Page 59 of The Tattoo Artist

As I perused the bras, one caught my eye – a dark red lace bra with no padding. It came with a matching red thong, and I couldn’t resist adding it to my basket.

He did say his favourite colour was red.

As I continued shopping for lingerie, Clark re-joined me with an impressive collection of different types. He held up a green set, explaining that it would complement my skin tone beautifully. Then he showed me a lovely purple one that he thought would look great on me as well.

But it was the blue set with the suspenders that caught my attention. It was undeniably sexy, and I couldn’t resist adding it to my growing pile of choices.

“You’re really good at this,” I compliment him, impressed by his lingerie-picking skills. He nods with a grin, confident in his choices, and promptly shoved the blue set into my basket.

As we made our way to the checkout counter, we passed by the toy area, and Clark’s mischievous side came to light once again. He held up a pair of handcuffs, causing my eyes to widen in surprise.

“Who uses that?” I ask.

He chuckles, teasingly responding, “I think your man would like it, since he gives off rough sex vibes.”

“Really?” He chuckles.

“You can tell Ares likes using gags and ropes, the man radiates that energy.”

I gasp, feeling my face heat up with embarrassment. “Clark, you can’t just say things like that!” I look around to make sure no one overheard our conversation. Clark is definitely the type of person who doesn’t fear the public.

He laughs mischievously, enjoying my reaction. “Come on, Alexandra, I’m just teasing you. You know Ares has a bit of a wild side, and I bet he likes to explore different things in the bedroom.”

I shove it into my basket before heading to the cashier, “found everything you need?” She asks me, I nod my head as she begins to scan the items. My eyes widen as I watch the total go up.

Shit.

“That’s going to be four hundred, and thirty-six dollars…twenty-one cents.” I turn my head slowly and Clark moulds his lips, “everything alright?”

I couldn’t believe how expensive the lingerie and other items had turned out to be. As I stood there, feeling a bit overwhelmed, Clark noticed my expression and asked if everything was alright.

“Sorry, one second, I’m just going to make a quick phone call.”

I quickly dial Ares’ number, hoping he would pick up.

On the first ring, he answered with his usual deep voice. “Butterfly.”

“Ares... the total is really expensive,” I said, trying not to sound too flustered or scared.

“Enlighten me, butterfly.” He chuckles.

“Over four hundred dollars, I guess you don’t feel so enlightened-”

“I thought you said it was expensive?” He sounds like he finds this conversation amusing or something. This was not an amusing conversation. This was a conversation about lingerie being round four hundred dollars!

“But Ares-”

“See you tonight, butterfly.” He ends the phone call.

I turned back to Clark, trying to regain my composure as I tap the card against the reader to complete the transaction. The receipt printed out, and the cashier smiled, thanking me for shopping with them.

What colour should I wear?

He said he likes red.

So, I’m going to wear red.

I slide of my shirt, chucking it to the side before swapping my sports bra for the red lingerie. I smooth my hands over my half naked form whilst looking in the mirror. But from the corner of my eye, I notice my curtain shifting to the side and Catherine walking inside. She looked rough, and drunk.

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