Page 92 of Hero Worship

Worth it, though. So incredibly worth it.

Cherry Bombz smelled likeincense and antiseptic, an oddly comforting combination that reminded me of the family funeral home. The walls were covered in flash art ranging from traditional Americana to some of Eli’s darker pop punk pieces. Display cases showed off an impressive array of body jewelry.

Eli lounged behind the counter, working on a sketch. When we entered, he looked up with a big grin. “There’s my favorite disaster queer.” He came around the counter to pull me into a friendly hug. “Ready to join the pierced dick club?”

I laughed, but my stomach fluttered with nerves. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Nervous?”

I shrugged. “A little.”

“Well, don’t be.” He slung an arm around my shoulders. “Best decision I ever made. Aside from leaving that cannibalistic cult, of course. Sir loves it, and the pain isn’t as bad as you’d expect. Actually, you’ve already done one of the most painful piercings. Nipples are theworst. And you’re in good hands with Ketchup as long as your daddy listens to the rules about healing times.”

Ash smiled. “I take good care of what belongs to me.”

“So I hear,” Eli said, grin widening. Then he put a hand to his mouth and called, “Yo, Ketchup. Your two o’clock is here!”

A heavily tattooed man with vivid red hair poked his head out of a small cubicle in the back. Ketchup might’ve looked intimidating, but he was about as scary as a teddy bear. “Hey, man! Good to see you again. Come on back.”

Ash’s grip tightened slightly on my hip as we went back to the little booth where Ketchup was waiting. My heart raced. Eli had told me it’d just be a quick pinch, but I couldn’t shake the nerves.

“Hey, Xander,” Ketchup greeted again. “How are those nipple piercings doing? All healed up?”

“They’re perfect,” I beamed. “Healed up just like you said.”

“Awesome.” Ketchup slid his stool over to a sink and washed his hands before sliding on a pair of nitrile gloves. “So, we’re doing a Prince Albert today, right? Same gauge we discussed?”

I nodded, watching him lay out all his tools.

“Sweet.” Ketchup said. “Cherry ordered in that black titanium ring you wanted. Really fucking nice piece. Nicer than half the stuff that comes in here. Expensive too.” He held up the ring. “This is the same material as your nipples, so you shouldn’t have any trouble tolerating it. If you do, same deal. Call me, day or night. We’ll get you fixed up.”

“Look at you getting all fancy,” Eli teased from where he was still leaning against the desk. “I just got basic surgical steel.”

“That’s because you’re a basic bitch,” I teased back.

He sighed. “Guilty.”

Ketchup launched into a detailed explanation of aftercare, healing times, and cleaning procedures. I tried to focus, but my attention kept drifting to the instruments laid out on the tray. My mind drifted back to that night in Paris with Roche laid out on a table, all the tools I’d used to cut into him…

“Any questions?” Ketchup suddenly asked.

I blinked, the transition from past to present still jarring. “Um.” I glanced up at Ash, who’d been listening to every word.

“Just one,” Ash said. “I know you said six to eight weeks before any sexual activity. How will we know?”

“Basically if there’s no pain or bleeding and everything passes a good visual inspection,” Ketchup said. “And if you have questions, just come by for a consult. Follow-ups are free. But trust me when I say you don’t want to rush it. Not unless you want Cherry to hunt you down. She gets scary when people don’t follow aftercare instructions.”

“Won’t be a problem,” Ash said. “I’m very good at following the rules when I want to.”

“Alrighty then,” Ketchup said. “You ready?”

I took a deep breath and nodded. “Ready.”

Ketchup gestured to the padded reclining chair. “Get comfy while I finish the prep. You can leave your shirt on if you want, but everything below the waist has to come off. Just drape this towel over your lap until we’re ready to start.” He handed me a clean white towel.

Eli ducked out to give us some privacy while I settled into the chair. My hands shook slightly as I slipped off my skirt and lace panties, handing them over to Ash. He took my clothes, folded them neatly, and set them aside before returning to stand by my head.

“Good to go?” Ketchup asked, reaching to adjust the light.

---