Page 140 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

“It was an accident,” Rowen continued solemnly. “A terrible, unfortunate, completely unintended accident.”

Sadie made a strangled noise.

“Sadie,” Rowen warned.

“Sorry.” She covered her mouth with both hands.

Rowen managed to maintain his composure for approximately three more seconds.

“Though, judging by Milo’s neck, I suppose some good came out of it.”

“ROWEN!” Sadie doubled over, her mirth bubbling like sticky-sweet syrup as both of them started snorting and hugging their stomachs.

Grievance’s gaze slid toward his mate, who had gone a brilliant shade of scarlet. He didn’t have to look hard to see the mating mark imprinted on his neck, only partially covered by the collar of his shirt.

Grievance felt a deep, possessive satisfaction curl through his chest at the sight of it. Had it not been for the incident, he might never have found the courage to ask for what he’d been quietly yearning for all this time. To ask Milo to accept his mark. To wear it proudly upon his skin. Another surge of pride swelled in his chest.

Perhaps he could forgive the bakers. Someday.

He looked at Sadie again, who was still laughing.

Grievance pointed at her. “You.”

Sadie straightened. “Me?”

“You did it.”

Her blue eyes widened innocently. “Did what?”

“You drugged me.”

“I would never.”

“Then why are you smiling?”

“I smile all the time.”

Grievance continued to glare at her feigned innocence while Rowen leaned across the counter to whisper to Milo, apparently forgetting that Grievance’s superior hearing caught every word anyway.

“So?”

“So what?” Milo said immediately, turning pink.

“C’mon. Tell me a little. Was it worth it?”

“Rowen.”

“Just asking—how many dicks does a dragon have?”

“Rowen!”

Grievance allowed himself a smile at the way his mate was flushing harder than the baker’s stupid hair.

Rowen caught it, and his eyes went wide as he looked back and forth between them.

“Oh, my gods! It was a joke, but did you really⁠—!?”

“WE ARE LEAVING.”