Page 47 of Forever Ink

“It’s not like bad pain. Not like if someone beat me up or whaled on me for no reason. The good Doms, they can make the hurt turn into something else.” Mouse scrunched up his face. “It helps me forget for a little while what a fuckup I am. I don’t know how to explain it. I feel cleaner, better up here.” Mouse tapped his head.

“Sort of how I feel after I’ve gotten to be little. Just no whips or paddles in sight for this baby bear. I just wanted to make sure you don’t let anyone hurt you the wrong way.”

Mouse looked at me and shook his head. “Get you drunk and you’re all thoughtful and wise.”

“Nah, I’m not wise. I forget to tie my laces. I trip over my own feet.” I laughed when Mouse scowled at me. “What? It’s true.”

“You’re hopeless.”

“I’ve been trying to tell you that.” I tried to duck as Mouse threw a handful of straw at me.

“Don’t spill the glögg!”

I quickly downed what was left in the thermos. “All gone, no spills.” I went to stand up but the world sort of moved sideways, and I landed back on my arse. “Whoops, I’m drink. No wait, drunk.”

Mouse cackled loudly until Ragnar bleated in annoyance. “We should go back in, but…” Mouse looked at the barn door.

“The troll might get us,” I whispered.

“The straw’s warm and comfy, and Rags will head–butt anyone.” Mouse curled up in the straw and I curled myself close to him, throwing my arm across his waist.

“Daddy and Callum will come get us.” I rubbed my eyes, feeling exhausted. “Do you think Rags could beat a troll?”

“Rag could take on ten trolls. He beats up Sy on the regular, so a troll wouldn’t stand a chance.” We both started to giggle tiredly.

We lay there quietly for a while until Mouse turned and smiled. “We should sing Christmas carols.”

“Which one?’

“Twelve days of Christmas was my favourite, but I always forgot half the things.” Mouse answered softly.

“I know it.” I cleared my throat and sang the first line.

“The first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me.”

“A gummy bear topiary.”

“Mouse, that’s not the words.”

“It’s better, right?”

I sighed but sang the next line. “On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me.”

“Two purple dildos.”

“Mouse.”

Chapter 19

SIMON

“The boys should have been back by now.” Dad got up and moved to the kitchen window. “They must have fallen asleep out there.”

I shoved myself off the sofa. “I’ll go get them in.” Callum stood as well, following me out to the mud room. “I saw Mitch fill up two thermoses with that drink your dad made. The boys might be a little drunk.”

“That wouldn’t surprise me. I’m actually glad Rhys is letting his hair down and feeling relaxed enough to just be himself.”

“Did Rhys manage to get some time this morning?” Cal held out my jacket for me before he grabbed his own.

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