Page 11 of Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists

I could sense their gazes on me as I took a seat on one of the worn leather chairs, the material cool against my skin. The room was filled with a mix of leather, ink, and something uniquely masculine. It made me dizzy, made me ache in places I hadn’t known could ache.

I could barely look at them. Their intense gazes were too much, causing heat to flood my cheeks. My heart continued to pound too hard in my chest, my breath coming out in short, uneven puffs. I felt so exposed, so vulnerable under their scrutiny. I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, my skirt riding up a little too high for my liking.

"What's up?" I finally managed to ask, breaking the silence that had filled the room.

Kai smiled slightly. “Promise you’re not in trouble.”

His intense gray eyes locked onto mine, and a shiver ran down my spine, his gaze so sharp and penetrating it felt like he was seeing right through me.

"Julia," Finn began, his deep voice reverberating throughout the room, "We wanted to thank you for how you handled both Klaus and Steve today. They weren’t easy situations, but you handled them both with grace, tact, and a bit of your trademark fire."

Kai chimed in, his eyes glittering with approval as he spoke. "Your ability to hold your ground and maintain control was impressive, to say the least. We've been in this business a long time, and we can tell you for damn sure that not many would have handled it as well as you did."

My cheeks flushed with the praise, the words unexpected but undeniably welcome.

"We need someone who's not afraid to take charge, someone who can handle tough situations and stand up to the likes of Klaus and Steve," James continued, his voice firm but gentle. "After today, it's clear to all of us that you're the right person for that job."

"And if it's what you want," Andrew , his bright blue eyes meeting mine, "We'd like you to consider a long-term future here at Blackjack's."

“Consider your three month probationary period over,” James added.

The room suddenly felt hotter, the air thicker as their words sunk in. A future at Blackjack's? A future working closely with these four incredible men? The thought was intoxicating, causing an unfamiliar thrill to rush through me. My heart pounded loudly in my ears, a slow, steady rhythm that seemed to echo my escalating desire.

"I... thank you," I stammered, momentarily at a loss for words. The intensity of their gazes was overwhelming, stirring up a multitude of emotions within me. As I thanked them, my mind was racing, my heart fluttering in my chest, a warm, tingling sensation spreading through the rest of my body. I couldn't deny the excitement that bloomed inside of me at the prospect of a future at Blackjack’s, a future with them.

As their words tapered off, an uneasy silence filled the room, enveloping us all. I could sense there was something else on their minds, an unspoken thought that was yet to be voiced. They glanced at one another, their eyes gleaming with a knowing look, sly smiles tugging at the corners of their mouths.

"What's going on?" I finally blurted out, unable to take the suspense any longer. It was then that I noticed the slight flicker of amusement in their eyes, and a flutter of anticipation twisted my stomach.

"So, about your date tonight," Kai began, his voice nonchalant, but his eyes sparkling with mischief.

My eyes widened in surprise, "How did you...?" I stammered, then realization hit me. Maddie must have spilled the beans, probably loudly enough for the entire studio to hear. I groaned internally at her lack of discretion but kept my face neutral.

"Maddie isn’t exactly quiet," Finn chuckled, an easy grin spreading across his face. "We just thought it was interesting, you know, that you're looking for love online."

Andrew picked up from there, a teasing glint in his bright blue eyes, "Yeah, we couldn’t help but overhear about your… hmm, how did Maddie put it? ‘Absolutely fucked love life?'"

A flush crept up my neck, spreading to my face. They were ribbing me, but in a good-natured way. A strange, almost giddy sensation bubbled up inside me at their playful jabs. A part of me reveled in the attention they were giving me. Their concern, as teasing as it was, sparked a warmth between my thighs.over

"Yeah, it’s been pretty abysmal lately," I laughed, trying to play it cool. .

James finally spoke, his voice soft but the humor was evident. "Just remember, Julia, quality over quantity."

“Though,” Kai added, “There’s something to be said for quantity.”

“Qualityandquantity,” Andrew put in. “How about that?”

Their teasing had me laughing, a genuine, hearty laugh that echoed through the room. It was a sweet, intoxicating moment that only fueled my desire for them. It felt like a shared secret, a moment of camaraderie that sent a flutter of excitement through me. They might have been poking fun at my lackluster love life, but I couldn't help but feel like there was something more lurking beneath the surface of their flirty jests.

Despite the fun I was having, a small part of me couldn't help but wonder why we were having the conversation in the first place.

Deciding to take a lighthearted jab myself, I gave them a mock serious look and said, "Discussing my love life with my bosses, now that's not very professional, gentlemen."

They shared another glance, those knowing smiles now laden with something else,.. something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Something that made butterflies dance in my stomach.

Finn was the one to break the silence, his voice steady but filled with an undeniable intensity. "Julia, you’re not just an employee to us."

He paused, his piercing gray eyes meeting mine, holding my gaze captive. He leaned back in his chair, his muscular arms crossing over his chest. The tattoos on his arms stood out vividly on his skin, making him appear even more intimidating, and impossibly desirable.

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