Page 48 of Chasing Temptation
“Where are we going?” I ask when he ignores the cars lining the pavement and heads farther into the city.
“Breakfast,” he says like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. I try to bite back my disappointment that he’s not taking me home to have me for breakfast. We’ve got the rest of our lives for that, I guess.
He takes us to a 24/7 diner and we fill up on greasy food before he sets off again until he slows in front of a dark building with a pink neon sign out the front.
“What’s this place?” I crane my neck to see the sign properly.Rebel Ink. Tattoo studio.
“Joe?” I ask, my voice cracking slightly, although I’m unsure if it’s with fear or excitement.
“I’m pretty sure this was on your list, and I wouldn’t want you missing out on something you’ve always wanted.”
“I was talking crazy that night.”
“No you weren’t. You want to be a rebel, and this is the place to be. I also happen to know that inside that building awaits the best damn tattoo artist this city has ever seen just waiting for us.”
“Really?”
“Well, I think so. You ready?”
“Um...no.”
He laughs but presses the bell beside the door nonetheless.
“What fucking time do you call this?” the guys asks even before the door’s open.
“Sorry, got a little carried away with ourselves.”
“Fucking pain in the arse.”
I laugh to myself but follow Joe’s lead when he gestures for me to step inside.
My eyes widen slightly when I get a look at the guy who’s just let us in. I’d have thought he’d be an older biker type guy with no bare skin on show, a massive beard and a biker jacket, but instead I’m greeted by a young blonde guy who clearly looks after himself. He’s wearing a long-sleeved black t-shirt so I don’t get a chance to see what ink he’s got, if any.
“Quinn, this is Zach. Zach, this is my girl, Quinn.”
“Nice to meet you.” He nods at me and turns towards a small room the back. I guess we’re meant to follow.
“Up you get then,” he encourages once we’re all in the room.
“Uh…”
My heart hammers in my chest, but excitement gets the better of me. It’s helped by the look of awe in Joe’s eyes.
“I know you’ve thought about this more than you’ve ever let on. So, up you get,” he says with a laugh.
He’s right of course, not that I tell him.
“What’s it going to be then?”
Sucking in a deep breath, I prepare to explain what I’ve been dreaming about for years. I never wanted anything big or fancy, just something to remind me of the life I made for myself out of the disaster I found myself in the middle of.
“I’d like some flying birds on my wrist. Not big...like this…” Pulling my phone from my bag, I find the image I’ve had on there for months just in case I ever got brave enough to put myself in this position.”
“Consider it done. Lie back.”
“Can’t say I’m not relieved that you didn’t want that somewhere more intimate.”
Zach laughs at Joe’s alpha caveman appearance. “Nothing fazes me now, man. I’ve pretty much done and seen everything.”
