Unable to hide my flinch from bending sore joints, I settled into the offered chair.
Only once I sat did Jethro take the seat beside me.
Folding his long legs beneath the table, he shuffled closer. His aftershave and natural scent of woods and leather trickled into my lungs, causing my heart to squeeze.
My mouth popped open as something pressed against my knee.
Jethro refused to meet my eyes, but I knew it was him, touching me...comforting me, granting me strength.
I sucked in a breath as he nudged me harder. The pressure sent combustible lust fizzing through my blood.
The heavy weight from last night settled on my chest. Words I wanted to spill gathered thickly, drowning me. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to ask questions and hear his answers.
I want to know him.
Every inch.
Jethro continued to lean his leg against mine. He did it so calmly, all the while pretending nothing was different.
“Get on with it, Jet,” Cut ordered, his attention locked on us.
Jethro nodded curtly. “Of course. Don’t rush me. I think I’ve proven I’m more than capable of doing what needs to be done.”
Cut smashed his lips together.
Jethro’s eyes narrowed as he opened the Tally Box.
My heartbeat sped up as he lifted out the apparatus he would need. Keeping my attention on the needle and ink, I rubbed my foot against his ankle.
He tensed, but continued on as if everything was fine.
Last night, he’d given me power over him in the form of his life.
I knew things no one else did.
And after today, I would know everything.
Jethro was mine, and I would help save him, just like he said. We could change our fates from the plague of his family.
“Hold out your hand,” Jethro murmured, ignoring the table of onlookers.
My heart raced as he held up the tattoo gun.
Pressing my knuckles against the wood of the table, I bit my lip ashe turned on the gun.
His hair had grown longer and it fell over his forehead. My fingers itched to brush it away, to press below his chin and bring his mouth to mine.
The air shimmered between us, growing thicker with lust.
My pussy ached from him taking me so roughly last night, but I wanted more. I wanted it harder, deeper, faster. I doubted I’d ever have enough.
Jethro bristled, fighting against the building heat humming where we touched. When it came to touching in public, we had no armor against the truth.
My gaze shot to Cut. My feelings were far too obvious—he’d see...he’d know. However, his attention zeroed in on his son, his hands steepled before him.
I gasped as the sharp needle bit into my skin. I endured the tiny teeth as they stained me with ink. The burn this time was faintly familiar, filling with memories—becoming part of the design as much as his initials.
It only took a moment.
