Page 49 of Maggie

“Cool. Have you met the band before?”

Wylder nodded. “I’ve tattooed them all. The band logo.”

Recognition flashed in Ryker’s eyes. “Gotcha. Great job.” The side of Ryker’s mouth quirked up. “Maybe you can add to my collection sometime.” He gestured to his tattoos.

Wylder offered him a sad smile and subconsciously flexed his hand. “I would love to. I fucked my hand up in a car accident so I can’t personally, but come by my shop and one of my artists can hook you up. Whatever you want.”

Empathy crossed Ryker’s face, not sympathy. “Sorry to hear about your hand. A loss like that is tough. I commanded a lot of guys with life-changing losses. I’m lucky. I never went through it myself, but I get it. Good for you for carrying on. As the SEALs say, ‘the only easy day was yesterday.’” A rare grin spread across his lips. “I am on the hunt for new ink. I’ll definitely stop by your shop the next time the band’s in town.”

Wylder smiled. “Anytime.”

“Thanks, man.” Ryker shook his hand again. “Great to meet you.”

“You, too.”

One of the make-up artists called, “Jade, you’re up!”

Ryker nodded at Maggie. “It’s good to see you, Mags.”

“Thanks,” she said. “You, too.”

Jade and Ryker headed off so Jade could take a seat at the make-up table. An artist quickly appeared to style her.

Wyder let out a low whistle. “Wow, you ladies really have people at your beck and call.”

Maggie stepped in front of Wylder and wrapped her arms around him. “It’s part of the job. You know we aren’t really like that. I’m not really like that.”

He smiled. “I know. Thank God.” He kissed her.

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