Page 51 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

“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.

Their mouths met. Softly at first. One kiss. Then another. Grievance’s nose brushed Milo’s as they parted, only for Milo to chase his mouth and kiss him again. The emerald bumped lightly against Milo’s fingers when he cupped Grievance’s face.

My mark.

Milo smiled against his lips. Grievance did, too.

For a little while, Milo forgot all about empty traps and stolen bait and mysterious patches of ice.

Eventually, though, responsibility came crawling back. Milo groaned and rested his forehead against Grievance’s.

“You know, if we check those traps tomorrow morning and still have nothing, Hobbs is going to make us attend the emergency festival meeting.”

Grievance let out a heavy groan, head falling back in dismay.

“I refuse. I won’t go.”

“You have to. All business owners are required.”

“I can’t listen to another hour-long monologue about preventative firework safety.”

“She’ll hunt us down and come to the apothecary.”

“I’ll turn into a Thunderhawk and fly away.”