Page 31 of The Tattoo Artist

Embarrassment catches up with me, and I gently pull back.

“Oh, fuck this.”

His lips are warm and velvety against mine, and I respond with equal fervour, pressing myself against him. His other hand slides around my waist, pulling me closer as he deepens the kiss. Our mouths move in perfect harmony, dancing together in a sensual rhythm.

I lose myself in the taste of him, a heady mix of mint and something distinctly masculine. The world around us fades away, and all that exists is the electricity between us. His tongue traces the outline of my lips, seeking entrance, and I gladly grant it.

Our tongues tangle and explore, each movement sending a surge of pleasure through me. The passion between us intensifies, and I feel myself getting lost in the sensations, my body melting into his.

Ares’ grip on my waist tightens, pulling me impossibly closer, as if he wants to merge our bodies into one. His hand trails down my spine, leaving a trail of fire in its wake, and I gasp into his mouth at the delicious sensation. We break apart, both of us gasping for breath, our eyes locked in a silent conversation of longing and desire. I can see the hunger in his gaze, matching my own, as he leans in for more.

He grabs the back of my thighs and lifts me up, I wrap my legs around his waist as he pushes me against the front of his car. Settling me down, the rain drenches us, but we didn’t care.

I just needed more of him.

He kisses down my neck, savouring me.

“Ares...” I whisper as he continues to suck onto my neck, I lift my dress further up my thighs and slide my hand underneath his shirt. God, just feeling his body…in my hands.

Suddenly, he pushes himself away from me and the car, turning around to grab the back of his neck, leaving me desperately wanting more of him.

“Alexandra, let me take you home,” Ares finally speaks, his voice low and tinged with a hint of regret.

I can feel the tension between us, and I wonder if I made a mistake by kissing him. But deep down, it didn’t feel like a mistake; it felt like something I had been longing for. I slide off the bonnet of the car, the rain continuing to pour down on us, soaking us both. Without looking at him, I make my way to the passenger side and get inside the car, Ares following suit.

The silence inside the car is deafening, and I can feel his eyes on me without me turning my head.

The car starts, and we drive off towards my house, the windshield wipers working hard to clear the rain. The atmosphere in the car is heavy with unspoken emotions, and I can’t bear the silence any longer.

Why did I kiss him? I shouldn’t have kissed him.

He regrets it, I could tell.

He’s not even looking at me.

The car continues to move in silence until we finally reach my house.

Just before he says anything, I quickly slide out of the car and shut the door, wanting to escape the vulnerability of the moment.

Hurrying to my balcony entrance, I take a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts. The rain continues to pour down, matching the turmoil in my heart. I feel tears falling down my eyes from the shame, the embarrassment that’s grabbing my heart.

I push my balcony doors open and throw my things onto the floor angrily. I drop onto my bed, and cry into my pillow.

I probably seemed so desperate.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ALEXANDRA JONES

IT HAS BEEN A WEEK SINCE THE KISS, AND NOTHING.

He doesn’t have my number and neither do I, part of me is thankful for that. Mostly because if he didn’t text me then id have something to be upset about. I scan each of the new books we have gotten in the delivery before setting it aside, I watch Joey reading another book I suggested him. It was only midday, but I wanted to go home and sink into my bed, but I couldn’t even do that if I wanted to because of the project from Mrs Toffee.

The presentation is due this Friday.

I had nothing.

No ideas.

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