Page 46 of Ace of Spades

“Story of my life,” I mutter under my breath.

He huffs a laugh but doesn’t say anything else, just works with a focused gentleness.

And when he presses the machine to my skin for the first time, I grit my teeth and breathe through the sting. It’s not as bad as I thought. In fact, it’s kind of beautiful.

Pain and art all tangled up together.

He finishes faster than I expect, wiping down the new ink with practiced hands.

“All done,” he says, smiling wide.

I sit up, careful, and glance at the mirror he hands me.

It’s beautiful. Elegant. And allmine.

I run my fingers carefully around it, heart swelling.

Theo clears his throat again, handing me a small packet of aftercare instructions.

“Just take good care of it, okay? Wouldn’t want you getting an infection before your able to prove your guts with the keeper.”

He grins.

Before I can thank him properly, the door swings open. A guy with short, dark hair and porcelain skin steps inside. His next appointment, I’m guessing.

Theo flashes him a professional smile.

“You must be Jun Yu. C’mon in.”

I squeeze past them, helmet tucked under my arm.

As I reach the door, I glance back once.

“Thanks, Theo,” I say, voice thick with more gratitude than I can explain.

He meets my eyes and grins, that boyish, mischievous smile.

“Anytime, Red.”

Chapter12

Levi

Carter’s laughing with someone downstairs about how he cleaned me out tonight.

I’m not sure who he’s talking to, but whoever it is sounds like an overnight companion.

Typical Carter.

Between him and Brody, I’m pretty sure they’ve dated every single woman on the island.

I check the time on the computer I’ve been staring at instead of actually working. 2:13 am.

And Theo’s Jeep Wrangler still isn’t back.

I look out the window for what seems like the hundredth time.

Why am I so worried?

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