Madd Ink Read online

  “I just finished a full back piece and we’re closed.”

  “Aw, come on, darling. Don’t be like that. Unless you can’t handle me?” He chuckles, tipping his head to the side, watching me, desire clear in his alluring eyes.

  “I can ink better than most male artists. I’ve just had a long day. Can’t you come back tomorrow when Jagger is here?” I ask, opening the appointment book to keep my hands busy since they’re trembling. He takes another step toward me. He’s close now, too close. I pick up the pen, poised to write his time tomorrow.

  Instead, he reaches for my hand, gripping it gently, but firmly. “I’d like you to do it, sweetheart. You up for a challenge?” Our eyes lock then, a moment passes and my skin heats. My thighs squeeze together, needy and achy for this well-known man whore. I’ve heard stories about Slade Maddox. And none of them good. Even Ava’s warned me against him. Although, Jag knew his best friend and I would be alone in the shop tonight and it makes me wonder if I’ve been set up.

  “What is it you want?”

  “Oh, darling, that’s a loaded question if I’ve ever heard one.” He offers me a sinful smirk and I know I’ve lost. My panties are soaked from the grin on his handsome face and I realize how easy it must be for him to get women into bed. He leans in then, his mouth at my cheek, his hot breath fanning over my skin, causing goose bumps to erupt all over my body. “How about you put the pen down, let me take my shirt off and show you exactly what I want?”

  “I-I...” Clearing my throat, I try again. “You can do that.” With another cocky laugh, he steps back, releasing me from his hold. His hands move to the hem of his T-shirt, and he pulls it up and over his head.

  I’ve seen men shirtless. I’ve even seen sexy men shirtless. Naked. But nothing prepares me for what Slade is hiding. His body is toned, and I mean perfectly so. Broad shoulders taper down into a torso that looks like it’s been chiseled from marble. Colorful marble. His hips are taut, with a V shape that sneaks behind the belt of his jeans toward a prominent bulge and I’m almost certain he’s not even hard yet. Oh, god.

  Tightly packed man.

  “Are you finished gawking now?” he quips playfully, his eyebrows waggling knowingly, and I admonish myself for ogling the biggest man whore in the city.

  “I wasn’t gawking, merely...looking...at your ink.” My response is heavy, needy, and I have to scold myself for acting like a wanton slut because, God knows, all I want to do is feel those strong arms around me, and that delicious six-pack on my tongue.

  “I’m sure. So...” He steps forward, pointing at the compass that’s done in black ink on his pec, the map behind it trailing down to his abs. “This is what I need touching up. You’re the artist.” He looks up then, his gaze pinned on me in searing challenge. “I trust you.”

  I swallow hard. Too hard. Nodding, I gesture for him to make his way to the back.

  “I’ll just lock up. Once we’re done I need to go,” I tell him, hoping to steel the yearning in my voice. Making my way to the door, I turn the lock, and quickly pull out my phone and tap out a message to Jessi, the babysitter, to let her know I’ll be home later than I thought.

  She’s been watching Roxie for almost a year and I trust her. A student at the local college, she’s a sweetheart with my baby girl. When I had to work a full day today, she collected Roxie from school and spent the afternoon with her. She’s been a godsend.

  Making my way to the back, I find Slade lying on the black leather bed, his top half naked to my hungry gaze. I haven’t been with someone in so long, I feel like a damn virgin. “I’m...” I start, unsure of what to say. The white rubber gloves I snap on are the only sound in the room. I feel him staring at me as I set out the ink into small plastic pots. When I turn to him again, he’s watching me intently. A smirk curls those full sinful lips and I find myself licking my own.

  “You’re quite flustered. I know I have an effect on women, so don’t feel bad about it.” His comment heats my blood, and not in the way his toned stomach does.

  “Do you have to work at being an asshole? Or does that come naturally?”

  Chapter Four

  Slade

  Her question has me chuckling. She’s feisty, but so damn beautiful while she’s at it that I can’t help grinning like an idiot. There’s a fire that dances in her eyes, and I find myself wanting to play with it even if I get burned. Most women aren’t a challenge. They see the bad boy with the tattoos and they’re like moths to a flame, but Ryn Callan is more than that. She’s a smart, independent woman, and she doesn’t take shit from anyone, including me and that makes me respect her.

  But it’s not only her mind and personality that lure me in, it’s also the gentle nature I see behind her façade. I want to dip into the well and find out what this beauty is hiding.

  “Darling, I’m no asshole. You’re probably used to those, but I can assure you, I’m the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.” My response has her laughing, the sound musical, soft and alluring. “Let me take you out and I’ll show you,” I say, watching her for a reaction, something to tell me she’s interested, but she suddenly shuts down.

  “I can’t. Let’s get this done.” Her response is short, cold. The buzzing of the gun echoes around us, leaving little room for talking. As soon as the needles touch my skin, I close my eyes and allow her to do her thing. Jag told me she’s good; if he trusts her, so do I.

  But I want to know more about her. Opening one eye, I take her in. Her blonde hair is tied back messily. Soft strands fall down her neck as she moves. Her gaze is trained on my body, and I wish it was more than just her eyes on me. I wish she was on me, riding my cock.

  Sighing, I close my eyes again, needing to calm the fuck down or I’ll be sporting a hard on while she works.

  “Do you enjoy working for my best friend?” I ask, not looking at her. The buzzing stops and we’re left in complete silence.

  “Yes, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and he’s a good teacher.” The gun turns on again and I feel the scrape against my skin. Turning my head to her, I open my eyes, only to find her looking at me.

  “Will you allow me to take you out? One night. Just dinner.” I’ve never begged a woman, never had to ask twice. This is new to me and I don’t know why I’m bothering, but something deep down tells me that there’s so much more to this sassy woman than meets the eye. And I intend to find out what it is.

  “No. Do you like being turned down?” she quips, and an almost smile cracks on her face, which lights up her blue eyes.

  “Never been turned down before, darling. Why don’t you want to go out with me?” I ask, watching her lips curl into a grin as she works. I don’t know if it’s our banter that’s causing that beautiful tilt of her mouth, but I know I want to see more of it.

  “Because you’re a man whore, Slade. I’m not those bar bunnies you add to the millions of notches on your bed post.”

  Gripping her hand, I pull it away from me, and guffaw at her response. “I never said you were one of those, Ryn. And I wouldn’t add you to those notches. Also... There aren’t that many. I mean, if it were millions, I’m sure my dick would’ve fallen off by now.”

  “I’m surprised it hasn’t.” Her quick responses, sassy remarks, and the way her eyes glisten with mischief only make me want to try harder. To crack the shell, she’s built around her and find the woman hidden beneath.

  “Well, why don’t I show you?” I ask, causing her to stop the gun again. “Or are you scared?” I tease playfully.

  “I’m not scared of you, Slade Maddox.” She pins me with a heated glare. “I just don’t want to be another one on the long list of women you’ve fucked and chucked.” Her voice lowers, sadness heavy in her tone.

  I watch her put the gun down, and I notice she’s finished the touch up. Her fingers massage cream into my newly inked skin and she covers it.

  �
��I just don’t trust men like you.”

  Her confession has me sitting up, abruptly. “What do you mean?” This time, I’m in her face, reaching for her chin, I gently lift it with my index finger forcing her to look at me.

  “Nothing. You’re done. I need to close up the shop and get home.” She pulls away from me, and I watch her clean up the ink pots and plastic wrap. Silence hangs heavily in the air and I find myself wanting to burrow into her mind to find out why she’s so tortured, so damn sad.

  “Ryn—”

  “You’re done, Slade. Please leave.” Frustration ebbs at me as I pull on my T-shirt and stalk toward her. She turns to face me then, her gaze burning into mine. Our bodies are inches apart. Her heat is intoxicating. Lifting my hand, I trail it down her arm, mimicking the ink adorning her skin.

  She trembles at my touch. When I reach her hip, I lean in, my mouth at her ear. “Do you feel that?” I whisper, allowing my breath to fan over her flesh.

  She lets my hand to inch its way to her core. Even through the thick denim I can feel how hot she is for me.

  “This right here.” I press a finger to her pussy and her head drops back as a whimper escapes her mouth. “Will be mine. I can assure you of that, sweet thing.” I smile, trailing my fingers to the button that’s restricting my access. Once it’s undone, I watch her face as pleasure soars through her.

  “Slade,” she whimpers, her full lips part and my mouth crashes on hers. My tongue delves into her heat, tasting her for the first time.

  My hand finds itself inside her jeans. The soft material of her panties are soaked when I trail a finger over her slit. Gently, I shove the offending silk to the side and find her hot, wet, and so ready, my cock jolts.

  Her hand grips my wrist, holding me in place. She doesn’t move. Her hips don’t inch forward at all. Our gazes lock for a moment, a long, heated second before she releases my hand and allows me to dip two fingers inside her. My body is at boiling point when her pussy grips both digits. She pulses around me, her mewls fall from her lips and I finger her slowly, torturously.

  My newly inked skin is tingling, but the ache only serves to make me harder. She’s beautiful as her head drops back and she lets go. Pleasure holds her firmly in its grip as her hips roll and she rides my fingers.

  “That’s it, dirty girl, take it, take all your pleasure from me,” I tell her. In awe of how incredible she is, I make sure the image is seared in my mind because tonight, I sure as hell will be jerking off to Ryn Callan coming on my hand.

  An orgasm racks through her, and her release drenches my hand. When those big blue eyes flutter open, she finds me in her haze of pleasure and a rosy blush tints her cheeks.

  “You’re a bad influence, Slade Maddox,” she says on a moan.

  Pulling my hand from her jeans, I bring my fingers, glistening with her essence, to my lips and I lick both digits. The sweet, musky, intoxicating flavor only causes my blue balls to worsen. I want to fuck her. I want to drive inside her right now, but that’s not what will make her see I’m right. She needs to be taken slowly.

  “Soon, I’ll ensure that you find pleasure on more than just my fingers, sweetheart,” I tell her.

  “I’d like to see you try, Mr. Maddox. This—” she gestures between us “—was me losing control once, and let me tell you one thing, it won’t happen again.” Her retort is breathy, nowhere near what she sounded like earlier, and I know I’m slowly chipping away at the walls that she’s hidden behind.

  “This isn’t over, darling. I’ll break down those walls and you’ll have no choice but to let me in. I never back away from a challenge.” With that, I leave her in the back of the store and make my way toward the door. She doesn’t follow me. I didn’t think she would. Something bothers me about what she said earlier and I wonder who hurt her before. The need to punch someone runs rife through me.

  I planned on heading to the bar when I was done, but I don’t feel the need to. What I do want is Ryn Callan. I want her in my arms. The thought settles in my mind and I start formulating my plan.

  Women are easy to figure out. Their wants and needs. But with her, there’s something so much more. She’s a puzzle and I intend on discovering just how her pieces fit together. I want more. Not just a quick fuck in the back of my car. With Ryn, her innocence and fire make me want to see how much more I can find out about the beautiful woman.

  Slipping into the driver’s seat of my Jeep, I start the engine with my mind on how to play this out. She needs some way to trust me. And I’ll make sure by the end of the week that’s exactly what she’ll do.

  Chapter Five

  Ryn

  As soon as I walk into the house I can hear the giggles of my sweet girl, along with the cartoons on the television. I find both Jessi and Roxie sitting in the living room, watching something on the flat screen, both lost in the world in front of them.

  “Hey, girls,” I say, causing them both to turn around and offer me bright smiles.

  “Mommy!” Roxie leaps up, running toward me, slamming into me and wrapping her small arms around my waist. Her bubblegum-scented shampoo fills my nostrils, taking the dregs of Slade’s spicy cologne with it.

  “Ms. Callan.” Jessi smiles as she rises, clearing the plates from the floor. “I’ve made a very basic dinner, some fish fingers, mashed potato and salad. I wasn’t sure how late you’d run at work.”

  “That’s fine, thank you for staying.” I nod, releasing my daughter and following my babysitter to the kitchen. “There was a late appointment and I needed to finish up his tattoo.”

  “Oooh! Him? Was he hot?” She giggles. Jessi is nineteen, beautiful, with long, dark hair; her big hazel eyes are perfectly suited to her lightly tanned skin.

  “To be honest, yes. He’s very handsome, but he’s bad news.” I grab a plate from the cabinet, making my way to the stove where I spoon some potatoes from the glass dish that Jessi had ensured stayed warm.

  “What makes you say that?” Her question stills me. I’ve heard stories of Slade’s conquests. The fact that every night he’s seen with a different woman.

  “I’ve heard stories,” I tell her, filling my plate with food, settling myself at the small kitchen table. When she joins me, her inquisitive gaze pins me and I wait for her questions about my own past, or why I’d believe stories from others. And honestly, I don’t know. I’d never really seen Slade behaving like that with my own eyes. But the way I reacted to him tonight was all the evidence I need to steer clear of him. It’s not only my heart on the line, but my daughter’s too.

  “Well, I’m no expert on men, or love, but I think that listening to stories might not be the best idea. Who knows how much of it is made up and how much actually is true.”

  “You’re right, but I need to think of Roxie. Also, I doubt he’d want a twenty-four-year-old woman who’s got a five-year-old. Most men don’t want to be burdened with the responsibility of a child that isn’t their own.”

  “How do you know if you don’t give him a chance? If there’s one thing I learned after my mom left, it’s that you need to let others make their own choices. Give them the truth and if they walk away, then so be it. If they decide to stay, then you know it’s real because it was their choosing. My dad always said that.”

  For a young girl barely out of school, Jessi is too wise for her own good. Nodding, I swallow the food in my mouth. It passes the lump of sadness in my throat. I let my past hurts cloud my judgment, that much is true.

  Maybe Slade isn’t as bad as I thought, but I can’t allow myself to fall into the same situation as I did with Trent. He hurt me more than any man ever has, or ever will.

  * * *

  Once Jessi leaves, I finish up my dinner and head into the living room to find Roxie passed out on the sofa, hugging her bright blue bunny. Over the years she’s become attached to the little stuffed toy, and can’t fall asleep without
it beside her.

  Sighing, I scoop her up and carry her to her bedroom, setting her on the bed. Even with the jostling, she doesn’t wake up; instead, she curls into a tiny ball. Once she’s covered, I make my way out to the living room and flop onto the sofa. It’s been a long day, but my mind is racing with the memory of Slade. His smooth skin, the way his abs tensed when the needle pressed against his flesh. The scent of his cologne and the way his lips quirked in amusement at our banter.

  But more than that, I can’t stop thinking about how his fingers felt inside me. The memory of how he urged my orgasm from me and I let go. It felt good to feel again. To have another emotion besides being a mother.

  I have to be honest, I enjoyed it. I haven’t had a date in over three years. I tried dating when Roxie was younger, but as soon as the guy found out I had her, he’d run a mile, never bothering to call again. In the end, I gave up on the whole dating scene and focused on my daughter. My eyes flutter as the television shuts itself off and sleep steals me away to dreams of a man with inked skin, big hazel eyes, and a smile that I know will grip my heart.

  * * *

  When I open my eyes, I find my phone and swipe the screen. Not even six yet. I need to get up and start my day, but when I roll over I find Roxie curled up behind me. Asleep, she’s the picture of innocence, but there’s a naughty side to her that I can’t deny.

  My sweet girl.

  My heart used to ache for her, not having a father, but I didn’t have a dad either and I turned out just fine.

  But as a parent, you want your kids to have what you didn’t. However, even thinking of Slade Maddox in that role causes me to shudder. The man is a playboy. And that is definitely not the kind of person I want near my daughter.

  Even though only a night has passed, my mind is still right there in my studio with his fingers inside me. I inked him and every inch of his tanned, toned torso haunts me. The way that damn compass moved with every press of the needle is ingrained in my mind. And even though I know it will never work between us, I can’t help but wonder what if.