The Ink That Haunts Us

Chapter Two

One of my biggest pet peeves is being late.

I don't do late.

Today, however, was not my day. Because of my lateness, I was in a foul mood. It was affecting me so bad I was sure I was giving off 'don't mess with me' vibes. People on the sidewalk were giving me wide births and curious looks. It was for the best that they steered clear. I felt like a ticking time bomb ready to explode any second.

Someone bumped into me as I pushed my way into Colorado Ink.

"Watch it!" I snapped before stepping around the person that was in my way.

A low whistle brought my head around.

"Damn, babe, who pissed you off? Do I need to beat someone's ass?" Tyler joked, throwing an arm over my shoulder.

"I'm sorry," I sighed, my shoulders slumping. "I overslept which meant I was late for class. Then to make matters worse, my class ran over, and traffic was a friggin' nightmare."

"Sounds like you've had a helluva morning," he noted, hugging me closer.

"You could say that." Wrapping my arms around his middle, I let him hold me. Sometime's a good hug fixed everything.

"It's a busy day." He nodded to the waiting area and I let out a happy sigh.

"Thank God," I said, moving away from him. "Ink therapy is exactly what I need to fix my mood."

"Knock'em dead, girl." He called as I headed towards the reception desk.

Freya was sitting at the desk and as I passed, she gave me a curious stare. With a wink and a wave, I moved past her and down the hall towards my studio. It was time to set this day straight and show it who was boss.

After my fifth tattoo, I was starving. So hungry my stomach was making mating noises every time I thought I caught a whiff of food in the air. The ink therapy worked wonders on my mood, but now I was on the verge of being hangry. My day had been so hectic, I hadn't had the chance to stop for food, and I was feeling it now. A burger from Jimmy's, my favorite diner, sounded like heaven.

Once my station was sanitized, I headed out the door to Mack's office. We had never found time for lunch with the busy workday and having dinner together sounded good. Just as I was about to walk into the office, something down the hall caught my eye. My girl behind the desk was glaring daggers at her computer screen, her fingers slamming against the keyboard. And from the way she kept looking up into the waiting area made it obvious she wasn't happy about someone in there.

Heading towards the front, I scanned the waiting area as soon as I entered the room. My eyes landed on the blonde bimbo occupying one of the chairs and I knew why Freya looked like she was about to commit a heinous crime. Mercedes, an old flame of Jensen's, sat waiting, phone in hand.

"What the hell is she doing here?" I sneered, coming to stand beside Freya not bothering to keep my voice down.

"She has an appointment with Jensen," Freya answered through gritted teeth, glaring over the computer at Mercedes.

"Why?"

"Because I'm trying not to be a crazy, jealous girlfriend right now. She'll get her stupid tattoo and be on her way." Freya cut her eyes to Mercedes again, and her nose crinkled in disgust.

"Does Jensen know she's his next client?"

"No."

"You should tell him. That floozy needs to find another shop to dirty up."

"I can hear you," Mercedes snapped, glancing up from her phone.

"Good." I narrowed my eyes at her. "Just so you know, you will not get what you're after and we both know it's not a tattoo."