Page 35 of Mark Us Little Bear
“Okay. An hour and a half is enough for the word cancer, vertically, with a red line crossing it in the center.”
Staring at me, his eyes asses mine. “You sure? Luka is the only tattoo artist you let near your body.”
I slide my hands in his, “I guess, you are the only exception.”
With a huge smile, he rearranges his equipment and puts his gloves on. I move to the chair and he gently cleans the spot on my neck with a soap bottle and sanitizer before he applies a thin layer of primer and presses the stencil he made to my skin. After he peels it we wait for it to dry.
His hand slowly covers the back of my hand, fingers sliding between mine until we’re intertwined. A soft laughter makes my shoulders tremble when he maps my facial features carefully.
Eyes adoring.
Always are.
My thumb traces the sharp line of his clean-shaven jaw while my eyes fixate on the light freckles dotting his cheeks.
Half an hour turns into an hour while his enjoyable playlist changes from metal to K-pop and I love that about him—I couldn’t stand it at first when he moved in with me but now it makes my heart swell every time I catch him doing chores around the house with his headphones on.
The machine buzzes as the needle hits my skin again and soothes me in seconds—it’s these moments I feel the most alive and peaceful.
“You’re doing great.” With each stroke he pauses, ensuring I’m okay, collecting ink from the tiny cup by his side. “We’re almost done.”
Almost…somehow I find the word amusing now.
“Little Bear,” I murmur, staring at our reflection through the black-tinted mirrored wall opposite the chair. Bradley is so focused, his ball cap flicked backward but he’s still sneaking glances at me.
A smile is slowly taking my face hostage and I bite the edge of my lip, he always captures my attention no matter what he does.
When I stare at him it’s like I’m staring darkness in the eyes but my eyes seek him in every imaginable way. He’s imprinting his ink on me daily not even knowing the damage he has done.
He not so subtly took hold of my heart.
So damn easily.
I keep resisting him to give us more time to get to know each other. I owe it to myself, him, and now Amber. I don’t know where we’re going but it’s worth taking it step by step.
I wince when he hits a sensitive spot and ball my hand into a fist.
“Does it hurt?”
“Yeah,” I press my lips into a thin line.
He blows cool air on the side of my face, not on my tattoo. “How’s that?”
“Better.” My muscles relax instantly. “Can you do it one more time?”
“You’re so obsessed.” His playful voice is so annoying when he knows he is right.
I clench my eyes shut. “Forget I even asked.”
Cool air hits my face again. Gently.
“I expect to see a pregnancy test soon, Princess. I want to know if I’m going to be a father.” Bradley chuckles adorably. I swear that no one makes me laugh the way he does.
I shake my head from side to side, hiding the ghost of a smile forcing itself out. “Shut up.” I press my palm over his eyes.
His hand flies to grasp my chin. “Hey, you can’t cover the artist’s eyes, if you misbehave again, I will tie your hands behind your back.”
“You’re dying to.”
