Page 2 of The Art of Deception

“It was the anniversary last week, wasn’t it?” Xander asks.

I’m confused. I don’t recall telling him the date. It’s not something I generally disclose to people. I mean, sure, people know about the accident—there are pictures around the shop of them everywhere—but the general public didn’t know the exact date my parents and sister died in a car wreck. A wreck I blamemyselffor.

Shaking my head, I glance back at Xander, clearing my throat. “Ahh, yeah. It was last week. Levi and I stayed home watching episodes ofNailed It.” I giggle. “Levi loves that show.”

Xander smirks.

I crack my neck and then get back to work on his arm piece. My cute, light plum-colored tattoo machine vibrates through my hand, calming me. For me, it’s almost euphoric—the needle piercing the flesh. Some might find that strange, but to me, I’m creating a masterpiece forever etched in skin. It’s like ascending into another realm, a place where art is the be-all and end-all of everything. It takes over my senses, so I’m awash with color and lines. The patterns and shapes dance through my mind, creating a beautiful work of genius. Here, I’m safe. The outside world and all its painful memories can’t hurt me. Here, I’m truly happy as the slight push against the tip of the needle drives back and forth into his tanned skin. It’s a beauty to behold as I concentrate on the task at hand.

“You ever considered opening a bigger shop, Tomi? You have the skills, definitely the personality to pull off more clientele—”

“Stop right there, Just Xander. I know what you’re doing,” I murmur, my tongue half hanging out of my mouth in concentration as I carve out some smooth lines on his arm.

“What?” he snaps defensively.

“Geez, lighten up, princess,” I snort. “Don’t have a coronary. I understand you’re looking out for me with this whole Alex Scott bullshit. Fucker’s trying to push me out, and you’re worried he might succeed. Should I consider some other options?”

Xander takes a deep breath, tilting his head. “Scott Enterprises is a big fish in an even bigger pond, and they’re not going to go away without a fight. This shop is awesome. I love coming here, havingyouwork on me, spending this time with you. I don’t want to see you fighting for something so hard when you should be considering other avenues.”

My stomach rolls at Xander’s words. Fuck knows he’s probably right. But this place means everything to me, so I can’t lie down and roll over.

I just can’t.

“Well, Hope & Faith Ink isn’t just a name…” I pause. “Hope was my mother’s name.” I glance over at her picture next to my workstation. “She’s the reason I went into art. And faith…” I hesitate, closing and opening my eyes. “My father always told me to have faith. That one day I’d make it and be good enough that I would open my own tattoo studio.” I sigh and steady myself. “They helped me build this place.” I wave my hand, grasping Betsy. “They’re here with me every damn day. Ican’tlet this place go. I can’t letthemgo.”

His face falls. Maybe he has his own past to deal with.What I wouldn’t give to know more about the mysterious Xander. He’ssuch an enigma and that makes him all the more interesting. I continue slinging ink into his arm, wipe away the excess ink, then sit back, admiring my handiwork.

Xander lays quietly like he’s pondering the world when thedoor opens.

Levi rushes in with his trusty backpack, beaming without a care in the world. My eyes widen as I stand abruptly, moving out of Xander’s way so he doesn’t face the full force of my brother’s impact.

Greta chuckles to herself as she walks in miles behind Levi while the ritual commences. He’s getting so big now. He bolts up to me as I prepare to catch him. It’s all I can do to keep upright when he slams into me and guffaws, wrapping his arms around me tight, nuzzling his face into my neck and shoulder. Levi’s the same height as me—I’m short, and he’s tall for a sixteen-year-old boy—but with his Klinefelter Syndrome, one of the many side effects is tallness. He’s also on the spectrum. My baby brother was dealt a harsh blow when he was born. Not one, but two disorders that no one deserves. We cope, but honestly, I wouldn’t have him any other way.

To me, he’s perfect.

“Tomi, I learned about art today. Now I can be like you,” he chimes into my ear a little louder than I was expecting.

I embrace him, kissing the side of his head. “I’m so happy to hear that, kiddo. We’ll have you doing Just Xander’s tattoos in no time,” I joke.

I expect him to be horrified, though he’s anything but. His eyes are warm and kind as he watches my interactions with my little brother. “For sure, maybe we can sit down sometime, and you can design something with me, Levi. Then you can tattoo it on me?” Xander suggests, shocking me.

I was totally joking when I said that.

Levi’s eyes widen. He lets me go, spinning around to Xander. He’s not always hugely social around other people, but he rushes to Xander, squatting down to his eye level. “Can it be a lion?”

Xander chuckles. “Whatever you want, buddy.”

Levi stands, clapping his hands.

I narrow my eyes at Xander.

He can’t promise Levi shit like that.It’s not fair. My brother never forgets. You promise him something like that, and he’s going to want you to follow through on it.

For starters, Levi using a tattoo machine is not a great idea. I conclude that Levi tattooing a lion on Xander will never come to fruition.

I fold my arms. “First of all, a lion won’t match the masterpiece I’m creating on your…”hot as sin,“… body.” Xander pulls his lips in tight. “Secondly, Levi doesn’t know how to use a tattoo machine, so this is a terrible idea. And thirdly, you shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.”

Xander raises his brow like he’s either insulted or impressed.

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