Absolution | +18

Chapter 4

Val

The crisp evening air bites at my cheeks as we stand outside the tattoo shop, the neon sign buzzing faintly overhead. The shop's façade is unassuming, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy that buzzes from within. The windows are tinted, the darkened glass reflecting the colorful lights of the surrounding street. I can hear the faint hum of tattoo machines and the low murmur of voices seeping through the walls, creating an odd symphony of sounds that feels both exciting and intimidating.

Maddie's excitement is clear. She's practically vibrating with energy, her eyes darting around like she's about to burst into a confetti explosion. Lucas, ever the calming presence, stands beside me with a reassuring smile, though I can see the glimmer of nervousness in his eyes as well. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. My fingers are cold, and I rub them together, wishing for the warmth of Pepper's fur.

"Come on, Val," Maddie encourages, her voice a mixture of enthusiasm and impatience. "It's going to be awesome. Trust me."

I nod, but my stomach churns with nerves as I push open the heavy door. The hinges creak ominously, and we step into the dimly lit interior. The shop is a cacophony of sensory overload. The walls are covered in a collage of tattoo flash art and eclectic posters, a vibrant mess of colors and designs. The air is thick with the distinct scent of antiseptic and the faint, burnt aroma of ink.

The tattoo machines buzz rhythmically in the background, their steady hum a constant reminder of what's to come. The room is filled with people-big, burly men with elaborate tattoos snaking down their arms and necks, and women adorned in intricate ink, each one a walking testament to the art form. They talk and laugh, their voices blending into a low roar.

I try to focus on the receptionist at the front desk, a woman with a platinum pixie cut and numerous piercings decorating her face. She looks up as we approach, her eyes narrowing slightly as she assesses us.

"Hi there," she says with a professional but slightly bored tone. "What can I do for you?"

Maddie steps forward, her usual bravado in full force. "We're here for our tattoos. Val and I are getting inked today, and Lucas was thinking about joining us too."

The receptionist nods, her gaze shifting to me. "Great. If you could just sign these forms, we'll get you started. Your artist will be with you shortly."

We take a seat on the worn, leather couch in the waiting area. The walls are filled with various tattoo designs, from elaborate full-sleeve pieces to minimalist geometric shapes. The couch is surprisingly comfortable, though the old, frayed edges remind me of its age.

As I stand in the waiting area of the tattoo shop, my nerves are a swirling storm of anxiety and anticipation. My fingers fidget with the strap of my purse, my palms growing clammy despite the cool air of the shop. The hum of tattoo machines and the low murmur of conversation blend into a background noise that's almost soothing, yet the tension in my chest persists.

I glance around at the other clients, each one looking either engrossed in their phone or engaged in quiet conversation with their artist. The walls are filled with vivid artwork, each piece a testament to the skill and creativity of the shop's artists. The vibrancy of the colors and the intricate designs seem to pulse with life, echoing the excitement I feel.

Then, the door swings open and a man strides into the room, instantly commanding every bit of my attention. My breath hitches as I take in his formidable presence-tall and broad-shouldered, with dark black hair that falls in wild, untamed waves. His tattoos are a stunning tapestry, each inked design a testament to his mastery and artistry. His piercing gray eyes, sharp and unyielding, slice through the ambient light and lock onto me with an unsettling intensity. There's an undeniable magnetism about him, a raw energy that makes my heart pound a little faster despite the steely edge of his gaze.