Page 7 of Taken By Taurus

He smiles at that. “I appreciate the finer things.” His smile fades quickly. “I apologize for Kent,” he says. “I wanted to show you that you could have anything in my world. He was not supposed to…” he stops and growls, and his fist tightens around his mug as he drinks.

I watch, fascinated, as his bull’s lips purse like a man’s.

“What are you?” I breathe out.

He quirks a self-conscious smile and tells me. I forget the orgy below us, as he explains. “I’m a god - the zodiac god Taurus. Once every two hundred years, we are made flesh, to claim a virgin’s maidenhood as sacrifice.”

I decide to stay silent in response to that. I mean, the man has a bull’s head, so my disbelief is already fully suspended.

“Many applied. But you are the one I chose,” he concludes.

I have SO many questions, but one pushes its way to the surface. “Why?” I gesture below me to the women in the maze. “There are many beautiful women in the world who would take your money. Why would you choose me?”

“Your eyes were kind. You seemed real. And you look like a woman who enjoys life,” he says. His lips curl into a smile again. Something warm curls in my belly, and it’s not just the hot chocolate. The way he’s looking at me right now is hotter than any orgy. He looks like he wants to eat me. I wonder which part.

But he doesn’t reach out to touch me, and I’m grateful for it. After Kent, I need time to process. It’s absurd that I’m being paid money to lose my unwanted virginity to someone I find attractive.

“And… there is also a part of the story I left out,” he says. My stomach tightens, waiting for the penny to drop. “We are allowed to manifest for this one night, but if our sacrifice allows it, we may visit for all of her lifetime. And if we breed with her, then we may stay for our children’s lifetimes. As I have said, I love the finer things. And I love this world. If I were to impregnate you tonight, I would have a greater chance of staying, to live a life with you, and with our children. So, I also chose you because you seem like you will make a good mother.”

I drop my cocoa.

With lighting reflexes, he’s standing in front of me, his hand underneath where it slipped from my fingers. Impressive. But then, I suppose he is a god.

He looks at me with concern in his eyes. “I understand. It’s too much,” he says, straightening. “You may choose to leave now - I won’t stop you. But know you are a rare jewel, Kate.”

He turns to walk away from me, and I put a hand on his arm before my brain can intervene.

For a moment, I stand staring at him, my mind whirring.

I haven’t seriously thought of starting a family in years. But if I did, wouldn’t it be with a man like this, who chooses me, and wants to be with me without hesitation? And let’s not forget that body.

Sure, he barely knows me. But the words, the offer, the chocolate, those abs… I can’t let him walk away without knowing more. I take my cup back out of his hands and take another sip. I close my eyes as the flavor hits my tongue.

Good lord, if orgasms with him are anything like this, I can’t wait to have my first.

“I’m still thinking,” I say. “But I like where you were going with that jewel thing.” His eyes light up.

Chapter seven

The Sacrifice

There’s an enormous hot tub in the bathroom, already full and steaming. Of course there is. Taurus loves opulence, and he delights in sharing it with me. Two glasses of champagne sit next to an open bottle in a bucket of ice by the tub. I stand while he gets things ready.

It took Taurus only a few more flowery declarations and heated looks before I was convinced to join him here. That and the rising pleasure of the maze-dwellers below us.

I will also admit that the cynical inner voice inside me, that’s always there, is aware that after tonight, I will have enough money to raise several children alone, if Taurus isn’t everything he promises. And he assures me our children would look entirely human, but enjoy extra talent and beauty, like any demigod from ancient mythology.

“I was hopeful you would join me here, although I thought perhaps we would chase first, in the maze, as is traditional,” he says, walking into the room ahead of me.

“Of course,” I say faintly. Chasing down the virgin sacrifice. Filthy visions fill my mind, but they’re wiped clean when he takes his pants off and throws them on a towel rack.

I can see exactly how excited he is about the prospect of us having a bath together. I grab a glass of champagne and clutch onto it for dear life.

I stare at the play of muscles in his ass as he walks into the water and turns on the taps, pouring bubble bath beneath them. The surrounding water slowly fills with bubbles and he sits down, only his gorgeous shoulders and arms resting above the water, and that surreal bull’s head.

He watches me expectantly. Oh. Right. Unfortunately, undressing in front of a man built like a god was not on my plans for my lifetime, and I stare at him, not moving, all of my sass deserting me.

He shuts his eyes, his lips curling into a smile. “Of course, it’s impolite to watch. And you may keep your underwear on if you’re more comfortable.” Right. I’m now reminded of the underwear I chose not to wear.