Page 119 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

Milo touched it gingerly and flinched when it hurt, smiling like a masochist. Sure, maybe it meant he had a screw or two—or three—loose. But he liked that mark. That permanent impression of teeth pressed into his skin. A pleasant shiver ran down his spine at the thought of it.

He dabbed Phoenix Ash Balm on his wounds, careful not to put any medicine on his mating mark. He wanted the scar. The permanence of it. The proof that he belonged to⁠—

Behind him, the mattress creaked.

Grievance sat on the edge of the bed, looking like someone had just announced that Pumpkin Fest was canceled.

Milo’s giddy grin fell. “Stop it.”

Grievance’s eyes lifted. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Your face has been saying it for the last twenty minutes.”

His mate’s gaze dropped once more, settling on the bruises scattered across Milo’s skin.

The misery returned.

“Milo…”

“Grievance.”

“I hurt you.”

“You were drugged.”

“But I⁠—”

Milo rounded on him. “You. Were. Drugged.”

Grievance’s jaw tightened, and Milo sighed. They had already had this conversation. Twice in bed. Once while Milo made breakfast. Again while Grievance followed him around the apothecary like an enormous, guilt-ridden shadow.

And apparently they were going to have it for a fifth time. Milo crossed the room and stood between Grievance’s knees.

“Look at me.”

Those beautiful brown eyes reluctantly rose to his.

“You asked me.”

Grievance swallowed.

“Every time it mattered, you asked for my permission. And every time, I told you yes.”

“But—”

“No buts—unless it’s mine,” he said with a wink and was glad when it earned him the barest hint of a smile. Milo took the Chimera’s face between his hands.

“You didn’t choose to eat something laced with succubus venom. Rowen and Sadie made a spectacularly stupid mistake, and I reserve the right to be furious with them about it until at least next Pumpkin Festival.”

That earned another tiny twitch at the corner of Grievance’s mouth. Milo kissed it quickly.

“But I am not angry with you.”

Grievance’s hands settled carefully on Milo’s hips, almost as though he were afraid to squeeze.

Milo hated that. His mate was never this careful with him. Tender, yes. Protective, always. But this was fear. And Milo absolutely refused to let one silly accident make Grievance afraid of touching him.

So Milo leaned forward and kissed his forehead.