A low growl comes from deep inside his chest. “Not strange at all, kitten. I’ve been rock hard this entire time.”
I suck in a sharp breath, my body responding instantly to the heat in his voice. “Rye...”
He shakes his head, jaw flexing as he forces himself to focus on the tattoo. “Don’t say my name like that while you’re in my chair, or I’m going to do something that’ll give everyone here a show—and I don’t share.”
The needle starts again, and I bite my lip. The combination of pain and the feel of his possessive touch are intoxicating, making my head spin.
So I change the subject.
Kind of.
“By the way,” I say, trying to distract myself. “There’s something about the cottage I haven’t told you yet.”
Keeping his eyes on his work, he asks, “Oh, yeah? Like what?”
I bite my lip, my own Cheshire grin splitting my face, excited to see his reaction. “It has a few secret hide-y-holes.”
The machine stops and his eyebrows shoot up. “Seriously?”
“I thought it might be fun to play a game when we get home.” I lower my voice. “Hide and seek.”
His pupils dilate, and his jaw tightens. “Fuck, Noia. I told you. Don’t say shit like that while I’m trying to concentrate.”
“Sorry.” But I’m not sorry at all. “Just figured I’d give you something to look forward to.”
He takes a deep breath and shakes his head, but the corner of his mouth is twitching. “Pretty sure you’re going to be the death of me one day, you know that?”
I let out a long sigh. “Yeah, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to go,” I tease.
The needle buzzes back to life and he refocuses, but there’s new tension in his shoulders. “Tell me more about these hiddenhide-y-holes.”
“Nope. Can’t play hide and seek if you know where all the hiding places are.”
“Fine.” He glances up, giving me a quick glare. “But you’re going to have to play my game while I finish this.”
“What game is that?”
He smirks. “The quiet game.”
“Almost done.”Ryder’s voice is strained. “Just a few more lines.”
Sweat beads on my forehead as the needle traces the final curves of the script. When it finally stops, the sudden silence is deafening.
“There,” he says, leaning back as he pulls off his gloves. “Done.”
Body humming with adrenaline, I let out a shaky breath.
“Want to see?” He holds out his hand and I take it, letting him help me out of the chair.
Legs unsteady, I walk over to the mirror and suck in a breath.
It’s even more beautiful than I imagined. Vibrant and colorful,the cat’s mischievous grin seems to come alive on my skin, the elegant script flowing perfectly across my ribs.
“It’s gorgeous.” My voice is full of awe as my eyes lock with his in the mirror. “Absolutely perfect.”
Something intense flashes in his eyes as he takes in my reaction. “I’m glad.”
The possessive edge in his voice makes my knees weak.
