Page 91 of Thorn Evermore
“Oh no, Ky,” she says. “Have lunch with your man.”
“We can all have lunch together,” I offer. “If Sandra’s okay with that.”
She smiles, and I feel her resistance struggling to stay in place. She doesn’t want to trust me yet, but she can’t help it. I have that effect on people.
“Yeah, sure,” she says. “We can get to know each other better.”
“Perfect.”
I pull Kyson into my arms, kissing him so hard he moans. When I release him, his cheeks are pink. He clears his throat, pushing up glasses that aren’t there anymore.
“That’s what it is,” Sandra says. “You’re not wearing glasses. You got contacts?”
“Oh, um, yes,” Kyson answers.
“Cute.”
Sandra walks off, leaving us alone for a moment.
“If Neal fucks up, just wish for me and I’ll be here.”
Kyson nods. “If I could handle him before, I can handle him now.”
“Yes, but remember, my love, if he angers you now, your beast may appear.”
“Oh. Right.”
“I’ll see you in a few hours. I love you.” I grin as the words leave my lips so easily. “Gods, I never thought I would say those words to another and mean them the way I do with you.”
He rises on his toes, stealing another kiss. “You’re the first man who’s interested me more than my work.”
“Tell me you love me. I want to hear it.”
His expression grows serious. “I love you, Thorn, and now I know what it really means to love.”
“Mm. Music to my ears.”
I make it across town to my appointment just in time. I found the shop yesterday while Kyson rested and put in a same-day rush order. It costs more than it should, but he’s worth it.
When I step inside, a petite man steps out from behind a half wall. He’s wearing full makeup and a latex bodysuit in a deep purple color. His short white hair and dark skin create an appealing contrast, but he gazes at me with passive eyes.
“May I help you?” he asks, revealing some kind of accent. Australian maybe.
“I have an appointment with Jensen.”
“Ah. You must be Thorn Orpheus.”
“That’s me.”
His demeanor shifts, becoming much warmer. “Jensen is setting up the studio and equipment now. Would you like coffee or water?”
“Nah, I’m good. What’s your name?”
“Benedict.”
“Nice to meet you.”
He nods, his eyes roaming over me. “You too. I think I’ve seen you before. Do you hang out downtown sometimes?”