Page 10 of Rox

I’m cut off by the bell on the front door of the shop. Duncan and I both turn to see Stanford walking in. He’s a big man. As in, solid muscle, tall as fuck, and hot as hell. I appreciate what he looks like and respect him as a person, but he’s got nothing on the man who’s taken over my thoughts.

“What’s going on here?” he asks as he looks at Duncan and me.

“Nothing boss. Just checking in on Roxie. She’s finished cleaning and organizing back here. I was about to take her up front to sit with me while I tattooed my next client. They should be here any moment.”

His shift in demeanor is astounding. If only Stanford knew what Duncan said to me, not three minutes ago.

“Good. I haven’t seen her at any station since she started. Get her in there and go over the things she needs to know. I want her tattooing by next week.”

“Next week? I don’t think she’s ready for that, man.”

“Can you not talk about me like I’m not right here? And I fully believe I am ready.”

Stanford nods his head in agreement at me before shifting his focus back to Duncan. “As do I. She has the skill set, Duncan. You can see it if you look at her. Everything on her was done by her. Never covering up what she did poorly. Her growth is visible right there. Get her in the chair by next week.”

Once Stanford leaves, I can’t help the smirk I have on my face. I’m not one to hide what I’m feeling. And Duncan fucking hates it.

“Don’t think you’re gonna be in a chair just because you sucked his dick to get here.”

Ex-fucking-cuse me?

“Listen, I don’t know what your damn problem with me is, and frankly I don’t care. But I will be in the chair whether you want me to or not. So back the fuck up and do what you’re told for once. I came here to learn, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m done being your, what did you call it, bitch boy? No more. I’ve put up with your bullshit long enough. I’ve sat back and taken it, but I’m done.” To piss him off even more, I pat his face before getting closer, “So how about you be a good little bitch boy and teach me the ropes.” The bell rings, and I smile wider, “Looks like your client just walked in. Go put on thatI’m a good boyact and start fucking teaching.”

If looks could kill, I’d be dead twice over, but I don’t care. I’m going to continue to push him and make him do what he’s supposed to be doing. Teaching.

“You’re nothing but Stanford’s little pet. Believe me when I tell you, you’re not getting anything out of this. Especially not until I get anything in return.”

“Is that what this is about? You think I sucked his dick to get here, and because of that, you have some morbid idea that I’ll suck yours for the same treatment he’s given me?”

The audacity of this man. People like him that make me wish Angel would have just let me apprentice at his shop. At least there, I would have been treated like a human. I wouldn’t have to deal with the bullshit that Duncan’s giving me. I’d actually be learning something. But no, that asshole had to be all high and mighty with my father and demand I obtain something neither one of them have.

Duncan laughs, “You wish it was your mouth I wanted. No. You don’t do a damn thing for me, so I won’t do a damn thing for you.” He looks around me, and I can only assume he’s looking at Stanford, “At least, not when Stanford is gone.” He clears his throat and straightens up, “Come on, Roxie. This one will give you some good pointers.” The tone of his voice is even different. He seems happy, almost excited to be teaching. A complete one-eighty from a moment ago. I’m dealing with a true Jekyll and Hyde.Great.“We’re doing a mix of realism and fantasy with color splotching. It’s going to be something you haven’t seen before.”

He takes a quick look at Stanford and then back to me, giving me a “don’t fuck this up” look.

Because I know I need to play the game, I smile brightly, even though Stanford can’t see me, and make sure I’m loud enough to hear. “That sounds really cool. I can’t wait to see your technique.” And for a little extra mmph, and to hopefully makehim squirm, I add, “Your designs are fantastic, Duncan. I’m really excited about this.”Barf.

* * *

As much as Duncan hated it, he did what he was told andactuallytaught me. He went over different techniques, what needles to use depending on what he was doing, the best way to mix colors, everything. I was honestly surprised, but I took note of everything he said. I listened intently and made sure to ask questions. I’m not sure if he answered because his client was there or Stanford was close by, but he answered everything. When he’d finished, I wanted to make sure he knew that I really did appreciate him. When I had told him so, he ruined the day by going straight back into his dickbag ways.

“Don’t attempt to make me think you’re grateful. I’m not falling for your bullshit. Get this fucking shop cleaned up, and get the fuck out of here.”

He couldn’t be decent for a moment. Letting out a sigh, I grab the bag of trash and head for the back door. Lifting the lid, I toss the bag in, “That’ll do it.”

Back inside, I turn off the music still playing through the shop speakers and turn off the lights as I go. It isn’t long before I’m out the front door and locking it for the night. As the lock clicks, I feel it. Turning, I look around, but I don’t see anyone. Then why do I feel their eyes on me? Not wanting to find out, I rush to my car, get in, and lock the doors.

“Phew,” I let out, “you’re okay. I’m okay.” Checking my mirrors, I don’t see anyone behind me or around me. “I guess I should head home. Ugh, why am I talking to myself?”

I’m only driving for a moment when the lights appear behind me. Given my already nervous state from before, my mindimmediately assumes I’m being followed. I look around, but I can’t see much as it’s dark out tonight. There’s no moon in the sky, and streetlights are few and far between. It’s something Heart is known for. Less lighting, so we can see the stars. Yeah, well, this is really friggin’ inconvenient right now, Heart. I’m about to pass through a light, so I look in my review when the car behind me does.

“Ah, fuck!” High beams blind me, which confirms everything. “I’m fucking being followed.” As much as I’m panicking, being raised by my father has taught me things. Taking a deep breath, I press the call button on my steering wheel and wait for the beep.

“Call Da—Mimic.”

I don’t know what caused me to change my mind at the last second, but something inside me screamed not to call my dad. So when the car didn’t register who I said, I told it again, with a lot more confidence. I need Mimic.

“Call Mimic.” Two rings. That’s all it took.

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