Page 18 of Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists

"So, gentlemen," I began once they were all settled into their seats, my voice as smooth as the brew in my cup, "Did we all enjoy last night's performance?"

James rolled his eyes jokingly. "Oh, sure. Your total loss of self-control was a sight to behold, bro. Should've charged admission.”

Kai and Andrew's laughter joined James', creating a chorus that resonated around our secluded corner. I chuckled along with them, taking their ribbing in stride.

Andrew spoke once the laughter finally subsided. His voice, always filled with a calm intensity, cut through the light-hearted atmosphere. "So, any thoughts on what’s next with Julia? Should we just let it ride out and have another improv session, or do we come up with a plan next time?”

I sat back, folding my hands over my stomach. "I say we treat her to a classy dinner, then check out that new nightclub downtown afterward.” The image of Julia, the city lights creating a glow upon her beautiful features, was already forming in my mind. Our desire for her was potent, but also laced with respect and care. We wanted her to know that we craved her like mad. At the same time, we needed to make sure that she knew she wasn’t just some toy to us. A classy date would be a good way to show that.

Kai’s eyes were ablaze with a spark that usually meant trouble though the good kind.

"What if we booked a luxury suite downtown instead?" he suggested.

His idea hung in the air, sparking a wave of anticipation. The thought of Julia, alone with us in a lavishly decorated suite, the Miami skyline providing the perfect backdrop... it was an image that stirred something deep within me.

Kai went on. "Hell, boys," he said, his eyes dancing with humor, "I don't think I'd last two seconds alone with her without wanting to rip her clothes off."

James laughed. “You’re always such a fuckin’ hopeless romantic, dude.”

Andrew chimed in next. "How about both? Dinner and then the suite? Keep it classy but close quarters. Best of both worlds. Or, better yet, dinnerinthe suite.”

The suggestion resonated with all of us, the perfect blend of sophistication and intimacy. As the four of us sat there, lost in thoughts of what lay ahead, I couldn't help but feel a stirring of excitement. It was like an undercurrent, an electric charge crackling in the air.

We all knew that deep down it didn't matter where we were or what we were doing, all that mattered was the woman we were doing it with. Julia was a fire, a force of nature that had all of us caught in her gravitational pull, and we were more than ready for it.

I swirled my cup of joe, staring into the deep void of the mug as though it held all the answers.

"You know," I began, "it's strange we haven't heard from Adele lately." The name was a blast from the past, a name attached to a face framed with long, platinum blonde hair, fair skin, and a mischievous smirk that I knew all too well.

The guys paused at the mention of Adele Sims, distant expressions shadowing their faces as they remembered our fiery ex-employee. Adele had been a part of our Blackjack's crew for a while, but her talent was more passion than precision. She wasn't cut out for the ink biz, and she found her fun in other ways, namely, Kai and me.

Kai chuckled. "Adele, huh?" He ran a hand through his jet-black hair, the tattoos on his arms glinting in the sunlight. "Haven't thought about her in a while."

"Can't say I miss her ink skills," James said, swirling his coffee. "But she sure livened up the place."

"That she did,” Andrew agreed, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. His eyes met mine, a silent understanding passing between us. Adele had been a whirlwind, a wildfire that we'd tried to contain but failed, all four of us getting burned in the process.

"I’m guessing Finn here misses her most of all,” Kai teased, grinning widely at me. “That and the discount to her OnlyFans.”

I chortled, rolling my eyes at his typical provocations.

"Nah," I said, leaning back in my chair, my gaze fixed on the busy street outside. "She had her moments, but the drama wasn’t worth it, not even a little. Besides, she doesn't hold a candle to Julia."

The moment I said her name, a silence fell over our table. It was as though the atmosphere shifted, my words stirring a current of anticipation, desire, and undeniable intrigue. We had all been ensnared by Julia's allure, her fiery spirit and bold sensuality. With her, there was excitement, a rush of adrenaline that made my heart pound in a way Adele never could.

And it wasn't just lust. Julia was different. She challenged me, captivated me, made me feel like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, my heart pounding with the thrill of the fall. I'd had fun with Adele, sure, but with Julia... it was like comparing a flickering candle to a roaring bonfire.

Kai, ever observant, arched an eyebrow at me, his grin softening into a knowing smile. "Julia's got you hooked, hasn't she?"

I shot him a look, choosing not to respond. But I couldn't deny the truth in his words. They knew me well enough to know the difference, and it was as stark as night and day. With a smirk, I lifted my coffee.

We all paused, the banter and memories dying away as another name surfaced in our conversation—Klaus.

"That son of a bitch is going to keep poking his nose in our business," Andrew stated, his usual light-hearted demeanor darkening. "James, your badge can only protect us for so long. "

"Especially if he’s not breaking any laws inside our shop," he concurred, taking a long swig of his coffee.

Kai nodded in agreement. "We've faced worse," he said, a touch of bravado creeping into his tone. "And we'll handle whatever Klaus or anyone else throws our way."

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