Page 31 of Inked Daddies

She glares at me, but there’s no real heat behind it. “You’re not helping.”

“Alright, fine,” I say, crouching down again. “It’s not that bad. Promise. If it was, do you think I’d let Sam anywhere near me with that thing?”

Sam shoots me a look, and I smirk at him. “I mean, he’s great and all, but the guy’s got hands like bricks.” Marie laughs softly, her shoulders relaxing just a little, and I give Sam a pointed look. “See? Iamhelping.”

“Let’s just get started,” Sam mutters, adjusting her leg on the padding.

Marie tenses as soon as the machine buzzes to life, her hands gripping the chair again.

“It’s okay,” Sam says, his voice softer now. “Just breathe.”

“Yeah, Marie,” I add, leaning close to her. “Just breathe. And if it gets too much, you can hold my hand. Or, you know, both my hands. I’ve got big hands. You know what they say about a man with big hands.”

“Trick!” she says again, laughing despite herself.

“What? I’m being supportive.”

Sam presses the needle to her skin, and the moment he does, Marie flinches, a sharp gasp escaping her lips.

“It’s alright,” Sam says quickly, his voice calm. “Just focus on breathing. You’re doing great.”

But she’s not breathing. She’s practically holding her breath, her body stiff as a board.

“Marie,” I say softly, crouching down beside her again. She looks at me, her eyes wide and a little panicked. “You’re fine. You’re doing fine. You trust me, right?”

She hesitates, then nods.

“Good,” I say. I lean in and press my lips to hers.

I’ve been dying to do that for six months. It’s quick—barely a second—but it’s enough to make her forget everything else. Her body relaxes immediately, and when I pull back, her cheeks arepink, her lips parted like she’s trying to figure out what just happened.

“See?” I say, grinning. “Distraction. Works every time.”

She blinks at me, her hand flying to her lips. “I—I don’t?—”

“You’re doing great, Marie,” Sam says, his tone clipped as he focuses on the tattoo. I can’t tell if he’s annoyed with me or just trying not to lose his cool. Probably both.

Marie looks at him, then back at me, her face still red. “I can’t believe you just?—”

“Kissed you?” I finish for her, smirking. “Hey, you said you trusted me.”

“I didn’t think you’d?—”

“Well, now you know,” I say, leaning back and crossing my arms. “You’re welcome, by the way. That was all for you.”

Her blush deepens, but she doesn’t say anything, and I can’t help but feel a little proud of myself.

Sam doesn’t look up from her calf, but I can see the muscle in his jaw tightening. “You’re not helping, Trick.”

“Sure I am,” I say, grinning. “Look at her. She’s relaxed now, isn’t she?”

Marie glares at me, but there’s a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

“Relaxedmight be pushing it,” she mutters, but her voice is softer now, less tense.

“See?” I say, nudging Sam with my foot. “I’m a genius.”

Sam just shakes his head, muttering something under his breath as he continues working.

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