Back and forth I push and pull, grinding up against her. And she gives herself over to me. And it’s fireworks. Always fireworks. Nothing but bright electric light. Sparking everywhere. The darkness is gone. And it feels so fucking good. After a year of drowning in the pain, I feel alive. It finally feels like everything’s going to be okay. Not just okay. But really fucking good.
24
Madison
“Your last appointment is here, boss.”
Skully looks up from his station and his entire face lights up. I don’t think he realized who his next client was. His schedule is always so booked, he probably didn’t even look at his appointment book to know I was coming. He goes nonstop. Honestly, I don’t know how he does it. But I think it’s because he finally feels like he has a purpose again. And he’s so passionate about what he does now.
At first, it was his brothers who came to him wanting tattoos. They all wanted him to memorialize Rubble on their skin, just like he had for Ripper. And after that, they started coming to him for all of their ink. He was booked solid for months. Then word started to get out. People began asking the men where they got their art, and now, my man has a full-blown tattoo business. He finally expanded and got this place so that outsiders weren’tcoming on the compound. It's amazing what he’s built. And he’s making some serious cash doing it.
Until I started doing the books for him, I had no idea how much tattoo artists made. He’s making my dad’s annual income look like peanuts. It’s interesting how my parents always looked down their noses at tattoo artists and people of the like, but Skully is way more successful and way more talented. Same goes for all of them. They may be covered in grease from working on cars or dirt from building houses, but they are by no means poor or lower class. Personally, I think they’re richer than everyone I grew up with, because these men know the value of life and love. And that means more than gold.
“What are you doin’ here, babe?”
He pulls me between his legs, and I melt right into his arms. I missed him today. Same as every day I’m not working at the shop. My addiction for him is growing.
“You know, if you wanted to see me, all you had to do was ask. I’ll always make time for you.”
“I came for a tattoo.”
His eyes perk up. “My baby wants ink, huh? What do you want to get?”
I shift off his lap and start unbuttoning my blouse. As each button comes free, his eyes grow darker. His nostrils flaring when I slide my fingers across my breasts.
“I was thinking you could write Property of Skully right here.”
A growl comes from his chest as I’m yanked back between his legs.
“Damn right, you’re mine.” He places a kiss over the spot, lighting flames across my skin. The tingles stir and I’m not sure I can wait until after we’re finished. I need him.
“Don’t want to cover up an inch of these perfect breasts, babe. Besides, I kind of had something else in mind for yourfirst.” He shifts forward, reaching for something from inside his desk. “I was thinking I could give you one right here?” He takes my hand in his and draws a circle around the base of my ring finger. “Our wedding vows scrolled in a band.”
The air is suddenly trapped inside my pounding chest. It feels like he might be asking me to marry him, but I don’t want to mistake his words. But then…he holds up the most brilliant diamond ring, and I know I’m not mistaken. It’s really happening.
“Baby?” My heart stops in its tracks. “You have owned my heart since the moment you walked into that fair and stared up at the Ferris wheel with those wondrous eyes. Watching the twinkling lights with a gleam on your beautiful face. In that moment, I knew I’d do whatever I had to to get you to look at me that way.” Oh God, the tears are already slipping. “Every second I’m with you, you make me feel like I’m on top of that ride. Close to heaven and the twinkling stars. Nothin’ but beauty surrounding me. If I know one thing, it’s that you’re the one I want to ride through life with. Marry me, Madison? Say you’ll be mine.”
The tears slip down my cheeks. This is the moment I prayed for. Ever since the night we met. He was the first one to show me what kindness and respect truly feel like. And now, watching him heal, watching him get stronger, seeing the confidence and pride gleaming in his eyes, it’s the best feeling. And he pours it all out into me. Every single day he makes me feel special.
“Babe, you’re killing me here.”
My lips curve up. “Took you long enough, mister. Been waiting a long time for you to ask.”
He pulls me forward, his face lit with those dimples. My sexy bad boy in his black leather, painted in ink. God, he’s beautiful. He slips the ring on my finger, and then he kisses me until every thought fades.
The kiss grows hotter, and he hoists me up onto his table. His tongue deepening the need with every lick. “Pull those panties aside and show me, babe.”
God, I love when he makes his demands. I shift back, spreading my legs, tugging the material to the side. A beastly growl emanates from his chest, making me feel his desire all the way to my toes.
“Always so eager.” His nostrils flare, no doubt witnessing the mess I’m currently making of myself. “And always so fucking tasty.”
He drops his head, burrowing between my legs. The rush of sensation hitting on impact. The adrenaline and need fully pumping through my veins. I grip his head, holding on while he takes me for a ride on his tongue. Twisting and turning. Winding me up slow and steady, like a steep climb to the top. And then…it’s like a free fall. His tongue fluttering over my clit, plummeting me straight into the orgasm. The thrill rushing through every nerve. It’s such a ride. Every single time.
The pulses slowly coast to a stop, his kisses turning soft and sweet, and my lungs finally fill again. I open my eyes, and he’s watching me, looking up with wonder. Like I’m his favorite attraction. And I’ve never felt so loved.
25
Skully
