Page 9 of The Rhino's Rose

“But don’t doubt that he was the other type of horny for you, too. Did you not notice how he used that rock for groin cover the whole time he was near you?”

“It was not for cover,” I say, rolling my eyes. “He was carrying it inside the building and I interrupted him.”

Lexi makes a noncommittal sound before wrapping her deep-purple lips around the straw and taking a long sip that ends with puckered lips and a wrinkled nose. “Do you want any of this?” When I shake my head, she waves her hand above the cup, incanting a short string of words that change the liquid to a red so dark it’s almost black. And there’s a wisp of smoke coming out of the straw, as if it were a little stovepipe. “That’s better. Now, tell me what you said that you’re embarrassed about.”

“Why?”

“So I can tell you why you shouldn’t be.”

“Good luck with that. He asked me how I’m doing today, the only thing he ever says to me. And usually, I choke, and I’m lucky to squeak out a single word answer. But this time, because I thought you’d bespelled me, Isaid exactly what came to mind—I told him that watching him work made me hot and thirsty.”

“Ooh, thatisdelicious!”

“Not really, since he just stared at me. Then I asked him to take a break and have his drink and he declined. He said he’s on a time limit to get the stonework done for the new owner, but I know he was just being polite. I need to get over him because he’s not interested in me.”

“Heisalways courteous and good-natured, and it’s true that Delphine has everyone on a strict timeline over there to get the grotto ready, but I’d bet the profit margins of my bestselling dildo that Cornelius has it bad for you. And let me tell you, that model is a big moneymaker. Emphasis onbig.” She raises her hands and spreads them apart, then farther apart.

There’s no point continuing to discuss Cornelius. Lexi is a fun cheerleader, but she’s reading him wrong. And, as intrigued as I am to know which monster-molded, magically infused dildo she’s referring to with her frighteningly far-apart hands, the other nugget of information interests me more. “Who is Delphine? And what kind of business is a grotto?”

Eyes glimmering with signature Lexi playfulness, she taps one long, purple-lacquered nail against her smiling lips. “I only know her first name, and she wiggled her way out of answering the business question when I asked,” she says, picking up the dark drink and sashaying her way toward the door. “But I’m sure her grotto will be swimming with delight!” With a wink and a wave, Lexiexits the flower shop, leaving me alone with my curiosity, embarrassment, frustration, and the view of Cornelius and his bulging muscles as he lugs huge rocks into the store across the street.

Three

CORNELIUS

The main town portion of Fate’s Falls is walkable to almost everywhere. Beyond that is a much larger area, including fields, forests, rocky outcroppings, and a small but thundering waterfall, all of which is encompassed by the Oracle’s magically protected boundary. Inaccessible and essentially invisible to all outsiders, human and nonhuman alike. Only those who are meant to be here can traverse the boundary. That’s how it is with all the Oracle’s secret towns around the world.

When I felt the pull to Fate’s Falls, I hoped it was a sign that my mate would be waiting for me. Why else would I want to leave my home in Kenya and move to a mountain in British Columbia, Canada? At that point, I’d long since reached the age of maturity, yet felt no pull to bond with any of the females in my town. For a decade, Icoupled with females, hoping to feel more than fleeting gratification, only to question whether I would even recognize the mate bond if it happened.

The question was answered when I met Rose. Sweet little Rose, that’s how her father figure introduced her to me. Every instinct awakened inside me at the sight and scent of the young human woman. I was nearly twice her age and double her size. We were too different, yet I didn’t doubt for a single second that she was my mate. Knowing it and accepting it—not the same thing.

I’ve successfully fought my instincts for five years. Today, I nearly succumbed. All afternoon, I felt her eyes on me from across the street. Gods, I wanted to give her something to look at. To preen and roar for my mate. Except, what’s under my clothing would terrify her, not turn her on.

Maybe that’s what I should do—let her see how different rhino men are from humans. She wouldn’t want me anymore. It wouldn’t change my deep-seated yearning for her, but it would be better if she turned away, moved on. Ignoring and rejecting her gets more difficult each time I do it.

Given the hour, I shouldn’t have to rein myself in again today. The timeline excuse I gave Rose earlier wasn’t a lie, and it was well past her shop’s closing time when I finally got away from the jobsite.

My home, along with the one Rose shares with her gargoyle father, are on the outskirts of town. By the time I pull into the driveway, the sun is making its descent, bathing the western skyline in swaths of soft orange andpink that remind me of Rose’s hair, Rose’s dress, Rose’s panties. Thoughts of her are inescapable. I need a stiff drink and a firm grip on my cock. Maybe more than once.

“Cornelius.” Garion’s voice carries across the still evening air as I close the door of my truck. The gargoyle appears seemingly out of nowhere, his large wings folding behind his back. “Sorry to catch you on your way in from work. Do you have a minute?”

“Of course.” I’ve done nothing wrong, yet guilt curdles my stomach as if it were full of sour milk.

I’m aware that before bringing Rose to the safety of Fate’s Falls, Garion served as sentry, watching over her family for generations. In the eleven years he’s lived here, not only has Garion taken on a parental role in Rose’s life, he’s become part of the Oracle’s security maintenance team. Even with magic as old and powerful as the Oracle’s protecting us, nonmagical backups are in place, as are pre-emptive sweeps. Garion is aware of everything going on within the Fate’s Falls boundary.

Making his timing for wanting a chat anything but coincidental. Frankly, it’s surprising he hasn’t previously pulled me aside to warn me point-blank to stay away from his daughter.

I would have, if I were him.

My stomach tightens further when Garion glances back at the old stone house he chose to make a home for Rose. With my mediocre eyesight and the twilight hour, it’s nearly impossible for me to see beyond the windows. Gargoyles have heightened vision, particularly at night, and I don’t have to be a mind reader to know he’schecking to see if Rose has eyes or ears on this conversation.

Whatever Garion sees or doesn’t see must satisfy him, because his yellow-eyed gaze returns to my face. “I’m needed back in Sicily for a while, shouldn’t be more than a couple of weeks, but I have to leave tonight. Rose is twenty-four and very capable of taking care of herself, but I hoped you’d keep an eye on things while I’m gone. Maybe check in on her every day, if that’s not too much to ask. I know she’s shy around you and that might inhibit her from asking for help, even if she needs it. I hate to inconvenience you; I know you’re busy with that remodel downtown.”

“No inconvenience. I’m happy to help,” I say as I withdraw my wallet from a back pocket. I pluck out a business card and hand it to him. “Give that to Rose and tell her she can call or text anytime, day or night, if she needs anything.”

“Will do.” He offers his hand to shake, gripping mine firmly when I accept. “Thanks for taking care of my little girl. Leaving her in the hands of someone I trust makes taking this trip less stressful.”

The knot inside me that eased a few seconds ago cinches tight. If he knew all the ways I’d like to have my hands on Rose, I’m the last person in town he’d ask to take care of her.

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