Crane nods, focusing on my skin before he drags the needle over the first stencilled line. The pain isn’t as bad as I expected, and the view isn’t either. Crane’s focusing so intently I see the passion in his eyes, the concentration etched on his face.
He’s stunning.
“How is it?” he asks suddenly, snapping his head up to mine.
“Fine,” I breathe, digging my fingers into the chair beneath me.
I want to brush the soft tendrils that are in his eyes, stroke the olive skin beneath it.
He wipes the skin, which burns a little, before continuing silently. Every now and then our eyes meet, and it’s always him who looks away.
His fingers could slide a little lower, down my shaved skin, brushing over my clit…I suck in a breath.
How good would that feel?!
“Are you alright?” Crane frowns, stopping.
“Huh?” I ask, dazed.
Yes. I’m fine, just leave me to fantasise about you finger fucking me.
“You’ve gone red and all breathless,” Crane points out, handing me a bottle of water. His eyes search mine, and for a second in time, I want him to kiss me.
“Oh, I’m good.”
Crane continues tattooing me, and the image of him so close to being between my thighs makes me want to moan.
“It’s looking great.”
I nod, not trusting myself to speak.
“So what’s with Potion?” Crane continues, pursing his lips.
“You heard that?” I grimace. “Kiki got us an interview.”
Crane lifts his eyes to mine, shaking his head.
“You can’t work there.”
A flicker of annoyance passes through me, and it’s my turn to narrow my eyes at him.
“You’re good tattooing me but not okay with me working at a bar?” I shoot back, sounding sharper than I intend.
Crane lifts an eyebrow and leans closer to me.
I can smell him much more now, and whatever cologne he’s wearing is killing me slowly. His eyes drift over my legs again, and before I can help myself, I’m moving the hair from his eyes.
Crane moves back with a frown.
“It’s not just a bar. It’s a place where seedy deals take place.”
“Is my tattoo finished?” I ignore his comment, instead tapping the tender skin around my tattoo. “Luckily for you, it’s nothing to do with you where I work.”
Crane clenches his jaw, nodding stiffly.
“I won’t be too long. Lie back.”
His words are cold, and whatever warmth there was between us is gone.
