Page 17 of Lost & Found

A knowing look filled Alek’s eyes. “Yeah, the kid is eager, hell excited even. He’s been non-stop talking about it for weeks.”

I mentally counted how many times I’d sketched the intricate design of his tattoo on his chest. I knew it like the back of my hand by now.

“He does realize this is going to hurt, right?”

“He is aware of that, yes. He mentioned doing something entirely different, though, so I thought a heads up might be nice.”

“I appreciate that. Did he tell you what he’s wanting?” I asked somewhat nervously. I liked the previous one. It told a story. One that I was a part of since I designed the original sketch.

“He did. I see that look. Don’t worry, it will still have all the symbolism you love. Just make it fierce. It needs to—”

“Represent the squad. I’ve got this. It won’t be fluffy or cute. I leave that theme for your girl.”

He smiled affectionately, and then his tone shifted. A hint of concern crept in. “Listen, there’s something else. Hannah’s been showing up at the club.”

I narrowed my eyes. Alek didn’t give idle warnings, and this was precisely what it felt like. He wouldn’t have mentioned it if he didn’t think it could potentially be an issue.

“Why? Don’t tell me he’s getting back with her?”

“No. He’s pretty solid in his desire to not go there anymore. But keep an eye out, okay? I know you hate unnecessary drama as much as I do.”

“Well, since I’m not the one she took issue with, I’ll be fine. Is Kinsley coming in with him? Is that why you’re warning me?”

It made complete sense. My tattoo studio was right next door to Kinsley and Pasha’s dance studio. When Alek bought the property several months back, he insisted I take the second half. When we toured it originally, I was confused.

Kinsley had been excited, but as she laid out plans, she ignored half the space. I’m ashamed to say it took me almost half the tour to realize Alek wanted me to have this side. That was how a whirlwind of opportunity opened to me.

I’d been taking tattooing instruction from a private instructor at the house, another one of Alek’s requests, for months before the tour. He did it under the guise of wanting a new tattoo. And Marcel jumped on the bandwagon because Tori needed to cover up the hideous mark her ex had inflicted on her.

Hell, even the staff were all people Alek knew and trusted. It made things much easier for me. The beauty in it was deeper than anyone could know. All these years later, Kinsley and I still shared a wall.

I grew pensive as I studied Alek’s face. He gave a slight nod, and it underscored the seriousness. It also made me wonder if he had overheard them arguing at the club the night before. Not my monkey. Not my circus.

“I’ll keep them in check. She should know better, though. I’m not Kinsley by any stretch of the imagination. I will cut her.”

I said it lightly. Mostly. He laughed, and the familiar sound echoed in the studio. Megan startled; her head snapped up. She gave me an odd look. I had to remind myself that this side of Alek was familiar to me. The rest of the world only ever saw the menace.

“I told you he’s as human as the rest of us.”

Alek’s face went stoic. He turned his gaze to Megan.

“Don’t believe a word she says.” He practically growled it. I punched his arm.

“Stop, you’ll have her in tears any second.”

“It’s what I do best. And speaking of tears, I’m dropping in next door for a bit. See if I can’t make someone else cry. The best part of that studio is the private room in the back.”

I shook my head. “Isn’t it Nik’s night?”

“Yeah, but technically it’s daytime.”

“You’re so bad. Go.”

“The kid…he wants an animal. Start brainstorming now. It needs flair.”

A grin spread across my face. Excitement bubbled inside my chest. An animal. My brain flicked through options automatically. Wolf. Falcon. Bear. Then it came to me. A lion. It would be perfect—a symbol of strength, courage, and his untamed spirit. It defined him. “I can work with that.”

“Good, because he insists you have free rein. I say surprise him.”