Page 67 of Stella
When we’re finished, Angel helps me up, and we move to the mirror. I can’t believe my eyes when I see the finished product. It’s absolutely unbelievable. The detail. The shadowing. How bold it is against my skin. Tears spring to my eyes.
“I love it!” I cry, turning my body this way and that so I can get a good look at it. Nope, it isn’t small, the entire thing stretches across my whole back, starting at my shoulderblades. I’m so in love with it, I can’t hold back the tears or the hugs. “Thank you, Angel! So much. I can’t believe it. It looks so freaking good!”
Hugging me back, she looks pleased with herself. “You’re welcome, honey. I just hope that Cash approves when you get around to telling him.”
“Well, it’s just another way to prove my loyalty,” I say. “But I didn’t just get it for that reason. I love this club, I always have. This is for me. I may not have earned it yet in the club’s eyes, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is the Rebels will always be my family.”
“You’re one tough cookie, and I think you’re gonna make one hell of a biker,” she says, handing me the aftercare instructions and ointment. “And you’re gonna have to show someone, because you’re gonna need to put this salve on there, and you won’t be able to reach.”
I nod. “That’s okay, I’ve got other friends outside the MC. Lace or even Manny; he’s cool and won’t say anything. Thank you so much!”
“I’m just glad you love it.” She smiles.
We hug again, and I leave Angel to her legion of fans. Yes, it’s painful, and it feels as if someone just ran over my back, but I’m buzzed and happy. It felt like all the planets were aligned when Angel stepped in, now I have this beautiful piece on my back, and I really feel like everything is falling into place. Everything except Cale, of course. I really thought we’d connected, but I haven’t heard from him in almost two days. Yes, I could’ve texted him, but after how we left things, and his parting words: “The facts are still the same. I don’t want to come between you and your family.”He made sure I locked the door behind him, and I haven’t heard from him since. What the hell kinda game is he playing?
At the club that night, he acted as if I were his. The murderous glare he gave that dude I danced with; I thought he was going to do a Tag and make him disappear. So what is going on here? He can’t have me, but nobody else can? It feels like Cale Callaghan is somehow calling all the shots, and I’m not down for that. No siree. I don’t need another man in my life dictating to me. Frankly, he came into my home, made me see stars on my kitchen bench, and doesn’t even have the audacity to say shit for days. Well, fuck him.
What annoyed me most of all? That he kept saying how young I was, like somehow that meant I had some growing up to do. I’ve got news for him, and for anyone else who wants to fuck with me; Iama grown woman and I can make my own decisions. My newest decision, for example, not to text him, is one that’s proving to be detrimental to my wellbeing, but that just means I have to be stronger. Fighting hurricane Cale takes some doing, but if he doesn’t see my worth, then there really is no point. He can make all the excuses under the sun, but if he really wanted to step up and be a man, he’d take his head out of his ass and do something.
I’ve had too many guys promising me this and that, convincing me if I sleep with them, it’ll make the connection so much better. But I beg to differ. My virginity isn’t some stupid prize, but the connection has to happen before sex, at least for me.
Let’s just say my new tattoo might have just given me a new lease on life, reminding me I am a powerful, strong woman, but I’m also a woman who wants to be loved. And I won’t be dropping my guard for anyone. If Cale wants it, then he knows where to find me.
One week later
“You mean to tell me you hid this from me for an entire week?” Manny tuts. “I’m disappointed.”
“I’m not purposely keeping it to myself, I just… I don’t know, I’ve been busy. Plus, if Tag gets wind that I’m sore because of my tattoo, he’ll get all up in my business.”
Manny gives me a look as I slide my shirt back down after he’s applied the salve. “Uh, huh.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you were the one who told me to grab the bull by the horns.”
“Firstly, I love the ink. I was also meaning Cale Callaghan’s balls, not a literal bull.” Manny rolls his eyes. “How is all of that going, by the way?”
I sigh. “It isn’t going. It sucks.”
“He’s a douchebag, clearly.”
“Yep, got it in one.”
“Are you gonna mope around here all night, or are we gonna go to the game?”
I give Manny a side-eye. “What game?”
He slides two tickets from inside his cut and says, “The Pelicans.”
“No way!”
“Yes way.” He grins as we high-five and I grab the tickets from his hand to make sure he’s not punking me. I’ve loved basketball since I was little, and any chance to get to a game I’ll take it. I’ve always loved sports, but the Pelicans are my favorite.
“You’re just full of surprises,” I say. “And seriously, I could do with a night out.”
“I got you, babe.” He grins. “But I don’t want to see any sad faces and general mopiness.”
I shove him in the shoulder. “I’m not moping.”
“Really? Could’ve fooled me.”
