Page 103 of Dancing for the Minotaur

Taurex frowned.

“That sounds inefficient.”

“It’s one of the great frustrations of human civilization,” Terra said.

“I believe your tax system is worse,” he said, frowning.

“Barely,” Terra acknowledged.

Finally, they carried their bowls, cups and utensils to the cleansing vine. Terra fed hers into the fuzzy leaves and watched with fascination as the plant wrapped around each piece, scrubbed it clean and passed it back to Taurex, who placed everything into storage hollows that opened automatically in the wall.

When the last bowl was clean, Terra wiped her hands and immediately glanced toward the hallway.

Taurex noticed where she was looking.

“You’re thinking about the bathing pool aren’t you?” he rumbled.

“Was I that obvious?” Terra asked.

He snorted.

“Extremely.”

She grinned at him.

“Guilty as charged. I've been thinking about it ever since you showed it to me.”

He raised his eyebrows.

“And the pleasure blooms?”

Terra narrowed her eyes.

“Mostly the pool.”

“Mostly?”

“Okay, fine. I'm curious about the flowers too,” she admitted.

Taurex shook his head.

“I warned you about them.”

“Yes, yes, they're aggressive.” Terra made a shooing motion.

“They can be,” he said cautiously.

“But you promised they don't bite, or sting and they don’t have any poison,” Terra pointed out. So I’m not worried.”

Taurex studied her for a long moment and the intensity in his golden gaze sent a small shiver through her.

“Very well,” he rumbled at last. “But you must promise to listen to me if I tell you to move away from them.”

Terra raised an eyebrow.

“You're being serious?”

He nodded.