Page 34 of Jaxon

“I’m pregnant! Can you believe it? A little Daphne or Slick running around…”

“He’s going to be stoked. Do you wanna know what I’m doing today?”

She cocked her head. “Please tell.”

Daphne’s eyes lit up with excitement. “A tattoo!”

She had never considered getting a tattoo before. The idea seemed so foreign, yet...appealing. A permanent mark to symbolize her devotion to Jaxon.

“I know a great tattoo parlor downtown,” Daphne said. “We could go there right now if you want.”

Rachel glanced out the window at the gloomy sky, steeling her nerves. “Let’s do it.”

The rain was pouring down in sheets by the time they left the coffee shop, the cold seeping into Rachel’s bones. Her anxiety spiked at the thought of getting a tattoo, but she steeled her resolve. This was for Jaxon. She would endure any pain for him.

After a harrowing drive through the storm, they finally arrived at the tattoo parlor. Rachel’s heart hammered as she walked through the doors, gripping Daphne’s hand like a lifeline.

The tattoo artist, a burly man covered in intricate tattoos himself, greeted them with a friendly smile. “Welcome to Ink & Roses Tattoo Parlor. What can I do for you ladies today?”

Rachel took a deep breath and squeezed Daphne’s hand. “I’d like to get a tattoo.”

“Wonderful!” The artist rubbed his hands together. “Did you have a design in mind?”

Rachel described the tattoo she envisioned: two red hearts intertwined with green ivy. The red and green represent the passion Jaxon had brought into her world.

“A beautiful design,” the artist said. He sketched a draft on the parchment for her approval.

Rachel’s eyes welled with tears at the sight of it. “It’s perfect.”

“Have a seat and we’ll get started.” The artist prepared his tools, the buzz of the tattoo gun filling Rachel with trepidation.

She sat in the chair and extended her arm, glancing over at Daphne for support. Daphne smiled encouragement. “You’ve got this.”

The first prick of the needle sent a spike of pain through Rachel’s arm. She gritted her teeth, clutching the armrests. You’re doing this for Jaxon. The pain will be worth it.

With every pass of the needle, she thought of Jaxon. His kind eyes, his warm smile, the way he made her feel cherished and alive. The pain began to fade into the background, overshadowed by her love for the man who had captured her heart.

When the artist finally finished, Rachel gazed in wonder at the tattoo adorning her arm. Two red hearts intertwined with green ivy, the symbol of her eternal love for Jaxon Jones.

Rachel and Daphne stepped outside the tattoo parlor, sunlight warming their faces as they emerged from the dim interior.

“We can celebrate with margaritas!”

Daphne pointed to her stomach. “Pregnant, remember?”

“Oh yeah, then mocktails!”

They headed to Daphne’s car.

Just as they reached the car, a black van screeched to a halt beside them. The doors flew open and three men leapt out, grabbing Rachel and Daphne.

Rachel screamed, terror flooding her senses, but a meaty hand clamped over her mouth. She scratched and bit at her captor, panic overwhelming her usual need for control.

Daphne was putting up a fight too, kicking and punching, but the men easily subdued them both. As Rachel was dragged into the back of the van, she caught a glimpse of Daphne, her eyes wide with fear.

The doors slammed shut, enveloping them in darkness. Rachel pounded on the walls, screaming for help even as rough hands pinned her down.

Her heart raced as the van accelerated forward. Where were they taking them? She struggled against her captors, but she was no match for their strength. All she could do was pray for rescue, her new tattoo burning on her arm like a beacon, calling out for Jaxon through the inky blackness.

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