Page 171 of Dancing for the Minotaur

“That you understand that this arrangement creates no obligation between us,” he said sternly. “That just because we are planning a Joining ceremony doesn’t mean that you actually have to Join with me.”

Her heart sank a little, but she did her best to keep her expression neutral.

“I understand.”

“You do not owe me affection or physical intimacy,” Taurex went on. “And if at any time you become uncomfortable with what we’re doing, we will stop.”

Terra swallowed hard.

“Okay. That sounds reasonable.”

His expression remained grave.

“I will participate because it protects you from accusations of giving false testimony and because it prevents human authorities from questioning the legitimacy of my defense of your family. But I do not want you to believe that I expect anything beyond that.”

Terra managed a tense smile though inside she was aching. He really did mean it—he didn’t want or expect anything of her. She’d been right when she’d told her mom that she’d hurt him too badly and he was never coming back.

“Of course,” she said quietly. “You’ve made that more than clear.”

For a moment, she wanted to cry. But the idea that she would get to see him again—regularly—sent a small burst of warmth through the ache.

“You need to clear your schedule—we’ll have to go places together,” she said brightly, not showing the hurt inside.

“What places?” He looked mystified.

“All the places you go when you’re planning a wedding,” Terra said patiently. “We’ll have to do a cake tasting, for one.”

Taurex’s ears lifted.

“There will be tasting?”

Terra smiled.

“Yes—that’s part of planning a wedding.”

He nodded.

“I find this arrangement increasingly reasonable.”

Terra laughed.

“And we’ll need to visit a florist. Oh, and I have to try on wedding dresses. Yes—we’re going to be pretty busy for the next few days.”

He nodded gravely.

“I will make time for all of these activities. Anything to make our fake Joining seem more real.”

Terra nodded.

“Good—then we have an agreement—and a fake engagement.” She held out her hand. “Deal?”

Taurex looked down at it…then he took her hand carefully in his.

“Deal,” he rumbled. “Just tell me where to go and when to be there.”

As she looked up into his eyes, Terra couldn’t help thinking how big and warm his hand was wrapped around her own…or remembering the last time they’d been so close on the Monstrum Mother Ship.

Unbidden, the memory of his mouth on her body rose in her mind’s eye. The way he had licked and sucked her nipples and then tasted her between her legs, lapping her pussy until she gripped his horns and moaned his name…