Page 34 of Falling for the Forbidden
“Where now?”
“I’ve got an appointment.” I look over at him curiously but he doesn’t elaborate. Things start to make sense when he comes to a stop in front of Just Ink, a tattoo studio. “Come on,” he says, giving my arm a tug and encouraging me to follow him inside.
“Mornin’,” a deep voice booms the second Ben opens the door. When I look up, I’m shocked to see Danni’s older brother, Zach, with his arms out in an over-the-top greeting. “It’s been too long, dude,” He pulls Ben into a quick man hug and slaps him on the back.
“I know. Things have just been a little crazy. You know Lauren, right?”
“I do. Lookin’ good, beautiful.”
“Hey,” I say, trying to keep my amusement hidden when Ben’s muscles tense at Zach’s greeting and the way he runs his eyes over me.
“Please tell me you’ve brought her because she’s a blank canvas. I do love a virgin.” My cheeks flush and I have to look away.
“She is, but you’re not getting your hands on her.” Ben says it with a laugh, but the warning in his voice is clear. Zach’s eyes widen slightly in understanding before he nods and turns to Ben.
“I’m stuck with you, then, huh?”
“Sorry about that.”
“I was hoping that if you were dragging me out of bed this early on Sunday, you might have something a little more exciting for me.”
“Shut up and get ready, prick.”
The banter between them continues as Zach sets up and Ben gets himself comfortable on the leather reclining chair in the back room. It’s clear that these two are closer than I first thought. I knew they were friends in school, but I’ve never heard either mention the other since.
“What are we adding today?”
“I want a sunrise on my shoulder.” I watch as Ben points out exactly what he wants and where.
“Sure thing. We’ll have this sleeve done in no time.”
I watch Zach ink Ben’s skin with fascination. I’m in awe of his talent. He makes it look so easy, but I’m not stupid enough to believe that’s actually the case.
“Are you sure I can’t tempt you?” Zach asks once he’s finished working on Ben. “There’s nothing like being a woman’s first.”
“Enough, Zach,” Ben snaps, clearly fed up with his blatant flirting.
Zach puts his hands up in defence as he starts clearing up.
“Maybe another day.” Both heads turn towards me. Zach’s eyes light up whereas Ben’s eyebrows draw together, causing a deep line to form.
“You don’t want this arsehole’s hands on you, b—”
“You’re probably right,” I interrupt before he says something he won’t be able to take back. I’m not sure it helps when I see the look Zach gives us. “I’ll just be out there.” Turning on my heel, I walk out of the room to wait in reception.
“Promise me you won’t let him put his hands on you,” Ben says the second we’re back inside his car.
“You do know he’s already touched me, right?”
“He’s fuckingwhat?” Ben’s face reddens, the muscles in his shoulders bunch, and his lips press into a thin line.
I have to bite back a smile before I can respond. “Calm down, caveman. He’s Danni’s brother and caught me when I fell down their stairs once, that’s all.”
Ben blows out a huge breath and sags back against the seat. “Thank fuck for that.”
“I thought you were friends. He’s a good guy.”
“We are. Doesn’t mean I trust him, though.”
