Page 29 of Minding the Minotaur

I bite my lip, looking forward to watching him work out.

“Reading?” I ask, remembering the book-lined study.

“Yeah, sure, he can read. He likes history, has a big collection of books about the early days of the Labyrinth.”

“Oh.” I frown “You let folks read history books?”

Otis looks bemused. “How else do you avoid repeating the mistakes of the past?” He grunts a sigh. “Not that Arlo takes any notice of it. He should know better, but he’s always been a risk taker.”

I wonder if it will be okay for me to read the books too, but the taboo of even mentioning the past is so ingrained, I change the subject instead. “It’s a nice house. He must be quite wealthy.”

Otis’s lips twitch. “The work he does is highly lucrative. Talking of which, there will be an external appointment you’ll be expected to take him to once a week. At the clinic.”

“Clinic?”

“Yep.”

“Is he… okay?” I think back to the conversation I had with Jax about diseases. The thought that my beautiful minotaur might be sick with something worries me. Is that why Tippy is here, preparing him healthy food?

Otis barks a laugh, showing off the full length of his impressive tusks between an arc of white teeth. “Oh yep, he’s inperfecthealth.” He hesitates, staring at the big green handsin his lap. “Arlo is part of a human-run research program. What takes place at his clinic appointments you will keep to yourself.” He raises his head and looks suddenly fierce again, his red eyes boring into me. “Is that clear?”

“Loud and clear,” I gulp out. It’s as clear as mud, but I guess I’ll find out more eventually.

“Anything else I should know?”

“Not as far as I’m concerned.”

“I mean, about the Labyrinth?” Of course I’m curious. How could I not be?

Otis shrugs. “Not really. Apart from the clinic appointments, you won’t be going out. Your job is to keep Arlo out of mischief.”

I could be wrong, but I sense there’s a tiny smirk playing around the sheriff’s mouth as he gets up to leave. “Make yourself at home. I’ll check in tomorrow,” he says before he disappears.

I wander over and peer at the bank of screens, feeling like a voyeur as I watch Otis enter Arlo’s room and say a brief farewell. He claps Arlo on the back. After a moment, Arlo’s big arms go round the orc’s shoulders and he gives him a hug, sort of. They thump each other’s arms, and then Otis leaves.

I feel a lump form in my throat. There is clearly affection between them.

Then I turn and start to unpack my small case of belongings. I put my PJs in the cupboard and the dress I brought on a hanger. I’m about to fold the little lacy bra and briefs and put them in a drawer, but a treacly heat spreads between my thighs as I look at them. Impetuously, I undress, slip into them, then put my uniform on over the top.

It makes me feel seductive.

I wonder if it’s too soon to go and find Arlo.

Keep him out of mischief,Otis said.

I guess I’ll have to work out what that means.

CHAPTER 10

ARLO

It’s been ages since Otis and Samantha left the room.

My head is chock-full of questions, and my body is still buzzing, every nerve ending on fire. Being locked in, unable to gallop along the Labyrinth tunnels—which is my way of releasing stress—is making me even more stir crazy.

I’m pacing around impatiently, wondering what the hell happens next, when there’s a soft knock at the door.

I stop abruptly. “Yes,” I call out gruffly.