Page 141 of Scrimmage

The engine roars to life. I pump the pedal, shift it into first, and put my foot to the floor. I fly down the street. I hope Koda is staring at my location, and that he’s annoyed that I’m speeding. The tires screech as I whip into the lot behind the tattoo shop. I don’t bother locking it and leave the keys sitting in the ignition. Oops.

“Hey girl,” Angel smiles, her pointed teeth poking out.

“Hey,” I answer with excitement.

“You’re booked for the day.”

I start to walk past her. “Really? Hm, okay.”

People usually aren’t trying to get tattooed on a Monday, but I won’t refuse.

“Oh.” She sucks down an iced coffee as I open the door to the private chair. “Your boyfriend is here.”

“What?” I look into the studio, and Koda is spread out in one of the waiting chairs with a smirk on his face.

“Took you long enough. Brought you coffee.” He nods to the tray.

It isn’t from The Roost but some other place that’s way off campus. The good stuff. I almost get angry, then I remember this is a game. So I level my gaze and flash him a winning smile.

“Awe, look at you. Begging for my attention. It’s cute.” I grab the coffee and start to organize my stuff. “I know you’re obsessed with me, but this is work. I’ve got a full schedule today, and you can’t sit there while I’ve got clients.”

He’s silent; unmoving.

“Are you deaf?” I ask him, shoving my hand on my hip.

“Nope.” He sticks the straw of a smoothie into his mouth and takes a sip.

The bell over the shop door chimes. “You gotta go.”

He just looks at me with innocent sage green eyes, and I know something bad is about to happen. Shouts erupt in the lobby, and I shut my eyes and take a deep breath.

“Ashy!” Alexi calls out. “Where is she?”

His face appears around the door frame along with Smith’s. I don’t fucking look away from Koda. I’m booked because Koda made it so.

“The entire team?” I ask him.

“Nah, you don’t have time to do it all today. That’s why you’re booked for the next two months.”

“Hmph.” I grit my teeth. “Good. More for my portfolio.”

Alexi grabs me around my shoulders and forces me to hug him. I inwardly growl. I don’t want to be touched. Not unless I initiate. It’s a sign of regression. Only Penny can touch me when I’m like this. I didn’t freak out when Koda did it, but that just seems different.

Alexi looks around, releasing me. “Damn, Ashy. This place is sick.”

“Thanks.”

“Fits your vibe and shit,” Smith adds.

“Whose going first?” I start to set up.

“Me.” Alexi slides into the chair.

“You ever gotten a tattoo before?”

“Nah,” Alexi chuckles. “My dad isn’t a fan.”

“You know this is permanent, right?”

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