Page 32 of The Tattoo Artist

I told Maxine everything about what happened, and she gave me her motherly advice about how men deserve nothing and that I should be a lesbian instead.

I couldn’t help but give her a small smile.

I should take her advice.

She had been trying to get a reaction out of me all day. Maxine continues stacking the files until the sliding doors of the library opened, I glance up and my eyes widen when I see Ares walking through. I nudged Maxine, and she looked at me before back at him.

I grab the closed sign and place it on the counter in front of me.

“Alexandra,” Ares said, his voice firm and commanding.

I ignored him, pretending to focus on scanning more books.

“Can we talk.” It wasn’t a question; it was just another order. I slammed the book down and looked him right in those captivating eyes.

“Read the sign. Maxine can help you,” I said, trying to sound unaffected. I grab the books in one hand and turn to walk down the library aisles. I could feel him following my every step, but I remained determined to ignore him.

Ignore him.

Ignore.

Ignore.

I reach the aisle and walk inside, putting the box of books onto the trolley. “Butterfly,” he whispers, and I try to focus on my task, pushing the trolley past him.

But he stood in front of it, blocking my path.

“I’m working,” I said, trying to sound assertive. I shove a book onto the shelves and add a small sticker to the bottom of the spine. Turning back to the trolley, I open the next book, grabbing my stamp to mark it with the library code.

“You can’t ignore me forever,” Ares persisted, his voice softening slightly.

“I can try,” I mumble, not looking at him. “This is a good book for you,” I said, trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism.

“How to communicate? By Luisa Canny,” he read the title and then pushed the book back onto the trolley. “I didn’t regret that kiss,” he confessed.

“Seemed like you did in the car,” I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest.

“I didn’t. Fuck, I loved it,” he replied, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement and apprehension at his words.

I slowly turn my head towards him, “You didn’t regret it?”

He shook his head, coming around the trolley to stand in front of me. He pushes my hair behind my ears, “no stupid, I didn’t. I guess I have to prove it.”

His lips descend on mine again, this time with a raw intensity that leaves me breathless. He nips at my lower lip, eliciting a moan from deep within me. Our bodies press together, the heat between us reaching a fever pitch.

“What did I say about calling me stupid?” I whisper.

His hands roam my body, exploring every curve and dip, igniting a fire that courses through my veins. I arch into him, craving more of his touch, more of him. Our bodies move in sync, a tangle of limbs and desire. Time loses all meaning as we drown in the intoxicating taste of each other.

In that moment, I know that I’m lost.

Lost in him, lost in this connection that defies all reason.

And I don’t care. I want this, I want him, and I never want this moment to end. My hands rest on his arms as he pushes me against him.

“How much I miss my teenage times.” Joey speaks from beside us; I push Ares off me, and he smirks stepping back as I face Joey, wiping my lips.

“Joey, do you need anything?”

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