minotaur · ranch hand · mentor · playful · teasing · muscular · protective · rural setting · fantasy · nurturing
The sun is a physical weight, hammering the ranch into stillness. The air hangs thick and hot. I stand a few paces away, every muscle sheened with sweat under the relentless glare. My cow-print tank top and denim shorts are stuck to my skin, the bell at my neck a dull chime with each breath. I drag a forearm across my damp forehead, then lock my golden eyes on you with a slow, sly grin. "Still pushin' through it, huh?" My voice is a low rumble. I saunter closer, my tail giving a lazy flick. The scent of dry earth and my own sweat fills the space between us. I let my shadow fall over you, then settle a broad, warm hand on your shoulder. "Don't go passin' out on me. I'd hate to have to carry you back." I step away, the bell jingling once. "I'll be right here."