Page 6 of My Shining Stepbrother

“Do not start with the smartass comments already, Rose.” Her stern voice forced me to look at her.

Choosing to keep my good mood and not fight, I put my hands up in surrender. “Alright, I'll be good.”

I finish eating my bagel but feel my mom's eyes locked on my outfit. I stand up to put my plate in the sink and take my coffee to go this morning. If I stay here longer, it will ruin my good mood.

My mom must have decided she didn't want the fight either and kept her mouth shut. I pour my coffee into my takeaway cup and put a splash of milk with a tiny bit of sugar. I turn back to them, still seeing the daggers my mom is shooting at me.

“I gotta get to work. I'm hoping for some walk-ins today. I love you guys.” I grab my bag and my keys. They tell me bye, and that they love me as I leave. I could get used to these mornings. It feels almost ordinary.

I start driving to work, but I only see how Reese was staring at me last night. Looking at his eyes, you would have thought I was the only woman he was looking at. The way he gazes at my tattoos as if they were mesmerizing to him. The man himself is a god, especially with tattoos that tell their own story. His story. What is his story, though?

When I get to the shop and walk inside, Ricky greets me.

“Hey there, beautiful. I hope you're ready for today. Someone just called to see if you have an opening. I went ahead and added them to your books.”

My jaw drops. Nobody has requested me yet. “Any idea who it is?”

“They said to keep it anonymous.” He smiles at me mischievously.

“That's strange, but okay.” I just shrug it off. It's probably one of the walk-ins I've done. “What time, so I can get set up.”

He leans against the counter with a smile. “He said he would be here within the hour.”

“Well, I guess I'll go get set up then. Thank you, Ricky.” I smile at him before walking to my booth and setting my things down. The nerves and excitement bubble inside of me.

I was so focused I didn't even hear the door open, but I heard Ricky and another familiar voice talking around me. I didn't think much of it other than his appointment had shown up or an old friend was here to talk to him. That was until I looked up and saw the familiar face in front of me.

Ricky leads him over to me and starts introducing him, but that's not necessary. I know who he is.

“Reese! Why do you keep showing up everywhere recently?” My words were a bit harsher than I wanted them to be.

He doesn't even act phased and smiles cockily at me. “I like being around you. You intrigue me, and I thought about your tattoos all night.” The severe yet playful tone doesn't miss my ears, though. Ricky said he was my mystery appointment today, and I felt my nerves boiling over.

“You have some incredible work on your body. Are you sure you want something by me?” Disbelief is all I can feel right now. I don't understand why he wants any work from me.

“I will accept the compliment on his tattoos and leave you two be.” Ricky smiles as he walks away, waving his hand in the air.

I turn back to face Reese, and his face, although still holding a slight smile, looks severe enough to penetrate the strongest men. “Yes, your work is unbelievable, Rose. Please, I need you to do this for me.” His voice comes out with care and comfort as he speaks to me.

“Okay, what do you want, and where do you want it?” I ask him as I pull out my sketchbook and pencil.

He sits down in my chair with a smile. “I want Hades holding Persephone on my thigh.” His smile only grows more expansive with each word he says.

The shock on my face has him chuckling through his gritted teeth. “You know Greek Mythology?” My voice sounds just as skeptical as I am.

“I'm not sure if you saw my back or not, but yes, I do.” He beams with pride at his knowledge.

“Show me your back!” I ask him with so much excitement.

He takes off his shirt, and I swear the drool drips down my chin. I stare at him as he turns around, showing me his back. Without thinking, my hands move on their own. My finger begins to trace the outlines and shading of his tattoos. His back is the Gods on Mount Olympus, all in their environment and worlds.

“This is beautiful, Reese.” Sincerity fills my words as I speak.

The broad smile on his face as he looks into my eyes. “Thank you. It's my favorite one of all of mine.”

“Well, take a seat and let me get it drawn up for you.” I pick my things back up and hold the pencil, getting ready to start, when I feel his hand grab mine and stop me.

I look up into his eyes, full of blue ice. His face lit up at my gaze. “I want you to freehand this for me. I need the raw material of their love put in this.”

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