Page 9 of Deep in Her Marrow

“Oh, no. You are taking her on time. That woman had crazy written all over her and has a specific liking to you. No way am I risking her finding out that she didn’t get her time with you because of me,” I squeak. That woman is certifiable. A lot of the women who come in here are somewhat ruthless when it comes to the guys, but this one is on a different level, possibly even a different universe.

Draven is looking at me like I’m insane. “What are you talking about? She’s a regular client.”

I shake my head profusely as Mel walks out shaking her head as well. “She’s right, that bitch has her sights set on you and will gut anyone who stands in her way,” she states as she purses her vey ruby lips. Mel’s look today is half badass and half angel in a gray top, black silk wrap around skirt, and black stockings with knee high combat boots. I would kill to be able to pull off a look like that. Even in my before time, I would’ve never had the nerve.

JT looks beyond interested. “Which client is this one?”

“The redhead,” Mel and I say simultaneously.

JT nods his head while Edge, Marrow, and Draven look confused. “Yeah, she was very insistent that YOU,” he looks pointedly at Draven, “would be the one to do her ink.” He snorts.

“She’s always nice. I never noticed anything weird about her,” Draven states.

Mel snorts as I begin to giggle. “Of course, she’s as sweet as pie to you.” I giggle harder. “She’s trying to make you the buttercream to her cake.”

Everyone starts laughing at that. I even see Draven’s lip twitch before he goes back to his usual emotionless face. “The fuckin’ what?” Edge chuckles.

“That chick wants every part of Drav wrapped all around her,” Marrow laughs.

Edge looks at him in confusion. “How the fuck do you know what she meant? None of that made sense.”

“It absolutely made sense,” Marrow defends. “You wrap a cake in buttercream.”

As I look around the room, I realize that I’m not the only one who is confused as to how Marrow would know that. Edge is even giving him a highly suspicious look.

“How the fuck would you know that?” Edge asks what we’re all thinking.

Marrow looks around realizing he has our undivided attention and rolls his eyes. “I installed a system at a bakery not too long ago. That sweet grind place or whatever. The blonde one was talking about all of that shit constantly. Hard not to pick up a few things.” He shrugs casually, too casually, though no one else seems to notice as they just nod their heads. “What were we actually talkin’ about?” he asks.

Edge looks at him for a moment before shaking his head. “About Cadie not walking to the gym alone.”

It’s at this moment that my heart stops and beats faster than a jet engine.

“I’ll take her,” Marrow says plainly. “I was heading there next anyway.”

“Sounds good,” Edge says while everyone else nods in agreement. Everyone but me, since I seem to be frozen in place trying not to have heart failure.

I’m too stunned to say anything as they all file from the room to get ready for their clients, leaving just Marrow and me.

Crap on a cracker, I should’ve run away to the cave.

I’mcurrentlystaringatthe human version of a guppy and, it’s taking every ounce of self-control I possess not to laugh. Her eyes are wide as her mouth opens and closes without making any sounds. I let this go on for a few more seconds before I decided to snap her from it.

“You ready to go?” I ask the adorable sprite.

She blinks and shakes her head a few times. “Oh, erm, um,” she sputters. “You don’t have to go with me. I’m sure that I can manage on my own,” she says even as she warily eyes the rapidly setting sun.

I shake my head with a smile. “Nah, darlin;’ it’s okay. Like I said, I’m heading over there myself. Might as well walk together.”

She bites her pillowy bottom lip and frowns. “But didn’t you bring your motorcycle? You shouldn’t walk if you don’t have to.”

It’s cute that she’s trying to be the fisherman instead of the fish now. “I was planning on leaving it here anyway. Too many assholes in that place who don’t know how to drive or park. I don’t need any of them scratching up my baby.”

She physically deflates when she realizes that I’m not going to budge on this. “Okay,” she sighs, “let me just go get my things together. I won’t be long; I just need to run upstairs and get changed.”

I just nod my head and smile as she gets up. “No problem, take your time.”

She gives me a thoughtful look as I recline further into the couch before she gives me a tiny nod and scurries from the room. I wait five minutes before I get up and start walking towards the back. I rapt my knuckles on the doorframe to Edge’s room to let him know I’m leaving and keep walking.

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