AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Greyson stands beside me, his presence grounding and comforting, while Sanford occupies the other side, his arm snaking around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
The gentle breeze from the water carries the invigorating scent of salt, and the cries of seagulls echo in the air.We remain silent during the crossing, soaking in the serenity of the journey.Once we disembark, we navigate the winding roads that lead us to Luna Harbor.
Towering evergreen trees line the route, their vibrant green foliage standing in stark contrast against the clear sky.Fields of wildflowers dot the landscape, their vivid colors painting a picturesque scene of rural beauty.
Luna Harbor itself exudes charm and quaintness.Brick and wood buildings grace the main street, their façades adorned with cascading flower baskets and meticulously hand-painted signs.People stroll leisurely, their friendly faces illuminated by genuine smiles.
We drive through the heart of the town, our eyes feasting on the sights that unfold before us.A cozy bookstore nestled in a quiet corner beckons to me, while the vibrant energy of a bustling farmer’s market in the town square captures my attention.Luna Harbor emanates a warmth and welcoming spirit that seeps into my soul, leaving me with a profound sense of contentment.
We arrive at a lavender farm and park the car in a spacious garage.Confusion momentarily clouds my mind as I glance around.“You live here?”I ask, seeking clarification.
Sanford chuckles and takes my hand, drawing me closer to him.“No, this is just where we park the cars,” he explains with a playful smile.“This is Nydia and Mane’s place.”
As we stroll through the streets of Luna Harbor, I find myself captivated by the charming shops that line the sidewalks.I already envision myself visiting a few, particularly an intriguing place named “Too Far From A Bar.”
I can’t help but voice my confusion.“Who names a business like that?”I complain, a hint of amusement lacing my words.
“That would be San and his savage friends,” Greyson responds, a knowing grin spreading across his face.He always calls San’s friends savages.I’ve never understood why, though, but it’s funny.
My gaze shifts to Sanford.“Wait, you own the place?”
“Among other things.We like to invest, and it seemed like a good idea to open a bar—and a coffee shop,” he explains, casting a glance toward his cottage, situated next to the tattoo parlor.His gesture invites us inside the shop, and we follow eagerly.
My mind buzzes with anticipation, unsure of what to expect from this unexpected detour.The space is quiet and intimate, smaller than I imagined.The lingering scent of sterility mingles with a faint hint of ink, an intriguing combination that prickles my senses.
The walls of the parlor are adorned with a captivating display of art.Intricate designs depicting mythical creatures and delicate floral patterns command attention, each piece a testament to Sanford’s talent.
“These are incredible,” I say.My fingers trail over the sketches, absorbing their essence.Each stroke feels like a glimpse into Sanford’s soul, a profound reflection of his thoughts, emotions, and dreams immortalized in ink.
Greyson’s hand seeks mine, our fingers entwining with a comforting warmth.His touch sends a shiver of desire down my spine, igniting a passionate flame within me.The air pulsates with a quiet energy, as if we have stepped into Sanford’s sanctuary.The place he used to shelter himself during the storm.
The silence in the parlor is broken when Greyson rolls up his sleeves, revealing the faint scars along the inside of his arms.They are from the needles Enya and our captors used to pump drugs—and the ones he used when he couldn’t deal with the trauma.
I suck in a breath, unprepared for the raw display.
“I want you to tattoo over them, San,” Greyson murmurs, meeting Sanford’s gaze with unwavering determination.
There’s a beat of silence.Their gaze remains fixed on each other, a silent exchange of emotions unfolding.“Are you sure?”San asks.
Grey nods.“Yes.It’s about time.And I want it to be you.”
Sanford takes a moment to absorb Greyson’s request, contemplating the weight it carries.He releases a breath and speaks, his voice steady.“Do you have a design in mind?”
Greyson looks at me, then back at Sanford.“Something that symbolizes strength.Resilience.A reminder that no matter how tough things get, I can pull through.”
Within no time, Sanford presents a few sketches.“I suggest splitting the work into several sessions.We can start with a dragon, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and protection.For the other arm, we can explore a phoenix.I also have a wolf design.”Sanford nonchalantly removes his shirt, revealing a ballerina tattoo on the left side of his ribs.“We can incorporate this too, if you’d like.”
Greyson considers the options, his finger tracing the surface of Sanford’s skin, as if feeling the presence of the ballerina.
“Let’s begin with the dragon.Black ink only, no color,” he decides, his touch mirroring the gentle strokes Sanford used to create his own inked masterpiece.“And let’s do something similar to your ballerina for the other arm.It’ll be like having a piece of you on each side.”
Sanford sets to work, his experienced hand moving with the practiced ease of an artist.The steady hum of the tattoo machine fills the room, casting a rhythmic backdrop to their shared journey.Each deliberate motion carries purpose, each stroke of the needle transforming scars into something beautiful—something coming from his soul.
I watch, captivated by the transformation taking place before my eyes.Sanford’s artistry is mesmerizing, each stroke of the needle a testament to his skill.
Greyson’s grip tightens around mine, and I turn to him, anticipating a flinch of pain as the needle touches his skin.Yet, to my surprise, his expression remains serene, an air of tranquility emanating from his eyes.
Our intertwined fingers serve as a lifeline, connecting us amidst the buzzing of the tattoo machine and the focused silence of Sanford’s work.There is an undeniable intimacy in this shared moment, asGrey is finally letting go of a piece from our past and is allowing San to help him erase it.
