Caesar leans against the doorframe and crosses his arms over his chest. He’s got on a brown leather jacket, and I notice the vivid crimson-and-yellow tattoos on the back of his hands. His eyes go straight to the tattoo on my arm, and he nods once. “Just stopping by. Mind if I watch?”
It takes a second before I realize the question is addressed to me, not Stone. My anxious heart comes exploding back, pounding so hard it practically chokes me.
No way in hell I’m about to refuse a request from Stone’s boss, though. “No problem,” I finally manage.
“First tattoo?” Caesar asks.
I nod. “Yup,” I say, trying to sound as casual and cool as he does.
Stone and I exchange a glance. I can tell he’s as unsure about what’s happening as I am. It must be nerve-wracking to have your boss watching you work, but I also know Stone is ridiculously talented.
I remember what Billie told me at the tattoo convention, that he just needs to believe in himself. It’s the same advice I need, and I remember clearly that Stone has encouraged me in just that way.
“I’m so excited to get this from Stone,” I say, holding his eye. “I know he’s an amazing artist.”
Stone’s expression relaxes.Thanks, he mouths, then gently traces his fingers down the back of my bicep.
My body warms, and the rush of endorphins is so strong, it’s like I’ve never felt pain in my entire life.
“I guess I’ll get started again,” Stone says with a glance to Caesar.
His boss nods, and I settle back into my breathing. I’m ready to leave my fear behind and for Stone’s mark to change me, one line at a time.
CHAPTERTWENTY
STONE
At the endof Matty’s session, I step back and let out a deep breath of relief. In an hour and a half, I’ve managed to make a good start on the piece. The tattoo is coming together exactly like I imagined it, and with Caesar watching silently, that’s a damn miracle.
Nothing can compare to the good feeling I get from adding my art to Matty’s body, though. His soft skin is flushed, and he has a wide smile on his face.
“You like it?” I ask.
“Fuck yeah,” he breathes, his eyes locked onto the ink. “It’s amazing.”
I glance over to Caesar, who sits with his legs spread wide in a small chair. “Nice work, Stone,” he grunts.
A thrill shoots up my spine. Not only did he compliment me, he actually used my name.
Caesar nods toward the hallway. “Let’s talk.”
I give Matty a gentle pat, catch his eye to make sure he’s fine, and follow Caesar out. He lumbers down the hall slowly, not looking back to make eye contact with me even as he starts talking.
“I want you working more,” he says. “I want to see what we can get out of you. There’s going to be at least one spot opening at Blade soon, and I’m considering you for it.”
I’m glad he’s not looking at me because I’m pretty sure my eyes just bugged out in shock.
Caesar turns at the back door, and I pull myself together. His jaw is set tight and his silver brow furrowed, which makes me straighten my back, trying to show him respect.
“You’re a good artist, kid. But if you try to pull some shit like you did at the convention, even one more time, you’re out on your ass. Got it?”
I nod quickly. “Got it.”
He shoves his finger at my chest. “This isn’t a job offer. It’s just a shot to impress me.”
“Right,” I say, my hands clenching into fists. “I understand.”
Without another word, Caesar is out the back door, while a cool breeze rushes in from the night outside. Without pausing, I hurry back to the room where Matty is waiting. There’s a dazed smile on his face, and his eyes are fixed on the new ink.
