15 Chapter 15

"Stupid," She shook her head, then slapped her cheeks, trying to get a grip. "Keep your head in the game Trix! You're so close!"

Resolved, she turned her back on the door Emerick had passed through, then made her way to her drop box. As expected, it was filled to the brim with slips of paper. Most of it was garbage, attempts at threats and what not, no doubt inspired by her appearance at Emerick's side the previous day.

None of the girls who'd written them were actually brave enough to try anything beyond their petty insults and mean words. Admittedly, such things could destroy a person, but Trixie didn't give a rat's ass about their approval. She had never been a people person, nor had she ever wanted to be one. Her family was all she needed, and none of the tramps who'd left letters were a part of it.

One note stood out amongst the others, however, that was written with unusually elegant penmanship. It was also scented. She didn't need to read the name at the bottom to know who had sent it. Hilda.

Trixie,

Sorry for the prompt summons, but please meet me at your earliest convenience. I wish to speak with you about the man I saw you leaving with. I would understand if you blow me off, in which case I want to offer a friendly warning. Be careful of him. He's more dangerous than he lets on.

-Hilda

She considered the note for a few moments while she contemplated what to do. She appreciated Hilda's warning, but she had already realized as much about Emerick on her own. That said, she was curious to discover what Hilda might know about him, and why she wanted to speak. Trixie doubted it was petty possessiveness. Hilda would've said as much in her letter, seeing no need to play games with Trixie out of respect for her.

She read through it two or three more times before pocketing the note. She had some time to decide on a course of action, it would be a while yet before Hilda even arrived at the institute. Besides, there were still a lot of other notes to get through.

To her disappointment, there really weren't any additional requests. She shouldn't have been surprised, most of them probably weren't actually expecting her to return. She had disappeared quite suddenly on the arm of some rich guy, usually there was no returning from that. Frowning, she realized she had nothing to do with herself.

For a moment, she was half tempted to return and check on Emerick, but she shook that thought off as the heat of the previous night returned. Emerick was dangerous indeed, and she couldn't let herself get pulled in by his charm. She still had responsibilities and plans, and she wouldn't forsake them for a pretty smile and a night of passion. Even if she were to go that route, she was confident he would eventually tire of her, it's just how things were. She was a novelty for now, but that novelty would wear off and she would be discarded like old rubbish.

Thoughts of her family spurred her towards a second option. It was still early enough she could probably make it back to the orphanage in time to help get everyone up for the day. They were probably worried about her anyway, she had promised to meet up with them at the midday meal, but never actually showed up.

Having made up her mind, she crept through the building to the front entrance. Thinking back on it, she could've easily let Emerick in the front, the doors were never locked, but she didn't regret taking him up through the second story. He had requested an alternate entrance anyway, and she suspected the expedition had given him more information he needed for his task. That said, she had no interest in going back through the second floor. She was confident Saw would be waiting with an army, and this time Emerick wouldn't be there to help.

Shaking off the thought, she snuck out the door, then paused for a quick look around. She saw no sign of Jacoby in the near vicinity. For a moment, she panicked, realizing he must've gone around the building to do an exterior inspection while he waited. Formidable as he seemed, she worried what a pack of dogs might do to the bunny man. She nearly fainted with relief when he suddenly reappeared around a corner.

"Oh thank goodness you're alive," She gasped, hand over her chest where her heart was beating furiously.

"Why wouldn't I be?" He regarded her with an odd look.

"It just… oh never mind," She shook her head. No point in testing luck. He was still alive and intact, and that was all that mattered. "Oh, the doors aren't locked in case you want to go inside."

"I suspected as much," He replied. "I'll wait here though. I'd rather watch them squirm while I work."

"Ok then," She regarded him with some apprehension.

What was with Emerick and his Butler? First appearances suggested they were nothing but an entitled lout and his stuffy servant, but there was more to them than that visible façade. The way they carried themselves, while more bold and confident, reminded her of those she grew up with, those who had been forced to fight for survival. Those who had to kill to stay alive.

"I take it you decided to return to your orphanage after all," Jacoby commented.

"Yeah," Trixie nodded. She stood there awkwardly for a moment, trying to decide if she should say anything else. When he made no further remark, she shrugged and set off down the street.

As she walked, Trixie tried to sort out how she felt about the rabbit man. She didn't particularly dislike Jacoby, but she didn't necessarily like him either. She had a sense that he disapproved of her, but even as she felt he was looking down his nose at her, he also seemed apologetic and even regretful of the trouble Emerick was putting her through. But it was hard to say what he thought, and there was no point in trying to get a straight answer out of him unless he wanted to give it. She was quickly learning that Jacoby would speak his mind when he felt so inclined and not any sooner or later.

It was only a few blocks, but it felt like ages before she managed to reach the orphanage. Carefully, she scrambled up the storm pipe to one of the broken windows of the abandoned rooms, then swung into the building. Satisfied she didn't make any nose when she landed, she carefully crept to the room where the others were likely still sleeping. If it weren't for her, she swore they'd never be ready in time in the mornings.

"You're back!" Rathus caught her in a bone crushing hug the moment she stepped into the room. She squeaked in surprise, not expecting him to be awake. The crush became even more unbearable when Titus joined them from the other side.

"Oh thank the divines!" Titus breathed. She couldn't see him well, as her back was to him, but based on the sudden dampness on the back of her head, it seemed as though he'd been crying.

"Guys… can't… breathe…" She gasped. "Let… go!"

"Jeez Boss!" Rathus growled as he and Titus let her go. She made a show of gasping for air. "Did you have to scare us like that?! You could've given us a heads up before pulling a disappearing act you know!"

"You can't imagine the rumors buzzing!" Titus agreed. Neither was being particularly quite, so they soon had an audience as small eyes began peeking out of their covers. "There's talk that you were picked up by some noble!"

"Well…" Trixie struggled with where to begin in explaining the events of the previous day.

"Don't tell me they were true!" Titus exclaimed. He looked visibly upset, and even Rathus seemed hurt, though she couldn't sort out why that might be the case.

"Look, it was no big deal," She said, even as a blush crept to her face. She could still feel Emerick's lips on hers, and the heat of his body as they made love. At once, she could feel her insides cramping with desire. Apparently her arousal didn't go unnoticed, as both brothers visible tensed. She could've hit herself.

Like many of the beast men, orcs had sensitive noses. These two half-blooded brothers were no exception. In fact, their sense of smell often helped their work, Titus was especially reliant on his nose. She knew she needed to be careful about such things in front of them, even if they were family and they wouldn't act on it, they were still a pair of horny teenage boys.

"Doesn't seem like 'no big deal' to me," Rathus said softly. His voice was gentle, but she felt it was somehow accusatory. Titus couldn't speak. His face was a flood of emotions before he eventually settled for leaving. Watching him go, Rathus shook his head.

"Ok, so it got a little… er… passionate," Trixie could feel herself getting redder and redder. Why was she explaining herself, it wasn't as if this was any of their business. "But he was just a client. It was a one night thing. Not going to happen again."

"Are you sure about that?" Rathus looked at her strangely. She couldn't place what the tinker might be thinking, and she was too nervous to ask. It felt as though she was tip-toeing a line they had drawn years ago, and if she wasn't careful it would evaporate and leave their relationship in ruins.

"Well, I guess he wants to pay for another night," She reluctantly admitted, "but I don't know. I want to turn him down, but it's really good money. I mean, good enough we could move out after tonight… all of us. Besides, this thing with him, whatever it is, it really won't go beyond tonight. It can't. I'm nothing but a novelty, after all."

"Trixie…" Rathus extended a hand towards her, and for a moment it seemed as though he wanted to say something, but abruptly he pulled back and shook his hand. She could practically feel that line throwing up a barrier in that moment. "Just be careful," He finally said.

"Of course," She nodded. "Now, let's get everyone ready. Rich guy aside, nothing's changed."

"Yes boss," Rathus agreed. The rest of the morning progressed without incident, but she still couldn't help but wonder about the sadness shadowing his eyes.