28. Josie

28

JOSIE

M y hair gently billows in the breeze as I stand outside of the mansion, tending to the vibrant flowers that bloom in Sarod's garden. The sun warms my skin, and the scent of blooming roses fills the air. It's a far cry from the back-breaking work I used to do around here. Now, I choose where I want to help, and the garden's become my sanctuary.

Before I know it, strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back against a broad chest. Sarod's lips find my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. His touch is electric, igniting a fire within me that I never knew existed before him.

"Missed you," he rumbles. The vibration of his words against my skin makes my knees weak.

I lean into him, savoring his warmth. The contrast between his rough exterior and gentle embrace never fails to amaze me. "I've been out here for an hour, you big oaf," I tease, my fingers tracing the scars on his forearms.

"Too long." His teeth graze my skin, making me gasp. His tenderness and the primal desire in his touch is intoxicating.

I turn in his arms, facing him. His amber eyes burn with an intensity that still takes my breath away. The depth of emotion I see there makes my heart race. Who would've thought I'd end up here, falling for the very orc I once despised? Life has a funny way of turning everything upside down, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"The flowers won't tend themselves," I tease, but my hands are already sliding up his chest, tracing the hard planes of muscle beneath his tunic. My body betrays my words, craving his touch.

Sarod grins, his tusks glinting in the warm sunlight that filters through the garden. "Fuck the flowers," he growls, his amber eyes darkening with desire.

His mouth crashes into mine, hungry and demanding. I melt against him, all thoughts of gardening forgotten in an instant. My fingers tangle in his coarse hair as he deepens the kiss, his tongue exploring mine with a fervor that leaves me dizzy and wanting more. The scent of soil and sweat mingles with his unique musk, intoxicating me further.

When we finally break apart, both panting heavily, I can't help but smile up at him. My lips tingle, swollen from his passionate assault. "You're insatiable," I breathe, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

"You love it," he growls, nipping at my ear. His hot breath sends shivers down my spine, and I arch into him involuntarily. My hands grip his shoulders, steadying myself as my knees go weak.

And damn it, he's right. I do love it. I love him. The realization hits me like a punch to the gut, knocking the air from my lungs. But still, I'm reminded of the life I once led before him. Of my home with my mother, the small cottage with its leaky roof and creaky floorboards. The memories flood back, bittersweet and tinged with guilt.

Shit. I need to visit her soon. It's been too long.

Sarod must sense the shift in my mood. He pulls back, brow furrowed, his amber eyes searching mine. "What's wrong?" His voice is gruff but laced with concern.

I shake my head, not ready to voice those three little words just yet. My heart races, and I swallow hard. Instead, I lean in and kiss him softly, savoring the taste of him. "Nothing. Everything's perfect." The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I can't bring myself to burden him with my worries.

Sarod's lips are on mine again, hungry and demanding. His hands roam my body with a possessiveness that makes me shiver, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I'm lost in the moment, the scent of roses from the nearby garden mingling with his musky aroma. My fingers trace the hard planes of his chest, feeling the raised scars beneath my fingertips. I marvel at how perfectly we fit together, like two pieces of a puzzle I never knew was incomplete.

Suddenly, a shrill voice cuts through our passion like a knife, shattering the intimate bubble we'd created.

"Sarod! What the fuck is this? What are you doing?!"

We break apart, startled. My heart plummets as I see her standing there, her eyes blazing with fury. This must be Connie. Sarod's ex. She's even more beautiful than I imagined, all sleek curves and perfectly styled hair. I feel small and insignificant in comparison, acutely aware of my simple dress and somewhat disheveled appearance. My cheeks burn with indignation. What the fuck does she think she's doing, walking in here like she's the mistress of the mansion?

Because that title belongs to me now. And I'll be damned if she comes back to take it from me.

Sarod's arm tightens around my waist, pulling me closer. The possessive gesture sends a thrill through me, even as anxiety churns in my stomach. "Connie," he growls. "What are you doing here?"

She stalks towards us, her gaze flicking between Sarod and me with undisguised disgust. Her eyes linger on me, and I can feel the contempt radiating off her in waves. It takes every ounce of willpower not to shrink back.

"I came to congratulate you on your recent victories," she spits, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I see you're too busy slumming it with the help." She gestures at me dismissively, as if I'm nothing more than a piece of furniture.

I flinch at her words, feeling them like a physical blow. But Sarod's grip on me only tightens, his large hand warm and reassuring against my waist. It gives me strength, even as my heart races.

"Watch your mouth," he snarls. He's only ever sounded this angry with Grokus, and that's saying a lot.

Connie laughs, a bitter sound that echoes through the garden. "Oh, please. You can't seriously tell me you've fallen for this... this trash?" She looks me up and down, her lips curled in a sneer. "What could she possibly offer you that I can't?"

Before Sarod can respond, I step forward, breaking free from his protective embrace. Anger burns in my chest, hot and fierce. "I'm right here, you know," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "If you've got something to say, say it to my face."

Connie's eyes narrow, and she takes a step closer. I can smell her expensive perfume, see the flawless makeup on her face. But I stand my ground, lifting my chin defiantly.

"Fine," she hisses. "You're nothing but a cheap distraction. Sarod belongs with me. We're equals. You?" She looks me up and down again, her lip curling. "You're just some tavern girl he picked up to pass the time. You'll never fit into his world, and deep down, you know it."

Her words sting like venom, but I plant my feet firmly and lift my chin. "You don't know anything about us," I spit back, my voice quivering with barely contained rage. The nerve of this woman, to think she still has any semblance of control over Sarod.

"Us?" Connie scoffs, her perfectly manicured eyebrow arching in disdain. She turns to Sarod, and I watch as her entire demeanor shifts. Her voice softens, becoming silky and seductive. "Baby, come on. You've made your point. You've had your fun with this... distraction." Her eyes flick dismissively over me before locking back onto Sarod. "But it's time to come back to reality. To me. We were good together, weren't we? Think of all we could accomplish now, with your newfound fame. We'd be unstoppable."

My fingers dig into my palms, nails biting into flesh as I struggle to keep my composure. The pain grounds me, keeps me from lashing out and proving her right - that I'm just some uncouth tavern girl. But gods, it's tempting.

Sarod's arm around me is both a comfort and a challenge. I lean into him, silently daring Connie to try and come between us. But doubt gnaws at the edges of my mind. What if she's right? What if I am just a passing fancy for Sarod?

I watch him, my heart pounding. His jaw is clenched, muscles taut with tension. I can feel the heat radiating off him, smell the familiar musk of his skin.

"I'm not going to repeat myself, Connie. Get the fuck out. And watch your mouth around Josie. I've already fucked up an orc who disrespected her. And you're just a human. I can do worse shit to you," Sarod growls.

Connie's eyes widen, shock flashing across her face before she masks it with disdain. "You can't be serious, Sarod. This little... distraction... isn't worth throwing away what we had."

I feel Sarod's chest rumble as he lets out a mirthless laugh. "What we had? You mean the lies? The manipulation? The constant put-downs?"

His words send a thrill through me. Is this it? Is he finally confronting his past head-on?

Sarod takes a step forward, pulling me with him. "Josie isn't a distraction. She's everything you never were. Kind. Genuine. Strong."

My heart soars at his words, but I keep my eyes locked on Connie. Her perfect mask is slipping, revealing the hurt and anger beneath.

"You don't mean that," she hisses. "We were perfect together. Think of all we could accomplish now, with your fame. We could take on all of Tlouz! We could be the richest couple on this continent!"

"Fuck you and fuck that," he retorts angrily, waving her off with a hand. "I've had enough of your shit. Get out and don't even think about returning."

"Sarod, no! Wait!" Connie rushes forward, trying to grab at his arm. In doing so, she shoves at me and makes me stumble a few steps.

Fucking bitch.

Sarod sees that clearly. He swipes at her, sending her flying to the ground as she yells out. She grits her teeth and huffs angrily on the ground. Sarod takes me by the waist and holds me close.

"You're nothing to me, Connie," he says quietly. "So get the fuck out of my life."