I shut the bike off and waited for her to climb down. She tried to remove the helmet on her own and stood there looking as drop-dead fucking gorgeous as she did last night. She fumbled with the straps, trying to pull it off, but she frowned and her fingers began to move frantically. “Lemme get that for you,” I said as I motioned for her to move closer.

“Sorry,” she said, blowing a puff of air out.

“It’s my pleasure, trust me.” I winked and watched her cheeks pinken. I worked the straps apart slowly, trying to prolong the ending to our time together. I felt like she was going to give me the brush off. Her body language didn’t match the last twelve hours. I needed to set another date with her and dig deeper into the woman she was instead of who she pretended to be.

“Thanks,” she said, trying to look me in the eyes.

“There. So, about the real date. How about tonight?” I asked. I didn’t see a point in wasting time. I wanted her in my bed again—or against the counter.

“Um, I guess tonight is good.” She looked at me and then to her feet.

“Sugar, it’s just a date. A real date—no strings attached.” I grabbed her chin to look into her sky-blue eyes. “We kinda missed that part of getting to know each other before I took you. I’ll pick you up at nine. Wear something warm.”

“Okay, I’ll be ready. Want me to drive?” She looked at my bike, wrinkling her nose, and then noticed her car. “Wait, how did my car get here already? I totally forgot about it breaking down. What the heck?”

“Tank fixed it for you and delivered it about an hour ago. It’s all ready, but to answer your question, no. We’re taking the bike.”

“Oh. Do you have his number so I can pay him?” she asked, her eyes wide as she chewed her lip.

“I got it. He did it as a favor to me.”

“Oh, I couldn’t. Let me pay you for it, then.”

“Suzy, let me do something nice for you. Really, it wasn’t a problem. Tank and I worked it out. I don’t want you broken down again on a dark country road.”

“I know. I just try and watch my money. I was going to get it fixed.”

“Well, now it is. Nine tonight, and warm clothes.” I leaned forward and kissed her lips. I grabbed the back of her neck and drew her closer. The light, sweet scent of her perfume filled my nostrils, as I tasted her lips. Everything about her was fucking sweet, and I wanted more. I consumed her mouth and commanded her body with my kiss. I wanted to leave her weak in the knees and wanting more when I drove away. I broke the kiss, but kept my hand in place and watched her as she stood there with puckered lips and her eyes closed. Exactly the response I wanted.

“Sugar,” I said, smiling at her as her eyes fluttered open.

“Oh, sorry. I say that a lot around you.” Her cheeks turned pink as she bit her lip.

“We’ll finish that kiss later. I can’t wait to crawl back inside that delicious pussy of yours tonight. Digits,” I said before she had a chance to walk away. I programmed her number in my phone and sent her a text as she walked in her house. She’d be back for more.

I started the engine, revving it a couple times before pushing backwards and down the drive. She waved with a sweet smile on her face. My cock ached as I thought about all the dirty shit I wanted to do to her. I watched her in my side mirror as she watched me drive away. I had her.

“Where the fuck you been, Joey?” Mikey said as I walked through the door of Inked.

We opened Inked about five years ago. Everyone in my family has an artistic streak, and we didn’t trust outsiders with our money. Growing up, my father had drilled that mantra in our heads. Don’t trust others when you can do it yourself. We agreed that there would be no outsiders unless absolutely necessary. Problem with it, though, was that you could never fire family, especially when they’re part-owners. Mike had the spaz gene. He was known for overreacting.

“I had to drop someone off, shithead. Who made you boss?” I asked as I set my stuff down at my workstation.

“You’re typically here early. I started to get worried. You could’ve called or something, asshole.”

“Don’t get your panties in a bunch, Mom. I’m here now, so shut the fuck up.”

Mikey threw his hands in the air—showing his surrender or disgust, I couldn’t tell. He was the shop manager since he had absolutely no artistic talent, but he was one hell of a piercer. His real passion was fighting. He had joined the circuit years ago and often traveled out of town for a fight. Fighting with your hands and tattooing do not mix. My hands were precious to me. I needed them to work my magic and see the smiles on the faces of my customers.

“Mom called to remind us about tomorrow,” Anthony said as he walked out of the employee-only area. Anthony is my oldest brother and probably the most unsettled. He’s an amazing tattooist, but he’s a musician. He dreamed of hitting it big, but for now he was ours.

“What the fuck?” Mikey said.

“How could we forget? It’s only been the same day for thirty years,” Izzy said as she unpacked her machine.

Izzy’s the youngest and the only girl beside my mom. My parents kept trying until finally they had the little princess they always dreamed about, after having four boys climbing the walls and roughhousing. She was girly and kind, but if you crossed Izzy, she’d kick your ass. We were all overprotective of her, but we were scared of her too. In my family, the ladies ruled the roost and weren’t to be crossed. She got that commanding personality from my mom, and led with an iron fist.

“Let’s run down the schedule before I open the doors,” Mikey said, leaning over the counter, looking toward the work area.

I listened to Mikey babble on about the clients of the day. I already knew my lineup. I had to finish a back tat I’d been working on for months, and a girl wanted me to fix her bad choice in a tramp stamp.

My mind kept wandering to Suzette. My mom would be happy if I brought a good girl home for once—someone that could give her grandchildren someday. I was not ready for that. My dick was doing the thinking instead of my head. Get your head on straight, man—too much pussy out there to settle. I was getting a little ahead of myself, but Suzy may have been the first respectable girl I’d met in a long time. I never brought women I’d dated or slept with around my family. None of them had a future with me, and I didn’t feel the need to subject my family to an intruder or an outsider.

“Joey.” My sister stood, her face invading my personal space.

“What, Iz?” I looked up and noticed her squinty eyes as she studied me.

“What are you grinning about?”

“Nothing.”

“Oh, bullshit.” She pointed at me and tapped me on the forehead. “You’ve met someone. Spill it, brother.”

“There’s nothing to tell. You think you’re a mind reader, but you aren’t, sis.”

“I’ve known you my entire life. You walk around here all moody and serious, but today I’d say you’re almost glowing, ya big pansy ass.”

“Fuck off, love.”

“Ooooh, jackpot. Who is she?” A giant smile crept across her face as she leaned forward and stared in my eyes. She wasn’t going to let it go. Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to what I had to say, and Isabella’s impending inquisition.

“Fine, Iz. I met her last night and I’m taking her out tonight. Happy?”

Iz twirled around and giggled like a schoolgirl. “Extremely, big brother.” She kissed me on the cheek. I leaned back in my chair and watched as my sister celebrated like I was about to walk down the aisle.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Iz. It’s just a date.”

“Oh, now come on. I can tell by the look on your face that she’s a little bit more than just a simple date. I want the deets.”

Grunting, I crossed my arms over my chest. “She was stranded and I stopped to help her. I brought her home and I’m taking her out tonight, simple as that.”

“Hmmm.”

She came closer, not believing a word that I spoke.

“Izzy, leave it at that.”

“Who is she?”

“She’s a school teacher, but I don’t know much about her.”

“You’ve had sex with this girl. I can tell.” Izzy poked me in the chest. “You can’t hide anything from me.”

“Well, shit, Iz. That’s none of your business, really.” The door chimed as my client walked through the door. I was thankful that I had a reason to end the conversation and save the grilling for another day. But I wouldn’t get too comfortable. I knew my sister’s interrogation would happen sooner rather than later.

The shop had a buzz today. Everyone had smiles on their faces. The fall weather always made people happy. I had been coloring in a beautiful flower that I had inked on a client, Michelle, a week ago, but she couldn’t take any more pain to finish it that day.

“It’s healing nice, darlin’.” I wiped the blood and ink off her skin.

“Yeah, I can’t wait to see it finished. Sorry I pussied out the other day, City.” She closed her eyes as the needle poked the still-healing skin.

“Hey, it’s cool. I’ve seen huge men in tears getting a tattoo. I rather you walk away than pass the fuck out.”

Her eyes opened and she started to laugh. “Really? Guys have actually cried?”

“Yes, like little babies. So no worries. Now hold still so I don’t fuck this up.” I patted her leg with my rubber gloves and set out to finish the beautiful tattoo.

I loved working with color. Flowers weren’t normally my thing; I loved animals and intricate designs, but flowers were a challenge and were laced with bold colors.

My phone vibrated on the table and I glanced at it as I dabbed the needle in the pink liquid.

Suzy: I can’t make it tonight. Sorry, City.

Fuck, she was brushing me off. I couldn’t stop and text her back. Little Ms. Suzy would have to wait. I’d have to remind her of how good it felt inside her and how fucking hard she milked me.

“Something wrong, City?” Michelle asked.

“Nah, darlin’. Just thinking about something.”

“Didn’t mess up my tattoo, did you?”

“Hell no. I don’t fuck up.”

“Thinking about a girl?” Her eyebrows wiggled up and down.

“A woman.” I didn’t look up as I spoke to her, and I kept my eyes glued to her tattoo so I didn’t have to eat my fucking words.

“Lucky cunt,” she muttered.

“What?” I’d heard her loud and clear, but just wanted to see if she’d ’fess up.

“Oh, nothing. Wanna talk about her?”

“Nope. I’m good. Shit’s between her and I, Michelle.”

I had to get in that pretty little head of Suzy’s. I knew I scared the fuck out of her and I should. I wasn’t her type or some clean-cut cocksucker. I knew how to please a woman, take care of myself, and have a good time. I just couldn’t give her a chance to run away like a scared little princess.

Time felt like it stood still as I colored in the same area over and over again to get the shade just right. A small hint of gray near the pistil and I had finished this flower of torture. I wiped off the ink and patted her calf. “All done. Take a look.”

She glided her hands down her legs in a seductive manner, but I didn’t take the bait. “It’s beautiful. You’re fucking amazing.” Not going there—not with this one.

I grabbed my phone, needing to change Suzy’s mind about tonight.

Me: Come on, it’s Saturday night. Live a little, sugar.

I washed my hands as Michelle sat back down and stared at the finished masterpiece.

“You remember what I said last time about taking care of the tattoo? Stay out of the sun, don’t go in the pool or ocean until it heals, and keep it clean. Let me cover it for your trip home first. You can pay up front. Iz can check you out.” After grabbing a new pair of gloves, I covered the area with a dressing.

“Don’t you want to check me out?”

I could hear the hurt in her voice, but fuck no, I didn’t want to check her out. I only had one person on my mind, and it was Suzy Goodie Two-shoes.

“Pfft, fine.” Michelle stomped off as I grabbed my phone and typed another message.

Suzy: I don’t think it’s a good idea. I had a great time with you. Thanks for your help.

Like hell I’d let her off that easy. She was going to be mine again.

Me: I’ll be there at nine—be ready. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Suzy: City—No.

Me: Boyfriend?

Suzy: No. I’m not a cheater. I don’t think we’d work out—we’re just not right.

Me: Sugar, it felt right this morning when my cock was buried inside of you and you screamed my name. Nine. No strings—just FUN. You know the word, right?

I cleaned my workstation and prepped for my next willing victim. I wouldn’t let her weasel out of a night of fun. She didn’t respond right away, but I knew that she would. She had to be thinking about the way she looked at me when I was buried inside her. I knew I had her. I just had to get beyond all her brains and rules. I had to reel her in. I knew my last sentence would agitate the hell out of her. I didn’t think people besides the fuckheads in her class challenged her very often. I wasn’t a boy and didn’t know how to take no for an answer.

Suzy: Nine.

Gotcha.

Suzy opened the door with a smile on her face and a killer outfit. “Hey. You look amazing.” She had on furry boots, skintight jeans, and a fluffy, oversized sweater.

She eyed me up and down, studying my outfit. “I guess I’m dressed okay.”

“I’m not a fancy guy. I wear my jeans, t-shirt, and boots or sandals.”

She made a face at me—what the fuck was that about?

“You never dress up?” she asked, as she locked the front door and turned to face me.

“Only when necessary. Tonight it isn’t.” I sat on the bike and held out the helmet. “Want to do it yourself?”

She plopped it on her head. I laughed as she fiddled with the straps. “Want help?”

“No…I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself.” She fastened the buckle under her chin. “See?” The helmet slid forward, covering her eyes. “Damn it.”

I couldn’t help myself; I burst into laughter. “Come here, lemme help.”

Her lips pursed with annoyance.

“Don’t worry, sugar, you’ll get the hang of it.”

“I’m not used to all this…” She motioned to the bike, her eyes still hidden as I pulled her toward me.

“Live a little. Learn to let go.”

Her lips turned up in a smile. “Not that you know, but I’m a total control freak.”

“We’ll work on that.” I pushed the helmet on top of her head and grabbed the straps.

“I’m perfect just the way I am.” She squinted at me, which made it harder for me to stop laughing. The pissed-off-teacher look made my dick rock hard and my balls ache.

“I didn’t mean it that way. I mean you need to learn to have some fun,” I said, grabbing her chin after fixing the fasteners.

“I have plenty of fun, for your information.”

“Climb on, sugar.” I patted the seat. “What do you like to do for fun?”

Her hand touched my shoulder as she hoisted her leg over the bike. “Well, I like to read. I go out with my friends sometimes. Um, I like to hang out at the pool. I like to play games. I do plenty of fun things.” Her body rested against mine and I closed my eyes. Down, boy—not tonight. She didn’t mention one thing that resembled fun in my book.

“What about a club? Concerts? Parties?” A girl her age should’ve experienced a couple things in her life. She went to college and had to live a little…I mean, fuck. “I know you’ve never ridden a bike before.”

“I don’t dance. Concerts, a couple of times in college, and parties? Do work parties count?” She clasped her hands around my chest and sealed the gap between our bodies.

“Everyone can dance. I saw how your body moved last night, babe. You can dance.” I turned the key and throttled the engine.

She swatted my chest. “Hush.”

I’d embarrassed her. Good—I needed to push her. I wanted to learn what she was really all about. The good-girl bullshit worked for me, but I needed to know there was a sinner underneath that polished veneer.

“Well, tonight we’re going to add a few check marks to your life.” I moved my body, leaving no space between us.

“What are we doing?” she asked against my back, already hiding her face.

“Heading to the beach.”

“It’s dark, though.”

“Exactly.”

I drove slowly through her neighborhood, waiting for the right moment to pay her back for the smack on my chest. I hit the open country road at the end of her development and gunned the bike. Glancing in the side mirror, I could only see her blonde hair blowing in the wind.

I sped up, and she pinched my pec and yelled, “Stop!”

I didn’t listen, pretending the wind made it impossible to hear. I pointed at my ear and shook my head. “I can’t hear you.”

“Slow down,” she yelped.

Stopping at the red light, I turned to look at her. “There’s no one around. We’re safe—I promise.”

“I don’t know if I can ever get used to riding on this dang thing.”

“Do you trust me?”

“What?”

“Trust, sugar. Simple question.”

She sighed. “I do.”

“Then enjoy the ride. It’s freeing and there’s nothing like it in the world. Ready? Hold on.” I gunned the bike, but not enough to lose control, as she screamed in my ear. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing.

She still had a stranglehold on my chest as we rolled into the beachfront bar. I squeezed the bike into the only single space available. Charlie’s was the place to be seen on a Saturday night, and by the looks of it, half of the town was there.

“Can I open my eyes now?” she asked, her voice muffled from my jacket.

“We’re here. Off you go.” I pried her fingers apart and patted them.

“Charlie’s?” She climbed off the bike and unlatched the helmet quicker than I thought possible.

“Yes. Have you been?”

“No.” She looked around the parking lot.

“Hey,” I said as I grabbed her chin. “It’s okay. I’ll give you plenty of firsts.” I smiled at her. “I like the idea of showing you new things.” There were so many things I wanted to do to her. I wanted to ruin her in every possible way. Fuck the lawyers and the boring motherfuckers.

“I rarely come down to the beach, let alone at night.”

“Well, tonight there’s a DJ, and I want to dance with you.”

“Oh,” she said, her eyes wide in shock. “I told you, I can’t dance.”

“You can and you will. Might take a couple of those sweet drinks you like, but you’ll do it.”

“Oh, suck it.”

“I plan on it.” I smirked at her and grabbed her hand.