The tattoo was one for the books. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that it was the best one I had done so far. Not that I was trying to toot my own horn or anything. Those were just facts, and the facts were this was the best tattoo I had done so far. Jules was a rockstar client. Never complaining as she sat still for hours. We had taken only a few breaks to stretch our legs and get some air. Being cooped up in my small studio could get a little stuffy.
"You are a fucking genius!" Jules exclaimed, standing in front of my full-length mirror. She tilted her leg back and forth taking in her new addition.
"One of my best for sure." The grin on her face was infectious.
"Girl, this one is the best. The detail is ridiculous."
"I'm glad you like it."
"Like? No. I love it! You're going to be rolling in clients when people see this."
"Sweet," I laughed. "I could use the extra cash."
She turned to look at me, grinning. "We're talking more than a little extra."
"Come on. Let's get to the front. I'm sure we both could use a nice walk after this session." Before I covered her up, I snapped a few photos for my portfolio.
Together we headed to the reception area where we found Derek and Freya sitting behind the desk chatting. When Jules and I closed in on them, they went quiet. I leaned into Jules and whispered loud enough for them to hear.
"Don't worry, they're more than likely talking about me. It's the new norm of late." Freya flushed red and Derek leaned back, giving me a cool look. Jules stifled a laugh.
"Let me see," Freya said, giving us an awkward smile.
Jules stuck out her leg, letting Freya pull the wrap back.
"Oh my God! It's incredible!" Freya praised.
"I have serious ink envy. I never considered a pirate ship, but damn babe, I need me one." Derek had leaned forward to examine Jules's leg.
"Get in line, big head. Jensen has already claimed the next one." My chest swelled with pride as my friends praised me. It's always a great feeling when someone appreciates your hard work.
After Freya printed out Jules's receipt, Jules turned to me holding out two bills.
"Here, girl, you earned it."
"Thanks, babe. Come back soon, yeah?" I took the money and leaned in for a hug.
"I always do." With a wink, she was out the door.
"She's one of my best clients," I smiled, tucking the money in my pocket. "God, I'm starved. Who wants to go eat with me?"
"Sorry, babe, I've got a client coming in soon," Derek said, standing.
"Frey?" I asked.
"Sure," she said, standing too. "Let me see if Jensen wants anything and I'll swing by Mack's office to let him know."
"You go to Jensen and I'll swing by Mack's," I told her, backing towards the hall.
Mack's door was open like usual, so I poked my head in. Mack was leaning over his desk looking all serious with his reading glasses perched on his nose, pen in hand. You could always tell when he was really concentrating. A deep, set in line creased his forehead and he gnawed on the end of his pen.
I reached out and knocked lightly on the door.
A smile stretched across his face when he looked up, spotting me in the doorway. "Baby girl, what can I do for you?"
YOU ARE READING
The Ink That Haunts Us
Romance*Book 2 of the Colorado Ink series* ✅ COMPLETED Try as they might, one can never really hide from their past. One way or another it will catch up to you. Three years ago, Saw took back her life and ran from the horrors of her past. For three years...
