Page 125 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

“I have heard you MythFolk sing. You should really leave it to the sirens.”

“It’s a traditional hymn!”

“I know.”

“That choir has been practicing for weeks.”

“That makes it worse.”

“Mrs. Bramblethorn has been teaching it for forty-three years.”

“Then she has much to answer for.”

Milo shoved him, and Grievance good-naturedly pretended to stumble.

“That is exactly why we need to take this seriously!”

“I am taking it very seriously.” Grievance caught Milo around the waist before he could retreat. “I can’t wait for this year’s rendition of a sacred hymn meant to usher in the harvest moon. What is the theme this year? Jazzy Disney?”

“You’re an ass.”

“And yet you continue to indulge me.”

“I’m clearly overcome by your animal magnetism.”

“Mmm.” Grievance hummed. “A sensible explanation.”

Milo tried to hold onto his glare. He really did. Then Grievance smiled.

Bastard.

Milo grabbed the front of his vest and pulled him down.

Their kiss was supposed to be quick. Just enough to wipe that smug expression off his mate’s face.

Instead, Grievance hummed against his mouth and tightened his arms around Milo’s waist, and suddenly Milo was smiling into the kiss like an idiot. Grievance kissed the corner of his mouth, then his cheek, then tried for another when Milo turned away laughing.

“No. Absolutely not. We have work to do.”

“One more.”

“You always say that and it never is!”

“It will be this time, promise.”

“Liar.”

Grievance kissed him again, and of course—again. Milo snorted and finally managed to wriggle free.

“We have work to do,” Milo reminded him.

“Yes. Let’s check the last trap, then when we get home—I can tend to this.”

Grievance’s fingers brushed lightly over the bandage at Milo’s neck.

Milo stilled.

The humor faded from Grievance’s face almost instantly. His thumb hovered at the edge of the dressing, careful not to press against the tender skin beneath it.