Page 55 of Imperfect Skin

“Thank you. It felt good to finish the piece, and talking to Simon was something I had to do. And it didn’t go as badly as I thought it would.”

I held him against me. We’d have to get back to work soon, but for a moment I got to enjoy this. “Hmm. When we get home you get to pick two things from your reward list.”

We’d spent part of Sunday banging out a reward and punishment list. As far as Mouse was concerned it had way too many punishments, but I disagreed. His rewards ranged from extra time to play his video games to a nice ouchie-session with my vampire gloves, and everything in between.

Mouse looked up at me hopefully. “Can I get extra time playing Diablo III with Rhys tonight? We’re going to do a Greater Rift run and bedtime is going to get in the way, and I’m so close to getting the season’s rewards, Daddy.”

“I think that’s doable. What about your second reward?”

Mouse wiggled in my lap, giving a breathless chuckle when I tickled his side. He pushed his face against my neck and hummed as he thought.

“I want you to fuck me while I’m still caged, and not take it off me no matter how much I beg.”

I buried my face against Mouse’s hair. Jesus, this boy knew how to get to me already. “That sounds like a perfect way to end the day. So, no coming?”

Mouse shook his head. “Nope. And you might have to gag me so I don’t wake Alice. I’m very loud when I want something badly.”

I gave a breathless sort of laugh. “You’re my perfect little Mouse.” I pressed a kiss to his cheek. “We’d better get back into the shop. I’ll finish making these cuppas and bring them out, and you can finish up that design you’re working on.”

“What do you want the designs for?”

“Well, I thought that you might like to come with me to the Steel and Skin expo in Glasgow next month, and whichever design I like best, you can put on me.”

Mouse rocked back in my arms, his beautiful, brown eyes wide in shock. “That—holy fuck, that’s—” He lunged forwards and kissed me hard before pulling back and grinning. “You know, I’ve always been jealous when you and Simon headed off to those big events. I can’t believe you want me to come, and to ink you.”

“Been planning on inviting you for a while. You earned your spot, lamb. Your work has been amazing and it’s time to show it off. Besides, I heard there was going to be an extreme-piercing showcase and a suspension display.”

“Oh man, that sounds amazing. But what about Alice? I don’t want her to feel like I’m taking her dad’s attention and time away.” Mouse settled back down in my lap, looking thoughtfully at his hands.

“She won’t feel like that, and you’re not. I know it’s a valid fear, but I promise my heart is big enough for the both of you to fit. You’re both going to give me extra grey hairs I’m sure, but I love it.”

“Your silver hairs are sexy as fuck. And okay, but I think we need to sit and have a proper talk with her. Tonight, maybe.”

“Okay, I trust you.” The bell over the shop door tinkled. “I’d better get out there. We don’t want to leave Simon alone with customers too long. Mind you, he’s not the one who calls them pretentious wankers.”

Mouse smirked. “Nah. He just glares at them. Only time he’s not growly is when he’s cuddling Rhys.”

I squeezed Mouse gently. “Funny how that works.”

Nineteen

MOUSE

“You want to sit down?” Rhys nervously pointed to the old sofa that was one of the few things left in the flat. He and Simon had moved most of their gear up to Tulip Cottage a month ago.

“Come here and give me a hug.” I couldn’t stand to see Rhys looking so unsure. He was my best friend, and I hated that I’d put him in a position where he felt I was in danger.

Rhys just about threw himself at me, and thankfully I was ready. “I thought you were going to be so pissed with me, but I was so damn worried,” he cried against my shoulder.

Rhys was crying, and it was my fault. “I’m not angry with you.”

Rhys looked up and snorted. “You suck at lying.”

“Okay, I was a little bit pissed, but not really at you. You’re my best friend.” I hugged him tighter.

He gave me a wobbly smile. “I got us some snacks, and I’ve got some cans of pop in the fridge. I’m not supposed to drink fizzy drinks during the week, but we deserve it.”

I laughed, letting Rhys go and following him into the small kitchen.

---