrows shoot up, a mixture of surprise and amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh? And here I thought you were perfect at everything."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Hardly. They've made it clear that I need to focus on real estate acquisitions. It's more my strong suit, anyway. Less chance of me accidentally deleting the entire company database or something equally catastrophic."

"So, what does that mean for...us?" she asks, her voice hesitant but hopeful.

I lean in, lowering my voice conspiratorially. "Well, on the bright side, HR has cleared us for any relations we may or may not have. You're nowhere near being my direct report anymore."

Her eyes widen, and she almost chokes on her water. "I'm not?"

Just then, a waiter appears with our dessert, placing two decadent-looking chocolate cakes in front of us. The timing couldn't be more perfect—or more frustrating.

"Oh, wow," Zana says, eyeing the cake. "This looks... interesting."

I nod, trying to focus on the dessert and not on the way her lips curve when she smiles. "Yeah, it's, uh... ery...cake-like."

We fall into an awkward silence, both of us hyperaware of the growing tension between us. I watch as she takes a bite, a small smudge of chocolate lingering on her lower lip. It takes every ounce of self-control not to lean across the table and kiss it away.

"So," she says, clearing her throat. "How about this chandelier, huh? Very... chandeliery."

I laugh, grateful for the distraction. "Oh yeah, it's definitely one of the chandelier-iest chandeliers I've ever seen."

We continue like this, making increasingly ridiculous observations about the restaurant, our desserts, anything to avoid addressing the elephant in the room. But beneath it all, I can feel the undercurrent of attraction, growing stronger with each passing moment.

As we wrap up dinner and say goodnight to our hosts, I can barely contain myself. We head toward the parking garage, and I'm acutely aware of every brush of her arm against mine, every soft breath she takes.

When we reach my car, I open the door for her, but instead of getting in, she turns to face me. The look in her eyes is unmistakable. Before I know it, she wraps herself around me. Somehow I get both of us inside of the vehicle without wrenching the door off its hinges. We shift clothes just enough for me to sink into her dripping hot core.

Her gasp is lost in my mouth as I stake my claim on her lips, our tongues meeting in a fiery dance that leaves me breathless. She tastes sweeter than our dessert, her decadent flavor something that I cannot get enough of. Her hands roam my torso, the strength of her grip surprising me. Our clothes are disheveled, our bodies in a feverish tangle.

I find myself losing all sense of time, drowning in the pleasure of being near her, touching her. The tight spaces of the car intensifying our desperate need for each other. She arches beneath me, her nails digging into my back.

I toy with her clit to push her over the edge.

She gives a sharp intake of breath, clinging onto me with renewed fervor. I feel like an orc possessed as I lose myself in the rhythm of us, every thrust and grind driving me tantalizingly closer to the edge.

Her sighs become pleading whispers against my ear. "Please…"

Shushing her with a kiss, I quicken my pace, bucking into her with raw desperation. Her body tenses, and then she screams my name, climaxing beneath me in a chorus of passionate cries. Her release triggers mine. My knot fills and I clamp tightly around it, longing for the moment I can bury this deep in her body. I shudder as waves of pleasure roll over me. My body pulses with the aftershocks, my grip on her tightening as if afraid she might disappear.

It's a while before we can untangle ourselves, every inch of us sticky and sweaty. Zana giggles breathlessly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. The sound makes my heart flutter in a way that I haven't felt in ages.

"So…" she begins, propping herself up on one elbow to look at me. "Does this mean…we're dating now? Do I need to sign a form?"

I chuckle, wrapping an arm around her. "Sign this," I say, tickling her until she's breathless and spent.

I can barely focus on the road as Zana straddles me, her magnificent body undulating against mine. The steering wheel digs into her back as she moves, but she doesn't seem to care. Her eyes are closed, lips parted in ecstasy.

"Zana," I growl, gripping her hips. "You're going to make me crash."

She laughs breathlessly. "Then pull over, big guy."

I consider it for a moment, but the primal part of me refuses to stop. I want—no, need—to be connected to her like this.

"You know," I say, trying to distract myself from the exquisite sensation of her muscles gripping me, "there used to be an old orc custom of wearing one's mate."

Zana opens her eyes, raising an eyebrow. "Wearing? Like... clothes?"

I chuckle. "More like an accessory. Like a belt so I can do this." I thrust up slightly, making her gasp.

"Oh," she says, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So you want to wear me all the time, huh?"

"Can you blame me?" I ask, running a hand along her curves. "You're magnificent."

She leans in, nipping at my ear. "Flatterer. But what about, you know, practical concerns? Like walking?"

I laugh, the sound rumbling deep in my chest. "Details, details. I'm sure we could figure something out."

Weaving through traffic, I can't help but marvel at how perfectly we fit together—not just physically, but in every way. Her wit, her compassion, her strength—everything about her calls to me.

And as she throws her head back, crying out in pleasure, I know I'll do whatever it takes to keep her by my side. Even if it means reviving ancient, impractical orc customs.