Page 18

Bella

Since there’s no time like the present and we should make the most of what we have while we have it—something I learned very well while I was locked up in prison—I dragged Blade to come tattoo chair shopping with me.

I don’t even, strictly speaking, need it.

I can ink anywhere and anytime, and I did some of my best work with a makeshift tattooing needle in prison.

But I want this to be the start of the next chapter in my life in all ways.

And if I’m gonna make it be the best chapter of my life, I need to do it right from the start.

So now I’m the proud owner of a state-of-the-art chair that just about fits in the small living room of the garage apartment at his mom’s.

Zane helped Blade carry it up the narrow stairs and we’re all sitting on the sofa, which is now pushed to the side of the room and making everything seem a lot more cramped than it already was.

But as long as there’s enough space around the tattooing chair, I’m happy.

I just hope the stained-glass windows will let enough natural light through for me to do my work.

“So, got any clients lined up?” Zane asks, eying the chair like it’s made of gold.

“I’ve had some calls from people back East who are thinking of coming out just to get tats,” I say. “But nothing concrete yet. You want to be the first? If there’s any space on you left, that is.”

I laugh at my joke, but I’m sure I’m not very far off the mark. What I can see of his skin is already pretty well covered in ink. Minus his face, although he’s got some ink there too.

He grins and winks at me. “I think there’s a couple of spots left.”

My face heats up, because for some reason the thought that he’s talking about his dick flashes through my mind. Nothing he said. Just the way he’s looking at me.

“We should get on with things, Zane,” Blade says, slamming his mostly full bottle of beer on the coffee table, making foam rise.

I’m pretty sure he heard the same thing in Zane’s voice I did. And is jealous? I have never given him cause to be jealous, and that’s not what happened now, so I don’t think that’s the whole reason for his reaction. I’ve sensed a tension between him and Zane all day.

“We can finish this beer, I think,” Zane says, grinning at me again. “Talk some more about being the inaugural client… I’ve been thinking… I have an old tat that I wish I didn’t have anymore?—”

“Sure, I’ll take a look,” I say, because Blade’s been showing signs of blowing up. It doesn’t happen often, he’s usually the calmest person I’ve ever met, so when it’s spectacular when he goes off. “But I think Blade’s mom will be my first client.”

I walk over to Blade and sit on the arm rest next to him. “If she was serious about getting a tattoo, I mean.”

Blade rests his hand on my thigh and looks up at me. “I doubt she was. But maybe.”

He gives my leg a squeeze and stands up. “Let’s go, Zane.”

It sounds like a command, like he’s speaking as the Vice President of his MC, and Zane takes it as such, getting up and finishing his beer standing up.

“Yes, boss.” He winks at me again and I don’t react.

Never in a million years would I expect Zane to flirt with me.

But is that really what he’s doing? Or is he just trying to get Blade riled up for some other reason?

Blade looks at the door, then watches Zane exit through it before turning to me.

“I’ll probably be late again,” he says. “Will you be OK here?”

I nod and wrap my arms around his neck, kissing him softly. “Don’t worry about me. I think I’ll go ask Sophia if she wants to put her money where her mouth is.”

Blade cringes. “My mom with a tattoo. I’m not sure I’m ready to see that.”

“Why not?” I ask in a very innocent voice. “Maybe a nice phoenix rising from the flames on her back. Or maybe a flower garden complete with birds. Something like these stained-glass windows she’s installed everywhere.”

He actually shakes as he cringes this time. “Please, God, no. Start her off with something small. Please.”

I laugh and kiss him again. “I’m making no promises.”

He squeezes me tight then lets go.

“And don’t worry about Zane and whatever his play is,” I say. “I’ve dealt with a lot of guys like him and I’m still here.”

I realize I’ve made a mistake as his face grows as hard as steel and his whole body tenses.

“I just mean… I don’t even know what I meant… you have nothing to worry about is what I’m saying.” I try to backtrack, but I’m sensing that I’m failing miserably. “Don’t be mad.”

He brushes a strand of my hair off my face. “I’m not mad.”

But he sure looks it. I don’t say it though, because I’ve messed up enough for one afternoon already.

“I’m just upset that you had to deal with guys like that and I wasn’t there to keep you safe.”

Something I didn’t even know was solid melts in my chest and I lean against him, resting my forehead against his chest. “My fault. Totally.”

“Didn’t you say we were in a hurry?” Zane’s voice interrupts whatever Blade was gonna say next. Probably for the best because I’d rather not start crying again.

“Not only your fault, mine too,” he says and kisses the top of my head. “We’ll talk later. But now I really should go.”

I let him go then watch him leave. The little colorful birds drawn on the stained-glass windows seem to flutter in the afternoon light, the trees and the flowers sway in an invisible wind and I’m sure I’ve finally made it back full circle.

Back to the love I had, the love we shared, before it all fell apart.

And I don’t know if I’ve ever been happier.

I don’t think so. Even if tears are pressing against the back of my eyes.

They’re tears of joy. Another thing I’d forgotten how to feel until just now.