Chapter 13: Under his needle

Samantha's POV

We walked into the tattoo shop, and it felt like stepping into a whole other world up here.

Unlike the high-energy chaos of the crowded bar below, the atmosphere here was smooth and surprisingly laid back. People were getting tattooed—some alone, some in couples—while low jazz music played in the background to soothe the vibe.

"Well, this place looks good," Chloe said, her eyes scanning the sleek setup.

"Yeah," I agreed, looking around as the nervous flutter in my stomach returned.

Just then, someone walked right up to us. "Hello ladies, how may I be of help to you tonight?"

His arms were completely covered in tattoos with beautifully patterned designs. They looked incredibly intentional and intricate, in a really cool, artistic way.

"My friend and I would like to get tiny tattoos," I said, offering a polite smile.

"Yeah, nothing too serious," Chloe chipped in. I watched out of the corner of my eye as she looked at him in a totally sexy way, casually playing with a strand of her hair.

"Alright then." He smiled, clearly not missing her vibe. "This way, ladies." He gestured warmly toward one of the private rooms.

The second his back was turned, I leaned into her. "Girl, what was that all about?" I whispered, trying to stifle a giggle. "You looked ready to jump him."

"Well, the man is hot," she whispered back, a mischievous smile lighting up her face. "I might just let him do more than draw tattoos on me."

"Damn, girl," I answered, laughing softly as we tried not to be too loud.

We walked into a really cool, sterile room that smelled sharply of rubbing alcohol, green soap, and the dark, metallic tang of fresh ink.

The artist turned around, picking up a tablet from the counter. "So, do you have something in mind you want to go for, or—"

Just then, his gaze darted completely away from us, his posture instantly straightening.

"Need something, boss?"

My heart literally skipped so hard my breath caught entirely in my lungs.

The air in the room instantly turned heavy, thick with a familiar, intoxicating heat. I knew he was there. Every nerve ending in my body screamed that he was standing right behind me, but I didn't want to look. I couldn't move.

"I've got this one, Jax," Rick’s low, gravelly rumble cut through the jazz music, sending a violent shiver straight down my spine. "You can take care of her friend."

"You got it, boss," Jax said without a single second of hesitation. He immediately turned to Chloe with a polite nod, gesturing back toward the main floor. "Right this way, miss.”

“Okay handsome.” Chloe said. She met my gaze and gave me a wink.

He had such an effect on me. I could feel the heat from his body on me. 

Now why the fuck was my heart racing.

He cleared his throat and finally spoke to me.

“Hey”

I wasn't going to turn to him no matter how much I wanted to. Boy if you want my attention, you should come to me. I thought.

Fuck be fast and come to me.