Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
Mila
I’ve planned Kash’s murder no less than ten times since he left.
It’s ranged from crazy, like laxatives in his favorite food, to things involving his tattoo gun.
I’m not an angry person, I swear. I was fuming at the way Kash behaved even though Mateo thought he was hilarious.
“A man who’s willing to stand toe to toe with Mara and not blink is a keeper,” he told me, leaving shortly after my big, impossible boyfriend did.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed as I was when he came barging in there like he had every right to do it.
Like he owned the kitchen, or me. It might be petty, but I boxed up some treats, and I’m going to drop them off at Exiled Ink.
If he wants to drop into my work unannounced and cause a scene, well maybe I should too.
I love Kash. I know I do. I was never expecting to fall for someone like him.
I always thought I’d find a safe guy, someone with an office job or something.
We’d date for a respectable amount of time, get engaged, then married and have babies and all that.
He’d be soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and gentle.
I never imagined I’d steal the attention and devotion of a six-foot-tall man covered in tattoos, who yields his glasses like a weapon, cuts his hair in hopes that my parents will like him, and makes thigh tattoos way too sexy.
Kash has so much life and love to share with people.
He’s genuinely a good person and loyal to those important to him.
And he’s all mine.
We haven’t really exchanged the words properly, unless you count all the times that Kash has said it to me—which is a lot. As wonderful as our relationship is, he was still out of line. I can’t very well spend my life without him, so I guess I’ll have to settle for a lesson.
Getting ready to leave for the evening, I glance at Kate. “Are you sure you’re good to close up with Joelle? It shouldn’t be too bad. I can stay and help if you prefer.”
Waving me off, she shakes her head. “I got this. Go ahead and go see your seriously in trouble boyfriend. At least I’m assuming he’s in trouble?” She leans against the prep table, giving me a curious look.
“Oh, he’s definitely in trouble. I don’t know why he thinks he can come stomping in here and threaten someone for being near me when their only crime is being of the opposite sex. Thankfully it was just Mateo. He’s used to our crazy.”
Laughing, Kate picks up one of the mixing bowls, walking it to the sink. “I grew up with someone like Kash. We were just kids, but he was always so serious, and a bit on the growly side—well, at least to anyone who wasn’t me.”
“So, what happened? If you don’t mind me asking of course.”
Placing it into the sink, she sighs. “He died.”
“I’m so sorry.” I feel like such a jerk now. Here I am, complaining about Kash’s behavior, and she lost someone she obviously cared about when she was so young.
“Thanks.” She rinses the bowl, then runs it through the sanitizer before putting it on the rack to dry.
“He was my best friend. I thought we’d always end up together, but that’s okay.
I know he’s still with me.” Pointing to her forearm, Kate gestures to a floral tattoo.
“It’s a hawthorn flower,” she explains, running her finger down the length of the design.
It takes up a good portion of her arm, with a beautiful red color highlighting the petals.
I’ve admired it a few times already since she’s been here, but never asked her about it.
Instead of twine or string, there’s a little ribbon tying the piece together with a heart-shaped lock dangling at the end. A wistful expression clouds her face, and I feel awful for having put it there.
Clearing my throat, I offer her a smile. “It’s beautiful. I’m sure he’s with you.”
“And I’m sure you have a boyfriend who needs to be taught a lesson.” She smirks, dispelling the sad moment, and pulls her shirt sleeve down, covering the tattoo quickly.
Nodding in agreement, I grab the box I packed up and wave. “Call if you need anything at all.”
“You got it, boss,” she quips, grabbing pans and moving around the kitchen.
She hasn’t been here long, but Kate fits in so well.
It makes me sad that she’s obviously had a hard start in life.
I know she doesn’t really have much family in the area, and she’s never mentioned a boyfriend or anyone else.
I don’t think she has many people in her life.
Making a mental note to talk to Mara about maybe taking her out, or setting her up with one of the guys, I head out to my car. Putting the box on the passenger seat, I pull my phone out from my pocket. As I move to put it in my bag, it lights up with a text.
Future Husband: Don’t be mad at me. On second thought, go for it. I hear makeup sex makes a relationship stronger, and you know I like a good workout.
I shake my head at his message, then remind myself that I’m angry and to not be amused by him. Even if he isn’t wrong.
Our sex life is crazy, borderline pornographic.
The things he says to me sometimes are unreal, and I didn’t actually think orgasms during sex were real until him.
It’s a good thing I’m on birth control, otherwise I might be in trouble.
I’m starting to wonder if I should have a talk with him about taking better precautions.
Though the idea of a tiny version of Kash, brown eyes and full of mischief, is a tempting thought.
Pushing it out of my brain, I remind myself that I’m mad.
He acted ridiculous and embarrassed me. As I pull into Exiled Ink, I realize I didn’t really come up with an actual plan, so I guess I’m winging it.
Looking at the parking lot, I see Cora’s car and sigh with relief.
If nothing else, at least I can scold my boyfriend and see my best friend.
Heading across the street, I push into the shop. Music blares from the overhead speaker, and the sound of hushed voices and the hum of tattoo guns accompany it. It briefly makes me wonder if I should get another one. Focus, Mila.
“Hi. Welcome to Exiled Ink,” Cora greets without looking up. She and Atlas are huddled behind the front desk, looking at the computer screen. Raising her head, she realizes it’s me and smiles. “Hey, Mila! Fancy seeing you here. Are you here for a tattoo?” she questions, glancing back at the screen.
“Nope.” I lift the box of goodies in my hands. “Just making a special delivery.” I raise my voice a bit, trying to see if I can get Kash’s attention. I don't see him at his booth. Weird.
“Oh, well, if you want to see Kash, he’s down the hall.” She points to the open space between the guys’ stations.
Well, this isn’t going to plan. “Thanks, I’ll be back.
” Leaving the box on the counter, I gesture toward it.
“Help yourselves.” There are people in chairs getting work done by Rhett and Seth, while a couple wait on a short leather sofa.
“I brought plenty of lemon bars and maple scones for everyone. There are even a few muffins and brownies in there.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Cora smiles, grabbing a maple scone. “You should try one of these, Map Boy. They’re amazing.” She takes a large bite and groans. “So, so good,” Cora mumbles around her bite.
As I pass by, I watch Atlas stare at her. She no sooner swallows her first bite and opens her mouth to ask him something, when he slams his lips to hers, kissing the life out of her. It’s like he doesn’t care who is around to see it; he’s just kissing his girl in front of everyone.
God, my friend is lucky, but then again, so am I.
Walking back, I peer into what looks like their break room.
It made a great space for having the surprise party last time.
There’s a TV and a couple of tables, but unfortunately, no Kash.
Continuing on, I hear his voice. I’m about to call out to him when I hear him talking to someone, his tone laced with frustration.
“No. You don’t understand. It feels right.”
There’s a beat of silence, and I peek into the room.
Judging by the desk covered in papers, and the computer screen, I’m guessing this is their office.
Kash’s back is to me, and he’s on the phone.
One hand holds the phone in place at his ear, while the other is running through his hair in frustration.
I consider backing away until I hear his next sentence.
“Yeah, I get that… Okay. Well, she doesn’t know about it.”
Ice filters through my blood. Is he talking about me? Is there something I don’t know about?
“Okay, yeah. I’ll be sure to show it to you. Okay, bye.”
Quietly turning, I head back out the way I came.
I have a million questions running through my mind.
Who was he talking to? Who is she? Moving on autopilot, I walk back out to the reception area.
Cora and Atlas are hunched over their computer, whispering to each other, the box I brought sitting partially open between them.
I’m still trying to figure out who Kash could have been talking to, so I don’t hear Cora the first time she says my name. “Hey.” She waves her hand in front of my face. “What’s wrong?”
Before I can answer her, Kash’s voice rings out behind me. “Sunshine! Baby. What are you doing here?”
Sunshine? Baby? Anger floods my veins, and I spin around, pointing a finger at him.
The smile that was on his face is now gone, and he takes a tentative step back.
“I’ll tell you what’s going on. You barge into my work, act like a giant jerk, and then walk around the rest of the day like it’s no big deal. ”
“Sounds like a typical day for Kash,” Atlas quips, then grunts as Cora elbows him.
“Stop it,” she chastises.
“Do that again, Firefly, and you’ll find out what happens.”
Rolling her eyes, Cora glares at Kash. “You should be ashamed of yourself, Kash.” She looks at Atlas. “What’s his last name?”
“Malone.”
“Kash Malone. Mila told me what you did, and you owe her an apology. Mateo too.”
Glancing from her to me, Kash shakes his head. “No can do, Care Bear. He was next to my girl, and that’s just not okay. If I apologize, it means I admit to doing something wrong, and I did nothing wrong.”
“You threatened to shove him in one of the ovens!” I shout. A few sets of eyes look in our direction, but I don’t care.
“How villainous of you, Kash,” Rhett quips, joining us at the desk. He reaches for the box, but Kash snatches it off the counter.
“Hey! I was going to eat one of those!” he whines.
“Like hell. Mila brought these for me, right, honey?’
Crossing my arms over my chest, I narrow my eyes. “No, actually. These are for everyone but you. I’m also thinking about breaking your precious little tattoo gun.”
“Machine.”
“What?”
“It’s a tattoo machine, baby. No one calls it a tattoo gun.
Ever.” Tucking the box closer to his chest, Kash keeps it from Rhett’s reach.
“I know you’re only saying that because you’re mad at me, but there are a few things in this world I won’t ever share.
Your treats and you. Everything else is negotiable. ”
“You are absolutely ridiculous. I’m so mad at you.”
“I know, honey. I’m such a meanie. I guess you’ll have to punish me.” He shrugs his shoulders in mock sadness, giving me a fake, hopeless expression.
Rolling my eyes, I take a step closer to him.
When I crook a finger and motion for him to move lower, Kash immediately obeys.
I drop my voice to a whisper and lean into the shell of his ear, then bite back a smile as I croon, “Would you like me to punish you, Kash?” He shivers as my breath brushes against him.
I take a step back and offer him a look that screams of filthy promises.
His eyes are dark, and judging by the expression on his face, I know exactly what he’s thinking. “I don’t know, Sunshine. I think I’ve been really bad. I should be punished.”
“Oh, I agree, Casanova.”
“You guys are disgusting.” Rhett makes a gagging sound before walking away.
“Should we go talk about my punishment in the back?” he offers, reaching for my hand.
Pulling out of his reach, I step back and cross my arms over my chest. When I hear Cora snicker, the best idea comes to me. “No. Your punishment isn’t going to be so easy. I have something different in mind,” I explain to Kash, but glance at Cora.
Freezing, Kash looks at me, then to where Cora and Atlas are watching our entire exchange. “Um, babe, I’m all for some adventure, but not in front of my brother and his wife.”
“Yeah, fuck no,” Atlas adds. “I never agreed to this, Firefly.” He looks at Cora. “Why am I being punished?”
“Oh my God. Would you stop? How do you take this all the time?” I ask Cora, shaking my head.
She shrugs her shoulders, chuckling as she answers, “You get used to it.”