Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
A Ripe Garden
A s Linc passed the bar, holding hands with Nova, he pointed to Maggie and hand gestured for the entire bottle of whiskey. Vodka… nah. This is a job for whiskey.
The booze was for both Linc and Nova. Linc had never tatted someone before. He’d come close maybe a few times but this was Nova.
His Nova.
His Novaleigh.
All that history settled between them, acting like glue, pulling them together. Plus, nobody else in this clubhouse or the club could or would even attempt to get close to Nova. They wouldn’t go near her without permission from Linc first. A little ink for a lot of protection.
Slade and Priest took notice and signaled to Darrow, Custer, and Fitz. Fitz went to get Cyrus. Monte and Deed were sitting on a large leather couch, enjoying a topless dance from two deecees who were playing with each other’s breasts. They would remain there, not caring one bit about Linc and his choice in a woman to ink up.
Warren refused to get up from the bar and just gave Linc a head nod. Muffin walked out of the kitchen, took off his apron and tossed on his leather cut. Virus and Dolph were told to monitor the cameras and doors and the gates for any activity.
Amos sat huddled up in a chair, nursing a beer, feeling like death after the beating from Linc. Realizing that Nova was about to get inked up to be claimed by Linc, Amos appreciated the beating a little more. Even still, he had no choice at that moment back then to pull the gun on Nova.
Prospects Bram, Drix, and Stu were told to come outside and stand outside the garage and not to make a fucking sound. Priest added that if any of them threw up, they would have to eat their own vomit and then they’d be stripped of their prospect cuts and sent packing.
So much commotion for two letters tattooed on a woman’s body. But for this life, it meant something. It almost symbolized something like a marriage.
Linc knew Nova was ready to piss herself with fear. He slipped his right arm around her waist and pulled her close. He noted that her hips had a little more curve to them than the last time he touched her.
All woman now.
He gritted his teeth and led the way into the garage. Cyrus whistled to get everyone’s attention.
“The ink is forever,” he called out. “You all know what the means. Cheers to you, doll.”
Cyrus grinned at Nova. Her faced turned four shades of red. Priest grabbed an old, squeaky leather chair with wheels that didn’t want to move. He forced it across the floor toward Linc and Nova. Nova looked up at Linc.
He leaned down. “I get to choose where and how big. Stay with me, darling.”
“This is fucking insane, Linc,” Nova said as her voice cracked. “I just wanted to know if you could help me find my brother.”
“This is part of it. You’ll be protected. I can’t stomach the thought of being near you and having you be with someone else.”
“You never even asked me if I was single…”
That’s when Linc looked Nova dead in the eyes.
“I don’t give a fuck if you’re with someone, engaged, or even married,” Linc said. “The second my ink grazes your sweet skin, your ass belongs to me. End of discussion.”
“I’m scared, Linc,” Nova confessed.
“Welcome to the underworld then, darling,” he responded, his voice cold.
Linc saw the look in Nova’s eyes and he hated himself a little for speaking that way to her. It was just that this stuff was serious. Even if he and Nova weren’t really together or anything, this ceremony had meaning.
The buzz of the tattoo needle sounded. Nova gasped and clung to Linc.
“All yours, brother,” Priest said.
Linc took the tattoo gun. Next to him on a wooden bench there were all the supplies needed. As much as it didn’t appear so on the surface, it was very sterile in this part of the garage. When anyone needed ink, they called up Miguel from Piggy’s to have some of his guys come down to the clubhouse. Miguel only worked at Piggy’s to help out Jackie. The guy ran a very busy tattoo shop and had a good relationship with SOFRAW .
That was something Nova didn’t understand just yet. How things worked and connected. How they all mattered.
“Need you to slide your pants down, darling,” Linc whispered to Nova.
She gasped. “In front of everyone?”
“I’m going to tattoo on your left thigh. Not quite your inner thigh. But close enough. So you’ll always think of me when you look down.”
Linc had to pick a decent spot. It couldn’t have been the back of her neck or her ankle. He’d seen some guys go crazy and tattoo a woman’s ass… between her cheeks … He’d seen woman get one of the labia’s inked up. He seen a pubic mound get tattooed. Hell, there was a story that went around the club that back in the day Warren fell in love with a stripper, claimed her and tattooed his name on her tongue.
“Don’t make me do it for you,” Linc whispered to Nova.
She swallowed hard and touched the top of her pants. Her thumb flicked the button open. Inside Linc, he felt rage building. He wanted to gouge out everyone’s eyes for being here. Knowing they’d see Nova in her panties. He suddenly hoped Nova was wearing panties. If everyone here got a good look at her bare ass… Or if they saw the front of her…
Linc gritted his teeth, wondering what she looked like.
Does she has a well-kept garden down there for me? Or is she bare, smooth skin. Ripe for the tasting…?
Linc inched down and brushed his lips to her ear.
“You have to trust me, darling, or else you’re not going to survive this world you chose to step into.”