Page 43 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

“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.

“Come on. We have to go out.”

“Why?”

“We have traps to check.”

“Oh.”

He continued to look dejected.

“Buuuut,” Milo said, squeezing himself closer, “I don’t see why we can’t sneak into town for a bit. I bet the cider truck is up and running.”

That got his attention.

“Hot cider with cinnamon sticks and whipped cream on top,” Milo said more insistently.

Grievance considered. “And those little apple candies?”

“And the little apple pieces.”

Grievance sighed. “Fine.”

“I knew I could count on that sweet tooth to make you come around.”