Page 12 of Defy
Chapter Six
BELLA
It's Monday morning, and I'm lying in bed seriously contemplating not getting up. Logan left for work about thirty minutes ago with a promise to be home by dinner time. So, seeing as I have a full day ahead of me, I throw the blankets aside and climb out of bed. Making my way to the bathroom, I brush my teeth, wash my face and then pile my hair on the top of my head in a messy bun.
Walking into the closet, I snag a pair of black leggings off the hanger, and pair it with a grey off the shoulder slouchy tee and my black flats. I have an appointment with Gabriel this morning over at Kings Ink. This appointment will be my last. Gabriel has done an excellent job of covering my scars. It's been a slow process, but it's also worth it. My tattoos are beautiful. Gabriel can work some serious magic. I am so thankful for the time he has spent working on me. My tattoo starts just under my left breast and angles across my abdomen, and then all the way down my hip.
The blood-red roses are a stark contrast to the black lace background. The detail in the lace is what has taken so long. A year to be exact. I'm amazed at how invisible my scars are now. It's also crazy how addictive tattoos are. I already have ideas for what I want next.
On my way out of the house, I stop by the living room and grab the gift I got for the baby off the coffee table. While Logan and I were in Seattle, I made him take me to the zoo. Yes, the zoo. To my surprise, Logan didn't argue. He said if we were together he didn't care what we did. When we were at the gift shop picking up some souvenirs for baby Gabe, Valentina, and Mila's little girl Ava, I spotted a stuffed black bear. A bear represents strength, and I knew it would be perfect for the baby.
On the driveover to Kings Ink, I smile at the memory of the past few days. Demetri's penthouse was breathtaking. His view overlooked the entire city. My skin prickles at the memory of Logan taking me on the balcony our first night there. The next two days that followed were just as memorable. Along with the zoo, we went to the Space Needle, a waterfront ferris wheel, and we stuffed our faces with so much delicious food that I guarantee I have gained at least five pounds. On the second day of sightseeing, I snapped a picture of Seattle's public library and sent it to Alba. If I know my sister, she's already made Gabriel promise to take her one day. Seattle is a place that has something for everyone. Logan was like a kid in a candy store when we went to one of the breweries. His exact words were…"This is what the fuck I'm talkin' about."He also spent a small fortune on beer.
Pulling up in front of Gabriel's shop and parking, I reach over to the passenger seat of my car and grab my purse. Just as I'm stepping out of my car, I hear my phone ping with an incoming text.
Logan:Miss you already Angel.
Me:Miss you too.
Logan:Have a good day. See you tonight. Love you.
Me:Love you too.
Tossingmy phone back in my purse, I walk into Kings Ink with a smile on my face. The bell alerts Gabriel to my arrival as soon as I open the door. I see him at his station already set up for me.
"Bella," he addresses me with a chin lift.
"How's it going, big guy?" I ask making my way to his chair.
"It's going," he grunts.
Not deterred by his usually grumpiness, I continue. "How are my niece and nephew doing?" My last question earns me a smile. Gabe and Valentina are the light of their Papi's eye. You can see it whenever someone mentions his children.
"They're good," he tells me, his face going soft. "Gabe took his first steps the other night."
"What!" I balk, "And my sister didn't think to call me?" I stand there gaping at Gabriel. Momentarily stunned by my outburst, Gabriel finally speaks.
"She didn't want to bother you while you and Logan were out of town."
I plop down onto the chair beside me, "She could have called me," I grumble. After a beat, I look over at Gabriel who is getting his ink tray ready. "That boy of yours is going to give you hell now," I smirk.
"You're probably right," Gabriel chuckles.
"Come on," I tell him as I peel my shirt off over my head leaving me in a sports bra. "Let's get this last session over with."
After about twenty minutes of silence, I decide to bring up a topic I'm sure will hit a sore spot with the big guy. "Logan and I met up with Leyna while in Seattle." At my confession Gabriel stills. A second later the buzz of the machine fills the room once more, and he refuses to acknowledge what I said. "I know it's not my place to interfere, so I'm just going to say my peace, and then I'll leave it at that." When he doesn't protest, I continue. "She misses you, big guy. Leyna going back to Seattle with Lex was not something she did to hurt you." Reaching over and placing my hand on his forearm and looking Gabriel dead in his eyes. I want him to understand what I'm trying to tell him. "Leyna made that decision for her. She decided that her happiness was important. It would be nice if her big brother could have her back and be happy for her. We have no control over who we fall in love with Gabriel. You of all people should understand that." Once I've said my peace, I lie back in the chair and let him finish his work. I can only hope he and Leyna work out their differences. I know they both miss each other. Leyna had to follow her heart, and Gabriel can't help but feel betrayed. The club and the law don't usually mix.
Rubbing elbows with the Polson P.D. is one thing. The Kings and the local law enforcement have an understanding, but Lex… that's a whole other ball field. Lex is an FBI agent. The same FBI that has been up the club's ass a time or two in the past. Leyna told me she and Gabriel still talk a couple of times a week, and Leyna has been to visit twice, once when Gabe was born and again with Val. But he refuses to acknowledge her relationship with Lex. I hate seeing my family hurt. Besides, I've seen the way Lex looks at Leyna. That man is so far in love even a blind man could see that. And because of his feelings for Gabriel's sister, I truly believe he wouldn't come after the club for anything. I don't think he would risk what he has with the woman he loves. Logan would never admit it, but I think he gained a little bit of respect for Lex when he saw with his own eyes how protective he is towards Leyna.
"Done," Gabriel announces bringing me out of my thoughts.
Rolling his chair back a couple of feet, Gabriel snaps his gloves off and tosses them in the trash bin beside his station. Standing up, I walk over to the mirror and look at the finished product. "It's beautiful, Gabriel," I breathe. And it is. The red is so vibrant. A year ago, I couldn't stand looking in the mirror. And now, I can't seem to stop.
"A beautiful piece for a beautiful woman," Gabriel says as he strides over to the front counter. His comment makes me smile. He can be so sweet at times.
Pulling my shirt back on over my head and picking my purse up off the floor next to the chair I just spent two hours in; I make my way over to the counter where Gabriel is.
"Here," he says handing me a jar of cream for my tattoo. "You know the drill." I take the offered jar and toss it into my purse, "Thanks, big guy."
