Page 27 of Tempt Me

“I’m twenty-one. You can’t tell me what to do, and I’m getting a tattoo. I was planning to get one on my shoulder, but now I think I’ll get it under my panties so when guys at the bar tell you what it is, you’ll know who was there to see it.”

“Oh, my God.” Rissa laughs until tears fill her eyes. “I love your sass. You remind me of me before I got married and had three kids. Growing up with three brothers was a bitch.”

“You’re married?” Bella tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Yes.” Rissa grins and crosses her arms over her chest. “Yes, I’m married to an amazing guy.”

“And everyone knows that you’re married?” Bella’s gaze flits from Rissa’s to mine and then back.

“Of course, he’s a regular around here. Macho like all these other brutes but he’s a big softy for me and the kids.”

“I see.” What is her deal? She talked about Rissa the other day like she knew who she was, but now, she’s giving her twenty questions about being married, and whether it’s common knowledge. It doesn’t make any sense.

“I can’t wait to tell Katie and the girls about you. They’re going to love you. Do you like girl’s nights out? We have some killer ones with drinks, food, and talking smack about guys.”

“That sounds really nice.” The unfriendly expression from before shifts to a softer look. “But I don’t have a guy.”

“Sweetheart…” Rissa walks up to her and pats her shoulder. “You will. I give it one week, and you’re going to have a guy eating out of the palm of your hand, and Dominic has a free hour right now so he can work on your tattoo. I’ve got to help Sam figure out that women and babies aren’t so bad.” She grabs Sam’s arm and drags him toward the door.

“Hey.”

“Hey, what?” She glares at him. “You need to get off your sister’s case. She’s twenty-one years old. She’s a grown woman, and if you want to keep her in your life, you need to respect her.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

I shake my head. She’s the tiniest thing but packs a mighty punch. Kind of like Bella.

As the door slams shut, I clear my throat and wipe my hands on my jeans. “Getting a tattoo isn’t a good idea when you haven’t given it much thought. I understand you’re irritated by Sam telling you that you can’t get one, but that’s not a reason to permanently mar your body. You’re perfect the way you are.”

Shit. Did I say perfect? Yes, yes, I did. My face floods with heat. I can’t take it back and not look like an ass, and it’s the truth. I’ve seen enough of her in a bikini to know she’s perfection.

She studies me until I’m squirming in my own combat boots. I should’ve kept my mouth shut because I have no business discussing her body.

“Which room?” She marches toward me.

“Second on the right.”

She brushes past me. “Under my panty line.”

My heart thunders in my chest. It would be hard enough to have my hands on her and not lose my mind if I were drawing a tattoo on her shoulder. But under her panties? “I can’t. Sam will kick my ass.”

“Tell him I chickened out.” She glances at me over her shoulder. “It’ll be our little secret.”

Jesus. Who is this woman? She was dangerous before. Now, I’m likely to detonate all over her.

Chapter Fourteen

Dominic

My heart thuds in my chest as I step inside my tattoo room. It’s sterile, like a doctor’s office. Everything is clean, new, and sanitary, and smells like rubbing alcohol.

When I first looked for a tattoo parlor to work for, I didn’t stop anywhere else. Twisted Ink is known for its impeccable reputation, and it’s where I had my work done. I never applied anywhere else, even though I had to wait eight months for an opening, but it’s been worth it.

Bella stands in the middle of the room. Her eyes dart from one design to another, settling on a silhouette of a woman sitting on the edge of a chair. My mouth dries as she steps closer.

“That’s amazing.”

“Yes, it is.” It’s her, but I’m hoping she doesn’t realize it. None of the guys ever have, but that’s likely because they’ve never seen her the way I do. Unless Xavier does. Please, he’s only looking for a piece of ass. He doesn’t see her like I do at all.

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