Page 194 of Mad As Hell

07.18

02.05

He’d memorialized important dates on his arm. The day Cori had been born, the day his grandmother had died, and the day he’d started Phoenix with the guys.

Bishop hit a button and the machine buzzed to life. Ryan didn’t flinch as the needle was lowered to his skin.

I watched, fascinated, as Bishop’s hand steadily wrote in a new set of numbers.

11.25

Our wedding date.

Bishop wiped Ryan’s skin again, smearing some of the ink before cleaning it up and turning off his machine. “You know the drill,” he told Ryan, taking off his gloves.

Ryan nodded, his gaze assessing the work. “Thanks, man.”

“Anytime, brother.” Bishop clapped a hand on his shoulder and started putting his machine back in its case. He paused and glanced at me. “You ever been inked, Maddie?”

I shook my head. “Not yet.”

He grinned at my answer. “Call me when you’re ready.”

“When did you learn how to tattoo?” I edged closer to look at Ryan’s arm.

“I bought my first machine in high school. We all need a hobby,” Bishop replied with a shrug as he locked the case and straightened. “I like art, and tattooing is an expression of that.”

“Did you create the phoenix design?” I asked.

He nodded and held up his wrist. Amongst all the other ink on his forearm was the same design the others had—a fiery orange and red phoenix.

“You all have them?”

Bishop nodded.

“I want one,” I announced.

“You do?” Ryan didn’t hide the surprise in his tone.

“I’m part of this, aren’t I?” I asked, arching a brow.

He nodded and looped an arm around my waist to tug me against his side. “Hell yeah, you are.”

“Then I want it all. The tattoo, the secret handshake—”

“There is no secret handshake, baby,” Ryan cut me off with a laugh.

Bishop winked at me. “There is. We just haven’t taught it to his loser ass.”

“How about you suck my ass?” Ryan countered.

“Bend over and I will.” Bishop lowered the case to the ground and folded his arms, waiting.

Ryan stood up and actually looked like he was contemplating calling Bishop’s bluff.

“As hot as that would be,” I interrupted, putting my hands on Bishop’s shoulders and pushing him back a step, “I have plans for my husband.”

Bishop grinned at me. “Yes, ma’am.” He gave me a formal salute and grabbed his case before leaving the room.

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