“Like forearm veins, my interests spread in different directions and eventually led to the hands, to writing.”

“My mother always says that love is like a snakebite, a venom slowly spreading through your veins.”

“The ache starts in my chest and spreads through my veins. The abuse I can handle; it's the happiness that cripples.”

“My eyes trail from his hand to the tattoo written in small script across his forearm. Hopeless”

“Without thinking, I moved again, reaching out and touching the handresting near my thigh. Call it an experiment, but I wanted to see what would happenSeth’s head whipped in my direction. “What are you doing?”“Nothing.” And nothing was what happened. Confused, I wrapped my fingers around his.“Doesn’t look like nothing,” His eyes narrowed on me.“I guess so.” Giving up on my impromptu test, I lifted my hand. “Shouldn’t you be—” Whatever I was about to say died on my lips. Incredibly fast, Seth grabbed my hand and threaded his fingers through mine.“Is this what you wanted?” he asked, ever so casually.It happened. Being so close to him this time, I could see where the markings came from. The thick veins in his handwere the first to darken, branching out before spreading up his arm. Mesmerized, I watched the inky tats cover every piece of exposed skin. Before my eyes, they shifted away from his veins, swirling around his skin. Breaking off into different designs as he—we—continued to hold hands.”

“Are you a lefty?" he asked with amiable interest."No. But if this hand gets bitten off, I'll still have my good one to write with.”