"You did, huh?"
My words had his eyes stop searching and land on me squarely. Being the center of Nicco's focus was better than any drug. He made me feel strong, beautiful, and capable with just a look. The heat coursing through his dark eyes had my breath spiking again, but this time for a completely different reason.
"Yeah."
"Well, what did you have planned once you got here?"
"I didn't think past that point, actually," I admitted, a smile gracing my lips. His chuckle did naughty things to my lady parts, and flashes of all the lustful things I wanted to do with him filled my head.
"Well, how about I introduce you to all the gawkers behind me, and then you can come to the back with me?"
He smiled and raised his voice on the last part, knowing we had a crowd of onlookers. I peeked over his shoulder and saw three people with guilty looks, but then shrugged, not caring at being caught. Laughing, I buried my head in his shoulder for a second, breathing in his leather and sandalwood scent with a hint of parchment.
Fuck, his shirt was soft, I thought as I rubbed my face against the soft cotton. Even in black jeans, a plain tee, and motorcycle boots, Nicco was sexy as fuck. I was beginning to think he was more than an addiction for me, more than a fun time. Nicco was fast becoming something I craved and didn't know how to do without. I hoped I wouldn't have to find out anytime soon. It wasn't a future I wanted to imagine.
Kissing my hair, he pulled me back and linked our fingers together. We had to make an interesting couple to his coworkers. Nicco in his casual attire and me dressed in dress clothes. We were two ends of the spectrum.
Walking over to the front area, he pulled me closer into his chest as he addressed the purple-haired woman.
"Loren, this is Cassandra. She keeps us running and does our piercings." Nicco beamed, proud of his staff as he provided me with the information. He dramatically turned to her, making a big sweeping gesture.
"Cassie, I'm afraid I have to end our torrid love affair. My heart has found someone new. Please, understand." I realized it was a joke between them when she laughed, and I smiled at being included in the jest.
"Well, I guess it was going to happen at some point, Nicco. No one can sustain a love like mine forever. You will be missed."
Joining in their laughter, I turned to the woman, "Nice to meet you, Cassandra."
"Pleasure is all mine, Loren. I'm happy to meet someone Nicco likes. I was starting to wonder if he'd be the eternal bachelor."
"Hey! I'm only twenty-nine. I'm not a spinster yet!" Nicco defended, making us both laugh more at him. In a surprising move, the purple-haired, pierced Amazon gave me a gripping hug before we walked away.
"I think she likes you," Nicco whispered as we moved further into the store.
"I'm glad. I like her."
Nicco smiled down at me, squeezing me tight to his side, a happy look on his face, and I liked the way it made me feel. As we walked to the back, he introduced me to two people working on tattoos, Dave and Julie, but they didn't talk for long since they were with others.
I was impressed with the layout of the shop and how clean it was. I'd never been in a tattoo parlor, of course, but it wasn't how I imagined it. I could see Nicco's love for the place and his pride in doing well. His designs were intermingled on the walls, and I found I could identify them by look alone. They were breathtaking.
Finally, he pulled me into an office space, shutting the door behind him. Nicco dropped my hand, walking around his desk to sit in his chair. A roguish look appeared on his face, setting all my nerves on fire. He leaned back, his legs spread out as he watched me. I didn't know what he was waiting for as I shifted from one foot to the next under his gaze.
"I like your place. It's nice, Nicco."
"Thank you."
"Are you going to say anything else?"
"What do you want me to say, beautiful?"
"I don't know!" I threw my hands up, my frustration at not having the answer getting to me. "But you staring at me like that isn't helping."
"How am I staring at you, beautiful?"
Nicco leaned forward on the desk, his hands clasped in front of him, all of his weight on his elbows. The glint of humor in his eyes stopped me from bolting when I realized what he was doing. Nicco was pushing me, trying to get me out of my comfort zone. Once I knew he wasn't playing a mind game, I relaxed, recognizing I was safe, and a feeling of boldness emerged.
"Like you want to consume me."
"Hmm, maybe I do." His voice wrapped around me, fueling my actions as I gave way to the urges coursing through me.