Page 78 of Dancing for the Minotaur

“I’m very well, thank you,” she said. Then, before she could lose her nerve, she added, “In fact, I was just thinking that I’m having a really good time.”

Taurex’s expression softened.

“I am glad.”

“This is the most fun I’ve had in…” Terra tried to remember. “God, I don’t even know how long.”

Something serious entered his golden eyes.

“Then you have not had enough joy in your life.”

The words landed more deeply than she expected, and Terra looked away.

“No,” she admitted softly. “I guess I haven’t.”

Taurex squeezed her hand.

“I want to change that for you–I want to give you joy,” he rumbled.

“You already have!” she protested. “You’re the reason I’m feeling this way. You gave me a good, secure job and a way to pay my bills without…without stripping. Now I have enough money in the bank to hire a lawyer if Jackson tries to take the kids away. And I don’t have to worry about that creepy Viktor Orlov coming after me if I refuse to give him private dances.”

Taurex frowned.

“Who?”

“Oh…he was this customer who was stalking me–seemed to think he owned me. He actually took pictures of my kids and my house!” Terra shivered. “He’s the reason I finally called you for the job–I realized I was putting my whole family in danger with my dancing.”

His frown deepened and his golden eyes narrowed.

“I didn’t know someone was harassing you. Where does this human male live? Do I need to go and have a conversation with him?”

Terra felt a little jolt of pleasure at the big Monstrum’s protectiveness, but she shook her head.

“No–it’s over now. He’s out of my life. I haven’t heard from him or seen him since I quit The Doll House.”

“Well, if he ever bothers you again–if anyone bothers you–let me know.” Taurex’s deep voice had dropped to a warning growl. “I’ll be sure they understand that you’re under my protection.”

“I am?” Terra looked up at him uncertainly.

He squeezed her hand again.

“Most definitely. No matter what happens, you are safe with me, Terra. I will never let anyone, or anything harm you.”

She felt a rush of pleasure and her cheeks got hot again with a blush.

“Well…thank you. That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. But why do you care so much about protecting me? I’m just your employee.”

His eyes met hers and she found herself drowning in his golden gaze.

“Terra…you and I both know that you’re not ‘just an employee.’ You’re special and important to me. I hope you understand that.”

Terra bit her lip. The way he was looking at her was so intense it gave her chills–but in a good way.

“I do,” she whispered. “I understand.”

“Good.” Taurex nodded. “Come–we are nearly to the wole station.”

“Have we got everything we need for your stew?” Terra asked, glad to be getting back to a more normal topic of conversation. She could definitely feel the connection between herself and the big Monstrum, but it was so strong that it almost frightened her. She needed time to sort out her feelings before she went any deeper.