Chapter 48
Chapter
Forty-Eight
WREN
“ I ’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Matteo doesn’t know you planned on getting something done today,” Aldo says as he parallel parks the car in front of Black Raven Ink.
It’s not in the best part of town, but it’s also known that Ink from the Dirty Devils MC owns it, so no one has the balls to mess with anything immediately around it. I’d be worried about this Bentley getting its wheels stolen if that wasn’t the case.
“No, he does not. I would appreciate it if this stays between us.” I level my gaze at him.
“He’s going to find out.”
“I know. But I’ll cross that bridge when it comes. Plus, I like it when he gets all… feisty,” I say as I wiggle my eyebrows.
“And that’s enough of that,” Aldo says, ending the conversation as he climbs out of the car.
Black Raven Ink sits on the corner of the block. But my favorite thing about it is that the corner of the building is rounded with a giant floor-to-ceiling window with a black raven stained on the glass. It’s fucking gorgeous and unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
“I see you brought your guard dog with you, darlin’,” Ink greets as Aldo follows me inside.
“Did you really think I would be able to go anywhere without one?” At this point, I’m lucky I’m able to use the restroom by myself.
“Very fucking funny,” Aldo grumbles. “I’m not her guard dog. Matteo would just have my ass if he found out she went anywhere unattended.”
I snort. “You can say whatever you want, but a coochie is still a coochie.”
“I don’t think that’s how that saying goes,” Aldo says.
“Sure it is.” I smirk. “Is Delaney here yet?” I barely get the question out before Delaney is waltzing in through the door.
“Happy Birthday, bitch!” She screams, making us all wince. “I brought champagne!” She waves the bottle around on her way to hug me.
“Which you two will have after your tattoos,” Ink says as he comes up behind Delaney, reaching over her shoulder and taking the waving bottle right out of her hand.
“Aww, come on, Ink. Don’t be a party pooper.” Delaney pouts.
“Sorry, darlin’. It thins your blood and makes you bleed too much. I’m not about the basement lookin’ tattoo life.” Ink places it in the mini-fridge behind the reception desk. “We’ll pop it after for the birthday girl.”
Which is fair. Some of the guys who come into DD’s have tattoos that they got before Ink came around, and they’re bad—so, so bad .
“What happened to Heather?” I ask, noticing for the first time since I got here that there wasn’t anyone sitting behind it.
“I thought her name was Brittany?” Delaney asks.
“Was it? I always tried to tune her out whenever she came into DD’s because her voice sounded like Fran from The Nanny.” I’m cringing just thinking about it. I still don't understand why Ink hired her. When I asked him about it, he just said she had big tits. But even big titties wouldn’t even be able to distract me from how fucking annoying she sounded.
“I’m pretty sure.” Delaney nods. “I remember her shoving those fake tatas in Cyrus’ face, telling him it turns her on when guys take a shot out of them at DD’s one night.”
“That was a wild fucking night.” And she was all over every single one of the guys.
“Ain’t that the truth, bitch,” she agrees.
“Her name was Molly, and she stopped showin’ up for work. Haven’t heard from her, so I took that as she’s done,” Ink says, leaning over the desk. “So, what are we doin’ today?”
I glance back at Aldo, hoping to find him distracted by the random decor around the shop, but I’m left disappointed. His eyes are glued to where all three of us are standing.
“This stays between us, so make sure your wind flaps are sealed.” I point my finger at him.
“Oh, this is going to be fucking good.” Aldo laughs as he takes a seat and relaxes back. “Please, carry on.” He waves his hand out as an amused expression takes over his face, crossing his legs the way all of the hot guys in suits do. “I’m just here to enjoy the show.”
“Glad to know you aren’t a snitch,” I say before turning back to Ink.
“Whoa, darlin’.” Ink takes a few steps back with his hands up as my hands start to lift up my shirt. “You’re fuckin’ gorgeous, and six months ago, I would have loved to see it all, but it is not one of my goals in life to be on Matteo’s shit list.”
Ink had wanted to see me naked? Hm, I can’t say I wouldn’t have climbed him like a fucking tree if I had the chance back then. Not now, though. My stupid heart can’t get on board with my brain that this whole thing with Matteo is probably only going to end in heartache. I know some people will think I’ve lost my mind for getting this tattoo, but I know nothing will ever compare to what’s going on between us. I want something to stay with me when I go.
“I’m not taking my clothes off, perv.” I roll my eyes because, honestly, why do guys only think with their dicks? “My design is already on me.”
An intrigued Ink steps out from around the desk, eyes zeroed in on the tiny strip of skin I showed before he stopped me as I continue lifting my shirt up slightly and the top of my black leggings down just below my hip.
Ink’s gaze shoots up to me, eyebrows raised as he blows a low whistle. “I knew you were a freak. Cyrus owes me twenty bucks.”
That has my eyebrows going up. “Excuse me?”
Were they seriously taking bets on whether I was a freak or not?
“What?” Ink innocently shrugs his shoulders. “Cyrus thought you would be a pillow princess, but I knew that wasn’t the case. You’re definitely a cowgirl.”
Jesus fucking Christ.
“I can’t with you two.” I let out a laugh as I shake my head. “You’re lucky I love you.”
“So you and Matteo did the dirty, rough style? Must have been pretty fuckin’ good to want a souvenir.” Inks smirks. “Let’s fuckin’ do it.”
Ink leads me back to his chair, which he already has set up. He didn’t bother with making a stencil since the outline Delaney had drawn in Sharpie is still visible. I know the realism style Ink tattoos in is going to make this whole idea come to life. I just hope Matteo loves it as much as I do.
Ink isn’t a talker when he works. He turned on an early 2000s rock station as he got to work. The very faint noise of the tattoo gun is so relaxing and calming to me. The light prick of the needle going into the skin is almost comforting in its own way.
“I can’t believe out of all of the years I’ve been hounding you to let me put some ink on you, darlin’, it’s this.” Ink shakes his head as he wipes the tattoo. “Not gonna lie, I thought your first one would be something more…emo.”
Emo? What are we in high school? “What exactly is an emo tattoo?” I ask, trying not to laugh or make any sudden movements.
Ink laughs. “I don’t know… some bats or some shit.”
“Sorry to disappoint,” I say, sarcasm lacing my tone.
“You and Delaney never disappoint. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more entertaining duo.” Ink studies the tattoo. “Let me just add some highlights with white, and we’ll be done.”
I hiss at the first stroke.
Holy shit, that stings.
“The highlights hurt like a bitch. I’ll try to go fast.”
Twenty minutes later, and we’re done. Ink cleans it off before putting the second skin on.
“Those look so good!” Delaney squeals. “Matteo is going to fucking lose it when he sees those. If he doesn’t go all alpha male on you in the bedroom, I’m going to be very disappointed in him.”
You and me both, bitch.