Page 8 of Ink Wars

She wants a war.

She’s got it.

Chapter 3

Leah

“Leah, I can’t believe how many people are here,” Fay shouts over the loud music.

It wasn’t my idea to do this party, it was Arya. She needed some extra money, and she suggested having a party at my shop. Of course, she volunteered to have a private area set up so she could strip.

I wasn’t sure about it at first. I know what Corbin does and I didn’t want him to think I was copying. I’m not tattooing like he does and I’m not serving alcohol. I have a DJ and my stripper best friend.

When Arya suggested it, I truly didn’t think it would pull people in, but it has. The place is packed, and I know it’s because they all want a glimpse of Arya. I’m only doing this because she needs the money, and this will likely be the only time I do it.

I won’t pretend it isn’t fun watching all the guys. There are some really hot ones here tonight. It makes me want to lose myself in someone for a while.

It also makes me realize just how long it’s been since that’s happened.

“You think this is something you’ll keep doing?” Fay asks.

I pull my attention away from all the hotness and smile at my friend. “No, I mean this is great, but I only did it for Arya. I’m a tattoo artist, not a club owner.”

She shakes her head and looks around at the crowd. “Good, you don’t need to get distracted with things like this,” she says.

What she really means is she’s glad I’m not going to give Arya another place to strip.

Before I can say anything, a walking sex fantasy drops his muscular arm around my shoulders. When I glance up at him, he gives me a small smirk.

“You probably don’t remember me, but you tattooed me when you were working with J.R.,” he says.

My eyes slide from his to his arms to see if I can find my artwork.

“It’s under my shirt, gorgeous,” he says, tossing a wink.

The second he does I smile because I immediately remember. “A skull sinking his teeth into a heart,” I say, laughing.

His eyes widen as he searches my face. “Holy shit, you remember?”

“Of course, I do.”

How it didn’t strike me as soon as he spoke is beyond me. He flirted endlessly with me the entire session. As much as I wanted to act on it, I never would’ve done anything with a client. Especially one that J.R. allowed me to tattoo.

“Still one of my favorite tattoos,” he says, smiling down at me.

His dark hair and even darker eyes give him a dangerous feel and it’s making me wish he’d pull me out of here.

“I’m glad. Can I see it?” I ask, reluctantly pulling away from his strong arm.

He lifts his shirt and there it is, looking even better than it did. It’s on his chest, above his heart, and I’m not disappointed at the view.

“Is this a naked private party, princess?”

My head snaps up and my eyes collide with Corbin’s full of rage.

The guy, whose name I don’t remember, drops his shirt, and looks between us. “Oh shit, I was just showing her a tattoo she did for me,” he says, holding up his hands.

Corbin doesn’t even look his way. He keeps his angry gaze focused on me as he speaks. “Get the fuck outta here before I make you regret walking through the door,” he growls.

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