Orc Boyfriend: Lochan (special preview)

After that, you made attempts to become closer to Lochan. You walked beside him, often times grabbing hold of his hand or making physical contact with him. You made excuses to be close to him or have him touch you. You praised him often, thanking him with small tokens of affection like cookies and snacks, or even small trinkets. You even invited him into your room for tea or meals when you took them alone because you knew he’d have to remove his helmet to eat. At first he was apprehensive, even more standoffish, but as time went on he grew more comfortable around you.

“Why are you doing all this, your majesty?” He finally growls at you one day.

You’re holding his hand as you walk in the garden. “What do you mean?” You feign innocence.

“You’ve been acting far too intimate with me.” He slips his hand away as he speaks sternly with you. “The gifts, the meals, even your praising of me, it isn’t proper for you to do. What I do is my job and I take it very seriously. You’re making it hard for me to do my job, which is keeping you safe and protected!”

You shrink back and avert your gaze from him. “I am showing you my gratitude.” You steel your gaze and look back at him. “I won’t feel ashamed for that.”

Lochan sighs. “You do not understand, your majesty,” he speaks low. “The way you have been treating me is making me uncomfortable.”

Now you feel bad. “I’m sorry,” you murmur. “What is it I am doing that makes you feel so bad?”

Lochan turns his head away and his fingers curl into his palms. “The way you touch me,” he says quietly. “You shouldn’t do that.”

“Oh,” you gasp.

“You praise me and flatter me, then you touch me and I feel this-” He stops himself but you were beginning to understand what he truly meant.

You approach him and take hold of his hand again.

“What did I just say?” Lochan snarls but he doesn’t recoil his hand.

You squeeze his palm and look up at him. “I do these things because of my own selfish reasons,” you murmur. “I’m sorry I didn’t take your feelings into account.” You bring his hand up and kiss his knuckles. “I care about you, I would hate to think I made you feel bad in any way.”

Lochan kneels down and places his hand on your shoulder. “It isn’t your place to care about me,” is voice rumbles. “You shouldn’t even notice me.”

You touch his hand on your shoulder and stroke your palm up his arm. “But I do. I can’t help but notice you.”

Lochan growls low and his hand tightens on your shoulder. “Why?”

You approach him and take off his helmet. He closes his eyes as if afraid to look at you. You touch his face, cupping it between both palms. You trace the scars on his skin and move him easily. He presses his cheek into your palm rather than move away from you.

“I don’t know why you hate yourself so much,” you whisper. “Because my heart leaps with joy when I see you.”

Lochan pushes you away and takes a deep breath. “I don’t deserve this.”

You squeeze his hand and wrist. “I want to know more about you. I want to see all of you.” His arm goes weak and you’re able to approach him again. You wrap around arms around his head and lay it on your shoulder. He smells so good, both masculine and soft in the same breath.

Lochan’s hands rest around your hips. “This is bad,” he whispers. “If you keep touching me like this-” His voice strangles in his throat.