Page 133 of Swan

We hadn’t done that in such a long time.

“I’d love to.”

“Awesome,” she yelled. “I’ll see you when you get here.”

At least I wouldn’t be home alone, worrying so much about Drake. Maya and I could do it together.

It wasn’t until I’d been home that I’d realised I’d forgotten to text Mum about the slow cooker, but luckily she’d been there when I’d stopped in to get changed, so I could tell her the meal would be for just them.

It doesn’t bother me that I’ll be making the same thing tomorrow night since it’s for Drake, I thought as I pulled up out the front of the tattoo shop and headed for their home, which was connected to the store.

After knocking, I heard footsteps from inside.

The door swung open, and Julian smiled. “Well, hello there, my little spring bean. Come in. Come in for some pampering.”

“Hi, Julian, it’s good to see you.”

“Of course it is, I’m wonderful.” He winked and hugged me tightly, which I returned. “Just ask my man.” He laughed. We walked down the hall to the open area of the living, dining, and kitchen. “Might I just say you are practically glowing with this relationship.”

I blushed and took the bag I held over to the counter. “Drake’s been….”

Julian followed. “Wonderful? Kinky? Sweet? Horny? Tell me everything, my pretty princess.”

“Julian, I do not want to hear anything about my brother,” Maya said as she walked in from the back door. “Hey, girl.” We hugged, and she then looked in the bag I brought. “Oooh, I love these.” She pulled out the strawberries and chocolate dipping sauce. “You didn’t have to bring anything, though.”

“I wanted to.”

“Can we get back to how Drake is treating you?” Julian asked.

“Nope,” Maya said, shooting her uncle a glare. She poured us all glasses of champagne.

“Boo, bitch. That’s boring.” He sighed, picking up a strawberry to dip. “Fine. We’ll talk about something else.” He tapped his chin at he ate a bite. “Did I, by any chance, hear about a certain swan tattoo?”

I choked on the sip I’d just taken and coughed.

“What’s this?” Maya asked.

Groaning, I shook my head. “Mum?”

He smirked. “Dee and Zara happened to be gossiping, and I overheard.”

It didn’t surprise me Mum had shared. She and Zara were the closest, but I wasn’t bothered she’d done it either. I knew if I’d asked her not to say anything, she wouldn’t have.

“What tattoo?” Maya asked.

I nodded at Julian, who was keen to tell her. He spun her way with wide eyes and a big smile. “Your brother has a tattoo of a beautiful large black swan on his side.”

“No way!” Maya said, gaping at me.

I nodded and took another sip.

“When did he get that?”

“He’s not ready to tell me yet.”

“Wow,” Maya whispered.

“Indeed,” Julian said. “I think I need to talk Mattie into getting a tattoo. He would look way hotter than he already is.” He stilled and placed his glass down. “Actually, I don’t think he should. Too many men would be after him, then. I already had to pee on him the other day when this guy at the coffee shop asked him for his number.”

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