24. Skye
“Does Soul know about this?”
Mark smiles as the door closes behind us. Zach snickers at the scowl on Cece’s face.
“She doesn’t need permission,” Mel says defensively.
“Chill.” Mark holds up his hands. “Wasn’t saying she did. Just asking.”
Cece finally declared that we weren’t putting off girl’s night anymore. However, it’s turning into an all-day affair, complete with our personal babysitters per Soul’s orders. Apparently, when this group of women get together, trouble seems to follow.
“Whose idea was this?” Violet squeaks as we enter Persuasion Ink.
Mel came up with the idea that we should all get matching tattoos since we’re all a part of the Badass Bitches Club. I sketched out a very simple and small outline of a phoenix spreading its wings with the tail curving under toward its body. It’s simple, but it packs a punch for all of us. Not only does it symbolize rebirth and healing, but it also shows strength and courage. All common traits found in each and every one of us.
“We all agreed, Violet.” Heather tugs her through the small lobby. “No backing out now.”
As soon as Cece told Possum what we were up to, he was very accommodating, clearing his and Sammie’s schedule to fit us all in.
“Welcome ladies.” Possum rubs his hands together. “Who’s first?”
I sent Possum a picture of my drawing when we finalized the booking, so they already know what we want.
“I’ll go first,” I say, stepping forward.
He gestures for me to follow him. “You’re with me.”
Sammie steps forward. “Cece, I’ll be doing yours.”
“Awesome,” Cece says, heading toward her.
There’s a room designed for couples who want to get tattooed together which is where Possum and Sammie are set up for us today. Cece and I both scurry inside, and the other women cram around to watch.
“Where do you want it?” Possum asks.
Not one to ever be shy, I whip off my shirt and toss it at Violet. She catches it and giggles nervously while the other ladies whoop and holler.
“Take it off!” Mel encourages.
Possum laughs. “Not that I’m complaining, but I’d rather not have my brothers all gunning for me at the end of this.”
“Calm down, Possum,” Jez chastises. “How’re they gonna find out… unless you tell them.”
“You know better than that,” Possum counters. “I like my dick right where it is.”
Clearing my throat to get his attention. I point next to the tattoo he did a few weeks ago. “Can you get it close to this? I’m thinking fire orange for the color.”
Cece removes her tunic to reveal a camisole underneath. “Can you put mine on my shoulder in a deep red?”
Sammie pulls Cece’s strap down her shoulder. “Yep, and you won’t even have to get naked.”
Possum waves toward the chair where he’s set up. “Assume the position.”
I lean back in the chair and close my eyes. The familiar sound of the tattoo gun washes away the stress of the past couple of weeks.
Cece lays down as Sammie fires up her gun, and everyone else discusses where they’re gonna get their tattoos. An hour later the bell from the front door rings, and I open one eye to see who the newcomer is.
“What the fuck?” Rogue bellows.
“I thought they were fucking with us,” Soul says in disbelief.
“What’re you doing here?” Jez demands.
Soul and Rogue exchange looks with the prospects but ignore her question.
“Why do you have to take off your shirt every time you’re in Possum’s chair?” Rogue whines.
“Would you rather me take off my pants and have him put it over my pu?—”
Rogue holds up his hand. “You don’t wanna finish that sentence, Skye.”
“Oh, I really want her to finish that sentence,” Possum taunts.
“All done,” Sammie announces before fists can start flying.
Soul marches over to where Cece is and stares down at her back as Sammie applies the clear wrap. “Why a phoenix?”
“It’s our club motto,” Mel announces proudly.
“Club motto?” Rogue asks, confused. “That’s not the club’s motto.”
“Not Saints Purgatory’s motto,” she corrects. “Badass Bitches Club motto.”
“This I have to hear,” Abyss says, walking into the room which is getting more and more crowded by the minute.
“Get the fuck out of here!” Rogue roars. “I don’t need all my brothers seeing my woman naked.”
“Nothing we ain’t ever seen,” Malice taunts, and Rogue flips him off. “Besides, I’m not looking at your woman. Apple is more than enough for me.”
Apple’s skin flushes. “You can prove it to me later.”
“Challenge accepted.” Malice wags his brows.
“Your woman?” Soul pipes up. “Does Skye know about this?”
“Yes, she does,” I huff. “Why the hell do you guys always insist on talking about me like I’m not in the fucking room?”
Grim’s deep laugh reverberates through the room. “I like her. She’s got the same pair of balls Jez does.”
I wink when Rogue is done translating for me. “You know it, big guy.” I can’t move to text Grim my response, so Rogue continues translating. He might be upset, but he’s still being a gentleman… sort of.
Abyss drapes an arm over Mel’s shoulders. “Can we get back to the Badass Bitches Club?”
Mel tilts her head up to meet his gaze. “We’re strong, independent women who can hold our own.” She grins widely. “Oh, and I’m the President. Cece’s already First Lady so it’s only fair that someone else gets to be the leader of our group.”
“There wasn’t a vote, so it doesn’t count.” Cece rolls her eyes, but a smile tugs at her lips. “To answer your question, the phoenix represents strength and courage,” she explains to Soul.
“Something we all have in spades,” Jez mutters as she rolls up her sleeve, taking my place in Possum’s chair.
“Damn fucking right you do,” Possum agrees. “What color?”
“Purple,” she replies.
All the ladies’ eyes shine with determination, but I still recognize the damaged souls in us all. Sure, we’re healing, but we bear scars. I might not know every one of their stories, but I know we all share the same camaraderie.
Sammie breaks the silence and pats her chair. “Come on, Violet, you’re next.”
Sweat drips down Violet’s brow as she slowly walks toward Sammie. Grim reaches out and wraps his hand around her wrist, whipping her around to face him before dropping his forehead to hers. It’s such an intimate moment that we should all look away, yet we watch with bated breath. Violet’s chest rises and falls heavily, but she steels her spine and spins back around, her steps more determined.
She plops down in the chair. “I’d like a royal blue one, please.”
Sammie grins. “Where do ya want it?”
Violet rolls her arm over and points to the inside of her wrist. “Here.”
“Okay, but I’ll give you fair warning. It’s going to hurt. That’s a very tender area. Are you sure?”
“I’ve had worse,” Violet says softly. “I can handle it.”
“Damn right, you can!” Heather calls out.
Cece swipes her eyes, and Grim beams with pride. Mel breaks the tension and starts clapping in support. I laugh at her enthusiasm and make my way over to Violet.
“You got this. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. It’s a cathartic release, trust me.” I squeeze her other hand in solidarity.
An hour later, Sammie finishes, and Violet’s eyes flutter open. A tear slides down Violet’s cheek when she looks down at her new tattoo.
Sammie flinches. “Shit, you don’t like it?”
Violet throws her arm around Sammie’s neck in a gripping hug. “I love it.”
Sammie pats her on the back. “Good! You come back and see me anytime.”
Apple struts up next and shimmies her pants down to expose her lower back. Malice’s face turns beet red.
“Woman! Pull your pants up right now.”
Apple shakes her head and lays down on her stomach. “No. I want it on the small of my back. Baby blue please.”
Of course, Mark makes it worse when he breaks out in song. “I see London, I see France, I see Apple’s underp?—”
Malice’s fist slams into Mark’s stomach. “Quit being a disrespectful little fucker.”
“She’s my best friend, asshole,” Mark wheezes. “Basically a sister… this is what wedo.”
“Both of you, go to your corners,” Apple commands without opening her eyes.
Mark and Malice glare at each other, but they do move apart. Soul pinches the bridge of his nose, and Grim snickers, his fingers moving rapidly.
“I told you to kill him,” Violet says, translating for her husband, and then smacks a hand over her mouth after she realizes what she said.
“You told him to kill me?” Mark asks incredulously.
Grim’s lip curves into an evil smile. “That was when you first showed up back in our lives. I’ve grown fond of you now. I won’t let him kill you.”
“Bunch of assholes,” Mark mutters.
“Watch it, Prospect,” Soul warns.
Four hours later, we all have our new tattoos. Mel’s is on her left shoulder in an emerald green, and Heather’s is black on her left thigh.
“Alright ladies, load up!” Jez hollers as a limo pulls into the parking lot.
Zach whistles. “Holy shit.”
Soul crosses his arms. “Now where are you going?”
We all exchange glances, but no one offers an explanation.
Finally, feeling sorry for her twin, Jez steps forward. “Vegas.” She holds up her hand before Soul can interrupt. “The prospects will be right behind us. We’re staying at the Blue Rose, and I got the boys a room right across the hall. We’ll be perfectly safe and back tomorrow afternoon.”
“Fine, but I expect you to check in.”
“We’re not fucking children,” she seethes.
“Humor me,” Soul says gently. Jez slowly deflates and dips her chin in agreement.
We all pile into the limo, ready for a night of drunken fun. We wave goodbye to our men, laughing the entire time. What they don’t know is what our plans are once we get to Vegas. Mark and Zach are in for a real treat. I, for one, can’t wait to see the look on their faces when they realize what tonight’s entertainment is.
Thunder Down Under here we come!