Page 23 of Midnight Ink

For the first time since that day, I wish that I could.

MADDOX

BEFORE

“So, what things do you like? Any suggestions?”

Ian looks around the trailer, and I don’t know why I feel insecure about it. I don’t give a shit that I live in a trailer park. I think judgy people are stupid. So why does my stomach tighten as he looks around?

“This your place?”

“My mom’s, but she’s never here.” I wish she’d spend more time at home, but I guess that’s asking for trouble. I should feel grateful she lets me live here, even if she doesn’t approve of what I’m doing. “Follow me.”

I lead him down the hall. If I pay a little rent, she lets me have the bigger room. It’s still a small space, but it works for now. My bed is against the left wall, while my makeshift tattoo station takes up a lot of room. I turn to find Ian looking at my wall. “You did all these?”

I walk to him. “Yeah.”

“They’re beautiful.”

I watch him as he looks at the wall of drawings I have. I could keep them in my sketchbook, but I like looking at them. Up close I can see soft freckles along his cheeks. He’s very handsome. Unsure and a little quiet. He side-eyes me then turns his face to me. Oh yeah, those freckles and dimples. His eyes are this greenish blue that I don’t see very often.

“Why are you staring?” he asks.

“I’m just observing a piece of art.”

“What?” Then he realizes I mean him. “Oh, god.”

“How much? I might have a buyer who’s interested.” I wink.

His face twists. “Ew. Horrible line.” I laugh as his lips break into a smile. “You should be ashamed.”

I shrug. “Shame has no place here.”

Ian shakes his head. “You like to hear yourself talk, don’t you?”

“I think you like listening to me talk.” He scoffs. “Ouch. My ego.”

“You’re too ridiculous to have an ego.” Ian smiles.

I try to think of something to say but words are lost to me. I just watch him. He’s so easy to rile up. I love it. “Come on. Sit down and let me work my magic.”

With a roll of his eyes, he sits in my chair. I sterilize everything and snap my gloves on. “Any preferences?”

“No. Just don’t tattoo a dick on me or something.”

“Well, now I’ll have to think of something else.”

He laughs. “I don’t care. Do whatever.”

“Very trusting.”

“I trust nobody.” His green eyes hold me, and I know what I want to do. “But your reputation is at stake, so I trust you don’t want to make yourself look bad.”

I bite back a smile. Fuck, I think I like him a little too much. “Close your eyes, okay. It won’t take long.”

Ian settles and closes his eyes. I begin to tattoo—freehand. It’s easy enough since I know what I want to do. The soft buzz of the machine is my own personal lullaby. I’ve been tattooing since I was twelve. For practice of course. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I gave Anna her first tattoo when she was sixteen, somewhere hidden so her parents didn’t ground her. I check on Ian again. If it hurts, he doesn’t move. Soft lips and closed eyes. “I can feel you staring at me.”

“You are very stareable.”