Page 33 of The Tattoo Artist

“Just another book.” He speaks.

I crouch down and slide another book out before handing it to Joey, he watches the both of us, “use protection kids.” He said before heading away to his favourite spot in the library.

“Very mature Joey.” I yell out.

“I should head out, I have to join my brothers at the bar,”

“Enjoy.” But instead of letting me go, he steps closer towards me. Before I know it, he’s turning me around, causing the front of my body to collide against the bookcase. I can feel his solid frame pressed against mine as his hands trail down my waist. My breath hitches, and I can’t tear my eyes away from his intense gaze.

His hand slips into my back pocket, and I gasp softly as he takes my phone. My mind races with questions, but before I can ask, he does something with my phone. A moment later, he slides it back into my pocket, and a knowing smile plays on his lips.

“What did you do?” I manage to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

He leans in, his breath warm against my ear.

“Now I can communicate better,” he murmurs, and I shiver at his words. “See you soon, butterfly,” he whispers, his voice filled with promise and desire.

With that, he pulls away, leaving me breathless and wanting more. As he walks away, I can’t help but feel the electricity between us, the undeniable chemistry that lingers in the air.

ARES NICOLAIDES

I push the heavy door of the bar open, greeted by the loud chatter and clinking glasses. My eyes scans the room, spotting my brothers in one of the booths at the back. I made my way over to them and slid into the seat beside Atlas.

“Damn it! They missed it,” Atlas exclaimed, slamming his fist against the table while Adrian took a casual sip from his beer.

“Where were you?” Adonis asks, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. I waved down a passing waitress.

“Just had to take care of something important,” I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Yeah, we can tell. Got a bit of something there,” Atlas teased, pointing to my lips. I instinctively wiped my lips, noticing the faint lipstick stain on my fingers.

“Moving on finally? Or-” Adrian began to say, but I interrupted him, not wanting to entertain the thought.

“Shut up,” I retort, giving him a playful nudge before turning my attention to the waitress who had come to our table.

“What can I get ya?” She asks in her charming southern accent.

“Just a whiskey for me,” I reply, glancing at my brothers. “And how about you guys?”

“Are you paying? We’re not as rich as-” Atlas responds, finishing his drink. The waitress chuckles at his remark, charmed by his flirtatious demeanour.

“Yeah, I’ll pay. What do you want?”

“I want two shots of vodka, a bowl of fries, and can you add a burger with that?” Adrian ordered with a grin.

“So, you want a whole meal?” The waitress teased, and Adonis joined in with a laugh.

“Sure, we’ll have two of that,” Atlas said, nodding in agreement. The waitress jotted down our order and left to get our drinks and food.

“One with no alcohol.” I tell the waitress, “that one’s seventeen.” Atlas groans and slides down the seat, with his arms folded.

As she walked away, I slide my phone out from my pocket and checked my messages. “Artemis got engaged you guys.” Adonis speaks, I pull away from my phone.

“To the bartender?” I respond.

“Yeah, look.” He turns his phone around and I see that my sister has sent a picture of her engagement ring.

“Always thought Athena would get married first.” Atlas speaks, “oh they scored!” The whole bar cheers as Atlas takes Adrian beer and throwing it around with the others. Why the fuck did I sit next to him?

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