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CHAPTER FIFTEEN

DRAKE

“S o,” I drew out as I leaned against the desk and crossed my arms over my chest. When Maya didn’t respond, I reached down to flick a paperclip at her and winced when it hit her in the forehead.

“You dick.” She glared.

I laughed out my apology. “Sorry.”

“Why are you in here annoying me? I have paperwork to do.”

“I’m waiting on my next client. Did Texas talk to you about the Melbourne trip?”

She leaned back in her chair, sighing. I knew she’d give me some of her time if I pestered her enough. “He did. Are you going?”

“Sure am. Ruby and Dillon are in too.”

She smiled. “Great, what about Cody and Channa?”

“I saw him on my way out this mornin’. He’s not sure yet. He’ll know by tonight after Channa talks to her other bakers.”

“Hopefully they can. We haven’t done this for ages. I think you and Ruby had just turned eighteen when we made a night of it in Melbourne. You bringing anyone special?”

I smirked to myself, glad I didn’t have to bring anything up.

“There is someone, but we ain’t there yet.”

“What does that mean, and who is it?”

Well, looked like she had no clue.

That was just what I needed to know.

“I’ll let you know who when we become somethin’ serious.”

“You booger. Come on, tell your big sister.”

“And have you tell other people? Hell no. It’d get back to Mum by nightfall, and I wouldn’t hear the end of it.”

“I promise not to say a word to anyone.”

I cocked a brow.

“Okay, just Texas. But he’s no one.”

There was a snort before Texas walked in. “Nice to hear my wife thinks I’m a no one.”

Maya rolled her eyes. “I was just saying that I wouldn’t tell anyone but you about who Drake likes.”

Texas looked to me.

He didn’t seem surprised by the news.

Did he know?

Texas grinned down at my sister. “You’ll have to pester him later.” He looked to me. “Your client showed early.”

Saved by work.

Yet I wanted to know if Texas thought he knew or if I was just seeing things in his stare.

Fuck me. I had to stop thinking, or I was going to give myself a headache.

“Later, sis.”

“Come see me after.”

“Uh-huh.” I waved over my shoulder as I headed out the door.

“Drake, I mean it.”

Chuckling, I shook my head. I should have gone to Texas before Maya. Now she wasn’t going to let up about it. Unless I got Texas to get her to back off. She’d listen to him more. Yeah, I’d have a chat with him later.

Walking into the room, I smiled at Kayla. I’d gone to school with her, and she’d heard through some of the other girls I’d already inked that I was open for business.

Loved my job. But sometimes it was a pain.

I’d been popular in school, and the girls had wanted my attention. I gave it to some, but there were others who, despite their persistent advances, I didn’t bother with, knowing they were toxic. Ones like Kayla. I wasn’t even sure if she liked my design but was willing to get it done if it meant alone time with me.

When I got more designs under my belt, I could be more selective with my clients.

For now, I was stuck. But at least the money was good, and when I did hint that I wasn’t interested in seeing them outside of business, they took it reasonably well.

Hopefully today wasn’t any different.

Or what I hoped more was that I’d read incorrectly into the look in her eyes when they ran over my body.

“Glad you liked the design I emailed enough to get it inked, Kayla.”

“You drew it exactly how I pictured it.”

“Thanks.” I went over to the sink and washed my hands. “Just gonna get it all set up. Where’re you lookin’ at placin’ the stencil?”

She lifted her tee and pointed at her ribs.

I whistled. “That’s a painful area. You sure you’ll be good with that? You got one done before?”

“I have on my back, and I’ve already applied numbing cream.”

Which would last for a little while at least, and then it’d kill like a motherfucker.

At least it wasn’t too big.

I sat on my seat and held the stencil up. “Come here for a sec and show me the place you want it.” She stood between my legs closer than needed, so I pushed my chair back. Lucky it was on wheels. I held the stencil near the spot she’d shown me and moved out of the way of the mirror behind me. “There?”

“Perfect.”

“Great. I’m just gonna lay the table back before you jump up again.” As soon as I had it in place, she climbed up and lay back, tucking her tee into the bottom of her bra. I prepared the area and stuck the stencil to her.

“Just gonna get some things set up.”

“No problem.”

The first thing I did was put music on in the background.

Shit, I forgot to ask Maya if she talked to Swan about going to Melbourne.

I’d add that to what I wanted to ask Texas later.

Kayla was quiet for a little while, but as I put my gloves on and wheeled close, she asked, “How’s life been since school?”

“Can’t complain. What about you?”

“Oh, I’m working at a local day care. The one on Davidson’s Drive.”

“That’s cool. I’m gonna start now. If at any time you need me to stop, just let me know, yeah?”

“I will.”

I drew a line and glanced up. “Good?”

“Yep.”

“Okay.” I blew out a breath and started.

I’d give her credit. She did well. Only wiggled a bit, but I did catch her biting her bottom lip and wincing.

Until I reached the white outline part.

She threw her head back hard onto the table and yelled, “Fuck.”

“Yeah, it’s gonna sting for a little while.” She cursed a few more times and tried to shift away. “Nearly done. One more spot.”

“Shit, shit, shit,” she let out.

“There,” I said, stopping and wiping over my work. The colourful butterfly looked fucking good. “Take a look, Kayla.” I helped her stand from the table and moved out of the way.

Her gasp said it all.

“It’s stunning.”

“Yeah, it came up well.”

“I love it, thank you.” She spun back around and smiled wide. “You’re the best.”

“Ha, I wouldn’t go that far, but I appreciate it. I’ll give it one more wash and wrap it.”

She sat on the table holding up her top while I took care of the tat.

“I’m catching up with some of the girls from high school later. Want to join us?”

“Thanks for the offer, but I can’t.”

Don’t do it, please.

“What about if I give you my number?”

“Sorry, I don’t see clients outside of business.”

“That sucks. Wished I’d known, but I’m not too sorry now that I have your tattoo on me.”

Just doing my job. Doesn’t mean anything.

“Are you seeing anyone, Drake?”

“Name’s Dragon, Kayla.”

“Right, sorry. I forgot you got a new name from your dad’s club. Is he still married?”

And we’re done.

“Happily, and yeah, I’ve got a woman.”

“Sucks again.”

I tipped my chin towards the door. “Head up the front, and Mon will take care of the bill. Glad you like the work.”

She pulled her tee down. “Thanks, Dragon. I really do love it.” When she walked to the door and opened it, she looked over her shoulder with a wink. “I’ll be back for more. Your hands are magic.”

Of fucking course that just happened to be the time Swan was walking down the hallway.

She stumbled, her face heated, and she quickened her pace by.

I forced an awkward laugh and shook my head. “They ain’t that good. Have a nice night, Kayla.”

“Thanks, I will.”

I relaxed and blew out a frustrated breath. Of all the damn times Swan could have showed. I better go see if she got the wrong impression.

Quickly, I cleaned things up as I wondered what she was doing here to begin with. I thought Griz would have talked to her about going places that weren’t home or work without someone.

I headed towards the back rooms. Swan would probably be with Maya, and they could be in the office or the kitchen. It was quiet in the office, so I kept walking by.

When I entered the kitchen, I caught Swan quickly looking away as Maya said, “Bro.”

It isn’t what you think, Birdy.

“Hey, just got rid of the client. This one asked me for drinks.” I went to the refrigerator to make out that was what my plan was all along. I grabbed out a soda and opened it.

Maya snorted. “I swear that’s every client you’ve had that’s asked you out on a date.”

“Eddie didn’t.” We grinned. I shrugged and took another sip. “Once I get my work out there more, I can be more selective with my clients.”

“No girls you’ve been to school with, then.”

I snorted. “Yeah, somethin’ like that.” I looked to Swan, who was listening but only looking at Maya. What was up with that? “What’s doin’, Birdy?”

Look at me, baby.

“Not much,” she replied, looking down at her coffee before she picked it up and took a drink.

“Has Maya talked to you about Melbourne? Ruby and Dillon are in.”

Swan smiled over at Maya. “She did. But I’m not sure yet.”

“It’ll be fun,” I tried. “And a lot of us are goin’.” Look at me, darlin’ . “Wolf offered his place for all of us to stay.”

“And it’s at Pick and Billy’s pub?” she asked.

Fuck yes.

“It is. Also, if you’re up for it and want to ride down, you can hop on the back of mine, Birdy. If you’re not in the mood, Ruby and Dillon are takin’ his car.”

I glanced at Maya to see if she was happy Swan was on the verge of saying yes.

Fuck.

My sister was staring from Swan to me over and over with wide eyes.

Fuck me.

I’d pushed and now she’d seen.

“Anyway, let Maya know. I gotta finish cleaning up and hit the road. Later,” I said, tipping my chin up when Swan suddenly looked at me.

“Um, yeah, bye.” Her brows pinched. Probably wondering why I had to bolt. As long as she didn’t think I was heading out on a date, I was fine with the quick departure.

Maya had better keep her damn trap shut, or I’ll fling more than paperclips at her head.

Out in the hallway, I heard Maya say, “I’ll be back in a tick. I just have to remind Drake of something.”

Jesus Christ.

I bolted for my room and nearly had the door shut when she pushed back on it. The witch must have run her arse off so I couldn’t lock her out.

“Does she know?” she hissed.

“Don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”

“Bullshit, my brother. You have a thing for Swan.” She gasped. “And earlier you were testing me to see if I knew.” She laughed. “I wouldn’t have even thought it could be Swan if you hadn’t mentioned anything in the first place.” But then my sister sobered, and pity overtook her expression as she scrunched up her nose. “Drake….”

Groaning, I scrubbed a hand over my face. “I know.”

“You know?”

Turning, I stalked further into the room and heard Maya close the door.

“I fuckin’ know that my chances of Swan being mine are slim. She’s been through a lot, and she’s only ever seen me as a friend. Hell, she probably considers me as family since we’re all so close.”

“But?” Maya asked.

“But… I can’t stop wantin’ her as mine. This feelin’ hasn’t just grown. She’s been coiled around my heart for years.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Nothin’.”

“What?”

“I want this to be up to her. I don’t want to force anythin’. If she could come to want me as I do her, then I’ll have everythin’ I’ve ever wanted in life. If she doesn’t and finds someone else to make her happy, then I’ll eventually move on.”

Or at least I’d try to.

“I don’t even know where her head is to even think about dating. Do you want me to find out?”

“No, Maya. Don’t go puttin’ anythin’ in her head. Let her work herself out. All I’m gonna do is try to spend as much time as I can with her without it lookin’ set up or anythin’. Please, for the love of God, keep this to yourself.”

“I promise I won’t say a word. Not even to Texas if you don’t want me to.”

“I think he’s figured it out. But no one other than you, him, and Griz know.”

“Griz?” She choked over the word, half laugh and half shock.

Chuckling, I nodded. “Yeah. He threatened me. And of course he hates the idea of his daughter into anyone, but I think he’d be okay if it was me.”

“That’s lucky. But are you sure?—”

“If you question what I fuckin’ feel for that woman, I’ll….”

Her hands shot up in front of her, and she pressed down on air. “Simmer down. I wasn’t going to do that. I can see the strength of what you’re feeling. I was going to ask if you’re sure you want to leave it up to her?”

“She lost the love of her life. I doubt she’d be interested in anyone anytime soon.”

“It’s been over a year.”

I shook my head. “Doesn’t matter. Anyway, you’d better get back to her and find out what she’s doing travellin’ on her own.”

“Oh, I already did. Griz said she’d be safe here, and this was the only place she was stopping in at.”

“Good. Now, Maya, I’m gonna trust that you’ll keep this locked away. Don’t hint at anythin’ with her, yeah?”

“I won’t. Promise.”

Fuck, I hoped she wouldn’t.