Page 29 of Spring Break Fling

“Perfect.”

I quickly paid for the flight, treating myself to business class. Then I grabbed my phone and pulled up the group chat.

I quickly tapped out the message. I could already imagine their expressions when they saw it. They were going to think I was joking.

Guess who’s heading back to Miami tomorrow? NM better watch his ass!

Just to make sure they knew I wasn’t joking, I took a picture of my flight confirmation and sent it.

The responses in the group chat were almost instantaneous. Emoji bombs exploded. Shocked faces, flames, and a few choice expletives.

“Is this for real, Hannah?!” Maddie asked.

I thumbed back a quick response. “One hundred percent. It’s business but…”

“You’re not going near HIM, are you?” Rachel chimed in next.

I paused, fingertips hovering over the screen. “Damn straight. I can kill two birds with one stone. The marketing deal of my life, and vengeance on the asshole who branded on me.”

The chat bubbled over with messages of concern and excitement mixed together.

“Girl, be careful,” came Maddie’s next text.

“I’ve got this.”

The thought of returning to Miami so soon was a little scary. I reminded myself it was business first. Yes, I was going to find a way to get back at him, starting with him giving me a free tattoo fix.

I had my plan all mapped out. First, I’d meet with the client, blow them away with my professionalism and brilliance, and secure their trust. Then, in my free time, I’d track Nikko down and make him regret ever branding me like livestock.

I left the office and went back to my apartment to pack for Miami. I pulled open the drawer that I rarely opened in my dresser. It was filled with the many things I had gotten from Victoria’s Secret sales. Some stuff I had never worn. I never felt like it was the right occasion.

But I found myself packing the sexy panties and bras in the suitcase—just in case. Yes, even though I knew it was a terrible idea, I wanted him. Maybe my revenge could include me giving him a case of blue balls.

But I had a feeling a man like him wouldn’t suffer for long. All he had to do was walk into any bar and point to a woman.

Blue balls cured.

But just in case.

The soft buzz of my phone distracted me from my thoughts. Another message from Rachel.

“Just remember why you’re going, Hannah. Don’t let anger cloud your judgment.”

She was right, of course. This was a critical step for my career, but it was hard to separate the professional from the personal. I really wanted to get back at Nikko in some way. I didn’t know how I was going to do that, but there had to be something I could do.

Even if it was just confronting him. That ought to scare him a little. Maybe I could picket outside the parlor. Let people know the tattoo artist enjoyed branding people.

10

NIKKO

Marcus stood behind the counter with his arms crossed. He didn’t look happy. I didn’t blame him. I felt like a dick. His expression was a mix of resignation and concern as I slid the envelope of cash across to him.

“It’s all there,” I said. “Every penny.”

He didn’t immediately take it. Instead, he just stared at me like a disappointed dad. “You know this isn’t about the money, right?”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, I get it. Life lessons and shit. Just take the cash, Marcus. I was never going to steal from you. You know me better than that. I had to give him what he wanted in the moment. ATMs don’t give out that much cash.”