Page 39 of Ink & Desire

I nod toward the growing design on her back. “The phoenix. Signifies rebirth. Rising from the ashes of the fire that consumed it. I’ve always loved that legend.”

Henley just smiles. “I just thought it looked cool.”

I don’t believe that for a second, and I can tell she knows I don’t. But I don’t press her for her reasons for getting the massive creature tattooed onto her skin. People have their own reasons for what they do, and they’re none of my business. Some people want a reminder of a happy time. Some want to hide reminders of painful times. And some just think a design is pretty. Their reasons don’t matter to me. The art is what fascinates me. And this piece Corbin is inking onto his sister’s back is a masterpiece. The lines flow gracefully into one another, creating a stunning design that looks like it was made to be part of her skin. The colors aren’t all there yet, but I can imagine how it will look when it’s completed.

Against my will, my eyes stray back to Corbin, noting the intense concentration on his face. His brows are drawn low and there’s a little crease between them that makes him look more approachable somehow. It’s so clear that his work means something to him. It’s something he takes immense pride in. Something he refuses to fail at. I can respect that, even if he is a dick to me most of the time. But when he’s not being rude, like right now, it’s so much harder to remember all the reasons I’m supposed to hate him. The man exudes sex appeal, especially when he’s working. I try to keep my attention on the art rather than the artist, but my gaze keeps straying back to his large hands, those muscled forearmsand broad shoulders, the dark eyes laser-focused on his work.

Who knew intense focus could be sexy? Then again, I think I have a problem where Corbin is concerned. There’s not much he does that I don’t find sexy. Hell, even when he’s being kind of a dick, I find myself getting turned on. Even though I know it’s a bad idea, I can’t pretend there isn’t a part of me that wants to push his buttons. Just to see what happens. Cass was right before. I do want him. But I know it would be disastrous.

“On second thought,” Henley says, breaking into my wandering thoughts. “I think I’d like a break for some water.”

Corbin’s brow furrows, and I can tell he’s slightly annoyed by the disruption to his flow. But he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he stops immediately and looks toward his sister.

“You okay?”

The obvious and immediate concern in his tone is touching to witness. I’m not used to seeing this side of him.

“I’m fine,” Henley says. “Just thirsty. And I’d like to stretch a bit.”

I stand. “I’ll grab you a bottle of water.”

Before I can take a step, her hand shoots out and grabs my forearm. Her grip is firm, but not painful.

“Let Corbin get it,” she says, looking up at me.

“It’s literally part of her job, Hen,” Corbin says.

I smile, glancing back and forth between the two. “It’s not a problem,” I say.

Henley speaks without taking her eyes off me. “Corbin, be a good brother and grab me a bottle of water. It’ll give you a chance to stretch your legs.”

“Henley…” There’s a warning in his voice that Henley clearly ignores.

“Corbin,” she says in the same tone he just used.

He sighs and moves to stand. “Don’t forget the rules,” he says with a meaningful look down at where her hand still grips my forearm.

She smiles and slowly releases me. Only then does he walk back toward the break room. Henley immediately gives me a warm smile that appears genuine.

“What rule is he talking about?” I ask, confused.

She smiles as she moves to sit up. “He told me I’m not allowed to hit on you,” she says rolling her head around to stretch her neck. “He’s always so grumpy.”

Surprised, I blink at her. “I thought it was just me,” I say before I think through all the reasons I shouldn’t talk about my boss to his sister.

But she just laughs. “Nope. He’s always that way. Too serious. Likes his rules.”

“I noticed,” I say drily. “Were you planning to hit on me?” I ask.

She gives me an assessing gaze. “I like you.”

“Thanks,” I say, flattered. “But I’m straight.”

She laughs again. “Pity.”

“Right? Life would be so much simpler if I weren’t into men.”

“Simple isn’t always better,” she says. “Sometimes a complication can be fun. I saw how you were watching my brother.”

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