“What's this?”

I give the FedEx box a little shake, try to hide my amusement.

“I… slipped up,” she mutters, blushing and squirmy. “Ordered a case. I know you can't return them, I'm sorry...”

1000 sterile needles, sixteen-gauge, each wide enough to wound. Not a mistake at all.

I set the box down, pull her in close, let my smile shine wide. It only takes four to close her lips. Nine, if I'm feeling lavish and bloody.

“Oh, honey.” I stroke her cheek, pinching up a crinkle of flesh at the corner of her eye. “Today’ll be a good day.”