Page 13 of Challenged By the Ex-Military Tattoo Artist

"I think that's what makes you interesting."

Chapter 6 - Max

I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips at her words.

"Interesting, huh? I'll take that as a compliment."

As I speak, my gaze inadvertently drifts down the length of Maria's body. Her skirt clings to her curves in a downright distracting way, and I wonder just how soft and supple that skin might feel beneath my fingertips.

Shaking off the thought, I force myself to meet her eyes again.

“What exactly about me piques your curiosity, Maria?" I add.

There's a subtle shift in the atmosphere between us. I see her throat work as she swallows, her eyes squinted ever so slightly.

In one fluid motion, we move toward each other, drawn together by a magnetic force. Our lips meet in a fierce, desperate clash, all pretense of restraint crumbling away. I groan low in my throat, my hands finding her hips and pulling her against me.

Without breaking the kiss, I guide her backward, steering her towards the storage room in the back. The second the door clicks shut behind us, I can't resist letting my hands roam, mapping the curves of her body.

Maria's fingers tangle in my hair, tugging insistently as she arches into my touch. I nip at her lower lip, swallowing her soft gasp of pleasure.

"Max..." she breathes, her voice thick with want.

Hearing my name on her lips like that ignites something primal within me, and I can no longer hold back. My hands slide down to grip the back of her thighs, hoisting her up. Maria obediently wraps her legs around my waist, clinging to me as I gently lower her down on the table I set up for tattoos.

I brace myself over her as we continue to kiss. My fingers make quick work of the buttons on her blouse, desperate to feel the silky warmth of her breasts under my palms.

Maria arches up, pressing herself closer.

"Please, Max..." she murmurs against my lips, her nails raking lightly down my back.

I groan, my self-control hanging by a thread.

"Maria, are you sure about this?"

Maria nods, her eyes glinting with desire.

"Yes, I'm sure." She pulls me back down, kissing me hungrily.

That's all the confirmation I need. My hands slide down, palms grazing the soft skin of her thighs as I tug her skirt up higher. Maria shivers at my touch, a soft sound of pleasure escaping her.

I break the kiss, trailing my lips along her jaw and down the slender column of her neck. Maria tips her head back, giving me better access. Her fingers dig into my shoulders, urging me on.

I groan, the sound muffled against her skin.

"Maria, I’ve been wanting this since I first laid eyes on you."

"Then why the hell are we wasting time talking?" she murmurs, her tone playful but laced with need.

I chuckle lowly, pulling back just enough to meet her gaze.

"Impatient, are we?"

Maria's lips curve into a coy smile.

"Maybe a little." She reaches up, tracing the line of my jaw with her fingertips. "But can you blame me?"

I shake my head, stealing another hungry kiss, "Not at all."

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