Page 4 of Challenged By the Ex-Military Tattoo Artist

I raise an eyebrow, fighting back a grin.

"Thank you. Always nice to receive such high praise from a lovely lady."

Maria ducks her head, but I catch the hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head, tough guy."

"Wouldn't dream of it," I assure her, unable to resist pushing slightly. "I do aim to maintain some semblance of humility. Emphasis on some."

She rolls her eyes good-naturedly at my teasing, "I'm sure your humility knows no bounds."

"You wound me," I lament with a dramatic sigh, pressing a hand to my chest. "And after I so delicately and expertly marked your skin."

"Oh please, that little butterfly was hardly a feat for someone with your obvious skills," Maria scoffs, though her eyes are alight with amusement.

"You're right, it was child's play," I readily agree. "Which is why, next time, you'll have to let me ink something a bit more...elaborate."

Her breath catches at my suggestive tone, cheeks flushing prettily.

"Is that so? And what did you have in mind, Mr. Hotshot?"

"Well, now that you've had a taste, I think it's only fair I get to show off more of my...talents," I drawl, letting my gaze roam over her frame pointedly. "Maybe something larger, more detailed. Though the canvas is the real work of art."

Maria's tongue darts out to wet her lips - a telling nervous tic I file away.

"You're...you're just full of lines, aren't you?" she manages, clearly flustered.

I lean back with a low chuckle.

"I'm an open book in more ways than one. No need for lines when the truth is right there for you to see."

Our eyes lock, the charged air crackling between us. Part of me wonders if I've taken the flirtatious banter a step too far.

But then Maria surprises me by holding my stare, her gaze dropping meaningfully to the ink peeking from beneath my shirt collar.

"I'll keep that in mind for next time," she murmurs huskily, "You'd better be prepared to put your ink where your mouth is."

A slow grin stretches across my face as the challenge registers. This woman is going to be fun to get under my needle - that's for damn sure.

As tempting as it is to continue our flirtatious back-and-forth, I force myself to glance at the time. With a start, I realize I've been here for over an hour already.

"As much as I'm enjoying our little game of wits, I should probably get going," I reluctantly admit, rising from my stool. "Still got a few things to arrange after arriving in town yesterday."

Maria blinks up at me, almost looking dazed for a split second before composing herself.

"Oh, right, of course. I've taken up enough of your time playing canvas."

"Not a hardship in the slightest, believe me." I flash her a roguish grin as I begin packing up my supplies. "In fact, I'd say this has been one of the more enjoyable...sessions I've had in a while."

"Is that so? Well, I do aim to provide a quality experience for all my...patrons."

"You're off to an excellent start," I assure her, slinging my kit over my shoulder. "Though I must admit, I'm already looking forward to our next appointment."

Maria rises gracefully to her feet, absently rubbing at the fresh ink on her wrist.

"You move fast, don't you? We've barely begun this landlord-tenant relationship."

"And yet you've already let me mark you," I can't resist pointing out with a smirk. "I'd say that's grounds for us to get a bit...friendlier."

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