Page 22 of Owned

She shakes her head, her beautiful eyes still shining with unshed tears, laughing. “You’re not even asking.”

I smile, winking at my girl.

Chapter 14

MARYAM

“This is ridiculous.”

Riku doesn’t respond. Because he knows what he’s doing. He knows exactly how unhinged this is. And he doesn’t even care.

I look around the sleek tattoo studio, the scent of antiseptic and ink thick in the air, my stomach flipping as the artist sets up. I glance at Riku, who’s sitting in all his hot glory, arms casually folded, watching me with his usual calm intensity.

“You’re not serious,” I say.

His full lips curve. “You think I’d bring you here as a joke?”

That’s the thing. I don’t know what to think. I glance at the design sheet in front of me. A small tattoo. Something subtle.

“You said you wanted one,” he reminds me.

Yes. I did. But when I imagined getting my first tattoo, I wasn’t picturing Riku sitting next to me, exuding casual dominance, watching.

I exhale. Fine. I’ll play along. I hesitate, then pick a simple eternity symbol from the catalog. Riku’s gaze flicks to mine.And his face relaxes into that gorgeous expression of love and happiness. But he doesn’t look surprised. Like he already knew I’d pick something that symbolizes our love. Asshole.

The artist nods, taking my sheet and preparing the stencil. “You want it on your wrist?” he asks.

I nod, swallowing. This is happening.

Riku watches as the artist cleans my skin, preps the ink, and starts. The first sting makes me jolt. And the bastard chuckles.

I glare at him. “Shut up, ink boy.”

He lifts his hands. “Didn’t say anything.”

I’m focused on watching the tattoo artist work. Then I hear fabric rustling. I glance over and freeze. Because Riku is taking off his shirt. My breath catches. Always. But this time, it’s not just because of the defined muscles, the expanse of golden skin covered in intricate symbols. But because of the fresh tattoo stretched across his ribs.

I stare. Not breathing. Unable to form a thought. Because it’s my name. My name. Permanently inked on him. I feel like I’ve been hit by a freight train.

“You—”

“You didn’t think I’d let you be the only one getting inked today, did you?” he murmurs like this is nothing.

Like he didn’t just brand himself with me. My throat goes dry.

He leans in, his voice low and dark. “You’re under my skin, baby. Just made it visible.”

Epilogue

MARYAM

Steam clings to my skin as I step out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped tight around me, my damp curls sticking to my shoulders. Our room is quiet. I just need to moisturize, put on some pajamas, and—

Something small thuds against my vanity. I freeze. It’s a black velvet box. I stare at it for a long second, my heart slamming into my ribs. Then I turn.

Riku’s leaning against the doorway, shirtless, arms crossed, his gaze intense. Like he’s been waiting for this. Like he already knows my answer.

I swallow hard. “What is that?”

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