Page 15 of Inked Desires
This isn’t normal. I don’t usually react this way to men. But deep down, what do I know? I’ve spent my life chained.
I shake my head and walk toward the mirror, turning my back to its smooth surface, trying to regain control of my emotions.
Arès, meanwhile, composes himself and hands me a handheld mirror, finally letting me admire his work.
It’s beautiful. Three black and white roses adorn my neck. The leaves stretch down to the base of my shoulder blades, the tips of the foliage brushing my shoulders. My eyes fill with tears. I am finally free of this burden.
“Thank you,” I whisper, moved.
“Do you like it?”
I watch his reflection. Arès plays nervously with the tips of his hair. It strangely soothes me. His distant, dark side gives him an unreachable air, but this nervousness makes him human.
“It’s perfect.”
A barely perceptible smile brushes his lips. My stomach tightens. That smile suits him well. And if he ever laughs out loud, it would probably be breathtaking.
“Let me clean and protect your skin,” he says, guiding me back to the table.“Once the film’s on, you can put your T-shirt back on.”
With sure, precise movements, he cleans, applies cream, and lays down the protective film. The tattoo is officially finished.
“Thank you, Arès.”
He looks at me sideways, tilts his head slightly, but says nothing.
“Can I pay you tomorrow?” I ask cautiously.“I don’t have much money on me today.”
“No need to pay me,” he dismisses my offer.
“Of course I do. You invested time and ink.”
“I’d have been willing to tie you up to get that crap off your skin. You owe me nothing.”
I stiffen. Memories resurface. I know he’s joking, but some people really do act, even the most harmless-looking ones.
I quickly move away, grab my T-shirt, and pull it over myself to cover up.
“Thanks,” I say one last time before leaving the room hurriedly.
CHAPTER 4
ARÈS
Something sets my nerves on edge. Well, not something, but someone. His name is… impossible to forget. A mix of anger and contempt twists inside me, ready to burst out.
Andrew’s body tells a dark story, visible in his eyes. You’d have to be blind to ignore the abuse he’s suffered. I can’t erase his past, but at least I can protect him from the future.
If that bastard ever falls into my hands, I’ll tear him apart like a Christmas turkey. This time, no hesitation. Not like before. I’m no longer on a mission, and he’s not defenseless.
I take a deep breath and unclench my fists without even realizing it.
I hate humans. Abject creatures, scorning nature and life. Man gets used to everything. What seems a luxury one day becomes banal the next, until it loses all value. And I’m no exception. I’ve walked the same path.
I head to the sales area and fix my gaze on the man behind the counter. Andrew, focused on his screen, clicks the mouse at a steady pace. He’s either playing or found a task to keep busy.
This time of year, the region is pretty quiet. My schedule fills mostly when summer shows its face.
“What are you doing?” I ask, since he hasn’t noticed me.
