Page 12 of The Tattoo Artist

My eyes widen as a car zooms by, blaring its horn in warning. I was so close to being hit. My belongings scatter onto the ground, and I turn to face Ares, my heart pounding in my chest at the unexpected physical contact. I glance up at him, butterflies flutter in my stomach as my hands rest on his biceps, a consequence of his height. I quickly let go, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks, and he releases his hold on me.

As I gather my things from the ground, Ares picks up my sketchbook. “You could have gotten hit, butterfly.” He says, his voice laced with concern.

“Well luckily you were there to save me, huh?” I whisper out sarcastically, Ares smiles a little.

“You really don’t like me?” Ares’ voice is tinged with a hint of interest.

“No, I don’t,” I reply, my tone firm. “Now, can I have my sketchbook back, please?”

Ares raises my sketchbook, holding it slightly out of reach. “Oh, this?” He teases. “I’ll give it back on one condition.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “I don’t have time for this, Ares.”

His gaze locks with mine, an intensity burning in his eyes. “You tell me your name.”

I hesitate for a moment, contemplating his request.

Slowly, I offer him a small smile.

“Alexandra,” I finally reveal. “My name is Alexandra.”

“Alexandra,” he repeats, his voice laced with a hint of intrigue. “Why don’t you like me?”

I raise an eyebrow, meeting his gaze head-on. “You said you’d give my sketchbook back.”

Ares leans in slightly, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Answer me, Alexandra,” he insists, his voice laced with a mixture of determination and curiosity.

My jaw tenses, a blend of annoyance and something else, a tinge of happiness, spreads through me. I find myself enjoying this unexpected exchange with him, I like it.

It’s different.

“Because.” I reply, a mischievous spark dancing in my eyes.

“Because?”

I take a step closer, feeling a newfound confidence surging within me. “Because.” I repeat, matching his tone, “You’re too intriguing for your own good. And it’s both annoying and weird.”

Ares’ eyes widen slightly.

He hadn’t expected such a bold response. A smile plays at the corners of his lips, revealing a hint of admiration.

“Intriguing, huh?” He murmurs, “I must say, Alexandra, the feeling is mutual. You’ve managed to get my attention like no one else.”

I feel a warmth spreading through me.

We stand there, locked in a silent exchange, the air between us crackling with an undeniable tension. It’s as if the world around us fades into the background, leaving only the two of us in this moment.

“And that’s supposed to be good thing?”

“No.” He responds. “No, it isn’t.”

He hands me my book and I take a step back after retrieving it, “goodbye Ares.” I walk away.

“Goodbye Alexandra Jones.”

My eyes widen, I never told him my surname.

I only told him my name.

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