Page 24 of Ink

“Stay out of your business?” Ink takes a step toward me. My back is already up against the desk, so I have no choice but to stay right where I am as he boxes me in. “Your business became my business when you took a job at my shop, darlin’. You’d be a fool to not accept the help.”

“First you tell Gage that no one would ever want to put effort into me and now I’m a fool? What’s next? You firing me for being so freaking ugly?”

“Stop puttin’ words in my mouth.” Ink bites out, the scary edge lacing his tone sends goosebumps down my arms. “I didn’t say you were ugly, and I didn’t say I was firin’ you.”

This time, I’m the one taking a step forward until we’re inches from each other. Surprise flashes across Ink’s face. It was only there for a second, but I saw it.

Looks like I’m not the doormat you thought I was after all.

Freaking jerk.

“Uh, guys,” Gage cuts in. “Maybe we should all just take a minute and calm down.”

Gage looks like he doesn’t know whether to pull Ink away or let it play out. Both of these men didn’t expect me to stand up for myself. This backbone has been years in the making, and it’s finally almost built.

“I’ll calm down when he,” I shove the envelope into Ink’s chest, “can go a day without insulting me.”

A low growl rumbles out of Ink’s chest as his hand reaches out and snatches my wrist, holding it flush against his chest. “Watch it. You’re not used to a man like me. It’s best you remember that. Take it.” He nods down to the money, turns on his heel, and prowls back down the hall. The door to his room slams shut.

The money feels just as heavy as it does dirty in my hand. It’s full of pity, and that makes me so mad. I’m mad that Ink knows where I live and knows exactly what goes down at that place.

Gage lets out an awkward laugh. “Well, that was unexpected, babe. I know I said this before and he’s making me look like a dumbass, but he really isn’t like this. That’s not the Ink I know. Proud of you for breaking out that backbone, though. He needs someone that doesn’t ask how high when he tells them to jump.”

The adrenaline is very alive and pumping through my veins, making my hands shake uncontrollably. That doesn’t stop the smile from creeping onto my face. I did that. And someone was here to witness it.

I can get used to this backbone.

Chapter

Ten

SUTTON

This time when we closed, Gage didn’t demand to take me home like he has every other night. I think he could tell I needed the space.

About halfway through the day, the adrenaline high I was riding from my interaction with Ink crashed, leaving me feeling drained.

I was always the girl who stayed silent during a confrontation, only to run countless scenarios through my head of what I should have said in the moment. It was always something that was easier said than done for me.

Even the night I finally had the courage to leave Zach, I did it in the middle of the night without a word, knowing that would have been the worst confrontation of my life that I’m not sure I would have walked away from.

Logically, I knew I would have to come face-to-face with him eventually. I’m not that naïve. I was just hoping I’d be more established and would have more resources to keep him away from me.

Instead, I’m stuck living out of a motel with a car that won’t start sitting in the parking lot. I can’t even make a quick getaway if I wanted to.

I take the same way home, wondering if I’m going to see Madame Salem again. I won’t deny that what she said rattled me. I’ve never been against tarot reading and all of that stuff, but I also can’t say how much I truly believe in it. There’s no way I’ve met my soulmate and have no idea. It would be obvious, right?

Tucking my head down, I walk past the vendors, zoning out with my thoughts.

“Sweet girl.” I hear as I walk. My head shoots up, glancing around for Madame Salem. I spot her two booths back.

“Hi.” I smile as I approach her table. I feel a small amount of relief at seeing a familiar face. I’ve met this woman one time, and it already feels like she’s been in my life for years. Some people just have that allure. “I didn’t think I would see you again.”

“I thought that was you. You don’t need to cover your pretty face like that.” She nods at the double hoods I have pulled over my head. “I’m not always here, but I think the gods have been wanting our paths to cross again.” Her eyes are warm as she takes me in. Her brow lowers slightly. “You seem sad, sweet girl.”

“I’m not sad,” I lie, hoping the smile I still have in place tells the opposite.

She gives me a smile laced with knowing. “You can’t fool Madame Salem, child. You might be able to school your face, but your eyes tell a story of their own. Now, tell me what has you down in the slumps.”