Page 32 of Mark Us Little Bear
Given Luka’s name in the media, The Devil, I assume the artist was inspired by his story.
This building feels special, it’s how I felt the first day I set foot here. I stare at the door, lost in my thoughts when my phone pings.
Ronnie
No one tattoos me other than Luka, you already know that.
He finally replies to the text I sent him earlier.“You should let me tattoo you.”But he is being so annoying about it.
Bradley
So, you’re the loyal type but there’s always a first.
Ronnie
Yeah, Luka.
He immediately replies without giving it a moment of thought.
Bradley
Quit being stubborn.
My first client walks through the door and I shove the phone into my rear pocket, channeling my energy to create something.A couple of hours later I cross the shop to the hallway and enter the elevator to get down to the club.
I subtly swing the bag in my hand and the smell of Nana’s cooking drifts in waves. She made saucy mushroom noodles, Luka said he would sell his soul for it so we ordered four and he went to eat it with Dylan.
The elevator dings and the neon signHella Clubstares at me.
I pass the open office—it’s vacant. I pull open the door that says staff room—no one is there either. Next, before I reach the supply room, Ronnie exits with two big boxes. I rush to get to him and take the one on top.
“Thanks. What are you doing here?” he walks quickly towards the bar where this hall ends.
“My client canceled so now I have a two-hour slot, do you want to fill it?” I playfully wiggle my brows and wink as I place the box on the floor by his side and put the bag I brought on the counter. “I also brought lunch.”
“Why don’t you help me restock and check inventory?” he suggests with a wicked little smile and starts restocking the shelves with new bottles.
“You like to boss me around don’t you?”
“I run a business twenty-four-seven with my best friend who lets me do most of the job because he trusts me.” Bottles aggressively clink on the shelf. “I’m responsible for the whole staff and the sufficiency of this place while I also have my duties at home.” He moves next to wipe the counter with a rag. “So, just admit that you like me bossy because I boss around for a living.”
Completely hypnotized, I can sense something is weighing on him but I automatically replay, “I do—I mean, I admit. That’s an odd way to propose but I accept.”
“Ugh, you’re driving me crazy. Go upstairs and do your job.” There’s an edge to his tone, he is not fully angry but irritated.“That smells like Nana’s cooking.” He finally acknowledges, sniffing the bag thoroughly and licking his lips.
“It is, but why are you running around like mama-duck doing all the chores?” The club is closed from morning till noon. The morning shift is helping with inventory back in the supply room. And workers from the cleaning company are already running around making the place spotless.
A heavy sigh pushes past his nostrils. “One employee called in sick, another has just started so he’s slow, and this shift is off the clock soon. No one else can work tonight so I have to replace them.”
“You don’t have to give me that sulky pout.” I zoom in on his full lips, watching his jaw roll as he chews his gum angrily.
“Do you even listen to a word I say?”
My eyes flick to meet his, “Every syllable.”
His eyes flare but he looks away. “Please, go home. You distract me.” Tossing the rag he used a minute ago into a bucket behind the bar, he exits toward his office and I follow.
“I can’t focus on anything but you and Amber either.”
