Page 86 of Cavaliere

“This stays between us, so make sure your wind flaps are sealed.” I point my finger at him.

“Oh, this is going to be fucking good.” Aldo laughs as he takes a seat and relaxes back. “Please, carry on.” He waves his hand out as an amused expression takes over his face, crossing his legs the way all of the hot guys in suits do. “I’m just here to enjoy the show.”

“Glad to know you aren’t a snitch,” I say before turning back to Ink.

“Whoa, darlin’.” Ink takes a few steps back with his hands up as my hands start to lift up my shirt. “You’re fuckin’ gorgeous, and six months ago, I would have loved to see it all, but it is not one of my goals in life to be on Matteo’s shit list.”

Ink had wanted to see me naked? Hm, I can’t say I wouldn’t have climbed him like a fucking tree if I had the chance back then. Not now, though. My stupid heart can’t get on board with my brain that this whole thing with Matteo is probably only going to end in heartache. I know some people will think I’ve lost my mind for getting this tattoo, but I know nothing will ever compare to what’s going on between us. I want something to stay with me when I go.

“I’m not taking my clothes off, perv.” I roll my eyes because, honestly, why do guys only think with their dicks? “My design is already on me.”

An intrigued Ink steps out from around the desk, eyes zeroed in on the tiny strip of skin I showed before he stopped me as I continue lifting my shirt up slightly and the top of my black leggings down just below my hip.

Ink’s gaze shoots up to me, eyebrows raised as he blows a low whistle. “I knew you were a freak. Cyrus owes me twenty bucks.”

That has my eyebrows going up. “Excuse me?”

Were they seriously taking bets on whether I was a freak or not?

“What?” Ink innocently shrugs his shoulders. “Cyrus thought you would be a pillow princess, but I knew that wasn’t the case. You’re definitely a cowgirl.”

Jesus fucking Christ.

“I can’t with you two.” I let out a laugh as I shake my head. “You’re lucky I love you.”

“So you and Matteo did the dirty, rough style? Must have been pretty fuckin’ good to want a souvenir.” Inks smirks. “Let’s fuckin’ do it.”

Ink leads me back to his chair, which he already has set up. He didn’t bother with making a stencil since the outline Delaney had drawn in Sharpie is still visible. I know the realism style Ink tattoos in is going to make this whole idea come to life. I just hope Matteo loves it as much as I do.

Ink isn’t a talker when he works. He turned on an early 2000s rock station as he got to work. The very faint noise of the tattoo gun is so relaxing and calming to me. The light prick of the needle going into the skin is almost comforting in its own way.

“I can’t believe out of all of the years I’ve been hounding you to let me put some ink on you, darlin’, it’s this.” Ink shakes his head as he wipes the tattoo. “Not gonna lie, I thought your first one would be something more…emo.”

Emo? What are we in high school? “What exactly is an emo tattoo?” I ask, trying not to laugh or make any sudden movements.

Ink laughs. “I don’t know… some bats or some shit.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” I say, sarcasm lacing my tone.

“You and Delaney never disappoint. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more entertaining duo.” Ink studies the tattoo. “Let me just add some highlights with white, and we’ll be done.”

I hiss at the first stroke.

Holy shit, that stings.

“The highlights hurt like a bitch. I’ll try to go fast.”

Twenty minutes later, and we’re done. Ink cleans it off before putting the second skin on.

“Those look so good!” Delaney squeals. “Matteo is going to fucking lose it when he sees those. If he doesn’t go all alpha male on you in the bedroom, I’m going to be very disappointed in him.”

You and me both, bitch.

Chapter

Forty-Nine

WREN