“I didn’t mean to make things complicated,” she murmured.
“This isn’t your fault,” he reassured her as he traced his thumb over the back of her hands soothingly. “But we both know that you’re here temporarily… for your job.” He closed his eyes briefly as he added quietly, “And if we… if we let things go too far…”
He swallowed hard, unable to vocalize his fear—abandonment.
The truth of his words didn’t make them any easier to voice. He could see her grappling with them, weighing their implications even as she nodded reluctantly. There was a sadness in her eyes that mirrored his own.
“What happens if we...if feelings develop?” It was a question neither had answers to; it was a path littered with potentially heart-wrenching consequences, but he needed to voice it. He was becoming addicted to her presence, and he didn’t want to become accustomed to life with her in it if she was just going to leave Monster Island and return to the city.
“Will you leave?” His voice was barely audible, even to his own ears—an anxious whisper filled with all his hidden fears. His gaze was intense as it met hers, silently begging for an answer he wasn’t sure he was ready to hear. “Because once I finally have you, I don’t want to risk losing you.”
Six
Kiri
Kiri took in the vulnerability behind Monte’s deep, brown eyes and felt an unexpected pang in her chest. The scars from her past relationships weighed heavily on her heart, and she understood all too well the fears that haunted him. Yet, despite his monstrous form, there was something about Monte that drew her to him, a connection she couldn’t quite explain—an undeniable connection tugging at her heart.
“I understand.”
“Let me carry you,” Monte said, a tender note in his gruff voice. Before Kiri could protest, he’d scooped her up bridal style, his strong furry arms enveloping her like a protective cocoon. A warmth spread through her as she rested her head against his broad chest, feeling safe and protected in his tender embrace—safer than she had in years.
For someone so fearsome, he really was a gentle giant—and she fully trusted him after all he’d done for her.
As they stepped outside of the cabin, Kiri marveled at the picturesque woodland surroundings and the breathtaking view of the lake below. The cabin was perched on a hill, giving thema bird’s-eye view of the shimmering water and the lush greenery that stretched out before them.
“Wow,” she whispered, unable to tear her gaze away from the scene.
“Come, there’s more I want to show you,” Monte said as he carried her around the cabin toward a large woodworking barn. The stone walkway beneath them was lined with wildflowers in vibrant hues, making Kiri feel as though they were walking through an enchanted garden.
Her pulse quickened as an imposing wooden structure came into view—Monte’s workshop. He nudged the heavy barn door open with his shoulder and ducked inside, careful not to bump Kiri’s head on the frame.
As they entered the woodworking barn, Kiri’s eyes widened in awe. Tools of every size and shape hung meticulously along the walls, their metal gleaming from their owner’s great care. Sawdust motes swirled lazily in the shafts of light spilling from the high windows. The scent of fresh-cut wood and lacquer enveloped Kiri’s senses as she took in the workshop interior.
The barn was a testament to his craft—a spacious, well-organized haven filled with tools, unfinished projects, and the rich, earthy scent of wood. To one side stood a collection of finished furniture pieces, each more stunning than the last. Expertly crafted furniture of rich, burnished woods—tables, chairs, cabinets, each piece an exquisite work of art. Clearly, his skilled hands could create both strength and beauty.
“It’s incredible,” Kiri breathed, still held securely in Monte’s arms. “You made all of this?”
Monte ducked his head, a hint of pride in his smile. “Every piece,” he confirmed, gesturing to the various projects scattered throughout the barn. “Woodworking has been my passion for as long as I can remember. It’s what brought me to this place, actually.”
Kiri tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “What do you mean?”
Monte glanced out the window facing the secluded lake, his gaze distant as he recalled the memory. “I stumbled upon this spot years ago while I was out hiking. The moment I saw it, I knew it was special—the perfect place to build a home, a life.” He smiled, his eyes meeting Kiri’s once more. “So, I did. Built the cabin, the woodworking barn, everything here with my own two hands.”
Kiri shook her head in wonder, a newfound respect blossoming in her chest. “You’re so talented, Monte.”
“Thank you.” A shy smile tugged at his lips, even as uncertainty flickered in his dark eyes. “You really think so? Coming from you—a human—that means a lot.”
“Of course.” Kiri reached up to caress his furry cheek. “Being human has nothing to do with recognizing mastery. I didn’t know you were so talented. And you, Monte, are a true master craftsman.”
Kiri looked up at him filled with admiration. She knew that beneath the gruff exterior of this Minotaur was a heart that yearned for connection, and she felt an overwhelming desire to fill it. She knew he felt it too—this strange, wonderful, terrifying connection growing with every shared moment, every tender touch.
Monte carried Kiri further into the workshop, his hooves clicked against the stone floor, echoing in the large barn. He gently set her down on a sturdy workbench, ensuring she was comfortable before stepping back to survey his collection.
“Each piece has a story,” he began, his deep voice resonating with pride. “That dining table there? I made it from a fallen oak that had stood in these woods for centuries. I wanted to honor its legacy and the monsters that have come across it.”
Kiri’s eyes widened as she took in the table’s intricate details—the way the natural grain of the wood swirled and danced beneath the glossy finish. “It’s stunning,” she murmured, running her fingers along the smooth edge. “You’ve given it new life.”
Monte smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “And that rocking chair? I crafted it for a soon-to-be mother in the village. She told me she needed one so she could soothe her future newborn pups to sleep.”
