Monte’s eyes sparkled with amusement and...something else. Desire? “I would,” he rumbled in his deep baritone. “Gladly.”
Kiri smiled, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “That’s great, because while I love baking when I’m stressed, somehow I never mastered the art of cooking meals. Odd, isn’t it?”
He shook his massive horned head and snorted. “Not at all. We each have our strengths and not everyone can work in a kitchen.” He took a sip of wine, his gaze never leaving hers. “I would love to have you bake something for me sometime.”
Her heart fluttered at the implication—that there would be a “sometime,” that this wasn’t just a temporary arrangement. That he wanted more time with her, to share meals and get to know each other beyond the disastrous event—the one that turned out to be a delightful accident—that had brought her here.
She allowed herself to imagine it for a moment—her bustling around a kitchen stressed about work for her latest client, flour on her nose as she prepped some treats, while Monte looked on adoringly as he walked through the front door with his large axe in hand. Coming up behind her to wrap his strong arms around her waist, nuzzle her neck...
Kiri blinked, cheeks flushing as she returned to the present. “I’d like that,” she said, voice huskier than she’d intended. “I would love to treat you one day.”
Silence stretched between them. Monte’s hand twitched on the table, as if fighting the urge to touch something. Kiri licked her lips unconsciously, watching the movement of his throat as he swallowed hard.
Holding Monte’s smoldering gaze, she slowly, deliberately reached for another bite, parting her lips to accept the morsel. He tracked the movement, lingering on her mouth. Her tongue darted out to catch a stray drop of sauce at the corner of her lips.
“Delicious,” she purred, the word dripping with layered meaning. “My compliments to the chef.”
Monte made a rough sound deep in his chest, a growl of barely restrained hunger. Not for the meal laid out between them, but for her. Kiri felt an answering pull deep in her core, an ache to discover all the pleasures his powerful body promised—to have his hands on her once more.
Kiri’s pulse quickened under the heat of Monte’s stare as she daringly leaned forward slightly. “Tell me, Monte,” she murmured, “has there ever been someone special in your life? A... mate?”
Monte dropped his gaze to his plate, shoulders tensing. “No,” he rumbled after a long moment. “Living so far from the plains, from others like me—it makes finding a partner difficult.” His jaw worked as if chewing on words unsaid.
Kiri’s heart clenched at the loneliness that shadowed his rugged features. Without thinking, she reached across the table to rest her hand atop his much larger one. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “That must be terribly isolating. There’s no Monster Mate Match program or something for you to use to help you find a partner?”
Monte’s eyes snapped to hers, startled by the contact. Then slowly, tentatively, he turned his palm up to cradle her hand in his. Kiri’s breath hitched at the heady combination of rough calluses and surprisingly soft fur against her skin.
“It can be, but I am accustomed to solitude,” he acknowledged gruffly. “If there was such a program, I wouldn’t know how to use it or if it would be worth it to sign up for it.” His thumb skimmed over her knuckles in a feather-light caress, leaving sparks in its wake. “I keep hoping that I wouldn’t need to, and perhaps one day I would meet a female who would be willing to live this life.”
Kiri’s heart stuttered at his words. “Perhaps one day you will,” she managed, her voice emerging breathier than intended.
Monte’s gaze bored into hers, those expressive eyes now molten with barely restrained hunger. “As would I, little bird,” he rumbled, the endearment sending shivers racing down her spine. “More than you know.”
Kiri felt her cheeks flush under the intensity of Monte’s gaze. She knew she should pull her hand away, put some distance between them, but she couldn’t seem to make herself move. Not when every nerve ending in her body was singing at his touch.
“You know,” she said, aiming for a teasing tone to break the tension, “I find it hard to believe that females aren’t lining upto be with you. I mean, have you seen yourself? You’re like a walking, talking romance novel cover.”
Monte let out a loud grunt. “Is that so?” he asked, his deep voice laced with amusement. “I’m afraid to ask what type of romance novels humans enjoy.”
“Well, take it from someone who has read her fair share of alien and monster romance,” Kiri said, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Tall, dark, and handsome? Check. Mysterious and brooding? Check. Strong enough to literally sweep the heroine off her feet? Double check.”
She punctuated each point with a tap of her finger against his broad chest, marveling at the solid muscle beneath his fur. Monte caught her hand in his, engulfing it completely.
“You think I’m handsome?” he asked, his voice low and rough.
Kiri swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “I... I think any female would be lucky to have you,” she whispered, unable to tear her gaze away from his.
Monte’s eyes darkened, the heat in them unmistakable. “And what about you, little bird?” he rumbled, his thumb tracing maddening circles on her wrist. “Would you consider yourself lucky?”
Kiri’s heart raced, and she instinctively bit her bottom lip. Her mind was a flurry of emotion as she tried to make sense of all the feelings that he made brewing inside her. She knew she was treading on dangerous ground, but her own curiosity and desire made her unable to resist the temptation.
What would it be like to be a minotaur’s mate?
“I… I don’t know,” she breathed, her voice trembling. “I guess that depends on what you’re offering.”
Monte leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. “I’m offering everything, Kiri. My strength, my protection, my...devotion.” His deep voice sent shivers down her spine. “I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.”
Kiri’s pulse pounded as scandalous images flashed unbidden through her mind—his powerful body moving over hers, pinning her down as he claimed her with deep, passionate kisses. Waking up each morning wrapped in his strong arms, safe and cherished. Building a life together in the mountains, away from the city…
