Page 15 of The Things We Treasure
“I’m just a bit concerned,” Brierley replied, not even trying to cover her tracks.
“That would be Rosani on the phone,” Gorim explained.
Her face fell; she should have known that someone as wonderful as Breht would be in a long-term relationship. She felt instantly cheated of the small, simple gestures of affection that had happened between them. Hopes for luring him away at the end of the evening dashed in an instant. What her plan had been, she didn’t know. Now that she knew he was committed to someone else, she stood no chance; orcs didn’t tend to stray.
“His ex.”
With two simple words, her hope was restored. She poured herself another small measure of wine to celebrate.
"Look, they've been together for a while, but it's been toxic. Lots of conflict, no real love there. He wants it over." Gorim paused, taking a sip of his beer. "Before he got here, they split. He's trying to move on to something else. Someone who understands him." He was looking pointedly at her. "I can see in your eyes when you look at him, you're after that bit more. But if you do pursue him, just know that my boy comes with baggage."
Gorim’s words cascaded over her like an onslaught. She wasn’t sure if she was being encouraged or warned off. The chance for elaboration was stolen from her when the sliding doors to the kitchen swiped open, and the object of their conversation walked in looking roughed up. His hand had been trailing through his hair over and over during his phone conversation. At his throat, a silver-threaded tie had been pulled so much that the knot was nothing but a peanut, loosened and toyed with throughout his heated conversation.
When Breht looked up and saw the two of them talking, he instinctively knew that he was the subject of their conversation. Rather than be phased by the revelation and the look of guilt on their faces, he looked pointedly at Gorim and said, “I’ll have that drink now.”
Gorim turned his back and rifled through the remaining drinks. There were slim pickings left, despite Alluin’s promise that there was plenty to go around. The double-tusked orc poured his friend a glass of coveted alcoholic beverage, and when he turned back, Breht managed to say, “It’s over.” Those two words set his soul free, and he felt lighter for having spoken them.
“It’s been over for a long time, mate. Congratulations.” Gorim raised the glass of drink he’d poured and offered it to him. Giving Brierley a secretive wink.
Breht looked mortified at the drink as it passed beneath his nose and informed him, “I’m not drinking that!”
“Why not? You’re celebrating.”
“Red wine gets me pissed far too quickly and makes me horny,” he stated.
“Two perfectly good reasons to drink it!” Gorim said without relenting, “Besides, it’s that or alcopops.”
“Fine!” Breht scoffed. What was he fourteen? Without second-guessing himself, he took the dainty glass from his friend. It’s not like he had anything to lose, and the wine would give him the courage he needed to pursue that little slice of happiness that had made his business trip worth every minute so far. There was a red-cheeked glow on Brierley’s face; he couldn’t tell if that was due to their conversation or the alcohol she’d consumed. There was no hint of protest when he tucked his arm over her shoulder. Leading her back into the conservatory to rejoin the revelries, with Gorim in tow.
Chapter 7
“I’mgoingtogetgoing now, is that okay?” Tori leaned in to ask.
The evening had been a fine gathering, but revelries were starting to come to an end; most of those gathered had reason to be up early in the morning. Ranging from needing to be at work to getting children ready in the morning for Football practice.
Brierley, from her seated position on Breht's thigh, nodded. An irreplaceable smile on her face, beaming brightly. She’d found the coveted perch earlier in the evening after someone had stolen her seat while she’d gone to fetch another drink. It took little prompting for her to sit on Breht’s knee; he hadn’t protested an iota. Tori turned to the orc and said, “You make sure my girl gets home safe, you hear?”
“Right you are, boss,” he replied, giving Tori a wink.
The second glass of wine had done his tense bundle of anxieties wonders by doing exactly what he’d claimed it would.The room had taken on a gentle sway. His inhibitions dropped with each mouthful.
Their friends had obviously conspired to give the two of them time together. Even though their departure made room for Brierley to sit on the sofa, she had no intention of moving from her current perch. Breht had his hand wrapped around her, resting on her leg. Mostly under the pretence of keeping her from falling on the floor. There was more to his touch than that; she could feel it. See it in the way he kept looking at her to make sure she was comfortable, both with where she sat and where his hand was resting. She was. She adored how safe she made him feel. How protected. How well looked after.
“You’ll be taking over as CEO of Merloft Corps, then, Breht?” Alluin asked, happy to remain playing host.
Breht made an unhappy face as the question came his way. He’d never thought too far ahead. Never considered that he’d be the one to inherit the company someday. Now that the question had been posed, he reluctantly answered with a vague, “I suppose so.” He already knew it wasn’t what he wanted. He went to elaborate on his thoughts and speak his truth, but the touch of Brierley’s manicured nails touched the sensitive, pinched tip of his ear. A strangled noise, a cross between a gurgle and a purr, sounded in his throat. In an instant, all measures of pleasurable signals shot through his core straight to his groin. Instinctively, he tilted his head to the side, away from her touch. His hand reached up and took her away from her innocent explorations. The red wine pumping through him made him lean back into her touch; conflicted between being in public company and desiring her alluring touch.
Alluin chuckled knowingly.
Breht looked pointedly at the woman on his knee. There was a twitch of his brow, questioning, exploring her intentions, but she continued to look bemused. “We should probably get going ourselves.” There was no questioning in his tone, just confident command. His fingers squeezed her thigh before turning to their host. “Am I all right to collect the car in the morning?”
“Probably for the best,” Alluin replied. They’d only dated briefly, but the other man knew the secret behind those orcish ears.
Brierley got to her feet as the orc underneath her moved. Alluin saw them both to the front door, where they said their heartfelt goodbyes, giving one another companionable hugs. They wished one another all the best of luck for the future. And made their inevitable promise not to leave it so long until the next time they got together. The same fleeting promises being made and forgotten in a heartbeat.
The cool evening air was a refreshment against the heated rush of red wine coursing through his veins. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and walked down the garden path. He offered Brierley a smile, asking, “Can I walk you home?”
Brierley looked across at him, “Where is it you’re staying?”
