A couple gargoyles tended the Jacuzzi, testing the water and adding chemicals as Jasper stood nearby. There were a few largedelivery trucks and a couple firetrucks nearby, preparing for the departure.
“Wow.”
“Later today, if you want, we can test it out.” Monte grunted, shuffling his weight between hooves, his tail wiping wildly. “A dinner and a dip under the stars?”
“Sounds romantic.”
“Then it’s a date,” Monte said as he pulled away from the window. “Now, let’s retire. I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted and didn’t get much sleep tonight.”
“Me neither.”
She giggled breathlessly as Monte deposited her on the lush bed, bouncing slightly on the plush mattress. Her heart raced with anticipation as his imposing form loomed over her, his piercing gaze raking over her naked body like a physical caress.
“You are so beautiful,” he rumbled, voice rough with desire. One large hand cupped her face tenderly, thumb stroking her cheekbone. “I want to worship every inch of you.”
Emboldened, Kiri reached up to trail her fingers along the hard planes of his chest, relishing the warmth of his skin and the way his muscles jumped under her touch. “Then what are you waiting for?” she purred with a coy smile.
Monte’s eyes flashed at the challenge. Kneeling on the bed, he began trailing open-mouthed kisses along her neck and collarbone, his fingers brushing teasingly along her sides. Kiri arched into him with a soft moan, tingles of pleasure zipping through her nerves.
His mouth mapped a heated path down her body, pausing to lavish attention on her breasts until she was writhing and panting beneath him. He continued lower, dragging his lips across her belly, dipping his tongue into her navel.
Kiri swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest, trusting him completely.
“Monte,” she breathed, her voice barely audible as his hands continued their exquisite exploration of her body. Monte traced gentle fingers in patterns across her skin, leaving trails of goosebumps in their wake.
Kiri threaded her fingers through his hair, tugging impatiently, trying to guide him to her core as it throbbed with need. “Monte, please,” she whimpered.
He lifted his head to meet her pleading gaze, eyes molten with lust and adoration. “Patience, my love. I intend to take my time with you,” he promised darkly. “By the time I’m done, you’ll be screaming my name.”
True to his word, Monte proceeded to bring her to the brink again and again with his talented mouth and hands, wringing gasps and moans of ecstasy from her until she was mindless with pleasure.
As the first light of dawn crept across the sky, Kiri felt her eyelids grow heavy, exhaustion finally catching up with her. Monte sensed it too, pulling her close against him, pressing tender kisses to her hair, her temple, her lips. “My little flower… My little bird,” he murmured reverently, voice full of wonder, as if he couldn’t quite believe she was real. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”
“I can say the same thing to you,” she whispered back, cupping his face and gazing into his eyes, letting him see the depth of her feelings. “My Mountain.”
“Sleep, my love,” he murmured softly, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. “I’ll be here when you wake.”
And as she surrendered herself to the gentle embrace of sleep, Kiri knew—beyond a shadow of a doubt—that she had found her true home in the arms of the Minotaur who had stolen her heart.
Thirteen
Kiri
The sun peeked through the vibrant, emerald leaves above, casting dappled patterns on Kiri’s face as she strolled through the lush forest near Monte’s cabin with her walking stick in hand. The crisp mountain air filled her lungs, leaving her feeling invigorated and alive.
Over the past few days, Kiri had grown to love this magical place more than she ever thought possible. It was easy to get lost in the wilderness and forget everything about her past self—her past life.
It was as if being surrounded by trees was better for her health than being surrounded by skyscrapers. Her skin seemed to glow, sun kissed and soft. She could thank Monte for it, because he’d spent the past nights covering her body with healing salve after they’d soaked in their new Jacuzzi.
She paused for a moment, leaning against a sturdy tree trunk, and closed her eyes to fully appreciate the harmonious melody of birdsong and rustling leaves. Life in the mountains was so unlike anything she’d experienced before, but it felt right.
More importantly, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this happy. Her random chance to apply for this job was the first step to her life altering journey—it felt almost fated.
“Such a beautiful day to be daydreaming about your handsome Minotaur mate,” a teasing voice chimed, startling Kiri out of her reverie.
Opening her eyes, Kiri spotted a mischievous water pixie-like creature, hovering in front of her with her iridescent wings fluttering rapidly. Her infectious giggle filled the air as she eyed Kiri with playful curiosity.
“Who are you?”
