Page 1 of Mountain Protector

ChapterOne

RUBY

“Damn, that looks good,”Marcus says, examining the fresh ink on his forearm. He twists his wrist to catch the light, the black lines of the geometric mountain range standing out stark against his tanned skin.

“Let me see yours again,” he says to Lainey, who’s perched on the edge of the tattoo chair beside him. My best friend extends her arm, showing off the delicate constellation pattern I just finished on her inner wrist.

“I’m obsessed with it,” she says, her eyes bright with excitement. “The way you incorporated the Aquarius stars but made them look like they’re flowing with the water? It’s perfect.”

“It really is,” Marcus agrees, gently taking her wrist to examine my work. “The detail is incredible.”

“Ruby, you’ve outdone yourself,” Lainey says, beaming at me. “The linework is so clean. I couldn’t have asked for better.”

I feel my cheeks warm at their praise as I finish wiping down Marcus’s tattoo with antiseptic.

“Thanks, guys. I’m really happy with how they both turned out.”

“Worth every penny,” Marcus reaches for his wallet. “What do we owe you?”

I wave him off. “Friends and family discount. Just leave a good tip in the jar if you want.”

Lainey’s eyes widen. “Ruby, no. We’re paying full price. This is your livelihood.”

“It’s on the house,” I peel off my gloves. “Consider it an early wedding present.”

Marcus raises an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“Positive. Just promise to let me do your anniversary tattoos next year.”

Lainey laughs and hops off the chair. “Deal. But we’re leaving a massive tip anyway.”

I watch as they gather their things, Lainey tucking herself against Marcus’s side despite the fact that he towers over her petite frame.

It still catches me off guard sometimes, seeing them together. They’ve only been dating for a few months. But with the way they look at each other—like they’ve been waiting their whole lives for this—it makes perfect sense why they’re already engaged.

The twenty-year age gap raised eyebrows around town, sure, but anyone who sees them together gets it immediately. And the fact that Lainey used to date Marcus’s son Axel years ago? Ancient history now, though it definitely complicated things when they first realized their feelings for each other.

I take a moment to breathe in the quiet of the shop. Fit Mountain Ink feels different when I’m the only one working here. Jess and Mike, the owners, trusted me to hold down the fort while they’re on a two-week anniversary trip to Hawaii. It’s a vote of confidence I don’t take lightly, especially since I’ve only been tattooing professionally for three years.

I glance over at Spike, my bearded dragon, lounging in his terrarium on the counter. I brought him in to keep me company during the slow periods.

“Just you and me now, buddy,” I tell him, tapping gently on the glass. He blinks lazily at me, unimpressed.

My phone rings, and I see my dad’s name flash across the screen. I consider letting it go to voicemail, but something tells me I should answer.

“Hey, Dad,” I say, trying to keep my voice neutral.

“Ruby.” His tone immediately sets me on edge. It’s his lawyer voice, not his dad voice. “Where are you right now?”

“At the shop. Why?”

There’s a pause, and I can practically see him pinching the bridge of his nose the way he does when he’s stressed.

“There’s been an incident. A prisoner escaped from Blackwater Prison last night.”

My stomach drops. “Who?”

“Vincent Holloway.”

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