Page 41 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

Who needs words when you have this?

"Let's go home, sweetheart," he rumbles. "We've got a ritual to perform."

A ritual?

“That sounds exciting.”

“I think you will enjoy it ...”

No sooner do we reach the tavern than he takes he around to his private entrance. Before I know it, we are through thedoor and he is carrying me up the stairs to his expansive apartment above.

“I guess this won’t be as fancy as I had hoped.”

“Fancy?”

“When I thought about it, I imagined candles, and maybe rose petals ... you know, fancy.”

Now we are bursting into his apartment, and now his bedroom.

“I don’t need fancy Kalen. I just need you.”

With that he gives me a gentle toss into the center of his soft bed.

As he unbuttons and removes his shirt, revealing his rock-hard chest and abs, I can’t help but stare.

I don’t think I will ever get used to that body.

Which is just fine.

“Maybe a few candles would be nice?”

“Absolutely.”

As he lights a few around the room, I lay back in the pillows. This is his ritual, and I am happy to have him in charge.

With the room suitably lit by candlelight now, Kalen begins to undress me, his touch gentle yet purposeful.

“We really need to get you some new clothes.”

“Why don’t you get me out of my old ones first?” I raise my arms as he pulls my torn blouse off.

He throws it across the room as he kisses at my bare neck, even as he removes my bra.

I close my eyes, savoring the sensation of his hands gliding over my skin. His fingers trail along my arms, and then down to my waist, as he kneels before me on the bed. I shiver, a mix of excitement and anticipation.

"You're so beautiful, Olivia," he whispers, his breath warm against my neck. "I could spend forever admiring your body."

I blush, feeling a rush of desire. "Kalen, you make me feel ..."I pause, searching for the right words. "I feelalivewhen I'm with you."

He smiles, a proud smile, and continues to undress me, pulling down my skirt and then panties. As my clothes fall away, I lay back for him to see, vulnerable yet feeling completely empowered in my sexuality in a way I could have never imagined. His eyes roam over my body, taking in every curve, every inch of my skin.

I close my eyes and fully surrender my naked body to him.

“Take me baby.”

A soft chuckle reverberates in his chest. “Hold your horses. I’m getting there. This is to be savored.”

“Is this part of the ritual of claiming?”

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