Page 30 of Dirty Heirs

He tipped his head back and laughed. “That can be arranged.”

Chapter Fifteen

ELLA

I loved working weekends at The Ink Yard. It was the only time my family allowed me any freedom. My dad was friends with the tattoo studio owner and knew Sean would keep an eye on me. My dad didn’t bother me as long as I was under supervision, whether at work or school.

I sat on the bench by the bay window overlooking Main Street, a sketchpad on my lap. Even as a child, creating art soothed my nerves. Despite the drama at home, I lost myself in my art. My mother could paint. She was the only other person in my family with the talent.

From a young age, she encouraged me to pursue an art career. But my father, who controlled every aspect of my life, wanted me to be a good Mafia princess and play my part. One day, he would arrange my marriage, which wasn’t uncommon for people like us. So, until then, I was enjoying the little freedom he gave me.

I hated my home.

Sometimes, I also hated my dad and brothers. They were the reason no one talked to me at school. The reason I never had a friend or boyfriend.

Every day, I replayed the night my mother died in perfect color. I could hear her screams and the grunts of those disgusting men. My house was a constant reminder that my mother was brutally assaulted and murdered. And my father wasn’t there to help her. Neither were my brothers.

But I heard and saw everything.

I could usually clear my head by sketching new tattoo designs. Despite my fingers gliding across the page, it was not coming as quickly today. They did the same familiar dance, but I struggled to find my rhythm. I traced over the outline of a red serpent slithering around the letter A, making soft but intentional strokes.

What am I even drawing?

I knew why I chose an A. Aiden Wellington had been on my mind for weeks. After years of being invisible, I had the attention of two hot billionaires. It was all because Aiden gave me a chance.

Sonny let go of his family’s hatred for Aiden, but I didn’t care why he was doing it. I wanted to be desired by them, even if it was only temporary.

I’d take whatever I could get.

It was slow this time of day at The Ink Yard. We only had three more scheduled appointments until closing. Saturdays were usually packed, but it was five days before Thanksgiving. People hurried around town to prepare for the holiday.

Someone cleared their throat.

I looked to my left and found Sean O’Connell. He was the owner of The Ink Yard and the coolest boss ever.

With a frown, Sean scanned the empty waiting room and closed the distance between us. “I could use your help with a new client’s request. He wants a character from Fullmetal Alchemist. Manga isn’t my thing.”

“It’s mine.” I tucked the charcoal pencil into my sketchbook and set it beside me. “What does the client have in mind?”

Sean shrugged. “I don’t know. He sent a pic in an email if you want to look at it before he arrives. He’s coming in around six to talk about the design. Can you handle it for me?”

“Sure.”

I slid off the ledge, tucked the book under my arm, and followed Sean to the front desk.

He clicked a few buttons on the mouse, his eyes on the computer monitor. “What do you think?”

I studied the image of Edward Elric on the screen and nodded. “I can do it. Not a problem.”

“Thanks, Ella.” He hopped up from the chair and walked toward the back room. “You’re a lifesaver. I have to run some errands. I’ll be gone for a while.”

“Go ahead. I can the studio while you’re gone.”

After Sean left, I sat at the desk and sketched my version of Edward Elric. He was blond, arrogant, and stubborn—like two hot billionaires I knew. As I drew the character, I thought of Aiden and Sonny. Where Ed had golden eyes, Sonny and Aiden had the prettiest shades of blue. They were both determined and would do anything to get what they wanted. And when they put me between them during lunch, I liked the attention.

I was happy the client asked for one of my favorite manga characters. I loved the show. Most of my tattoos were from my favorite anime and manga.

The bell over the front door dinged. It was only four o’clock. Two more hours until the manga guy was scheduled to arrive.

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