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"Did she change the main room?" I ask.
"You haven't seen it? It's all ocean themed. Teal, turquoise, sand, coral, paintings of mermaids," she says. "That will be my next one. The mermaid. Do you still have the art?"
"Of course." My chest fills with pride. She's only halfway through this tattoo and she's already desperate for another.
She grunts as Walker moves onto the third word. It's right over her rib bones. That's tender skin. It hurts like a bitch.
"These paintings any good?" I ask.
"Some of them. Some are... not up to Brendon standards." She laughs. "Emma was bragging about how you'll hate them."
"You like living with her?"
"Yeah. She's my best friend. Don't get me wrong." She pauses. Grits her teeth. "I want to live with you one day. I kinda hate you and my mom for your little not until I graduate agreement. But I... I understand why she's insisting. And why you agreed."
"Good," I say.
"It's just... I love you and I want you around all the time."
"I'll always be around all the time."
"You promise?"
"Yeah."
The buzzing stops.
Kaylee's shoulders relax. "That's it?"
"That's it." Walker sets the gun down. "But sit tight for a second."
She looks up at me with a smile. There's no nervousness in her expression.
It's pure joy.
She squirms through Walker's aftercare routine.
When he's done, he stands. "I'll let Brendon lecture you."
She pushes herself up and throws her arms around him. "Thank you!"
He pats her back. "Sure thing."
I stand. Swallow my growl. I don't like anyone touching her. But he did this as a favor. You can't tattoo someone without touching them.
He steps backward. "I'll leave you two alone." He nods goodbye.
I nod back.
Kaylee turns toward the mirror. Her eyes go wide as she takes in her reflection. The tattoo is bold black letters across her ribs.
I wrap my arms around her. "You like it?"
"I love it." She leans into my touch. "This is perfect. All of it."
It really is.
* * *
