Page 31 of Ink Wars

“Sorry, no story for you,” I lie, shrugging.

It’s not a complete lie. There is a story, just not one I’m going to share with them. Being with Corbin on any level is something I want to keep to myself.

It’s safer that way.

It’s also so much more exciting.

I’m finishing up a tattoo for my last client as Corbin sits, impatiently waiting and watching.

“Almost done, Scott,” I say, adding the final details to a pinup girl on his arm.

“No rush. I kinda like having your hands on me,” he says, grinning.

Guys flirt endlessly with me while I tattoo them. I just laugh and brush it off. I’ve never slept with a client before and Scott will be no different. I mean he’s hot and has a body that I wouldn’t mind dragging my tongue across, but I won’t do that.

There’s something about taking their money for the tattoo that makes it feel too much like they paid for sex.

I hear Corbin make a noise and glance over at him. He’s staring at Scott like he’s going to attack. I lift an eyebrow and nod toward the waiting area.

“You can go wait over there. No one said you needed to sit here keeping me company,” I say cheerfully as I narrow my eyes at him.

Scott turns his attention away from staring down my shirt and looks at Corbin. “I got this bro, I don’t need a wingman.”

Corbin gives a hollow laugh as he crosses his muscular arms. “I’m not your fucking bro and definitely not your wingman. I’m here for Leah.”

Christ. He’s acting like a jealous boyfriend. “Alright, Scott, you’re finished. Take a look,” I say.

I hand him the mirror and smile before looking over at Corbin. I shake my head slightly, trying to tell him to stop. This is my business and I don’t need him scaring away my clientele.

“Damn, Leah. This is absolutely stunning,” Scott says, staring at the tattoo.

The compliment never gets old. I still feel the same pride and excitement I did when I first started.

“I’m glad you like it,” I say, taking the mirror away and rubbing the ointment on his fresh tattoo. “You know how to care for a tattoo, just remember no sun or pools.”

I pull off my gloves and toss them into the trash as he stands up. “You never disappoint, Leah. Thank you so much.” He wraps his large arms around me and gives me a very tight, very inappropriate hug. His hands move down toward my ass and I stiffen.

“You’re testing me, man,” Corbin growls.

Scott chuckles as he presses a kiss to my cheek and squeezes my ass. I’m ripped away from him so fast that I don’t even process what is happening until Scott is on his ass.

“You touch her again and I will fucking kill you. You got me?” Corbin hisses, staring down at him.

Scott is holding his mouth where Corbin punched him as he looks between the two of us.

“Fuck, are you two together?”

“No,” I say.

“Yes,” Corbin says.

I snap my head toward him, but he’s not looking at me. His total focus is on Scott.

“Get the fuck up, pay my girl, and leave because I’m done being nice,” Corbin says.

His girl? What the actual fuck?

In an effort to not make this any more uncomfortable, I ring up Scott and quickly apologize before he walks out the door.

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