Page 29 of Inked Daddies

Marie looks up, her expression polite but distant. “Hi, Danny.”

“Didn’t think I’d see you hanging around a place like this,” he says, leaning against the wall beside her. “I haven’t seen you around much. How’ve you been?”

“Fine.”

“Yeah, you always were,” he says as he looks her over. His buddies nudge each other, grinning like idiots. They’re enjoying the show. The kid flashes a smart-ass grin at them, then to her, and he asks, “What’re you doing later?”

“Going home.” She glances away. Not to me or my guys for help, but definitely to avoid eye contact with Danny.

This isn’t physical, so I’m not jumping in. She can handle her own battles when it comes to a putz like Danny Brooker. But if he steps out of line, I’ll be happy to shove it up his ass.

“What brings you here?”

Her tone has gone from cool to frosty. “It’s a tattoo shop, Danny. I’m getting a tattoo.”

I love that she’s got some spunk to her.

Danny raises an eyebrow, glancing at me. “Sam’s doing it?”

She nods.

“Well, good for you,” Danny says, his voice dripping with fake charm. “You always did like to surprise people.” He braces onthe wall next to her, too close to her for my liking. “Bet I could surprise you all night.”

Before I can step in, Trick moves to her side, casually draping an arm around her shoulders. She doesn’t pull away. In fact, she leans into him. “She’s already chock-full of surprises, Danny boy,” Trick says with a grin, his voice light but his eyes sharp as they lock on the kid. “Don’t think she needs anymore.”

The kid stiffens, his bravado slipping, and I take the opportunity to step forward.

“Danny. If you want to book an appointment, we can set that up now. Otherwise, we’re closing up after this.”

He hesitates, glancing between me, Trick, and Marie, before finally nodding. “Fine. Tomorrow works.”

I schedule the appointment quickly, making a point not to look at him more than I have to. As soon as I’m done, I walk them to the door and lock it behind them. The tension in my chest eases as soon as they’re gone, but the jealousy lingers, bitter and uncomfortable.

She’s too young for me. Too sweet. Too perfect. But God help me, I want her anyway.

13

TRICK

“Alright, time for the chair.”I’ve already drawn the curtains to block any looky-loos that might drive by. It occurred to me that Marie might like some privacy for her tattoo, and well, I’d like privacy with her.

She swallows nervously, but gets onto Sam’s tattooing chair. It’s a nice model with all the bells and whistles that keep customers comfortable while we’re jamming a needle into their skin.

Once she’s settled, I start in. “You’re really not gonna thank me for the other night?” I ask, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed, a grin stretched across my face.

Marie glances up at me, her wide eyes full of confusion. “Th-thank you for what?”

“For watching.”

Her lush pink lips part in a gasp.

I motion dramatically to myself, like I deserve a medal. “You know, staying up all night, risking my life for the sweet, innocentpreacher’s daughter. Didn’t get so much as a ‘thanks, Trick,’ but hey, I’m a giver. No need to make it awkward.”

Her face immediately flushes. “I—um—I didn’t realize I was supposed to?—”

“I’m kidding, Marie,” I say, cutting her off with a laugh. “Relax. You should’ve seen your face.”

She lets out a small, nervous laugh, the kind that tells me she’s not sure if she should be laughing or hiding behind the chair.

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