Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 76246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
“Does that mean you’re finally willing to admit that it’s a good thing I double dog dared you into getting a tattoo?”
Belle rolled her eyes. “I wouldn’t go that far. I’m still not sure about this.”
“You don’t have to get one today if you don’t want to. I’d rather do her anyway.” A shiver raced up my spine at the sound of the deep voice, and it intensified when I spotted the man whose fierce gaze was locked on me. He was about four or five inches taller than my five foot eight inches, with a muscular body. His eyes were a piercing blue and his dark hair looked silky to the touch, making my fingers itch to run through it. His snug-fitting black shirt with the name of the tattoo parlor stamped on the front in a super cool font stretched over his broad chest, and it showed off the dark ink of the full sleeves of tattoos on his arms.
As quick-witted as I usually was, my brain could only come up with one word. “Pardon?”
His full lips tilted up at the edges as he prowled closer. “I get that Belle’s the one who has the appointment with me, but I’d rather tattoo you instead.”
2
Maddox
There was a design I’d had in my mind for years; one I’d sketched out right after I opened Ink Addiction. I wasn’t sure if I would ever ink it on someone’s skin. Then this red-headed goddess strolled into my shop, and I knew I’d found the perfect canvas.
“I think that’s a fantastic idea!” Belle effused, giving the red-head a slightly evil grin.
“Uh, no. We’re here for you, sister dear,” she protested with a shake of her head.
I was a little shocked to realize these two were sisters since they looked nothing alike. Belle was average height with almost black hair, whereas my woman was tall, with long dark-red hair, crystal blue eyes, and fucking awesome curves.
“You’re here to get a tattoo for your man,” she continued. I listened carefully to her next words because if some motherfucker out there was touching what’s mine, I was going to bury his ass under six feet of concrete. “I don’t have a man”—Life saved; jail sentence averted—"so I don’t have a reason to be branded.” Wrong.
I was about to jump in when Belle spoke again. “I double dog dare you, Ariel.” I almost burst out laughing until I saw the look on my girl’s face. She looked livid but resigned, and my eyes bounced back and forth between them. Was that really going to work on her?
She sighed, then grumbled, “This doesn’t get you out of yours, Belle.”
“I don’t know if Maddox can fit us both in,” Belle hedged. That was my cue.
“Actually, Belle. I asked Candice to come in early to do your piece. She’s the one who did Wendy’s”—I gestured towards the front desk—“and she’s the next best thing to me. She’ll do a fantastic job. I know you asked for me, but you and I both know that Griffith would kill me when he found out I touched his woman.”
Ariel snorted adorably and drew my full attention back to her. “I have to agree; you’d be a dead man”—her blue eyes swept over my body, and I grinned at the hunger growing there—“and that would be a devastating loss to womankind.” Pink tinged her cheeks, but she didn’t break eye contact and her smile was playful.
She was so damn beautiful and sweet, I didn’t know whether I wanted to ink her skin before I tasted it, or vice versa. Okay, that was a stupid thought. I definitely wanted to brand her first. Just the thought of my mark on her body had me ready to come. It was going to take every ounce of my control to stay focused.
“Let’s go, little mermaid,” I teased as I held out my hand. Ariel rolled her eyes but put her palm in my mine. When she stepped close, my hunger intensified, and I was suddenly starving. I glanced at Belle and murmured, “Follow me.” I led them to Candice’s station first and got Belle settled with her, then took Ariel to the rear of the store where my private studio was. I didn’t want to use my regular station. Depending on where I decided to put the tattoo on her body, I didn’t want anyone seeing things that were for my eyes only.
We stopped by a padded table, and I reluctantly let go of her hand. “Take a seat, baby. I’m going to get everything prepped.”
Her eyes were wide as she looked around the room, taking in the drawings and photos of my work all over the walls. “Wow,” she breathed. “You’re an amazing artist.”
Warmth invaded my chest. “Thanks, baby,” I said with a smile. I knew my deep dimples were showing when her blue orbs came back to my face and she stared at my cheeks. Her little tongue popped out to wet her lips, and I had to stifle a groan. I could practically feel it licking my dick. Up and down; around the fat head, then I’d thrust to the back of her throat while she swallowed and sucked on it like a popsicle—fuck, fuck, fuck! I spun around and marched over to my tools, taking a deep breath. I’d just about exploded in my pants like a fucking teenager.