13. Sally

The rhythmic beeping of the heart rate monitor is the soundtrack to my mornings now. I sip my coffee as I wait for my father to wake up, noting the clock on the wall says it’s 7:45 a.m. I’ve been here for nearly an hour despite sleeping fitfully the night before.

A light knock on the door draws my attention.

”Good morning, Sally,” Drakar”s deep voice rumbles in. I turn to see his imposing figure filling the doorway, dressed sharply in a tailored suit with his lucky pen clipped to his breast pocket. His muscular physique and rippling biceps are evident beneath the fabric. I feel a flutter in my chest at the sight of him, though I try not to read too much into our evolving relationship.

”I hope you”re hungry,” he says, swiftly crossing the room in a few powerful strides, balancing a tray laden with containers. Enticing aromas announce yet another homemade breakfast creation. As always, his concern for my well-being is evident in the care he takes, always bringing amazing food for not only me but my father and mother. I find myself increasingly appreciating this thoughtful orc, and the genuine bond growing between us despite our differences.

I peer into the containers, my mouth watering at the colorful, expertly prepared meal. ”This looks amazing, Drakar. Thank you.”

Ever since our contract, Drakar has insisted on personally delivering meals, providing a welcome reprieve from the dreary hospital cafeteria. I have to admit, his culinary talents and dedication to my care exceed my expectations of any husband, much less an orc CEO.

It’s a stark contrast to the bland fare usually served. I have to admit, I look forward to seeing what he”ll come up with each morning.

As I dig in, savoring each bite of the flavorful frittata, Drakar pulls up a chair next to the bed. ”How are you feeling today?” he asks, his black eyes watching me intently. I can see the concern behind them, though his face remains stoic as always.

”Better after eating this,” I say with a smile. Drakar nods. ”That”s good to hear.” An awkward silence falls as I eat, and I can sense he has something more to say but is hesitating.

”Everything okay?” I ask gently.

He shifts in his seat, uncharacteristically nervous. ”I was wondering...would you like me to pick you up from school today? I have the afternoon free and thought maybe we could go somewhere, get you out of this room for a bit.”

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. Drakar offering a social outing is unexpected since he’s so busy with his company all the time. But I have to admit, getting out of the sterile hospital even for a little while does sound nice.

”Yeah, that actually sounds great,” I reply with a smile. Drakar”s hard features soften almost imperceptibly in relief. Maybe he’s enjoying this more than he lets on.

The rest of the morning passes in a blur of teaching, though my mind often wanders to what Drakar has planned for our afternoon outing. Finally, the last bell rings and I pack up, hurrying to meet him out front. He’s already there leaning against his sleek black car, cutting an imposing figure but smiling warmly when he spots me.

”Hi.” It’s all I can think to say as I flush with nerves at the unexpected intimacy of this casual invitation.

”Ready to get out of here?” he asks, opening the passenger door for me. I nod and slide into the buttery leather seat, reveling in the luxurious interior. After securing my seatbelt, Drakar pulls smoothly into traffic.

”So where are we going?” I ask, watching the scenery whiz by.

”I thought we could go down to the beach and get some fresh air and sunlight. Maybe grab a bite to eat if you”re hungry,” he replies.

The beach is the last place I expect an orc like Drakar to suggest, but it does sound wonderfully relaxing. I nod approvingly. ”The beach sounds perfect, thanks.”

We fall into an easy conversation as Drakar expertly navigates the busy streets toward the coast. I’m surprised at how comfortable it feels, chatting and laughing freely without the heaviness of the hospital room or my mother”s worried gaze. It feels...normal.

Before long the ocean comes into view, its rippling azure stretches expansive and tranquil. Drakar parks and we walk slowly along the shoreline, our shoes sinking into the wet sand. The salty sea air revives my senses and I take a deep, refreshing breath, savoring the respite from my father’s illness.

Glancing over, I catch Drakar gazing out at the ocean, the breeze ruffling his hair. In that moment he seems at peace, the rigid formality gone, replaced with a relaxed calmness. It is a side of him I haven”t seen before. Once again I find myself surprised by how gentle and caring he”s proven to be underneath his tough exterior.

The salt air and gentle crash of waves are rejuvenating as Drakar and I stroll leisurely along the wet sand. Clouds drift lazily across the sky, framed by the endless blue stretched out before us.

Drakar walks close beside me, his powerful strides adjusted to match my slower pace. Up ahead, a young boy squeals with joy as his father lifts him onto his shoulders, pointing out colorful shells in the surf. Drakar watches them with an unreadable expression, and I find myself wondering about his past.

”What made you want to finally take on the company?” I ask gently. His black eyes flick to meet mine as he considers his response.

”It was stable work that used my strengths. Growing up without a safety net, I wanted to make sure I always had a stable income for the future.” Beneath his gruff tone lies layers of meaning I long to uncover. We walk in comfortable silence for a while as the words sink in.

Spotting something along the shoreline, Drakar jogs ahead and returns holding a perfect conch shell, its peach and rose hues glowing brilliantly in the sun. ”For you,” he rumbles, placing it carefully in my hands. Warmth blooms in my chest at the tender gesture.

Our hands brush as I take the shell, fingers lingering perhaps a moment too long before dropping away. His are rough yet handle me so gently, awakening flutters deep within my belly that both excite and confuse me.

As the sun dips low, Drakar leads us to a charming beach cafe. Over sandwiches stuffed with locally sourced ingredients, I learn of all the ways Drakar likes to keep himself busy with his work – from placing bets over office engagements to trying to slip as many of a single word into a meeting while seeming professional, it all seems so… youthful.

His normally stoic features light up as he speaks, crinkling eyes and occasional chuckles revealing a playful side I never knew existed. Too soon, the sunset paints the sky a blazing orange, signifying our day must end. Reluctantly we stand, grasping these joyful memories to carry us through the nights ahead.

Drakar pulls the car up to the hospital entrance, placing it in park but making no move to exit. The energy between us hangs thick with anticipation as I turn to face him.

”Thank you for everything today,” I say softly. Drakar meets my gaze and I feel myself getting lost in his intense stare.

”You”re welcome. I”m glad we could get away for a while,” he rumbles gently. Reaching over tentatively, he takes my hand in his much larger one.

I don”t pull away, instead offering a soft squeeze of reassurance. Drakar traces absent patterns along my skin with his thumb, seeming to marvel at such a simple gesture. My breath catches at the novel sensations awakening within me from his intimate caress.

Leaning closer unconsciously, I find myself gazing not at our joined hands but at Drakar”s surprisingly soft lips. He seems to hold his breath, waiting with bated anticipation. Our faces inch nearer, drawn by some magnetic pull I can”t deny.

Just before our lips can meet, I hesitate, suddenly aware of where this uncharted path may lead. Pulling back gently, I offer Drakar a small smile.

”Thank you, for everything. I should get inside to see Dad.”

Drakar exhales slowly, nodding in understanding while reluctantly releasing my hand. ”Of course. Take care, and I”ll see you tomorrow.”

With one last lingering look, I exit the car and make my way inside, my fingertips still tingling from Drakar”s powerful yet gentle touch.

I find Dad resting comfortably in his hospital room and eagerly recount our afternoon outing to distract from where my thoughts truly linger. Drakar”s steady presence, thoughtful gestures, and that electricity between us have ignited something unexpected.

Dad notices my distracted mind and his eyes linger on my expression for a while. I can tell there are a million things he wants to say, but he holds back.

A flush spreads across my cheeks at his silent insinuation. Drakar and I started only to marry for convenience, but our bond has deepened in ways neither foresaw. I relay the day”s events, omitting our charged almost-kiss which replays vividly in my memory.

I reach out my hand to hold my father”s, and I feel as he musters the briefest of grips on mine.

His actions carry gentle warnings borne of care, not prejudice. Drakar”s passion, though unfamiliar, stirs both excitement and nerves within me. Our relationship began transactionally but has transformed into something sweeter and more sincere with each thoughtful glance and tender touch.

Everything over the last little while has felt like a dream, brain fogged in moments of good, and bad, all blending into a long, and exhausting period of time. I know it’ll ease up after my father’s surgery, but getting to that point is still a far uphill climb.

My mom comes back near the end of my visit, telling us a story of how she got stuck in the longest cafeteria line. It’s amusing, and a good note to end my visit on. I tell her about Drakar’s and my visit to the beach, and there’s that same look in her eye that she had the other day when Drakar brought us all breakfast. It’s a small, open look, but as she gently nudges my arm, I know it’s a lot more than a contented smile.

“So you and Drakar happened rather fast, hm?” she prods. There’s a flush that grows on my face, one I quickly try to hide by glancing out the window.

“Mom, please,” I protest, feeling uncomfortable. She shakes her head lightly.

“I just want to make sure my baby is taken care of. I have to admit, he seems to be doing a great job. You seem happier.” Her words end on a softer note, and she gently touches my father’s hand.

“It’s a nice feeling. Hold onto it.” She looks from my father to me, that same loving smile present. I nod once, and there’s a voice on the P.A., cutting our conversation off and reminding us that visiting hours are about to end.

I bid Dad goodnight with a kiss on his forehead. My mind wanders the drive home, replaying each moment with Drakar and wondering what tomorrow may bring.