During the drive, the women talked about their lives, giving Jinx a chance to learn more. While she worried they’d grow tired of her lack of depth, Jinx decided to enjoy their company. By the time they pulled into the lot of Twisted Ink, the tattoo shop where Lux worked, Jinx’s nerves had settled.
“Tymber and Ivy are here,” Lux announced.
She’d heard about the woman who’d been best friends with Luke, Duke’s twin brother, who’d committed suicide years ago. Ivy found her husband, Tymber, by chance at a survivors’ meeting when the tattoo artist noticed her hesitating to enter a session. Tymber, being a male breast cancer survivor, approached Ivy to scold her for spying. Instead, he fell hard.
“Is he going to be tattooing any of you?” Jinx asked the ladies.
“Both he and Ember are here to tattoo whoever wants one. Trust me, they’re the best of the best and completely vetted by our men. If you decide youwant a tattoo, even if it’s not today, one of us will gladly ink you.” Lux gestured toward the door leading into the shop.
A woman opened the door, grinning. “Are you going to stand out there and talk all day or what?”
“Is Tymber getting tired of watching us on the cameras?” Lux asked, flipping the bird toward the door monitor.
The two women hugged as a male voice grunted from the interior. Jinx stepped forward to follow the group inside.
Coal, their driver, waved as T-Rex barked an order. The deep rumble of the Rezvani stood out among the row of motorcycles by the back door.
“You going to think about getting one?” T-Rex asked, startling her.
“Jesus H Christ. You move like a wraith for such a large man,” she muttered.
He grinned. “That’s a good compliment. I spent my childhood in the bayou. My friends were the gators and my cousins.”
“Your accent is lovely,” she said.
His eyes narrowed. “You have the refinement of a rich girl. I can’t place your accent, nor where you’re from.”
She stiffened and turned away. “Connecticut.”
“I would’ve guessed Upper East Coast. Chère, family doesn’t have to be the one you’re born into. In fact, cutting the ties that bind through blood can be freeing. Once you find your true family, the ones who accept you for who you are, you’ll set down roots that’ll thrive. Don’t be afraid of where the dirt comes from. We all have mud under our feet that squishes between our toes. Dig in, don’t let the storm blow you over unless that storm feeds your soul.”
“Damn, you’re fucking deep, T. If I wasn’t hooked on one sexy Viking, and you didn’t have an amazing woman I respect, and well, you didn’t kind of scare me, I might have a crush on you. As it stands, I think I’ll call you my Mr. Miyagi.” She patted his arm.
“He really is like that little dude, except the little part,” Lux said. She reached for Jinx’s hand. “Come on, girl. We are having estrogen time.” She winked.
“I should’ve brought Koko then.”
Lux rolled her eyes. “You know King doesn’t like it when you bring her into his precious.” Lux led Jinx into the open space where several stations were set up. “Koko is his baby and a Komodo dragon. She’s getting up there in age, so taking her out in the wild is getting harder. The wild being here.”
Jinx knew her mouth had to be hanging open.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“We closed the shop today for you guys. I only came in to answer the phone and take messages, so you’re welcome to sit with me if you want. I like to people-watch during the lull of the day. You would be surprised to see the crazies who traipse by here.” Sharon, the receptionist, patted the barstool next to her. “I have the best seat in the house for viewing.” She waved at the people walking by at the front windows.
“There’s quite the eclectic group of people, that’s for sure.”
“It’s the holiday season.” Sharon tucked her hot pink hair behind one ear as she leaned forward on the desk.
Jinx understood what she meant as men and women of all ages and walks of life went up and down the sidewalk in front of her. When the holidays rolled around, everyone would go out and meander up and down the streets to shop. She turned around to see what the others were doing and saw Ayesha behind her getting tattooed by Lux. Their words weretoo low for her to make out, but their easy flow put Jinx at ease.
She swiveled on the stool to see Tiana lying on her stomach. It was wild to see such a large man like Tymber holding a tattoo machine and creating such a beautiful piece of art on her friend.
“He does great work.”
Jinx jumped, embarrassed at being caught staring.
“My husband is one of the best in business, and I’m not just saying that because I’m sleeping with him. Although I do enjoy that part. Would you like something to drink? I’m Ivy, by the way.” Ivy held out her hand.
