Page 35 of Shadow's Heart
By the time Wrath leaves, we’ve all drank more coffee than is probably healthy, but at least we’re all awake and functioning with the help of our friend caffeine. I have no idea what Wreck’s plans are for today, but I do remember him telling Jake that he wanted today for us, so he’s clearly got something in mind.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Wreck asks as soon as we’re alone, and I’m really fucking happy he did not ask that in front of my brother. I can just imagine the ribbing I’d have gotten from Wrath. I can do without that now and in the future. Thank you very much. There’s just some things my brother doesn’t need to know about, and my sex life with Wreck is certainly up there.
“I’m good, a little sore, but it’s a good sore. I can’t help but remember you inside me and how good it felt every time I feel a little discomfort.”
“That’s good. I was worried you’d be really hurting today, and I hate the thought of you in pain.”
“Well, you have nothing to worry about there.” I say, giving him a smile.
“So, is there anything you want to do today?” He asks as he stands and comes over to give me a kiss.
I hum into the kiss before pulling back and replying, “Anything you want, I just want to be with you. I don’t care what we do.”
“Well later I want you inside me, but before we get to that, I was hoping you’d come to Devil’s Ink with me. I want to check in on everyone, but I also want to show you something, and maybe after we can go for a ride. It’s been hell not being able to drive my bike.”
“That sounds very fucking good to me, and not just because I get to take you later. I know you’ve been itching to check on your baby, and I’d never say no to riding with you.”
“That I have, and riding with you is one of my favorite pastimes.”
We both finish up our coffees before pulling on our riding boots and kuttes, then heading out to our bikes, which are parked out front of the house. A house that is not just mine anymore. It’s ours, and fuck if that doesn’t feel amazing.
Chapter Forty
Wreck
Devil’s Ink has and always will be my baby. I put blood sweat and tears into making it what it is today. I’ve hated being away because of my injuries; many people may not understand it and think I’m just a tattoo artist, but to me it’s more than that. It’s more than just a job; I bring things to life for people and use their bodies as a canvas. No matter what I’m tattooing on someone, I always put my heart and soul into it, and I’ve made sure each of my artists is the same way. People are trusting us with their bodies, and we should never take that for granted or not put in the effort they deserve.
After parking up outside, I make my way towards the front entrance with Shadow by my side. The minute I open the door and step through, Jackie spots me from where she’s standing behind the reception desk, and her eyes immediately fill with relief at the sight of me. I can just imagine how worried she’s been since I was hurt. She’s more than just an employee; in some ways she’s like a surrogate parent. She treats me just like one of her kids, and I couldn’t love her more for it. Having her in my life is certainly an improvement on my own parents and the way they treated me when they were alive.
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” She says as she walks around the reception desk to approach me. I can see her eyes scanning over my body, checking to see if I still have any visible injuries.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been in sooner.” I reply as I open my arms to hug her. She steps into my embrace, giving me one of her tight mom hugs that I love so much.
Pulling back from the hug, she shakes her head at me before saying, “None of that. All I care about is that you’re okay and on the mend. That’s all that matters. You know this place is in good hands, even if it’s probably killed you being away for this long.”
“I’m good, I promise. And I know you could run this place in your sleep; I was never worried about that.”
“That’s all I need to hear. Now before you start fretting, I contacted all your clients and explained you were injured and recovering. Each one of them understood and asked for me to get back in touch when you’re ready to start working again.”
“Damn. I don’t know what I thought would have happened, but fuck if it’s not good to know there were no issues.”
“Of course there wasn’t. You have stellar clients, Wreck.”
“How’s everyone been getting on with being one artist down without warning?”
“Fine. Obviously we were taking fewer walk-ins, but you have the best staff, Wreck, and they’ve all pulled together to keep things running smoothly. They’ve even all taken it on themselves to help Sera with you not being here. So even your apprentice is still getting the experiences she needs.”
“That’s a relief, and fucking hell, I owe them all for doing that. It’s earlier than I wanted to have her shadowing different artists, but I’m relieved she wasn’t just left floundering. I should have thought to put something in place while I was out of action, but fuck if I haven’t been all over the place.”
Jackie smiles at me before her eyes catch my hand in Shadow’s. The gleam in her eyes is one I’ve become very accustomed to recently.
“Now. Now. What do we have here?” She asks, voice knowing.
“Hmmm… I don’t know. What do you think?” I ask teasingly.
“I think you pair of numbskulls finally pulled your heads out of your asses.”
“You got it in one,” Shadow says, speaking up for the first time since we arrived.
