Half Orc Boyfriend: Kaboom Part Two (special preview)

I can’t help but chuckle. “I bet. Do you mind telling me what happened, or are the details too gorey?”

He grimaces. “I know you see things with your job. Giving birth can’t be pretty. But the things that happened to us, I wouldn’t wish on my own worst enemy. Although, I might wish for them to fall into it.” The pucker of his brow deepens and his frown tenses at the corners of his mouth. 

“Where are you staying tonight? I can come and help take care of you.” My face burns, prickling almost. 

“A campsite near the cinnamon groves,” he grumbles. “But you don’t need to do anything. They’ll be celebrating that prince tonight, you shouldn’t leave that to take care of my stupid mistakes.”

I bite my lip and slowly move my hand on his knee. “I won’t want to stay for the fireworks though. I’d rather be somewhere a little quieter than the palace.” I peer back up into his eyes. “Besides, I still owe you for those horns.”

His flushed expression turns a deeper shade of red as he gives in. “That’s right.” He places his hand over mine on his knee. “I never expected that paid in full, you know? I was just happy to help you.”

I giggle. “That’s no way to do business. You just buckle anytime a girl looks at you and bats her eyelashes?”

Kaboom’s smile regains new life. He suddenly doesn’t look as weak or tired. “When they’re as pretty as you I do

There is now a fervent burn to my cheeks as I look up at him. “Ok, that’s good,” I grumble. I then stand up and lay a quick kiss to his forehead. “You should all go and get some rest. Emery and Mika can handle the booth. I’ll be back later tonight.”

That evening, as the royal family is celebrating the birth of Chirayu, I sneak away. I return to the town, finding the campground where Kaboom and the others are staying. I eventually find Kaboom’s tent when I see some of his clothes hanging on the poles. 

“Can I come in?” I call out to him. I don’t hear anything so I pull back the tent flap and peer inside. Kaboom is sleeping inside, completely naked save for a blanket around his waist. I struggle with deciding on whether to stay or leave. I had told him I would be by, but I didn’t want to disturb him if he was resting. 

I decide to at least leave him the food I brought, a bone broth from the kitchen and some fresh bread that was just baked that day. I was setting the things aside when I heard him shifting on his bed. I glance behind me, seeing his body is exposed. His broad and chest and snowy white skin are completely on display for me. 

I bite down hard on my bottom lip. “I shouldn't be staring,” I scold myself. “He’s not feeling well! Be a grown up about this.” I glance back, seeing his stomach rise and fall as he breathes. He has fine pearly hair covered his lower torso and the widest part of his chest. It looks soft like his hair too.

He grumbles in his sleep, making a face then covering his eyes with his forearm. He kicks at the blanket in his sleep, very nearly knocking it away from his groin area before his leg goes still. I let out a heavy sigh of relief and decide it’s best I leave.

“Whose there?” He grumbles sleepy.

I turn from the tent door, seeing him propped up on his elbows. He appears as bleary and sleepy as that morning on the boat. He’s confused and trying to figure out what’s happening around him.

“It’s just me,” I say softly. “I left you some bone broth and bread, I thought it might make you feel better.” 

He rubs his eyes. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

I step back into the tent. “You’re not feeling well, I understand.” I kneel down beside his bed, seeing his hair is frizzled and flattened to one side. “I just want you to get back to your former self.”

“I’m fine really.” He goes to stand up but quickly grabs the cover back around himself. “Shit, I must have stripped in my sleep again.”

I keep my eyes up, even pointed towards the ceiling. “I can leave if you want to get dressed.”

Kaboom flops back down into bed. “I just want to sleep. But I also want to see you.” He grunts as he drags his hand down his face. “I was looking forward to dancing with you, to enjoying the festival while holding your hand.”

“Festivals happen every year.” I sit back down beside the bed and hold his hand. “For me, you were the important.”

“Yeah but,” he snarls. “I had a plan and everything, now it’s all just daydreams.”

I move in closer beside him. “No harm in sharing daydreams.”

Kaboom turns to look at me. He reaches out, placing his hand on my cheek. “I’ll save it. It may still happen.” He tucks the hair in my face aside. 

“You’re a little warm,” I murmur. I lean in, placing a soft kiss on his forehead and lingering so I could gauge his temperature. 

Kaboom places his hand on my back, moving it down as I pull away from the kiss. “Your forehead feels fine, but your hands feel quite warm.” I take hold of his hand, lacing my fingers with it.