Page 16 of Lost & Found

The façade of strength I normally had crumbled, leaving me raw and exposed.

“Let it all out,” he soothed. “I think we’ve covered enough for today. We can pick this back up later.”

Confronting the past with him wouldn’t erase all the shame or undo the trauma. I knew this, but his guidance and support—the very lifeline he was offering—was everything.

I nodded against his chest, unable to find the words to express myself.

A Week Later

I stood outside with my key in the lock, that familiar rush of adrenaline running through me. Every morning it was the same. Unlock, disarm the alarm, claim the space as mine. So much changed in a short period for me. And now, at twenty-four, I was finally living. I’d found my calling and built my own corner in the art world.

If someone had told me two years ago that I would own a tattoo studio, I would have laughed hysterically. Kinsley had her Kings. Victoria had Marcel. We were actively looking for Winter, and I had my Studio.

It had quickly become my haven, my second home. Each day I got the opportunity to express myself through ink and color, turning stories into lifelong marks on people’s skin. It was an extension of me. Something I had no idea I needed.

All my prior artwork was condensed to canvas and sketchbooks, never to see the light of day, especially given the source material. But now my artwork had a purpose, and I got the privilege of helping my clients tell a story.

The freedom I’d birthed extended beyond the four walls. Light flooded the space through the oversized windows, catching on chrome and glass. The walls were layered with framed flashes, commissioned pieces, and bold murals we’d painted ourselves. It was alive—loud in the best way possible.

The jangle of the bell sounded, letting me know Aiden had arrived. He was always the first one in and specialized in watercolor pieces. All the ladies wanted to sit at his station. It didn’t hurt that he was tall, dark, and handsome.

He was already gloving up when Theo and Megan came in an hour later, arguing about where to go this weekend. Theo was the master of intricate black and gray designs, skillfully adding shadow and depth to his masterpieces. Megan had an edgy style and a passion for geometric tattoos. She had someone coming in today to finish up a stunning sleeve.

Together, we were the dream team and complemented each other’s skills. My style was realism, as it allowed me to express myself with both vivid colors and black and gray.

I shuffled around, checking inventory, when the bell sounded again. My head snapped up, and a grin spread across my face. Taking up the entire doorway was Alek. Cocky as fuck with an air of ownership.

I suppose he did in a way, since he and Sebastian had purchased the building together.

“God, I love seeing you here, Bellarusso.”

He strode confidently over and hugged me. I missed him this morning on my way out. He and Kinsley hadn’t made it down for breakfast.

“It’s surreal. Damn near everything is these days for me though. I’m living my best life over here.”

“I hear the girls are trying to get you on MingleMe. The guys and I have a bet on if they’ll succeed or not. How are we feeling about that aspect of things?”

I stared at him long enough for the answer to be obvious.

“Keep your bet fiercely in my corner, Reaper, and you won’t lose anything. Now I’m interested in which of the guys think I’ll actually do it.”

“We know how Bash feels, so we’ll rule him out. Hell, the fucker doesn’t even want in on the bet and you know how he is with those. But the one who thinks you’ll cave happens to be why I’m here.”

I stood back in deep thought. He didn’t need to spell it out. There was only one non-tatted man in the house. He was referring to Pasha. This had been brewing for a while. Things had gotten very serious for him after they rescued Victoria from her house.

Damn, was that only a few short months ago?

It was. Time was flying. One of the ways things had changed was that he’d stepped away from professional dancing altogether. Then there was the matter of ending things with Hannah. God, that was one of the biggest blessings aside from Declan and Victoria. Now none of us had to suffer the jealous shrew’s presence.

“Okay. Kinsley know?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“Yes. She wasn’t too happy about it. I thought after the last fiasco she understood, but apparently, she isn’t quite ready to relinquish him over to us fully.”

I raised my eyebrows. Kinsley was so protective of Pasha. It was cute and reminded me of the relationship I had with Sebastian. And honestly, from what I’d heard, she had no reason to fear him getting hurt. He had proved not only his ability to stomach what they did, but had found his own brutal groove along the way.

His personality made him larger than life. And he was one of the first people outside the family that I’d let into my circle. Pasha wasn’t remotely intimidated by my sarcasm. Most people flinched. He leaned in. I’d never admit it out loud, but I was grateful for that.

If not for him and that dance intensive in Woodinville, none of us would be standing where we are now. He inadvertently changed the course of all our lives.