Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24870 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24870 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
He shifts uncomfortably. “I started drawing when I was a kid, and by the time I was fifteen, I was giving tattoos out of my trailer to make money. My family is the Guardians. They’re all I’ve ever known, and when they moved here from Texas, I came a few months after to get things started.”
I know there’s more about his family than what he’s letting on, but I’m happy he at least attempted to answer my questions. He holds the paper up. “Tell me about the tattoo.”
I will not tear up. I will not tear up. I’m telling myself that, but I know I’m not going to be able to talk about my mom and dad without blubbering like a fool. I pull my shoulders back. “My mom and dad died eight years ago. It was, uh, hard to say the least, and that was my mom’s favorite Bible verse.”
He points up and down my body. “Where do you want it at?”
I point to my ribcage. “Here.”
He looks almost frustrated. He seems all tense, and I feel like he’s about to refuse me, but he gestures to the bed. “Get up there.”
I sit up on the bed, and he turns his back to me. I watch as he gets his equipment ready and then slides a tray next to me. “Hold on,” he says.
I grip the bed as he lowers it, and it brings us so close all I can do is breathe him in. He gestures for me to lie down.
I grip my shirt, holding on to it, and he tilts his head. “Did you change your mind?”
I shake my head quickly. I’m more sure of this than anything. I want Ben to be the one to give me the tattoo. “No, that’s not it.”
He smiles softly. “What is it then?”
I close my eyes, wanting to hide from the embarrassment of it all. “It’s just, I’m not like the cherries is all.”
His forehead creases. “I don’t think you are. What does that have to do with anything?”
I blow out a breath in frustration. Why is this so embarrassing? “I mean that I don’t look like the cherries. Like when I pull my shirt up, you’re going to see flab.” I clench my eyes shut. “Maybe I should just let Gunner do it.”
7
BOSS
Igrunt. “That’s not happening.” I put my hand on her knee. “So hold up. You’re worried about me seeing you?”
She lifts her shoulders and then lets them drop without making a sound.
I squeeze her knee. “You’re perfect, princess.”
She laughs. “No, I’m not. Far from it really, and I’m fine with how I look, but I thought I should warn you or something, that’s all.”
“Okay, you warned me. Which side do you want?”
She points to her left side.
“Okay, lie down on your right and face me.”
She lies down and tugs her shirt up. All is see is soft, creamy skin, and the sight of it makes my heart constrict. I try to be professional about everything. I help her tuck her shirt up, and I ignore the black of her bra that I can see just a hint of.
I can do this, I tell myself.
She tenses, and I rest my hand on her. “You okay?”
She bites her lip and nods.
“I’m going to freehand this. You trust me?”
She nods again without hesitation.
I get her skin ready and then explain to her what I’m going to do. She listens intently and then lays her head down and closes her eyes. I work on the pair of angel wings and the mountain. I stop a few times and ask her if she needs to rest, but she just shakes her head, telling me she’s fine.
I take my time, lettering the Bible verse underneath the wings. The mountain may crumble but you will not. Isaiah 54:10
Lexi may be young, but she’s experienced the hardest thing a person can experience. The thought of her being sad overcomes me, and I wish I could take her pain away. For just a second, I let myself believe that we can be together, but just as quickly, I tell myself it's not possible. I just tattooed a Bible verse on her body. Everything about her is pure and sweet. She’s everything I’m not. And my life would destroy her.
I can feel her eyes on me, and I turn away as if I’m afraid she’ll see what I’m feeling. “I’m done. Do you want to see it before I put the ink sack on it?”
She nods her head, and I could send her over to the mirror, but instead I grab the handheld and bring it over to her. I hold it so she can see it, and I wasn’t ready for the tears that form in her eyes. Fuck me, I can’t handle her tears.
I lay the mirror down and put a firm hand at her waist. “Are you okay?”