Page 118 of Evil Hearts

I look down at my dress, momentarily wishing I was wearing something nicer, then I roll my eyes at how ridiculous that is. “Mina. Wilhelmina, but I go by Mina.”

Mina?

I nod and take another step.

I like your name, Mina. It is beautiful, like you.I swear he blushes at that but Amos quickly goes back to digging in the bag he brought.I have water for you.

“Thank you.”

He steps forward, holding out a canteen that I eagerly accept, a sound of satisfaction coming from Amos as I begin to drink. And all the while, I watch him.

His body moves so gracefully for his size, the bulk Amos is carrying shouldn’t make him so, but he is. It’s beautiful, actually,the way he carries himself, and the fact that he seems almost nervous puts me at ease.

“What,” I ask as I wipe a little water from my lips. “Can I ask, what—”

Minotaur, Amos responds.I am minotaur.

“Oh.” I have no idea what that is, but he answered my question. This one, anyway. “Where are we?”

The Spitalfields.

“In The East End?” Amos nods and my stomach churns. “What, why are we here? Who brought me here?”

Pelifer, he responds in my head, another snort and bellow leaving his lips as his hoof prods the ground.Pelifer brought you here.

My heart starts to race all over again, that simple statement enough to have my pulse skyrocketing. “Where… Where’s the baby?”

Amos glances at me before those warm eyes drop to the bag and he produces a large piece of fabric.He is safe, that is all I know.

Thank god for that.

I’ve been worrying myself sick over Reggie and while I’m not convinced he’s entirely safe, knowing he’s alive and unharmed is enough for now.

You have to put this on. Amos holds out the white fabric that looks a little like burlap.Quickly, Mina. We don’t have much time.

My brow furrows as I take what seems to be some sort of nightgown, holding it out in front of me as I ask, “Why do I have to put this on?”

He motions for me to hurry then moves in front of me, his thick fingers quickly unbuttoning the front of my dress, but he doesn’t answer me.

The spike in Amos’s nerves has me feeling the same, my anxiety matching his, and I don’t even care that this minotaur is undressing me. He’s not a threat, and I believe that he wants to help me, and the fact that Amos is doing everything in an almost reverent way proves both.

“Why do I have to put this on, Amos?” I still his hands as my tattered dress falls to the floor at my dirty feet. “Amos?”

His eyes move over my body quickly before they meet mine, the beast of a man taking a deep breath before he releases it in a huff, his breath warm against my naked skin.Pelifer is taking you to auction, and he is going to sell you to the highest bidder.

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