Page 126 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

Milo caught his wrist.

“No. Don’t. You’re not allowed to go back to being a pouty—I’m sorry, broody—Chimera.”

Grievance’s eyes lifted to his. “You haven’t put any Ash Balm on this wound.”

Milo shrugged. “I want to keep this one. I don’t want it to heal completely.”

Something changed in Grievance’s expression. Pleasure, unmistakably—but tangled with that lingering guilt Milo had been trying to chase out of him all day.

“Milo…”

“I said, don’t worry about it.” Milo softened his voice. “I want this one, Grievance.”

He guided Grievance’s hand back to the bandage. “It marks me as yours.”

Grievance went very still. Then his gaze dropped to Milo’s neck again, and a small, terribly pleased smile tugged at his mouth despite himself.

“Then it is only right that you mark me, too.”

Milo blinked. “What?”

Grievance tipped his head, offering his neck with complete sincerity. “I am equally yours as you are mine.”

Warmth bloomed through Milo’s chest.

Holy Lantern… this ridiculous monster.

“I can’t bite you, Grievance. My teeth are too blunt. I’d have to take an actual chunk out of you.”

“I would happily endure it.”

“I know you would. That’s the problem.”

Grievance seemed prepared to argue. Then Milo’s gaze drifted upward. To his ear.

“I have a better idea.”

“What is it?”

“One that involves a sterilized needle and your ear.”

Grievance’s brows came together in a concerned but excited expression. Milo laughed and took his hand.

“Come on. Last trap first.”

Grievance allowed himself to be tugged along, looking altogether too pleased with the prospect of whatever Milo intended to do to his ear once they got home.

Unfortunately, the final trap was also looted of bait and completely empty.

“Long arms?” Grievance offered.

“You think you’re so funny.”

But Milo was laughing.

By the time they returned to the cottage, Milo had decided there was at least one thing he could accomplish successfully today.

“Ready?”