“Morning,” I echo as I scoot to the side, allowing her to place her purse into the desk. I use my shin to push it back in place, coming dangerously close to catching her fingers inside. She looks up at me with a frazzled expression on her face, but I grin at her and all is forgiven.
I wouldn’t have hurt her intentionally but sometimes, I’m not in control of my own thoughts and little close-to-accidents like this tend to happen.
“Sorry, kid,” I say as I reach over to ruffle her hair. She swats my hand away and giggles, but immediately reaches into the top drawer for her hand mirror.
Sariah has to be the vainest person that I’ve ever met, but I guess she kind of has a reason to be.
She’s tall—for a girl, anyway, has huge silver-colored eyes, and bright blonde hair that she likes to wear in dreadlocks. Her arms are still half-sleeves, but Carter and I work on them when time allows. Sariah has her septum pierced, as well as a Medusa and Monroe piercing.
She’s definitely something to look at but she’s never really been my type—our relationship has always consisted of nothing more than older brother and annoying little sister.
Besides, I’ve got Snow at home and I’ve never even thought of being unfaithful to her.
“We have to finish those soon,” I say nodding at her arms, and she mumbles in agreement as she leans back in her chair and stretches them high over her head.
“Whenever you say, boss,” she replies with a smile.
With a chuckle, I flip the magazine closed then walk around the desk and place it back on the small, wooden desk that displays mine and Carter’s portfolios as well.
“Hey, Kenji?” Sariah suddenly asks.
“Yeah?”
“Carter was telling me the other day that the two of you were chatting about maybe hiring another artist …”
Her voice trails off and I sit on the black, chaise leather couch just in front of her desk as I clasp my hands behind my head.
“Uh huh.”
I figure the prod, while menial will probably cause her to finish her thought.
“Well…” Sariah’s face turns crimson as she begins to nervously pick at her fingernails. I sit up, now rife with curiosity, and wait.
“Well?” I echo, arching an eyebrow.
She blows out her breath and looks up at me. “My brother gets out of Irongate next week and he’s been doing some tattoos on the inside. I was hoping—”
I raise a hand to stop her.
“Just tell him to swing by when he’s out,” I tell her with a warm smile.
Everyone deserves a second chance no matter how horrid a deed they’ve done, and I’m hoping that maybe by giving Sariah’s brother one, karma will push Snow to give me one too.
I get to my feet and begin to walk back toward my room when I linger for a moment at the front desk. Sariah looks over at me with that damn thankful smile still on her face and I decide it’s best not to ask.
Irongate is reserved for the worst bastards alive.
She’ll tell me what he did to deserve a stint there when she’s ready.
Or maybe he will.
* * *
“Hey, Stranger,” I greet the tiny brunette as she knocks on my door.
I’m currently in the middle of working on a client, but neither of us seems to mind the intrusion.
“Um, do you have a sec?” she asks in a timid tone.