Page 71 of Inked Desires

I shrug. I don’t have an answer. I’m not even sure myself. Every answer comes with its own set of consequences. I just know I can’t keep living like this.

“Do you feel safe here?” he asks again.

“Yes. But...”

“But you’re not happy,” he finishes, watching my face closely.

“What does it mean to be happy?” I ask, more to myself than to him.

“Andrew, I’m in love with you,” he says softly, his voice shaking.

My heart skips a beat. I look up at him, speechless. His eyes meet mine—filled with truth. No hesitation. He means every word.

Shit.

A storm of emotions crashes over me. Since when? How didn’t I see it? Every glance, every touch—it was all there. No man risks his life like that without a reason.

“You look like you’re about to run,” he sighs.“And I get it. You don’t feel the same. I hoped maybe, with time... But I guess I’ve been chasing stars again.”

I gently place my hand on his arm. Robert is attractive, but he’s not my type. His deep green eyes, golden-blond hair, defined features—he’s objectively handsome. But he doesn’t spark that fire inside me. I’ve never seen him that way. To me, he’s a brother.

“Robert…” I begin, searching for the right words, but he cuts me off.

He places his hand over mine, giving it a soft stroke.

“Your eyes say it all,” he murmurs.“Don’t feel sorry for me.”

Then he glances at the laptop.

“Go,” he encourages.“Maybe you’ll find answers there. Take my car. Maple Creek’s only about an hour away.”

Gratitude swells in my chest. I squeeze his arm.

“Thank you, Rob. For everything.”

He smiles and digs into his pocket for his car keys.

“Don’t thank me yet. Just be careful. If Jace finds you, you’re a dead man.”

I nod. According to intel, Jace is currently out of the country. He knows exactly what punishment awaits if he shows his face. He’d be stupid to come back. But can the FBI really stop him?

“I’ll be careful,” I say, full of new energy, grabbing the keys.

I’m so eager I don’t even stop to say goodbye. I throw on some clothes and rush out. I slip into the black Mercedes and start the engine, eager to escape the biting chill of November. The cold nips at my cheeks. The engine purrs.

The streets are quiet. Some stores are already decked out for Christmas, making everything feel warm and nostalgic. As soon as I reach Maple Creek, I feel... something. Peace. Like I was happy here once.

I think about walking around town, but then I spot a tattoo studio and instinctively pull over.

As I step out of the car, icy wind slips under my jeans and makes me shiver. A warm glow spills from the shop window. A sign says they’re hiring.

My trembling fingers grip the door handle. But I freeze. Something’s holding me back. Do I really want to go in without knowing what I’m even looking for? The person who inked me probably won’t remember. So what am I hoping to find?

I take a deep breath. God, I’m such a coward. Even if no one remembers me here, someone at least knows the tattoo. It would be something real—something I can hold on to. Until now, I’ve only had Robert’s version of my past. But now, I want to learn who I am—for myself.

I inhale again, deeper this time, and push the door open. Warmth envelops me. A little bell above the door jingles.

“Be right there!” calls a deep voice from the room beyond.