My Libertine (Trio Book 2) (20 page)

“Looks good.” He says not even looking at the sheet keeping his eyes locked on me. “Come on back and I will stick you with my needle.” He turns breaking his gaze and walks back to the room where he came from. I glance over at Dez, for what I don't know, assurance maybe?

“He’s good people. No worries babe.” I hate that he still calls me that, but I ignore it and walk back to the door Stoke is holding open for me. Walking past him as quickly as I can trying not to touch him but it doesn't work. He leans in closer when I pass him and surprisingly it doesn't make me uncomfortable. It does, however, make the unfamiliar tingle that much more intense.

“What are we doing today?” he asks. I knew this part was going to be hard, but with him, it will be even harder. I take a deep breath and decide to just say it. He’s a professional right?

“I want my nipples pierced,” I say with as much confidence as I can muster. The grin that has been plastered on his face growing.

“Well it is just my lucky day then isn't it.” For some reason this makes me smile. A shy smile but it's there.

“Or mine,” I say surprising myself.

“Well let's do it then shall we? Take off them shirts of yours and I will get my shit ready.” He turns giving me some privacy.

I'm wearing a light blue tank top with a dark blue cardigan. It’s still cool out not quite spring yet so I can keep wearing the layers. I hate exposing my skin, I feel so naked, with layers it gives me a sense of protection. I'm down to my tank top and I snake off my bra out from under the shirt and set it with my cardigan on a small table next to a chair. I go over to the hot seat and sit down, pulling my straps off my shoulders. Stoke turns back to me.

“Pull down your shirt. Let me get a look at those tits of yours, see what we are working with.” I guess I was wrong about him being professional.

“Rude much?” I ask lowering my top exposing my erect nipples. I think they have been that way since I walked in and saw him. He makes a noise in the back of his throat I can't place before he moves forward and examines my breasts. At first, he just looks but then he starts touching them. Caressing them in a way that I really don't think he needs to do for the piercing process.

“Do you need to see how firm they are before you stick them with your needle?” I don't know where my bluntness is coming form, maybe I'm channeling my inner Linn.

“Nope. Sure, don't.” He winks then steps back turning around to the counter top where his equipment is.

“Alright, this will be cold.” He brings up an alcohol pad and swipes it over one nipple then the other. It's cool but the returning goosebumps aren't because of the pad. When he is done he blows on them softly then goes about his task quickly. The needle pushing through my flesh sends a sharp sting throughout my body. I welcome the pain. It gives me a rush. When I got my tattoo I found something that gave me peace, a solace I got from the bite of the needle. If I could handle someone touching my body for longer periods of time then I would probably have more ink than just the one piece.

“Not even a flinch. You’re a tuff one aren't you?” he says as he fastens the barbells into place. They look amazing. He runs through the aftercare instructions handing me a sheet of instructions on how to care for my new piercings. “Dez did a piece on you right?” he questions. Dez is the only one who has seen the tattoo and that is only because he put it there.

“Yes.” Is all I say.

“Can I see it?” for some reason I want to show it to him. Maybe it's the way he makes me feel or maybe I have just been wanting to share my secret with someone, I don't know. I find myself standing up in front of him and slowly pulling my shirt up and over my head. Then unbuttoning my pants to pull them down just enough to show the whole thing. A Phoenix spanning from just under my right breast all the way down past my panty line just above my pubic bone. Instead of rising from fire or ash he is coming out of roses with thorns trying to hold him back as he breaks through. It covers things, things I don't think Stoke can see at first because Dez is such a good artist.

“That's fucken sweet.” He says and continues to examine my artwork then brushes his fingers across a rose making me flinch slightly at the contact. It’s the rose that covers up the first scar, the biggest one. I know now he sees them, the scars, but he doesn't say a word. “Tuff one.” He mutters in a hushed tone then backs away.

I start buttoning up my pants then grab my shirt putting it back on. I look up and see he is still looking at me with interest.

“What?” I ask and grab my white bra off the floor. It's innocent. Virginal. I don't own anything other than white bras and boy short Cotton panties. Nothing sexy for me. I wouldn't know how to be sexy.

“You seeing anyone?” he asks catching me off guard.

“Um. No, I'm not.” I pause for a moment. “I don't want to either. Thank you for the piercings. You did a good job.” I take my bra and slip it into my purse then slide my cardigan on over my tank top. Trying to end the conversation we are not having I go to the door.

“That’s too bad. Wouldn't mind getting myself in between them thighs of yours. Tit piercings like that need to be played with properly.” I really should be offended my his remarks but instead, it sends a flood of wetness between the thighs he was referring to. I don't even know what to say so I just walk out the door. Closing it quickly behind me.

I walk up to the desk to pay for my piercings. Stoke is right behind me going to stand next to Dez at the desk. “She doesn't owe nothing. It’s on me.” Stoke says to Dez getting a surprised look from him.

“Alright man. You get your instructions?” he asks.

“She got em.” Stoke answers for me receiving another look from Dez. “I’ll walk you out.” I go to tell him there is no need to but before I know it Stoke is right next to me and we are walking outside. The door shuts behind us and I head for my car. Yes, I have a car now. I finally grew up and got one. At least now I don't have to convince anyone to let me use it. Depth perception my ass. I have one little mishap with a light pole and I'm labeled a bad driver.

“What do you say?” Stoke says.

“Say about what?” I stop and turn to him.

“Can I take you out sometime? We could have some fun.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me. He is so damned rude. I want to give him a piece of my mind but I find myself liking his crudeness.

“I don't date sorry,” I tell him again then turn and start toward my car. He walks right along with me not letting me get too far ahead of him.

“Look I know I'm an ass.” I shoot him a look that says ‘you think?’ he just smiles at me. “A big ass. Hell, my name is Richard. Guess my mama knew I was going to be a Dick when I grew up so she named me properly.”

“What is Stoke then?” I ask, curiosity piqued now.

“Last name. Richard Stoke.”

“Lucky it's not Richard Stroke,” I say surprising myself. He booms out a laugh and agrees with me.

“I like you. You got this whole timid thing going on yet you are tatted and pierced up and sexy as hell to boot. You’re just different. I’ve been looking for different.” Looking for different? What does that even mean?

“I don't…”

“Date. I know.” He says. “See we are meant to be I can finish your sentences already.” I smile at his arrogance.

“It was nice to meet you Stoke.” I tell him opening my car door. He makes a show of taking an imaginary dagger and stabbing it into his heart.

“Not giving up babe!” he shouts after I close the door behind me. I give him a smile and put the car in reverse. Backing out I see he is still watching me with the same crooked smile that hasn't left his face since I first set eyes on him. Driving away I glance up into the rear-view mirror and see him still standing there.

I sure this won’t be the last time I see Stoke especially if he has anything to say about it.

From the author

First off I would like to thank you for reading my second book in this series. Writing is new to me but I'm finding it to be very fun. Please if you liked this book leave a review! And if you didn't please leave one anyway! I still want to hear from you. Thank you!

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Books From Joy

Trio series

My Anchor

Linn’s Story

My Libertine

Shana’s Story

My Mean Boy

Cristal’s Story

(coming soon)

Reckoning Series

Safe

Fight

(coming soon)