Page 10 of The Inkslinger

“Skye asked me to come over and make sure you have everything you need. She knows you worked last night and wasn’t sure if you had time to make it to the store yesterday.”

“So, you just walked in?” I question with my brows raised.

“It’s the fourth time I’ve been here. I knocked, shouted, tried everything, and you didn’t answer. It’s eleven and I got worried. I used the spare key,” he explains.

“Shit! I need to shower and get dressed.” I start rushing around the room looking for clothes.

Damien jumps away from me when I circle the bed, holding his hands up.

“Did you bring coffee?” I ask, not looking at him.

“Are you going to hit me again if I say no?”

“I’ll give you a pass this time but let this be a lesson.” I nod seriously at his already swelling eye. “Never touch someone while they are sleeping because you never know what their reaction will be. And coffee is always a good peace offering.”

“Noted.” Damien smiles before leaving.

The men in this town are going to give me a stroke before the week is out.

Chapter Six

Art Is Art, Right?

Laine

Yes, I ended up back at House of Ink. No, I haven’t had any sleep.

When Hailey rolls in at a quarter to one, I want to strangle her. But she quickly diffuses my anger at her lateness.

“I brought you coffee,” she says with a relaxed smile as she hands me the takeout cup. “I didn’t know how you like it so it’s the same as mine.”

I give her a dubious look, sniffing at the Styrofoam cup she hands me. “Which would be?”

“Exactly the same way I like my men. Strong and sweet.”

I shake my head with a smile before heading to my station, Hailey following in a different pair of stilettos than yesterday.

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