Page 127 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

Grievance sat perfectly still at the apothecary counter, looking almost insulted by the question.

“My love, I have been impaled by objects considerably larger than that needle.”

“Yes, well, so have I, but you don’t hear me bragging about it.”

He took a shaky breath and tried to ignore the sultry look his mate was giving him.

“And I’m not used to being the one doing the impaling, so kindly let me be nervous.”

Grievance’s mouth twitched. Milo glared at him.

“Stop smiling.”

“I am not.”

“You are.”

“I am sitting very still.”

“Thank you.”

“A willing and obedient test subject.”

“You are not a test— Shut up. Do you want me to do this or not? Close your eyes; I can’t do it with you watching me.”

Grievance relented and closed his eyes, but not before rolling them so hard it was a miracle they didn’t get stuck there. Milo steadied his hand and pushed the heated needle through the marked spot on Grievance’s earlobe.

Grievance didn’t even flinch.

“There.” Milo exhaled. “Done.”

He carefully fastened the earring into place.

The emerald hung from Grievance’s lobe, flashing a rich green hue, like bottled forestlight, whenever he moved his head.

Milo smiled. It looked even better than he’d imagined. More importantly, Grievance couldn’t stop smiling. He kept touching it, turning his head this way and that to admire himself in the standing mirror Milo had propped on the counter.

“That is my mark on you.” Milo touched the emerald gently. “As your mate.”

Grievance reached for him, and Milo went willingly, settling between his spread knees as those enormous hands found his waist.

“I like your mark.”

“Yeah?”

“Very much.”

Grievance tilted his head, making the emerald sway.

Milo laughed. “You’re showing it off now.”

“Absolutely, I am. I would not want my mate’s hard work to go unappreciated.”

“How thoughtful of you.”

“I am known for my selflessness.”

Milo snorted, but Grievance was already pulling him closer.