Part 1The Kiss That Hurt

My brother found out I'd gotten my tongue pierced.

He didn't lose his temper. He simply caught my tongue between his fingers and refused to let me pull it back.

"Ryan Bennett, do you really like pain that much?"

I stared at him through watery eyes, a twisted sense of pleasure rising inside me.

But what he said next turned my blood to ice.

"If you like it so much," he said, his eyes frighteningly dark, "how about being my best man when I get married?"

* * *

The tongue piercing was my little secret.

The metal ball pressed against the roof of my mouth, constantly reminding me it was there.

It made me feel alive.

Especially whenever I looked at my older brother, Ethan Bennett.

I just hadn't expected him to find out so soon.

We were having dinner at home when he handed me a glass of water.

I reached for it, but he suddenly pulled it away.

"What's that shiny thing in your mouth?"

My heart nearly stopped.

"Nothing."

I tried to close my mouth, but it was too late.

His expression didn't change, but his eyes turned cold.

"Come here."

As if under a spell, I obediently walked over.

He reached out and gripped my chin.

"Stick out your tongue."

My tongue obeyed before I could stop myself.

The silver stud was right there for him to see.

Then his fingers slipped into my mouth.

Warm. Slightly calloused.

He caught my tongue between them.

His grip was firm enough that I couldn't close my mouth.

"When did you get this?" he asked quietly.

I couldn't answer. Saliva gathered uncontrollably in my mouth and trickled down the corner of my lips.

He stared at me, his eyes dark and unreadable.

"Ryan Bennett, do you really like pain that much?"