I step behind the changing partition, strip my lower half, and wrap a white sheet around my waist.The intensity in Sebastian’s deep brown eyes as I return to the main part of the room scorches my insides.
Confusion joins his hunger when I turn on the sink.After thoroughly scrubbing up to my elbows, I pat dry and pull on gloves.
My mentor smiles, leans back against the counter, and nods.I reach for the kit.
“She’s not piercing you?”Sebastian asks.
“No.I pierce myself.”
“What?”
I smile at the alarm and intrigue in his voice, but hide my amusement before turning to face him.
“I don’t know how to explain this.Peter and I have a saying: better safe than sick.Technically I don’t need to have an internship here, nor do I need a tattoo license because I never intend to tattoo anyone except myself, but the best way to ensure I know what I’m doing is to learn from the professionals.”
He leans forward and props his elbows on his knees.I straighten my spine so I don’t melt into a puddle of goo as he gives me his full attention.
“The piercings and tattoos aren’t about looks or lifestyle or any of the other reasons most people think.I…” I pause, searching for the right words.“Piercing was safer than cutting.”His brows shoot up in concern, so I rush onward, “And I didn’t really want to die, I just… I needed control back.I needed to own my pain instead of letting my bullies win, but I can’t do that if I get an infection or cause nerve damage or—”
Fear tightens my throat as he rises to his impressive height.He stalks toward me and cups my face in his hands.
“I’m so fucking proud of you, Penelope,” he says.
The ground drops out from under my feet.My stomach freefalls.Only his hands on my face root me in place.
“You went through so much shit, but you never gave up.You’re the most resilient, practical, and true-to-yourself person I’ve ever known, and I’m honored you trust me to be here,” he says.
My breath hitches.He bends down until his forehead touches mine.Wonder flows through me at the slight trembling of his hands.
“This is sacred to you,” he whispers.“It’s part of your healing process andyou invited me in.Thank you.”
I lift my chin and kiss him.He hums and pulls back before I take it too far.
“What if I want more than just inviting you in?”I ask.
“What do you mean?”
“Will you pierce me?”
Time stands still as I wait for his response.When the silence holds too much tension, I lose my nerves and ramble.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to.This is sudden and a really weird request, but I figured since I took one of your firsts, I could give you this as one of my firsts, and you’re the only person I’m ever going to want to give control of my pain to, so—”
He growls and closes his teeth gently around my lip ring.A whimper escapes my throat.He swirls his tongue around my trapped flesh before opening his mouth and kissing me with such fervor my head spins.
When he peppers the corners of my mouth and my cheeks, nose, and facial piercings with reverent kisses, I fight against a wave of tears.
“Is it safe for me to pierce you?”His warm breath washes over my lips.“I’ve never done anything like this before,” he admits.
My nipples throb in time with my heartbeat.
“That’s why she’s here, to make sure we’re safe.She already checked my anatomy and approved the location.”
His tortured half-growl, half-groan seizes my core.
“Where am I piercing you, sweet pea?”
“My outer left labia,” I whisper.
