“Seriously, Ellie, don’t do this. It’s not like you’re going to be able to hide it easily. I believe you, let’s just go.”
She looks up at me with raised brows. “Nope. I’m doing it.”
I can tell by her tone that she’s set on it, and arguing with her won’t get me anywhere.
Holy shit.Jack is going to kill me. I rub the back of my neck, already feeling the ghost of his hands around it, as a trickle of fear works its way down my spine. My chest simultaneously swells knowing my name will be on her skin. I didn’t think it was possible to be both terrified and turned on at once.
Ray starts in on the first letter and Ellie flinches as the needle touches her skin, her free hand gripping the arm of the chair, but she doesn’t say a word.
Wordlessly, I snag the seat nearby, scooting it until I’m next to her, grabbing her hand in mine. She instantly tightens her grip, letting out the pain the only way she can.
“You good?” I ask. I hate it when she’s hurting, even if it’s over something harmless.
She glares at me, pressing her lips together as she tries to tough it out. “I’m fine. Don’t even think about gloating.”
“Never,” I say, but the grin tugging at my lips gives me away.
My girl is getting my name tattooed on her.
I like the thought of my name on her skin. It’s almost barbaric how much I fucking like the thought of it. But I like something else even more—the idea that any asshole who thinks about hitting on her will see it and know she’s mine.
Ellie’s stubborn as hell, wild in a way that doesn’t ask for permission. She does what she wants, when she wants, and there’s no changing her mind once it’s made up. I’d never try to control her. But this is a possessiveness she’ll allow. And I’ll take it.
When Ray finishes, she lifts her wrist to inspect the delicate script of my name branded on her flawless skin. “Well?” Ray asks, wiping it down.
Ellie beams, holding it up for me to see. “Guess I’m the tattoo type after all.”
I shake my head, an erratic laugh tumbling out of me. “You’re full of surprises, Ellie girl.”
She shrugs, her chin dipping, pinning me in place with her pale eyes. “Your turn.”
“What?” I laugh. “You want me to get one too? Like a matching one?”
She gestures to the chair. “Only seems fair, don’t you think?”
Ray bursts out laughing. “I see what you did there, sweetheart. Smart girl.”
I sigh, but take a seat with zero hesitation. As if every tattoo I have—and every one I plan to get—isn’t already inspired by her. The roses etched on my forearm are her favorite flower, and the skull I had outlined today is a nod to the way she loves the dark and the beautiful—always dressed in black, listening to emo songs on repeat. She probably doesn’t even realize it, but she’s inked into my skin as much as she’s embedded in my bones. “Alright, fine. But if we’re doing this, I’m gettingElysein the exact same spot. I’m doing your government name, Ellie girl.”
She smirks, looking far too pleased with herself. “Good choice, sounds more official.”
Once I’m settled, Ray gets to work, tracing quickly. As soon as the needle hits, the sting is sharp, but I barely notice. Out of the corner of my eye, Ellie watches intently, her face softening. She’s so beautiful, the way she takes everything in, the way her smile says so much, but only for me. I’ll gladly walk around with her name marking me like I’m the luckiest fucking guy to belong to her.
When it’s over, we stand side by side, wrists extended, her name inked on me and mine on her.
Ray shakes his head, chuckling as he cleans up. “You kids are either the dumbest or the most romantic people I’ve ever met.”
Ellie glances at me, her eyes shining with mischief. “We’ll go with romantic.”
I grin, pulling her wrist to my lips and press a kiss above the fresh tattoo. “Definitely romantic.”
When I go to pay Ray, I know for certain he’s undercharging me. My brows lift in question as he tells me the total.
“Just charging you for the skull. My cold, dead heart is throwing the names in for free.”
I’d argue, but I’m not exactly rolling in it. Instead, I make a mental note to make things right one day.
Ellie grabs onto my arm, dragging me out of the shop and onto the quiet, dark street toward my car. Her face is bright as she looks at me, a surge of adrenaline no doubt running through her. Fuck, I’m like a moth to a flame when she gets like this—powerless against the magnetic pull of her energy. I can’t wait for the day I never have to leave her side again. Until then, though, it’s late, almost her curfew, so I drive a little faster than normal, grinning like an idiot the whole drive there.
