Page 43 of Bullet

“How about tonight? My treat.”

Her eyebrows went up in surprise, then furrowed. “I couldn't. It's too expensive.”

I chuckled. “Sweetheart, you won me thirty-five hundred bucks. I'd say I owe you.”

She smiled. “Okay. Let's do it.”

I grinned back at her. “Okay.”

After we ate, we hopped back on the bike, and I took Dixyn to my tattoo guy. The door chimed as we walked in. “Hey, Otto!” I greeted enthusiastically.

The older, tattooed man grinned. “Bullet. Always good to see you.” He stood and came over to greet us. “What can I do for you?”

I looked at Dixyn. “Popping this one's cherry and getting a little something for myself.”

His eyes lit up as he glanced at Dixyn. “Is that so?” He rubbed his hands together with glee. “Well, I love popping cherries.”

Dixyn laughed as Otto asked, “What did you have in mind?”

“I want to get something to honor my grandfather. He passed away recently.”

“My condolences. Do you have an idea of what you want to get?”

“Something for our heritage, but not exactly sure what.”

We all stood in silence for a second, trying to think of an idea. Then it suddenly hit me: her car, her heritage, her bright red locks. “A firebird.”

Dixyn looked at me and smiled. “That's perfect. I love it.”

I tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Suits you, my fiery phoenix.”

Her cheeks flushed as a grin crept over her lips. Otto tapped the front counter. “I'll get something drawn up for you.”

Dixyn and I sat on one of the couches. I draped my arm around her and pulled her against me. “Nervous?”

“A little. You think I can watch you first?”

I smirked at her. “Sure. Whatever you want.”

Otto came back with a design, which Dixyn approved, then I described what I wanted, “Mine is simple. I want the number 9 from a roulette wheel with the ball on it.” I smiled fondly at Dixyn. “She won me thirty-five hundred on it.”

Otto nodded. “Nice. Where you want it?”

I chuckled, eyes still locked with Dixyn's. “I don't know. I'm running out of room.”

Dixyn bit down on her lower lip. “Maybe we should see what we're working with.”

I arched a brow as I slipped off my cut. “If you wanted to see me naked, sweetheart, all you had to do was ask.”

She playfully rolled her eyes as I set my cut on the counter. I pulled off my shirt next, then spread my arms out. I was covered from shoulder to fingers, and my club tattoo took up most of my back. My chest and stomach were pretty much covered, too.

Dixyn pursed her lips as her eyes ran over me, then she met my eyes with a mischievous grin. “Guess you're gonna have to lose the pants, too.”

I laughed. “Not until later, kitten.” I lifted my arm, gesturing at a free spot on my ribs. “Will this work, Otto?”

He shrugged, eyeing the space. “I can make it work.”

I smiled. “My man.”

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