Page 88 of My Turn Petal
Theo puts me down, and my bare feet touch the floor. “We need to get ready if we’re heading to your cousin in a few hours.”
Nick and his wife are out on vacation and they gave us the keys to their house. We must watch over while Nick surprises his pregnant wife with a room for their baby. Now that it’s done we can head to New York in the morning.
“Okay, but first,” I skip away toward the house, “Catch me.”
Lilac strands peek between my aqua hair, flowing together as I toss them back and stride past Theo to get to my cousin. Showcasing my lovebite as I pass him while I wink. He gave it to me earlier and warned me not to cover it up.
This man is everything.
I pull her in for a hug. “Dylan, I missed you so much.”
“Me too, your hair looks amazing.” She tightens our hug.
Embracing my new self with my exotic hair, I’m glad I made this change. She told me that when she dyed hers it made her feel so much better. It was like a new chapter.
So one phone call and she got me Amber’s number—the best hairdresser around here.
“Hey, Frankie, it’s good to have you here,” Luka’s Australian accent pops behind my cousin’s back.
“It’s good to visit again. I’m so pumped to see everyone is here.” I reply.
Already caught some of our closest friends and business associates roaming around the club. Everyone is here for a mega collaboration between tattoo artists from all over the country that is taking place this summer—it’s going to be the best.
“Yeah, this is the right energy.” Luka hugs me. “You’re a part of our Ink family and a part of our family, don’t ever forget that.” He is the most welcoming person in the world.
Dylan and Luka’s authentic connection is a sight to behold. I’m so happy we both found exactly what we were looking for.
“Thank you guys.”
Dylan smirks at her husband, “Where is your handsome husband, Theo?”
“He’d probably gone to get a drink.” I dart my head to the bar. The red lights illuminate the entireHella Clubthat is owned by Luke and his best friend, Ronnie.
When I don’t see Theo, I look over to the dance floor and goosebumps rise on my flesh as I catch him dancing so seductively.
Oh, my.
He extends his hand, wagging his finger in a ‘come here’ gesture.
I bite my lip.
He held my hand every step of the way and he never gave up on me. It’s not a miracle. It’s just commitment, no pressure, trust, communication, and patience.
The black floor delivers me to his open arms and he tucks me to his tight body.
“I never thought I’d fall in love with a man who wears masks out of the blue and plays with knives for fun.” The words just slip out of me, and spill into his ear. “Who knew I’m into psycho ex-stripper type.”
“Love makes us do crazy things,” he pretends to give a serious response.
I spin and say. “After all, we live around casinos and gamblers so it only makes sense that we’ll jump on the opportunity, become criminals and rob them all.”
He spins me to the beat of the music that’s playing loudly. “We should get new masks and do it.” He pauses. “I’ll bring your knife.”
I can’t contain my laughter anymore.
“But I’m fucking you afterward.”
“Isn’t it, my turn?” I tease.
