Page 82 of The First Spark

And I know Raven’s end game, at least for tonight. She flirted incessantly with me during our session, even allowingher blouse to slip low enough to reveal one pert, pierced nipple.

Subtle, she is not.

It’s not the first time, either. When she visited Black Lotus to commission her custom piece, she dropped numerous hints about us spending some quality time together.

No doubt where her head is at, now that we’re both off duty.

Zane gives the doorframe a light smack, a smirk crossing his face as he shoots me a look that says I’m the luckiest man alive right now. “Guess I’ll see you two later … or not.”

Then he’s gone, leaving me alone with porn’s hottest commodity.

“I need to book another session, but you better not make me wait too long,” Raven says as she leans against the wall, her lips curved in a pouty smile. “You’re addictive, Ash. I think I’ll need several more rounds with you.”

Quite the compliment, considering I’ve yet to show Ravenanyof my talents beyond tattooing.

Tugging a hand through my hair, I slide my machine into its case and thumb the latch closed. “Book yourself a slot anytime. Can’t wait to finish that piece. You’re happy now? Just wait until I’m done.”

Here’s the thing: I didn’t mean my reply to sound sexual. Honest to fucking God.

But the second the words leave my lips, I realize that’s exactly how she’s going to take it.

“You read my mind. How about we slot in time tonight? See how happy we can make each other?”

I chuckle and click my tongue against my teeth. Thereit is. I wondered how long it would take her to lay it out there.

A week ago, I’d have been all over her plan for extracurricular activities.

But that was before my tiny neighbor turned my world upside down, even though I’d sooner die than admit that fact aloud. So long as I keep it stashed in the recesses of my brain, I’m safe.

More importantly, my heart is.

Still, I invited Ori to the party tonight. There’s no way I could—or would—desert her to copulate with Raven in an adjoining room.

That would be rude.

Now, taking Ori into a private area to defile her delicious body all night? That ishighon my list of priorities.

“Well?” Raven crosses the small space, giving me a slight hip check.

I pull my jacket from the hook, nodding toward the door. “Actually, I’m bringing someone to the party, so I’ll meet you there.”

A low laugh rises from her chest as she waves her hand at me. “Let me guess. Your little librarian? Don’t give me that look. We both know I’m right.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I reply with feigned innocence.

Raven smirks and reaches up to wipe her finger along my lip. “Really? So, you two just like wearing matching lipstick?”

I drag a hand over my mouth and chuckle. “Thanks for waiting four hours to tell me.”

Now she’s staring at me, her arms crossed over herchest, as if waiting for me to dig myself in deeper. “You’re not denying it, either. Damn, you really like her.”

Her words hit me like a jolt of electricity. I’ve been accused of many things over the years, but falling for a woman isn’t one of them. At least not since Lucille.

If Raven can read my emotions this easily, then everyone else can, too.

Time to play it off like it’s nothing, because that’s all it is.

A harmless flirtation. Some sexually charged moments. A few delicious memories of one delectable woman.

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