Page 56 of Dancing for the Minotaur

“I enjoy questions,” Taurex told her. “And I like younglings.”

The smile she gave him made his chest feel unexpectedly light.

Then he remembered the older woman waiting on the porch and turned toward her.

“And who is this lovely lady?” he asked, nodding to her. “Could this be your sister, Terra?”

Terra’s mother smiled immediately.

“Oh, now I know why my daughter likes working for you.”

“Mom!” Terra exclaimed, but she was trying to hide a grin.

The older woman ignored her and came down the steps.

“I’m Lucy. Terra’s mother,” she said and held out her hand.

Taurex took it carefully, mindful of how fragile she was. Her hand was small and slightly cool inside his and as he looked into Lucy’s eyes, he saw the concern there. It was the same expression she had worn in his dreams–a mother worried for her child.

Taurex understood that instinct perfectly.

“I am honored to meet you,” he told her.

“Well, I’ve heard quite a lot about you,” she said smiling.

“Hopefully some of it favorable,” Taurex said gravely.

Her smile widened.

“Oh, mostly.”

“Mom.” Terra gave her mother a warning look and Taurex found himself amused again. Then he became serious.

“I know you are concerned about Terra traveling so far from Earth.”

Lucy’s smile faded slightly.

“Well…yes. I suppose I am. I know people travel in space all the time since the Kindred came, but Mars still sounds awfully far away.”

“It is far,” Taurex agreed. “But I vow to keep your daughter safe. I know you worry for her safety, but I promise you that I will guard her with my life.”

Lucy’s eyes widened and she put a hand to her chest.

“Oh, my–well, thank you.”

Behind her, Terra made a small, strangled sound.

Taurex glanced at her and saw that her face had gone pink. Had he said something wrong?

Lucy, however, appeared pleased.

“You’re a very gentlemanly man, aren’t you?” she said.

Taurex wasn’t entirely certain what qualified a male as gentlemanly, but he suspected it was a compliment.

“I try to behave honorably,” he said, which was true.

“That’s more than I can say for some men,” Lucy remarked, frowning.