He escorts me inside, his hand at the small of my back sends shivery tingles along my spine.“We will not be here long.Stay close.If I tell you to run, do it.”
“It’s so hot the way you look out for me.Like you’re my knight in shining armor.”
“What’s a knight in shining armor?”
“I’ll tell you later, big guy.Let’s get this ritual thingy done because I’m ready to get naked with you.”I can be brave if it means I get him after.What are a few pokes with a needle?
B.I.L.L.:Sending a visual as well as an analysis of the cultural significance when said by a human female.
So, now BILL is downloading images of knights along with some fairytale and fantasy romance lore directly into Rygar’s head?I wait for his reaction.He blinks slowly then stares with complete focus, his body rigid like a big predator about to pounce.“You will be naked the moment the ritual is complete.”
From the hunger I see on Rygar’s face, I assume BILL sent him correct information.I smile.“I’m game.”
Eight
B.I.L.L.: They can’t do anything without me.
Big Daddy Tats, Saturday 9:45 pm
Rygar pushesa button that makes us visible and we march to the reception desk insideBig Daddy Tats.My shorter strides try keeping up with his much longer ones.This damn wedding dress keeps tripping me up.The tattoo parlor is empty save for one scrawny man with a full beard that flows to his mid-chest.Tattoos cover every inch of visible skin, except his face.He looks like he is in his fifties, both beard and head an attractive salt-and-pepper gray.His clothing sags on him, looking too big for his slender frame.I’m not fooled.Some of the strongest men I’ve ever met were skinny farm boys with long, willowy arms and legs.
He looks up from his phone and grins.“Welcome to Big Daddy Tats.I’m Andy, one of the artists.What can I help you with today?”
“We each need a tattoo.”I can’t believe I’m getting a tattoo.Emily and Hannah will flip out because they know my aversion to needles.I wonder what tattoo Rygar has in mind.Maybe I can get a little one, something cute, on my bottom, or under the bikini line, where only he will see it.
I’m still amazed that I’m married to a spaceman and about to get my first tattoo.This day is so strange, I decide to stop tallying the crazy.There’s no point.I win the world championship for craziest day ever.
I scan the wall of designs.A simple lotus flower design catches my fancy and I point at it, nudging Rygar.“Oh, look.I could get that one.It’s really pretty.”
“No.The markings required are specific.”
“What do you folks have in mind?Are you looking to get his and hers matching tattoos?”Andy raises a brow as his gaze travels over our strange clothing.I know we look bizarre with Rygar in his special alien tech suit and me in a wedding dress that has seen better days.I haven’t touched up my makeup in hours.Between the orgasm in the limousine on the way to Reno, and the wild horseback ride, I’m sure I’m a mess.
“Are you capable of copying an image I provide?”
“Of course.”The look on this guy’s face clearly indicates he thinks Rygar is an idiot for asking.
“I will draw the design, if you have something I can use?”
“Whatever man.”Andy reaches under the counter and pulls a couple pieces of blank, white paper out from his printer’s tray, a frown on his face as he hands over the paper and a pen.“Buddy, are you sure you don’t want to pick something off the wall over there?”He lifts his chin in the direction of the wall with kiosks full of images in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
There’s that lotus flower mocking me.It’s beautiful.Maybe I can convince him to change his mind and I could get it.“Maybe we could?—”
“Thank you.I do not require the writing utensil.There’s a separate image that you must tattoo on each of us.It’s crucial that you get the design correct.I’ll create the image you are to use for Madison’s mark, and then one for me.The tattoo must start behind the left ear, right here,” Rygar points behind his ear.“And then descend vertically down the neck to the top of the collar bone.”His finger traces the muscular line of his neck and I want to nibble it, follow the line with my tongue and suck on his earlobe until he gives in and takes me to bed.Or up against the wall.Either works for me.
Blushing over my naughty thoughts, I shift my gaze back to that pretty lotus flower.Maybe, if I conquer my fear of needles, I’ll come back and get it another day.
“We don’t have time for anything extra, Madison.Another time, just not tonight.”He promises, cupping my cheek.
His simple caress sends shivers through me.I don’t understand the pull he has on me or why an innocuous touch has such a strong effect, but it does.“Okay, husband, let’s do this.”
B.I.L.L.:Are you sure about this, sir?Bonding with a human might not be the best idea, even if she is your mate.
Am I really going to argue with an invisible voice?Yes.Yes I am.“We’re already married, BILL.It’s too late to change our minds now.”For some reason, this tattoo is important to Rygar.Yes, I want to honor his wishes, make him happy, but I’m also fired up to be doing something new and exciting.Daring.I feel like a completely different person than the woman who ran out of the church earlier today.This new me is daring and adventurous.Fun.Not afraid to take risks.
I shouldn’t be surprised when the armpiece of Rygar’s suit opens and what looks like a fancy, silver space pen pops up.Rygar lifts the pen and gets to work on the designs.I stand as close as I can, lifting myself up on tiptoes to peek over his shoulder.As the design grows, I try deciphering the weird, sci-fi looking glyphs.The ink shimmers, almost like the image is a paper thin, sparkling stream of liquid metal.
“It’s pretty.”
