Page 35 of The Tattoo Artist

“What time is your club opening today?” I ask, trying to distract myself from the thoughts swirling in my mind.

“Nine, and we’re fully booked out, actually.” Adonis beamed with pride. For a man studying law, opening a club was just for fun to him.

“Did you invite Elmer like I told you to?” I questioned.

“He’ll be upstairs in the VIP lounge, don’t worry—I got it all sorted,” he assured me.

“Let’s leave,” I suggested, feeling restless.

I stood up from the table and tossed two hundred-dollar notes onto the table to cover our bill. We made our way out towards the car, and I couldn’t help but glance at my phone again—still no response from her. Was something wrong?

Or was I just making excuses to see her again?

The car ride back was filled with tension, and my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her.

What if she was hurt?

What if she was angry with me?

The silence in the car only amplified my worry.

CHAPTER TWELVE

ALEXANDRA JONES

SHE WOULDN’T STOP.

“Then he just…fuck did he know what to do with my body. I orgasmed like five times.” Catherine explains flicking through her closet as I flicked through a magazine, my feet in the air-resting one hand under my chin.

“Really.” I chuckle at her confidence. “You know this is your little sisters teacher, right?”

“Well, he certainly knows what he’s doing,” she replies, trying to keep a straight face.

She presents two dress options, one black and the other bright pink. I point to the black one, and she tosses it to me. “Go get changed, we need to leave. I got us VIP tickets to the newest club in the city,” she announces excitedly.

I groan, feigning reluctance, and let my head fall back onto the pillow. I take out my phone and realise I forgot to respond to Ares’ earlier text. Maxine had assigned me to take the boxes to the recycling bin as punishment after she saw us kissing on the security cameras.

“Your makeup is done, your hair is done—I’m going to wait in the car by the time you get ready,” Catherine says as she leaves the room to prepare the car.

I take off my clothes and slip into the black dress, feeling its smooth fabric hug my curves perfectly. It fits like a second skin, accentuating all the right places.

The low-cut neckline reveals a tantalising glimpse of my breasts, leaving just enough to the imagination while stirring a sense of desire in those fortunate enough to witness my presence. The bodice wraps to my figure, cinching at the waist to highlight my slender silhouette, before cascading down into a daringly high slit. The dress leaves my back exposed, a symphony of delicate straps dancing across my skin like a seductive melody. The hemline brushes just above my knees, teasing with glimpses of my toned legs that seem to go on for miles.

I struggled to move around in this dress, this was the first time my skin has been so exposed. Reaching the car, I slid inside the passenger seat.

“Alright, girl, let’s have some fun,” Catherine exclaims, pulling out a bottle of vodka and handing it to me.

“I’ve never drank before,” I admit to her, my cheeks flushing with slight embarrassment.

“Just take a sip, but don’t overdo it,” she advises, flashing a mischievous smile. I cautiously unscrew the lid and take a small sip, feeling the fiery liquid slide down my throat.

“This is...different,” I whisper, trying to suppress a slight cough. The taste is strong and unfamiliar, but there’s something strangely exciting about it.

Catherine chuckles, understanding my reaction. “You’ll get used to it, trust me. It’s all about finding the right mix and enjoying the experience.”

As she drives us to the club, I take a few more sips, gradually acclimating to the taste. The anticipation builds as we approach the vibrant lights and rhythmic beats of the club.

“We’re already here, alright, let me find a spot to park,” Cathy says, skilfully manoeuvring her car next to a familiar vehicle. The lingering taste of the vodka I sipped earlier makes my throat feel warm and tingly. Stepping out of the car, I take a deep breath, trying to shake off any lingering nerves.

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