The women exchange looks of approval, and Angel winks at me like we're sharing a secret. It feels strange to be accepted like this by these women who barely know me. Strange, but good.
Hawk positions himself behind me, his chest against my back as he reaches around to demonstrate how to hold the tattoo gun. "Like this," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.
His hands engulf mine, showing me the proper grip, the right angle, the correct pressure. His voice rumbles against my back as he explains each step, patient and thorough. I try to focus on his instructions rather than the way his body feels pressed against mine, but it's nearly impossible.
"Keep your hand steady," he instructs, his voice dropping lower. "Nice and easy."
When he finally steps back and lets me try on my own, I miss his warmth immediately. The machine buzzes to life in my hand.
"Start with this outline here," Hawk points to a simple section of the blade. "Just like drawing with a pencil, but you can't erase."
I take a deep breath and lower the needle to Sophie's skin. The first line is shaky, but as I continue, I find a rhythm. There's something mesmerizing about watching the ink flow into skin, creating permanent art with each pass of the needle.
"That's it," Hawk encourages, hovering close. "You're a natural."
Angel and Luna watch with fascination as I complete a small section of the outline. Their encouragement bolsters my confidence, and I find myself smiling despite my concentration.
After I've completed the sections Hawk deemed beginner-level, he takes over, settling into his chair with practiced ease. I watch, transfixed, as his large hands move with surprising delicacy, the machine an extension of himself.
"See how I'm shading here?" He glances up at me, eyes intent beneath heavy brows. "Light touch, circular motion."
I lean in, studying his technique, but find myself equally drawn to watching his face. The fierce concentration softens his features slightly, revealing the artist beneath the intimidating biker exterior. His mohawk, those tattoos, the leather cut hanging on a hook nearby—all markers of danger. Yet here he is, creating something beautiful with such care.
"You're amazing at this," I murmur.
His eyes flick to mine briefly, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Been doing it a long time."
"It shows." I gesture toward the photographs lining his station. "Your work is incredible."
"Yours could be too." He continues working, not looking up. "You could apprentice, learn the trade."
The suggestion catches me off guard. An apprenticeship? A future I never considered suddenly unfolds before me—one where I'm not just surviving, but creating. Building something for myself.
"You think I could really do this?" My voice comes out smaller than I intended.
Hawk pauses, meeting my gaze directly. "Without a doubt."
Something warm unfurls in my chest at his certainty. This man—this fierce, dangerous-looking man who's shown me nothing but gentleness since finding me—believes in me more after one day than my uncle ever did.
Sophie winces slightly as Hawk works on a tender spot near her wrist bone, and Angel immediately launches into a story about her first tattoo to distract her. The women laugh together easily, including me in their banter as if I've always been part of their circle.
"So you'll definitely come tomorrow, right?" Luna asks as Hawk finishes the final touches on Sophie’s new ink.
"Come where?" I glance between them, confused.
"The Halloween charity run," Angel explains. "The whole club rides out to raise money for the children's hospital. There's a big party after at the clubhouse."
"It's gonna be super fun," Luna adds.
I hesitate, unsure how to respond. These women assume I'm staying, that whatever is happening between Hawk and me is something real. How do I explain that I'm just a temporary guest in his life? That I can't keep imposing on his kindness? That I need to figure out where to go from here?
"Of course she's coming," Hawk answers for me, wrapping Sophie's fresh tattoo with a protective film.
The women beam at me, and I find myself nodding along, confused but elated by the inclusion into their world.
"You'll finally get to meet Rose," Angel says. “She and Cipher haven't been out much since baby Lucas was born.”
After we say our goodbyes and Sophie thanks me effusively, the women gather their things to leave. Angel hugs me tightly before she walks out, whispering, "We're so happy he found you," in my ear.
