Page 162 of Rose
Her name tag read Taylor, and her smile beamed with ease. William returned it, genuinely.
“It’s my first time here,” he said.
“Ouuu, we love newbies!” Taylor lit up. “You’re gonna have a grand time. I’m gonna make sure you get the full experience. I’ll set you up with our best artist.”
He nodded, took the pen, and wrote his name down. For once, he didn’t overthink it. His whole life was built on escape, but tonight, maybe he’d actually feel it.
Just as he set the clipboard down, a soft, commanding voice approached behind Taylor.
“Taylor, make sure Q at the front knows to cut the line once we reach capacity.”
He looked up—
And time. Stopped.
She wasn’t just beautiful.
She was otherworldly.
Brown skin glowing like rich honey beneath the ambient lights. Natural hair cascading down her back. A black Escape Room hoodie hugging her frame. High-waisted jean shorts showing off long, toned legs. Nike Dunks laced up like she could paint or fight in them, and win at both.
William’s breath caught. His first thought: I just saw Heaven.
“This is the owner,” Taylor said, motioning to her. “We also have a newbie in the shop tonight.”
She smiled, and his soul left his body.
That smile? That was it. He’d never seen anything like it.
“Got it,” the woman said, then turned toward him, her eyes briefly locking with his.
And for the first time in years, William felt seen—not as a fugitive, not as a ghost, but as a man.
And he wanted to be seen.
The sound of her voice snapped him out of it, but her image stayed burned behind his eyes.
He didn’t know her name.
But he would.
“Hi, newbie. What’s your name?” she asked, flashing him a smile that hit him harder than any bullet ever could.
“William,” he replied, trying to keep his voice cool. “And I must say… you’re very beautiful.”
Both women chuckled—Ahzii softly, like she’d heard it before but didn’t take it too seriously.
“Thank you,” she said, her tone polite but unreadable. “I’m Ahzii. Co-owner of the place.” She leaned over the counter slightly, scanning the long list of tattoo inquiries. “I see you signed up for some ink?”
“Only if you’re doing it,” he said without hesitation, voice low and smooth.
For a man used to surviving hell, being near her felt like a sliver of Heaven.
Ahzii raised a brow, amused. “I’m pretty booked—”
“Actually…” Taylor cut in, already grinning with that signature matchmaking mischief. “You’re open. Yori took the last client, and I can hold it down out here with the showcase.”
Ahzii shot Taylor a playful glare, but it was too late. The trap had been set.
