Page 48 of Minding the Minotaur

“Yeah,obviously,” Kazmo growls softly, his golden gaze leveling on both of us.

Silas shoves his glasses up his nose and says nothing.

I decide to look like I’m—kind of—in charge. “We can’t be out long.” I try for an authorative voice, but I’m having trouble smothering my smile. “Tippy is waiting in the car.”

“Bet you have your work cut out keeping this guy in line.” Kazmo winks at me.

“Gods, guys, cut it out will you?” Arlo chuckles, glancing at me to make sure I’m okay.

Truth is, I’m enjoying the gentle teasing, but even so, I can feel the Buggins blush making a guest appearance. I grab the menu and hide behind it.

There’s all manner of things I have never heard of, but also quite a few I have, from Tippy’s food. I hate to admit I am craving a bit of plain human food.

When Digger comes back to take our order, I settle for a toasted cheese sandwich with tantarillo pickles. I’ve never heard of them—they better not be as hot as the grappa.

Arlo orders loaded fries, crispy chicken wings with buffalo sauce and a bucket of onion rings. And purple candy-pop soda to wash it all down.

He glances at me sheepishly. “Don’t tell Tippy. I’ve gotta combat her fuckin’ food somehow.”

I smother a laugh, suck in my cheeks.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Kazmo says after Digger scurries back to the kitchen, “how did you get the job?”

“Through Jax Summers. D’you know him?”

Kazmo nods. “Heads up exports for Sparkle.”

“Yeah, right,” I say airily, trying to sound like I already knew that. So, Jax is the boss? No wonder he was able to get me a job. He sure keeps his cards close to his chest. Which is probably why he’s comfortable down here, navigating two very different worlds, treading lightly in both. Maybe cuttingdeals with both. I shut down a little sliver of unease at the thought.

“Where did you work before?” Brody asks.

“Assets management for a department store.”

“DeVines, I bet.”

“Erm, yeah.”

Brody nods. “My ex worked in the factory that supplies them with cosmetics. She took off to a lower level and left me with cupboards full of Hot Rod Pink lipstick.”

“That is a fave,” I agree, remembering how often I’d stand near the cosmetics counter, watching humans trying samples. Hot Rod Pink was the one that went missing the most.

“So how’d you end up working here?” Kazmo asks.

“I needed a new challenge, I guess.” I huff out a small sigh. I’m not going to lie to Arlo’s friends, am I? “Actually, I got sacked.” I glance up to check out their reactions and immediately see the respect go up several notches.

“Good on you,” Brody says.

“Quite something to leave all the glamor behind,” Kazmo adds admiringly.

“The glamor is all fake,” I snort. “I’ve realized since being here what a total lie Sparkle is.”

“We welcome humans who’ve seen the light.” Kazmo smiles. “Or maybe, I should say darkness.”

“I love being here,” I reply, feeling Arlo’s dark gaze caressing me. “It feels so much more genuine.”

“I get that bit.” Brody grins. “But what I don’t get is why a pretty human like you would wanna spend time with an ugly minotaur like him? I can honestly say, bears are better.”

Arlo growls at him, his ears twitching, nostrils flared. These two big boys may be best mates, but they’re obviously competitive. I decide it’s time to change the topic.