25
Ire
The buzzing sound of the tattoo gun kept a smile on my face while Karma inked up my woman. I’d let Ava decide what she wanted permanently tattooed on her body. I wasn’t sure if we’d always be this way, me giving her all the power in our relationship. There were times I wanted to go caveman on her. Desperate to possess her body and soul. Dirty her up from the inside out.
Then I’d gaze into her mesmerizing eyes and thank the universe for putting her in my life.
Ava Marie kept me reined in.
I kissed her forehead. “Doing okay?”
“Yes. The pain isn’t bad. In fact, it’s kind of soothing.”
I nodded. I knew exactly what she meant. I’d welcomed the discomfort, wished it could wipe away the scars on my back. The buzzing sound and the zing of the needle on my skin had been a temporary comfort to my damaged soul.
“Getting tatted can be addictive.” Karma opened her arms to show off her ink. “Once you start, you can’t stop.”
Ava smiled brightly. “I might be back before you know it.”
I hiked a curious brow. “Oh yeah? What’ll you have her do next?”
“I was thinking something only you’d see.” She linked her fingers with mine.
“Ooh, something naughty.” Karma set down the machine. “I’m game.”
“Yes. I like the simplicity of ‘Property of Ire’ on the inside of my arm, but something naughty would be fun.”
“Fun, huh?” I rubbed the top of her leg. She was getting me excited, talking about naughty tats. Naughty kept running through my head. I wanted to do naughty things to my woman. Unfortunately, I had church in a couple of hours. Ciro would be calling. Storm wanted all council members present.
Karma finished wrapping Ava’s new ink and led us to the front. She groaned when she noticed Cobra in a chair. “Are you kidding me? What do you want now?” She raised her hand. “No. Don’t tell me. Just leave.”
Art chuckled. “Damn, girl. Give the guy a break.”
“He doesn’t deserve one.” She took the money I handed her. “All righty, you two. Have a fabulous rest of your day. Call me when you want to do the naughty.” Karma clucked her tongue.
“Excuse me?” Cobra barked.
“Tattoo, Abe. Not like it’s any of your goddamn business.” Karma rolled her eyes and leaned toward Ava. “I’ll be at the club later. It’s karaoke night.”
“That’s right! I’d forgotten. I can’t wait to watch everyone.”
“Watch?” Karma cocked her head. “You’ll sing, just like the rest of us.”
Ava shook her head. “Oh, no. I don’t sing.”
“Yes, she does.” I wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her cheek. “In the shower.”
“Drew!” She slapped my hands playfully. “Nobody is supposed to know that. Let’s go. I’m hungry.”
“You’re singing tonight, Ava!” Karma told her.
I jerked my chin at Cobra, who looked irritable.
“Later, man,” he said.
Outside I inhaled the spring air into my lungs. Life was freaking amazing with Ava by my side. “What does my woman want to eat?”
“How about Mexican food?”