Page 47 of Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists

A wicked smirk formed on Finn’s lips. He took his glass of wine and raised it into the air.

"To unforgettable nights." Finn's toast was met with hearty approval, our glasses clinking in perfect unison.

"You boys certainly know how to make an impression."

Kai's eyes twinkled, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "Is that a complaint, Julia? You seemed quite taken with our creative talents the other night."

"Creative talents? Is that what we're calling them now?" I replied. “This is starting to sound more complicated than one of Andrew’s tattoo designs.”

Andrew's chuckle was low, a sensual sound that resonated with the warmth in his eyes. "Complicated can be fun. Keeps things interesting."

"Interesting? Yeah, I guess if by interesting you mean having my senses scrambled like eggs." My retort was swift, but the gleam in my eyes betrayed my amusement.

Finn leaned in, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Well, we did warn you, didn't we? We're full of surprises."

"Oh, that you are," I conceded, smirking. "And I must admit, you have a unique way of expressing yourselves."

James finally broke in, his rough voice tinged with warmth. "And what about you, J? You seemed to enjoy our unique tastes. You managed to keep up pretty well."

I laughed, tossing my hair back with a flip of my hand. "Keep up? Darling, I'm the one setting the pace. Don't get too comfortable thinking you've got me all figured out."

Their laughter filled the room, a symphony of camaraderie that was as comfortable as it was intimate.

The conversation flowed, each of us taking turns reminiscing, teasing, and laughing. We were in our own little world, where the troubles of the tattoo studio and the threats looming over us seemed a world away.

The fire's glow flickered and danced, casting a warm, golden hue over the room. The wine had been working its magic on me, and I found myself craving more than just conversation from my boys.

"So, Julia," James began, his eyes darkening as he leaned back, studying me. "If you're setting the pace, what's next?"

I tilted my head, a slow, wicked smile spreading across my lips. "Who says I'm going to tell you?"

Kai's laugh was rich, a sound that somehow managed to be both sophisticated and sensual. "Well, we've seen how you like to play. Maybe we want in on the game."

"The game?" I feigned innocence, a hand to my chest. "Oh, I don'tplaygames, boys. I annihilate them."

Andrew's hand found my knee, his fingers trailing upward, eyes locked with mine. "We're not afraid of a challenge."

"Good, because you've got one," I replied, the heat between us electric.

Finn was the next to move, leaning in to capture my lips with his. It was a gentle, probing kiss that promised more. I met him with equal passion, our tongues tangling, exploring, as the others watched.

Kai's voice was husky when he finally broke in. "I think we've had enough talk."

I pulled away from Finn, a little breathless, but still sharp. "I agree."

There was a collective, charged moment of agreement before Andrew was kissing me, his mouth demanding, insistent, and so utterly delicious. James and Kai were on either side of me, their hands wandering, caressing, teasing. I was in the eye of a sensual storm, and I had no desire to escape.

We moved together, a dance of bodies and desires, leaving the dinner table for the plush rug before the fireplace. The flames seemed to roar approval as clothing was shed, kisses shared, and boundaries forgotten.

Every touch, every kiss was a continuation of our conversation, a dialogue without words that explored our deepest desires. We knew one another, and yet there was still so much to discover, so many hidden facets to uncover.

I reveled in their attention—strong hands on my body, warm lips seeking out sensitive spots—making me feel wanted, cherished, and powerful all at once.

But I was not a passive participant. I knew what I wanted, and I wasn't afraid to take it, directing them with words and touches, claiming my pleasure.

And they were more than willing to give it to me.

Chapter 20

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