“I can’t believe you’re getting ready to re-open the studio tomorrow,” Tess said, slipping her hand into Art’s as they stood surveying the newly renovated tattoo shop. “Only a few weeks ago, I thought we’d never get to see the place looking like this again.”

His fingers tightened around hers and he looked down into her face. “We’re getting to open the studio tomorrow, you mean. This place is both our baby now.”

“I know. I’m so excited to get started.”

She wouldn’t be tattooing anyone, of course. Tess was going to be a new addition to the tattoo studio, taking bookings, reordering stock, greeting clients. This would free up more of Art’s time, so he’d be able continue to work on his pro bono cases, while taking on more paid work.

The structure of the building had been saved, and though they’d needed a new staircase and a substantial amount of the flooring had needed to be replaced, it could have been worse. Thank God the insurance had been up to date.

Art had spent much of the past couple of months working on new artwork for the walls—large black and white pieces of various genres. Combined with a new paint scheme of red and grey, the studio had a fresh, modern feel to it.

While the fire damage was being dealt with, they’d found a short-term let nearby and it had made sense for them to live there, together. Once they’d started, they hadn’t wanted to stop, so as soon as they’d learned that the flat would be ready at the same time as the shop, they’d barely needed to have the conversation. They both instinctively knew they’d be living there together.

Art turned to her and pulled her in closer, before kissing her with soft, feathering kisses on the corner of her mouth, across her jaw, and to her ear. “You ready to be my first customer?” he said softly against her lobe.

“I’m only your first customer if you let me pay.”

“Bullshit. I’m not letting you pay.”

“But I want to. You’re supposed to be working with more paying customers, remember?”

He stared at her, and lifted his eyebrows. “Tess. Shut the hell up and sit in the chair. Remember what I said, if I tattoo complete strangers for free, I’m not taking money from the woman I love.”

She laughed. “Okay, okay. I’m sitting down.”

Tess slipped into the soft leather chair and reclined so she lay flat. Art’s tough-looking, handsome face came into view above her. She barely saw the tattoos and piercings anymore. They were just a part of who he was, like the cat-shaped birthmark she had on her calf, or the scars that littered her inner arms.

He cleaned her skin, cool wipes against hot flesh. “So you’re really gonna let me do this? Your first ever tattoo”

“You’re taking my tattoo virginity,” she said with a flirtatious smile.

“And I’ll take the rest of you later,” he growled, sending a thrill through her.

She bit her lower lip and the moment of fun passed, replaced by a more serious air.

Art prepared the ink then paused above her. “You can still back out. You know it won’t make me think any differently of you.”

“I know.” She forced down her nerves. “I want this. Hide my scars.”

“What you’ve chosen is perfect.”

She nodded. Cherry blossom, a symbol not only of new life and change, but also of how fleeting life was. “I think so, too.”

And he pressed the needle to her skin.

––––––––

THE END

Did you love the men of Carved in Ink? Keep reading for the first chapter of Kane’s story, Bound by Ink, which is out on the 25^th of July 2018 and is available for pre-order from !