Page 1 of March’s Bad Boy: Ty

CHAPTER 1

TY

The buzzof my tattoo machine fills the shop, a steady hum that has become second nature over the years. In my chair is a woman who is barely old enough to drink, getting her first tattoo. She tries to flirt between the pain, but she isn't my type, at least not anymore. I've tried to let her down nicely, but she hasn't stopped, and it's starting to get really uncomfortable.

"So, do you have a girlfriend?" she asks, her voice laced with forced casualness.

I ignore the question, keeping my tone professional. "Almost done," I say, wiping away the excess ink and blood. "Just gotta finish this shading, and you're set."

She shifts slightly in the chair to get my attention. "Come on, you're seriously not going to answer?"

Exhaling through my nose, I keep my expression neutral. "I try not to mix work with my personal life."

She lets out a little laugh, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Well, maybe after work, then."

"I don't think so," I say and get back to shading. At least while I'm tattooing her, she is quiet.

She pouts, but I don't take the bait. Instead, I focus on my work. Once done, I lean back and set the tattoo gun aside."Alright, you're good. Go to the counter, and they'll set you up with aftercare instructions."

She lingers for a second, waiting for me to say something else, but when I don't, she mutters quickly and finally leaves. Relief washes over me.

The front door chimes as someone walks in. I glance up to see Priest. He's probably checking in before heading home.

"Ty, you about wrapped up?" Priest's deep voice confirms my guess.

"Yeah, give me five."

Cleaning my station, I strip off my gloves, and finally turn to Priest. "What's up?"

"Just checking in. Was she your last appointment?"

"Yeah, I'm going over to help Kara close up before I crash."

Priest's smirk is all-knowing. "Ah, at the bookstore."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Don't start."

He holds up his hands, grinning. "Not saying a word, man. Just enjoy your night."

Flipping him off, I grab my jacket and step out into the cool night air. Mustang Mountain, Montana, is quiet, even as people shuffle from the closing stores. I make my way to All Booked Up, Kara's bookstore a block down Main Street.

Kara has been my best friend since our days at Mustang Mountain High when we were trying to escape shitty family lives. That bonded us. We were able to understand each other in a way no one else could.

When I was all about hiding the pain with parties and girls, she was the one person who saw through my bullshit. She kept me grounded and was the one who was always there for me. She was the one who encouraged me to get into tattooing and make a career out of it, even when my guidance counselor said it was a mistake. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Taking my time, I walk down to the bookstore. On the way, I stop at the Merc to grab two cups of Ruby's coffee.

"One for you and one for Kara, I presume?" Ruby smirks at me.

"Of course," I say, paying for the coffee.

Ruby makes Kara's just the way she likes it with a splash of peppermint creamer. I'm pretty sure Ruby stocks it just for her. Then she hands me both cups with a smile.

"Tell her I said hello. I'll be seeing her next week. The next book in the series I've been waiting on to release comes out, and I already pre-ordered!" Ruby says.

"I'll let her know," I say, just as Sheriff Lawson walks into the store.

“Good news Ruby. Looks like we found your necklace,” the sheriff says, and I pause to listen to the conversation, not even hiding that I’m being nosey.

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