Page 239 of Breaking the Rules

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The crooked crescent moon is still there, on his wrist.

He's still proud of the battle scar.

I get it. I feel the same about my first few tattoos. They're shitty as hell, but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I guess…

Well, it's actually really fucking sweet that Wes loves something I gave him.

Not that he'd ever admit it.

"All right." I press one hand to his shoulder to hold him in place. "On three."

He nods.

"One." I turn the needle on. "Two." I press it to his skin.

He mutters a curse. "Asshole."

"Always works."

"You're still an asshole."

"No arguments here." I trace the first letter. It's a thick, blocky font. A lot of ink.

But Wes takes it like a champ.

"You realize your girl is watching?" he says.

I keep my eyes on my work. "She's not my girl." Whatever this is, it's none of his business.

"Looks like she wants to be."

"Yeah."

"And you're turning that down?"

"What are you doing here, Wes?"

"Fuck, this the thanks I get for supporting my brother in his new place of employment?"

"You're right. It means the world to me that you're supporting me. In fact, I think I gotta turn off this gun so I can give you a hug."

His groan is pure agony.

My laugh hits me everywhere.

Wes is so… Wes.

I still can't believe that he's here.

That shit is okay.

"Listen, Wes—" I finish the first word. Move onto the second.

He groans. "Fuck, this spot isn't supposed to hurt."

"It's a needle on your skin."

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