“Blood sugar,” Will said, snapping on a pair of gloves. “Once you’ve finished those, step into my piercing room, please. But make sure you’re feeling steady. I don’t want anyone passing out.”

“Bay says that happens a lot,” Lou said into my back. “People passing out.”

“He’s not lying.” Will’s voice floated out from the room, along with the sound of drawers opening and him moving around. “Most of the time it’s the person watching.”

“The things I have mopped up in that room,” I whispered to Lou, “would horrify you.”

“I work with animals. If you want to play the gross-out game, I’ll win.” She gave me a squeeze. “Can I let go of you and drink the juice?”

I reluctantly released my hold, handing her the shirt she’d discarded onto the desk. Or I meant to. The material ended up fisted in my hand. I’d sweated while repelling Eva. A lot. Which I’d known, but what I hadn’t anticipated was that Lou was wearing a light pink cotton bra. She’d been pressed tight against me. The damp material was now see-through. I could see Lou’s nipples and I hadn’t been prepared for it. A fierce bolt of lust went through me and rang my bell. Maybe it was the low blood sugar, but I swear for a second I saw actual stars.

Lou held a juice box in one hand, the other extended to take her shirt. When I didn’t release it, she looked at me, her eyebrows raised. “You okay?’

I’ll admit that I whimpered a little.

Lou looked down, saw her bra, and grimaced. “Gross.” She peered up at me. “Please tell me you’re not turned on by this.” She pointed at her bra. “It’s like a wet T-shirt contest, but with sweat. That’s not sexy.”

I stepped close, until she was so near me, I could feel the heat of her skin. “Yeah?” My voice had dropped to a growl, but I wasn’t angry. “Then tell me.” I breathed her in, letting the scent of her soothe me. Her pulse fluttered at the base of her throat. “Tell me you don’t want to touch me right now.” I leaned back until I could look her in the eye. “Because I’ll know if you’re lying.”

A shuddery breath escaped Lou. “Fine. You win.” She snatched my shirt from me. “But we’re not talking about this now.”

I nodded, stepping back. She was right. Not the time. But we’d need to discuss where we stood again. Soon.

Lou pulled on her shirt with unsteady hands. “What are you doing, Will?”

“Setting up. You and Declan need my services.”

“We do?” Lou peeked into the piercing room.

Will’s head popped out. “You do.” He pointed at the remaining juice box. “Drink. Then we’ll talk.”

Lou was already going into the room. “What are you thinking?”

“We do a protection ceremony. It won’t be foolproof, but it will help.”

I considered this while I drank the juice. “Will—”

He pointed a gloved finger at me. “I know that tone. Forget it. I’m not charging either of you. I’ll talk to Bay about it tomorrow. The shop can eat the jewelry and supply fee.”