Page 7 of Chic Steel

I clear my throat. “Is there anything else you wanted today?” May not be stable enough to check his other piercings or havesteady hands to give him a new one, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready for him to leave yet.

“That’s all today. Thank you, Ella.” He stands, and the room feels smaller.

He’s so much taller than me. When he’s lying on my piercing chair I don’t notice it as much, sure he takes up all the space on it and his feet hang off the chair, but standing’s completely different.

Standing, my mouth is in perfect line with his nipple piercing, with the jewellery I put in it. My claim on him. Right in front of me.

“Anytime.” I tilt my head back to see his eyes and smile at him. “You know the drill. Immy will put it through at the front.”

He nods and his eyes crinkle slightly, some left over joy that doesn’t quite turn into a smile, and reaches his hand out to me. I slip my hand into his and he shakes it gently. An age-old business greeting I only receive from him. His hand’s warm and envelopes mine, and my rings press against his hand when he squeezes once and lets go, taking his warmth with him.

“Thanks, Ella. I’ll see you later.”

“Bye, Oliver.”

He leaves the room, and I sigh when the door shuts and press my hands against my heated cheeks. My right hand feels warmer, his imprint left on me, branding my cheek, almost as if he’s the one touching my cheek.

I wish.

I shake myself and tidy the station, putting gloves and everything else I used on him in the bin.

The door crashes open and my hand clutches my chest. “Motherfucker.” I whip to the door and sag in relief. “Immy, what the fu?—”

“Helefthiswallet.” Her words rush together, and I frown at her.

“Huh?” My heart’s pounding too hard to hear.

She sucks in a breath and says slowly, “He left his wallet.”

“He left his wallet?”

“Yes.”

“Oliver left his wallet?”

“Yes.”

“Here?”

“Yes, Ella. What do I do?” Immy holds the wallet out to me, and I take it.

The leather’s a dark brown and it’s warm. I suppose it was in his pocket and absorbed his body heat. I brush a finger across it and nudge the edge, but clench my hand before I can open it.

“Did you try catch him before he left?”

“I followed him down the street, but he drove off before I could catch him.”

“Did he leave his phone?”

She shakes her head.

“Then I’m sure he’ll call soon and we’ll get it back to him.” A bell sounds. “Would you mind checking that?”

Immy leaves the room to check on the customer, and I sit heavily on the chair. He left his wallet.

He’ll need to come back and pick it up. I’ll see him again. Much sooner than usual.

There’s no one around to hide my grin from.

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