“Coffee would be great,” I said, taking a breath. “I’ve been at the firm all day. I’m an architect. I design commercial buildings for companies.”
“So you’re an artist,” Jasper said. “But one in the real world.”
I smiled, thinking about all the countless sketchbooks at home. I designed buildings for work, and then went home and drew characters in comics for fun. “Sure. Something like that. I draw comics for fun.”
Jasper hummed to himself, “I’d love to see them at some point. I can barely write my name. Never had much use for doing so until I became a business-orc in the world of humans.”
“Is that what you are then? A business-orc?” I asked.
Jasper nodded, studying me again. A flare of heat rippled through me and I found myself wondering just how far I would run if he told me to.
I’d asked for this. I’d told the Barista that I wanted to be with someone who could accept me, love me, build a life with me. I wanted to go on adventures and enjoy my time.
I’d already been through the days where I’d call someone up for a quick fuck. Hell, for awhile- I’d been the one that men would call wanting a few hours of relief.
Now, I craved something more.
Jasper was a monster, a creature, but the way my cock already twitched in my pants was confirmation that I was attracted to him.
Very, very attracted.
But, did that mean this was it?
The finality of asking for my soulmate crept up on me, making my heart and stomach flutter. I didn’t know if I was ready.
“I have a few hunting lodges around the world that are getaways for orcs. Sometimes humans but we tend to keep them out of the way of my brethren. Unless, of course, we want them in the way.”
The way he said that made me wonder what they were hunting.
“Makes things easier,” he said.
“What do you hunt?” I asked.
He cocked his head, another slow smile. “All sorts of things,” he answered, his voice dropping low and soft.
I shifted in my seat, looking up at the painting again. The minotaur there was having too much fun.
Would that be us soon?
I was about to say something when one of the waitresses came into my view, setting down two cups of coffee. “There you are,” she said sweetly. “Just a couple of regular lattes. Well, regular for an orc and human. Let me know if you rather something else.”
“This looks great,” I said, taking the cup.
“Thanks Trixie,” Jasper said, taking his own latte.
She nodded and left, moving like a humming bird through the cafe.
“What is a regular latte for an orc?” I asked, smirking.
“Oh you know,” he chuckled. “Espresso, milk, and mayhem.”
“Ah yes, an extra shot of mayhem,” I teased.
“Indeed. Hmm…I’m thinking about what else I enjoy,” he said, taking a sip of his latte. He licked his lips. “I work with the Barista a lot when I have time. Help him out with sticky situations. Other than that, I like to enjoy life.”
“Do you like traveling?” I asked.
I loved traveling when I had the time to. Every summer, I tried to pick a new place to go— even if it was just for a week.