As she watched him work, Kiri couldn’t shake off an unexpected wave of desire that washed over her.
His arms, thick and corded with muscle under his dense fur, moved with a grace that belied their sheer power. His broad shoulders flexed beneath the dark fur as he hefted a thick log off of his workbench and placed it on a rack full of logs, muscles rippling with effortless strength. Every part of him was made to survive in this harsh wilderness; each corded muscle was testament to his power.
Yet it wasn’t just his physical prowess that took her breath away; it was the way his large hands, so strong and capable, handled the tools with such delicate precision. There was an artistic grace in his muscular form, a balance between power and finesse that held her spellbound.
His large, curved horns were imposing. The way they arched from his skull added an element of dominance and authority that she found herself drawn to—she had to keep resisting the urge to run her fingers along their polished surface.
Kiri’s gaze traveled up to his face, where concentration wrinkled his forehead and a determined set lined his jaw. His large, desolate brown eyes focused intently on the task at hand, like a predator stalking its prey. There was a gentleness in Monte’s eyes when he looked at her, a softness around his mouth when he smiled. They carried within them a depth of loneliness that tugged at her heartstrings.
Despite his monstrous appearance, there was an intrinsic sense of gentleness about him. The way he touched the wood, handled the tools with respect, showed that he wasn’t just a beast of brute strength but a creature capable of nurturing and painstaking patience.
He was beautiful in a way she had never considered before—not in the way of delicate flowers or painted portraits, but in the raw strength of some beast god. There was something about the caring Minotaur that made her want to get to know more about him… in more ways than one.
Beyond his physical allure, there was something magnetic about his essence. He was solitary, yet he expressed such profound loyalty and dedication in everything he did—from honing his craft to caring for her—that it stirred within her an unfamiliar warmth.
She found herself drawn toward this complex minotaur who was as gentle as he was formidable.
And then there was his kindness… His trust in her, his willingness to share a piece of his life despite their differences, made him all the more attractive. The way he cared for her needs, taking care of her without demanding anything in return had stirred something within her she hadn’t felt before.
The more she learned about him, the harder it became for Kiri to keep her emotions—and desires—in check.
How she longed for those hands to touch her… to ignite her desires and bring her pleasure. She couldn’t shake the feelings that he’d unlocked in her by the way he massaged the balm into her skin.
She didn’t want him to stop.
And yet, she respected his boundaries, understanding his fear of getting hurt and his hesitance to start something between them if she couldn't commit.
She knew all too well about commitment and broken promises…
Slamming those dark memories aside, she focused on the present, trying to determine what Monte was making her.
The scent of wood shavings and the rhythmic sound of Monte’s careful strokes filled the air as she glanced at the projects surrounding them, their beauty and craftsmanship a testament to his passion and skill.
Her mind raced with possibilities as she envisioned a world where Monte’s talent could reach far beyond the borders of Monster Island, touching the hearts and lives of countless others.
“Monte, have you ever considered selling your woodwork online?” she asked, her voice brimming with excitement from her sudden idea. “With craftsmanship like this, you could make some serious money by reaching a much wider clientele and really make a name for yourself by showcasing your talent to a global audience.”
Monte’s hands stilled, and he looked up at her. “Online? I’ve never really thought about it before or know where to begin. I’ve only ever sold or traded my work to monsters here on Monster Island. I’m not sure how humans would react to my creations.”
“Look around you, Monte,” she urged, gesturing at the exquisite pieces surrounding them. “Your work is incredible. Humans would love to have your art in their homes. I know I do.”
Monte’s brow furrowed as he considered her words. “I don’t know,” he said slowly, his gaze drifting over the pieces scattered throughout the barn. “It’s a nice idea, but I wouldn’t even know where to start. I’m not exactly tech-savvy, and the logistics of it all...”
“Trust me,” Kiri said firmly as she ran a hand over a beautifully carved wooden table within arm’s reach, herfingers tracing the intricate patterns carved into the wood. “I understand that, but think about the possibilities! Your talent is undeniable. You could set up an online store and use videos to showcase your pieces to people all over the world. And with my expertise in marketing and the tech side of things—we could make this into a real business.”
“All right.” He nodded, his voice tinged with a vulnerability she’d never heard from him before. “I’ll give it a try.”
“I know it seems daunting, but that’s where I come in. This is what I do for a living. I can handle all the technical aspects, the setup, the marketing—everything. All you’d need to focus on is creating your beautiful pieces.”
“But what if it doesn’t work out?” He glanced around the woodworking barn, taking in the various projects that highlighted his undeniable talent. “What if no one wants to buy from a... from someone like me?”
Kiri took a deep breath, bolstering her confidence as she prepared to counter Monte’s concerns. “Monte, your appearance has nothing to do with the quality of your work. People will see the beauty, the skill, the passion you pour into every piece. They’ll see you for the incredible artisan you are.” She leaned forward on the countertop, meeting his gaze earnestly. “You have an incredible gift. And by selling your work online, you can not only achieve financial success but also share your art with people who may never have the opportunity to visit Monster Island.”
“You really think it could work?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know the first thing about having an eCommerce, and I just want to focus on my woodworking.”
“I told you that I would do all of that,” she countered without hesitation. “You can keep doing what you love, while I handle the technical aspects.”
“All right, if you insist it’ll work,” he finally conceded as his massive hand came to rest on the countertop. “Let’s give it a try. But if it doesn’t work out, I won’t hold it against you. This is all new territory for me.”
