Page 12 of Ink

Madame Salem tisks. “As humans, we’re so quick to assume. The card of Death does symbolize an end. However, it’s rare that the end is your actual death. In your case, sweet girl, the cards are telling me that Death symbolizes an end to an old life. It’s time for new beginnings.”

I’m hearing every word she’s saying, but my eyes can’t leave the gold foiled grim reaper staring back at me.

“The Ace of Cups is recognizing the positive emotional shift that’s started in your life. You might not feel it yet, but the beginning of new love is on the horizon. A sweet girl like you deserves all the love in the world. Which brings us to The Lovers.” Something in her tone makes my eyes leave the cards and study her face. “I believe you’ve met your soulmate.”

Chapter

Six

INK

“What’s been up your fucking ass lately?” Hash asks from his seat on the bar stool next to mine.

Always blunt and straight to the point. I think that’s partially why Hash had my respect from the moment I met him. He’s the biggest asshole I know, but you always know where you stand with him.

I’m pissed at myself for being such a pussy.

I should have checked in with her after I finished up with my last client, but instead I quickly cleaned up my station and snuck out the back. Hearing her laugh and giggle with Tommy and anyone else that came in was doing my head in.

And that’s another thing that’s beginning to drive me fucking crazy.

Why do I care?

She isn’t my type.

I’d bet my left nut that we don’t have anything in common, and that’s my favorite one.

I can’t seem to get the look on her face when I came back out front where I left her waiting out of my head. She looked like she was going to take it to her grave, and I’m not used to that. Everyone around me lets it roll off while they give it back as good as they got it.

Her big round eyes staring back at me like I killed her puppy. All the club girls and the girls that hang around hoping to be someone’s old lady have tough skin. You tell them they’re being a fucking bitch and it just rolls off the shoulder. Hell, it turns half of them on.

“Just a long day, brother,” I answer just before my lips part around the glass of the longneck bottle. I tip my head back, downing half of it.

Hash snorts. “You ain’t fooling anyone, brother. For the last month, you’ve been challenging me for the asshole title and I don’t fucking like it. You need to get whatever it is out of your ass. It’s not you.”

I know it’s not me.

He doesn’t need to tell me that.

“Why don’t you step off, yeah?”

Hash finishes the last of his beer and slams the bottle down on the bar. “I get you’re working through shit, but you either better hurry up and do it on your own or take the help that’s being offered. You’re about two more asshole remarks away from someone removing whatever is lodged up there.”

I don’t need Hash’s shit on top of the shit that happened today. I know she didn’t accept my apology. But again, when has that ever bothered me before?

God damnit.

Leaning to the side, I reach into my back pocket and pull out my phone. I scroll until I find Gage’s contact and shoot off a text.

Me: She leave okay?

Throwing my phone down on the rail, I drag my hand down my face, sighing roughly.

What am I doing?

“I don’t think who you’re glaring at can see it through the phone,” Cyrus says as he moves to stand behind the bar.

My glare moves to a smirking Cyrus. “Funny.”