Page 19 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

Now.

"Come on, sweetheart," I murmur, pulling her closer. "Let's get you home and dried off."

CHAPTER 7

OLIVIA

I'm soaked to the bone and shivering by the time we make it back to Kalen's place above the tavern. My makeshift sasquatch costume is in tatters, fur matted and dripping all over the floor.

"S-sorry about the m-mess," I stammer through chattering teeth.

Kalen's brow furrows with concern. "Don't worry about that. Let's get you warmed up."

He helps me peel off the sodden fur coat, his hands gentle as he untangles it from my arms. I'm acutely aware of how close he is, the warmth radiating off his body. I’ve been aware of a lot of things when it comes to Kalen ...

"T-thanks," I manage. "I feel r-ridiculous."

As the coat falls away, I suddenly feel very exposed in my torn, and now rain-soaked blouse and skirt. The fabric clings to my every curve. I can tell Kalen is trying to be respectful, but the way his eyes widen is unmistakable, and I feel a blush creeping up my neck, even as I feel a tingle in my lady parts.

"Hey now," Kalen says softly, tilting my chin up to meet his eyes. "I thought you were amazing today. Like reallybrave. I can’t imagine many humans could handle being in a place so different from everything you have ever known."

I snort. "Brave? I don’t feel brave. I feel like a drowned rat."

"A very cute drowned rat," he teases, and I feel my cheeks heat up.

"I'm going to draw you a hot bath," Kalen says. "You need to get out of those wet clothes and warm up before you catch cold. "

As he bustles about gathering towels and running the water, I am a little amazed how natural this all feels. Here I am, in a magical hidden town, being cared for by a minotaur. That’s right, I almost have to remind myself he is a mythical beast. It’s crazy, but I can read his expressions, and though we are both trying to hide it ... I can feel how he feels for me. And somehow, it all just feels... right.

"Bath's ready," Kalen calls. "Do you need help with, uh..." He gestures vaguely at my clothes, looking adorably flustered.

"I think I can manage," I say, though part of me is tempted to say ‘yes,’ What is wrong with me? "But thank you."

Why yes good sir, I actually need a lot of help with my clothes. Tons. And then I am going to need help with my nipples, and my belly ... definitely my ass, maybe I need a spanking, and then of course my-

Liv!I stop myself.

You just put a cork right in that bottle young lady.

I definitely want to put something somewhere ... and it’s not a cork.

Stop.

He nods, backing out of the bathroom. "Right. Good. I'll just ... be out here if you need anything."

Right.

As I sink into the steaming water, I let out a contented sigh. The heat seeps into my bones, chasing away the last ofthe chill. Yes, I just need a chance to regain my composure a little. I close my eyes, trying to just get centered, and hopefully get my suddenly raging hormones under control.

But my mind is instantly spinning again. What am I doing? This whole situation is insane. I should be terrified, desperate to get home. But I am not. Not at all. Instead, I feel...alive. More myself than I have in years. Or ever. Truth is that this place is incredible.

And then there's Kalen. Charming, chivalrous, and surprisingly, impossibly, handsome Kalen. Who knew minotaurs could be so alluring?

It’s the muscles. Gotta be.

Or maybe the horns?

But it’snotjust the muscles, although from what I saw, his abs and pecs are top shelf. And impressive as his horns are, it’s not those either. No, it’s the way he looks at me too, like I'm something precious. And the uncanny way I just feel everything is right in the world when I am around him.

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