Page 196 of Nemesync
When the last stroke was done, I stepped back, examining my creation.
It’s exactly what I wanted her to see every-time she looked at herself in the mirror. I took off my gloves and let a small kiss on her neck where I could feel her pulse.
Divine.
She got up, putting on her shirt but lifted it up to see.
She admired the tattoo in the mirror, her eyes opened in surprise, then her gaze traced the quote underneath the dahlia, she turned to me with gratitude in her eyes. “That’s so beautiful Elijah. What does the quote mean?”
I left the tools on the table and went closer to her. I traced the curves of her back with my fingers and leaned near her ear, “It means that you’re mine.”
She turned toward me, her eyes filled with softness and magic, “You’re letting your mark on me?”
“Yes, I am,” I nodded.
She kissed my cheek, giggling, “Still a psycho, I see. But I love it, it’s stunning.”
I looked back at Niko and then at her, “Don’t make a habit of dragging me into tattoo parlors you two.”
Nikolai approached us, laughing, “Is the big and bad Elijah Volkov becoming a tattoo artist?”
“You stupid asshole, I’ve already given you a ton of tattoos.”
Niko offered me a gaze full of joy and with a smile he said, “You’re claiming Zanae forever now. That’s new, who would’ve thought.”
I planted a small kiss on Zanae’s lips, shaking my head.
After the tattoo session, I found myself standing outside, contemplative.
Zanae shot me subtle smiles while her hand, caressing my palm, rested in mine.
Nikolai nudged me, “Deep in thought, Volkov?”
“Take Zanae home, I need a moment. Keep her safe Niko, I’ll be back home late.”
“Everything okay, Elijah?” Zanae asked, her hand freezing on mine.
My gaze softened looking at all that worry in her eyes.
Fuck, how is she worried about me?
“Everything’s fine. Just need a moment,Milaya.”
Nikolai clapped me on the back and winked at me, “Alright, big guy. I’ll make sure she gets home safely. Take your time.”
I kissed Zanae one last time, her hand squeezed mine, like she wanted me to know she was here.
I don’t fucking deserve this woman.
Then they walked away, leaving me alone on the bustling street, I heard Niko whispering, “He loves his time alone.”
I shook my head and listened to Zanae’s chuckle as she answered, “Yeah, I’ve noticed, I live with him. But thanks, Niko.”
They headed towards the car, leaving me alone.
The tattoo machine’s hum filled the space as I prepared to mark a piece of my life onto my skin again.
A candid photo of Zanae lay before me. One I took when she was looking at me in the balcony, with her rosy cheeks and beautiful smile, those little dimples that speak directly to my heart. But mostly her amber gaze, illuminated by the moonlight.
