Chapter 8
Eight
JAMIE
Irespect women; I really, really fucking do. But when women don't respect me and are toeing the line of sexual harassment, my manners start to slip.
"Get your fuckin' tits off my shoulder."
I'm putting some blame on all the gruff biker guys I tattoo. Those men are assholes, and it might be rubbing off on me, but damn are they good to have on hand.
"What do you mean?" I wish the buzzing sound of my gun was loud enough to cover the cringy ass whine coming from the brunette in my chair.
Leaning back removes her unwanted touch, and focusing on patching up her fresh ink helps me ignore the batting of her fake ass eyelashes.
I taught myself a long time ago not to judge what other people get tattooed on their bodies, but when young chicks with no sense of self respect waltz in and demand a tattoo I've done a million times for women who look just like her.
..yeah, holding my judgment back is hard.
"You may remove the bandage in two hours. Keep it clean, wash with gentle soaps, and Aquaphor is good to keep it from drying out. Any questions you have will most likely be answered in the packet Jake at the front desk will give you when you pay."
The brunette gapes at me like she's shocked I'm not sucking on her pushup bra or some shit.
"Any other questions, you can call the front desk," I continue while I open the door and head out into the lobby.
I know she's following me because I can hear her huffing like a petulant child.
Jake makes eye contact with me and smirks.
He's young, and I hired him as a favor for the local MC.
He's a prospect in need of some real-world work before he starts doing the illegal shit.
I have no clue really, but the kid is fucking hilarious and can read people pretty damn well.
Rapping my knuckles on the counter of the desk, I turn to the pouting woman and am about to tell her to have a nice day when a streak of purple and blonde zips by the large windows.
I'm running out and make it onto the sidewalk before I even realize what I'm doing. "Violet?" I yell, rushing to catch up to my girl.
Thankfully, she stops and turns, giving me the time of day. I'm surprised if I'm being painfully honest. I expected to chase her down and demand that she actually speak to me.
I haven't heard from her in a few days, which isn't uncommon, but I miss her damn it.
"Hi, Jamie," she says with, I shit you not, a soft smile on her perfect face.
Is my jaw on the ground? Where's her scowl or sultry look?
"Hi, Sweets," I reply and watch her lips twist a little. This time it's not in annoyance, at least I don't think it is, because she starts shifting on her feet and red rises on her cheeks. "What are you up to today?"
"Um."
Fascinated, I watch Violet struggle to communicate with me.
Her hair is down in its usual waves, but she has half of it pulled back in two pigtails that are so damn adorable I can't help but smile.
I'd prefer she had a hat on in this cold weather, but I'll just be glad she has her big winter coat and boots on instead.
Her jeans are on the baggy side today, and I really, really want to know what shirt she's wearing.
Not in a sexy way, but because I rarely get to see my girl in normal fucking street clothes.
Like many times I see her around the city, her camera is around her neck. The photos she can take with such a simple device are incredible. I can't imagine her with a ton of material like lenses and tripods—Violet is a minimalist who doesn't like to be dragged down by stuff.
She lifts the camera I was just admiring, and wiggles it at me. "I had an inquiry about dark, more gothic images for their business."
When she shrugs like that's all she's going to say, I lift a brow. "I'm not freezing my ass off out here for minimal answers, Violet. Finish the story."
Frowning down at my thin long sleeve, she takes a step forward as if she's going to warm me up, but of course, we're interrupted. And the touch that grabs my bicep is from the woman I left at the front desk with Jake.
Violet stiffens at the same time I do. "What are you doing?" I growl low while glaring down at the woman who needs a serious come to Jesus moment.
"I wanted to thank you," she purrs, and fucking hell, her jacket plunges to show her cleavage. "You have a lot of skill, Jamie."
My muscles bunch to yank away from the bitch who has no fucking right to touch me. Instead, she pulls away first and struts her ass right by the woman of my dreams with a pleased grin.
"What the fuck?" I rumble, shivering in disgust. I'll need to tell Jake that she is no longer allowed to book with me. Maybe she can be seen by one of the other artists, but with the way she just disrespected Violet, no fucking way.
"Well." Violet snaps me out of my mental note taking with her shaky voice. When I look at her again, I see the slight sheen in her eyes. "I should be going."
"Wait." I rush forward to grab her and ensure she doesn't cry, but fucking Jake yells my name from our door. "Violet—"
The smile my girl gives me is so fucking sad my stomach twists with concern. I've seen her emotional only a handful of times, and that's when she won't let me fuck her because of her period...oh!
"You should go." Her tone is quiet and almost defeated.
"Jamie! Get your ass in here. We have a situation!"
Code for some idiot passed out, I bet.
"Hold your fucking horses!" I shout at Jake, but when I turn around Violet is turning too. "Violet, please."
Wiping a tear, she breaks my damn heart. What made her fucking cry!? "See you later, Jamie."
"JAMIE!"
Whirling around to glare at the prospect who is just fucking asking for a punch in the face, I bellow, "JAKE! I'm going to fire your fucking ass!"
His face pales. Fucker knows if I fire him, he won't get patched in. He's proving himself and apparently needs a fucking lesson in patience.
"V—" When I turn back to my girl, she's gone.
Sagging, I sigh when I realize I missed another chance at taking our relationship to the next level. It will be okay, because I have a plan.
First, I have to set a young asshole straight. Clearly he hasn't heard of Violet, but he will have no doubt now about interrupting me when he sees the blonde with purple streaks in her hair ever again.
His prez knows, so he fucking should too.
Nobody comes between me and Violet Bennett.
Showing up at Violet's apartment isn't my best idea. She's a very private person, so this could be a super big mistake. I've only done this a few times, and it was at the beginning of our thing.
That was when I didn't know she had a job traveling and was gone far more than I had realized. Her roommate looked confused to see me, which hurt a bit because even years ago I thought Violet and I had something special.
Only reason I knew her address is because she demanded to see if I could be a gentleman before slipping between my sheets. V has always been addicting with her sass and toxic power she holds over me. But that's not to say I'm not demanding and addictive to her either.
Shit, if we ever do become an official couple, we're seriously going to need to work on communication.
Violet's my forever woman. Forever can't last if we're toxic toward each other.
I know V's sass and rude mouth could be a lot of fun if we paired it with my patience and smiles. We could be fucking awesome together if she would just stop fighting me.
Which is why I'm patiently waiting for someone to answer the damn door because the tub of ice cream I brought is not going to last all night out in their hallway.
Finally, the lock disengages, and the door handle turns. I hold my breath, hoping like hell it's Violet who's home tonight. Maybe she'll be alone. Maybe she'll let me in for the first time.
I just want to see her space and catch a few more glimpses into who Violet is. My woman is a fucking tease, leaving me with scraps while I pant after her as she leaves me in the dust. She has to want me as much as I want her.
"Ah, Jamie."
Fuck. Seeing Cassidy brings a wave of disappointment over me, making my smile drop.
"Jeez. Nobody ever looks that upset to see me," she teases while rolling her eyes.
Cassidy is a beautiful woman, even in her baggy sweatpants and sweatshirt. Her bright red hair gives her an edge, but what I appreciate about her is the loyalty she shows to Violet.
Cassidy is my woman's roommate and best friend. I'm not into her, but I need her to like me. Cassidy would be the best ally I could get.
"Good evening," I greet, trying to look over her shoulder. "Is Violet around?"
Cassidy narrows her eyes at me as if she's trying to read my mind. "You don't come here. So why are you here now?"
She sounds annoyed which surprises me. I've run into her and V when they're out, but I haven't been on their doorstep in a long ass time.
"I want to give Violet some ice cream. She didn't look so good earlier today," I explain, trying to placate the questioning redhead.
Crossing her arms, Cassidy cocks a hip. Christ, I forgot how sassy she can be. She and Violet together, especially after a few drinks, are a force to be reckoned with at the club.
"’Kay, but like, why?"
I can't tell if she's testing me or genuinely confused about my being here. The chill of the ice cream makes my fingertips burn, but I'm not that much of a pussy that I set it down. Instead, I tuck it under my arm, thankful for my leather jacket.
"Is Violet here or not?" I snap as gently as I can. "I'd like to see her. To make sure she's okay."
Her chin lifts, and I know I'm not getting past her. "She's in the shower. I'll take your offering and let her know you stopped by."
Shit. Fuck. I know a dismissal when I hear one.
"Alright." My attempt at keeping my grumble out of my voice doesn't work, making Cassidy smirk and hold out a hand. Damn her. "Thanks," I say and hand over the ice cream. Parting with it fucking sucks because that was my way in.
She doesn't move to close the door, and I'm still rooted to the spot in hopes of seeing Violet. I barely notice Cassidy's face soften while I'm trying to plan the best way to get myself invited in someday.
"Jamie. If you want her, you're going to have to keep pushing. She may gift you a centimeter here or there, but if you want more, you'll need to challenge her."
I nod, already working on some ideas. "Great, then you get it. I'll need your help with her birthday present."
"We'll see," she says cryptically, and closes the door in my face. I don't have Cassidy's number, and I don't need it. I'll be back and get it then.
I'll keep coming back for as long as it takes to get a glimpse of Violet.