“Issue? When did I say it was an issue?” I can’t help the scowl on my face and the defensive tone, but maybe he needs to not assume he knows everything.
“Then I’m confused why you want to talk about it.” I can feel him getting defensive too. This really isn’t going how I wanted.
“Do you want to tell me the story behind it?” I ask cautiously.
“It’s not really a big deal. When my father’s men found me, a part of my process was for them to mark me, and they thought it would be funny to print the word minge instead. I was barely fourteen and I’d lived a sheltered life before, so I didn’t really understand at the time. Since then, I’ve had the crosses on my fingers done but no one has been willing to cover up my arm.”
Wow. That’s not what I was expecting the story to be. What vile men. It’s not like Wren said at all, but it shouldn’t surprise me that Parker never told her the truth. Yet he told me, and that means something to me.
Before I can ask anything else there’s a knock. I let Parker answer it as I checked the monitor on my phone, as much as I’m trying with the guys I don’t want them to know about this. This is my security from everyone.
The greasy smell that fills the air has my tummy growling, and I snatch a box from Parker. Luckily it's my meat feast, otherwise I’d have to apologize or something. Instead I smile wide at him, making him shake his head.
We eat with just the music in the background for a little while, happy to enjoy each other’s company and the good food. When I’m done, I place my box on the coffee table and anxiously look at Parker.
“Can I show you something?” I ask.
Happy to go along he nods, and I run to grab everything I pulled out earlier. I can tell he’s slightly confused with what’s going on, but sits quietly waiting for me to wheel my setup over.
“Right okay, I know I don’t really talk about anything prior to being here, except that I had no choice, but I was never going to college. I’d already chosen my career path for as long as I can remember, it just took a long time to get Rafe to agree.”
I pause.
“Sorry I’m rambling. You can say no, that is completely fine, but I just wanted to offer.”
Why am I so nervous? I know I can do this for him.
“You’re still not telling me what you’re offering Luna,” he smirks.
Acehole.
“Right, I’ve been a trainee tattoo artist for the past two years,” I rush out.
The shocked look on his face makes it clear I just talked a lot of shit, and he had no idea what I was getting at. I sink my head into my hands. What an idiot. Forget it.
“You know what, forget I said anything okay.” I stand to wheel everything back, but Parker grasps my wrist gently.
“Are you serious?” he asks quietly, like he can’t believe what I’m offering.
I simply nod, which has him pulling me closer to stand in between his legs. He holds my waist tight and rests his head against my stomach. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, but I think he needs a minute. Wanting to convey that I’m here for him I gently rub his shoulders, but then my hands are itching to run through his curls.
Tilting his head back, he rests his chin against my stomach and stares up at me. He looks so vulnerable right now and I can’t look away.
“Please Luna, make it go away,” he murmurs.
Without saying a word, I pull everything over and meticulously clean and prep like my life depends on it. He sits quietly, looking through the portfolio I hand him. When I’m sure everything is perfect I look at him.
“Have you decided what you want to go for?”
He nods and takes his top off revealing small lettering on his right bicep. I’m trying really hard to not get lost in those abs he’s been hiding, and focus on the job at hand.
“I can’t believe these are all your work Luna, they’re amazing,” he praises.
“Thank you,” I breathe in response.
I’ve never been good at compliments.
Bringing the portfolio over he turns it round and points dead center, to an intricate feather, with Aztec detailing and strength scribbled in the spine. I feel like I can’t breathe.
“I drew this, but I didn’t actually do the tattooing,” I mutter.
“That’s okay, I just know this is the one I want,” he says, determined.
Lifting my t-shirt I show him high up on my ribs, always hidden by my sports bra at a minimum. He looks at what I’m showing him, then meets my eyes.
“Even better,” he says as he leans in to give me a lingering kiss, not long enough though because he’s soon stepping back.
“Let’s get to it then angel, I’ve always wanted a matching tattoo with someone.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
(Luna)
I’m so ready to get to Weaponry this morning, because West has promised me the keys to Dot today. I’m Red’s level of giddy and I can’t help it. Ready to go, I’m surprised to see the guys hovering outside of my door when I open it.
“Err, good morning, everything okay?” I ask, eyeing them all.
“Yeah, apparently Parker wanted to show us all something this morning. Which includes you, and he didn’t want to do it downstairs. So, here we are,” Kai answers.
God I clearly need to clear out some private time for myself, because these guys have got me all hot just from standing near me.
“Good morning angel,” Parker says as he kisses me on the side of my head.
My eyes close instinctively embracing the touch. When I finally remember to open my eyes it’s to a knowing grin on Roman’s face. Acehole. Parker takes off his jacket and hands it off
