The Right Kind of Love (6 page)

Sydney

“H
ey, Damien, thanks for helping me get everything up into the apartment. I appreciate it.” I slipped off my shoes and my feet felt the cold pine wood floor. It felt so much better than being outside in the miserable heat. I could tell it was going to be a scorcher today. Maybe I would go for a swim later.

He opened the fridge and put away my milk, veggies, and some of my other perishables. “It’s truly no problem. I would be happy to show you around more tonight when I get off work.”

Oh, for the love of all that is holy, I could only imagine the kind of places he would take me. “I think I’ll be fine on my own. Thanks.”

“Well, if you change your mind, just let me know. We can hit a great dive I like to frequent. The place isn’t too rowdy and it’s full of regulars who just belly up to the bar for a stiff drink and cozy conversation.” He shut the fridge door.

“Oh, lovely, a dive. I think I’ll pass. Plus, I wouldn’t want to come between any skanks you might need to bang later.” My cell alerted me that I had a text so I whipped it out of my pocket.

“Well for your information, I can still pick up with you there. Maybe we could work a three-way.” He gave me a wink.

“OH MY GOD, Damien. Really, you’re going way too far with this. You’re such a filthy minded man.”

I opened up the text.

Wes: Where are you, baby. I’m sorry for what I did. Come home.

I felt bile rise in my throat and quickly ran to the hall bathroom emptying all of my contents from breakfast. I can’t believe that he texted me and let alone saying he was sorry. What kind of sick fuck was he? You don’t do what he did and get forgiveness.

I looked up and Damien was standing at the door. “You okay there?”

Quickly standing up, I went to the sink and washed out my mouth and washed my hands. I needed to get my shit together. I was stronger than this. I could overcome this. I just needed more time to build up my full mojo.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.” I looked down at the floor. I didn’t want him to see the fear that I know was showing on my face. I felt myself tremble, and I had no doubt I was white as a freaking ghost.

“Let’s go sit for a few minutes and get you a bottle of water.” He walked over to me and rubbed slow, soothing circles on my back as we walked back to the main living space. I almost broke away from his hand because I couldn’t fathom being touched by a man after the text I got. But then it started to feel soothing and I relaxed a bit.

He went to the fridge and pulled out two bottles of water. He twisted the cap off one and handed it to me. “Here, drink this but take baby sips so you don’t get sick again. I have some medicine in my room if you want it?” He had a genuinely concerned look on his face. He was being so nice to me, and I’d just been a complete bitch.

“Thanks, I’ll be fine. I just need to sit for a few seconds and calm my nerves.” To say I was fried was a complete understatement. My nerves were flipping all over the place.

“Take your time, babe.”

I let out a breath that I didn’t realize I was holding and then tried to take deep breaths to calm my nerves. It was starting to help and the water felt cleansing. I could NEVER let him find me again.

NEVER.

There is some part of me that feels like I should have pressed charges, but honestly, I didn’t want things to be any messier than what they were. It would completely destroy things back in Detroit. This move was for the best, even if I was stuck living with a man-whore who was clearly trying to be kind to me at this moment.

“I think I’m good. I appreciate you being there for me.”

“You want to talk about it?” I clearly wasn’t fooling him. He had to have known that text upset me.

“No, I’m good.” But really was I good? I felt like I such a liar.

“Here. Give me your phone. I want us to exchange numbers.” Not thinking, I took my phone out of my back pocket and handed it to him. He looked down and I noticed he wasn’t typing his digits. Shit. He must be reading my text. Shit. I didn’t want him to know my business. I tried grabbing it out of his hands, but he just turned away from me.

“Are you running from something, Sydney?” He was looking straight at me bold brown eyes to Jade.

I bit my bottom lip.

Shit.

Fuck.

Hell.

“No.” I lied again. “Let’s just exchange numbers, okay?” I took another sip of my water trying to wash away some of my shame.

“Sure, yeah, I can do that.” I heard his phone ring in his pocket. He grabbed it out of his pants and silenced it.

“I’m gonna head back to my room and get my bed made.” I started walking in the direction of my room, and he and Zeus were hot on my heels.

“I have another half hour. I could help you if you want,” he said while following me into my room.

“Sure, that would be great if you wouldn’t mind hanging the curtains?” He was being really sweet to me. Maybe we could be friends.

“Yeah, no problem. Let me go get my drill.” He walked out of my room.

I walked over to my bed and picked up the packages and started pulling everything out. I was just placing down the flat sheet when Damien walked back into the room. He went to work on my curtains without saying a word. We worked in comfortable silence each doing our own tasks and finished at the same time.

Stepping back away toward the door, I looked at everything we had just put up and all of the changes. “I have to admit my room looks stellar. If only I could change the wall color, it would be even better.”

“Looks good, Sydney.” He paused and looked down at his shoes like they were the most interesting things in the world. “I’m gonna take off for work now. If you need anything, anything at all, or you get bored and you just want to talk to someone, you have my digits call or text me. I don’t have a full schedule today, so I’m pretty free with the exception of walk-ins.”

“Will do, Damien.” I looked over at my inviting bed. “I think I might take a nap. I didn’t sleep too well last night.”

He started chuckling. The asswipe clearly knew why I hadn’t slept well last night. “Stop laughing. If it weren’t for you and your skank making all of the damn noise, I would have slept just fine.”

“What can I say? I like to keep it real.” His lips turned up into a smile.

“You are such an ass. Now get out of my room.” I hid my grin, as I said, whiplash.

“So I guess this means you aren’t up for a threesome tonight?”

“Get out, right now. I don’t want to hear anymore from your vile mouth.” He started to back up out of my room while I pushed him with all of my might out the door.

“Out. Now,” I said with force behind my words.

Damien

I
had been at work a little over three hours and had only done one tattoo. I had a regular on my schedule that was coming in to get some of the color done on his piece he had on his back. It was a huge fucking piece and cost him a mint. I honestly think it was some of the best work I’ve ever done.

My little diva popped into my mind for no apparent reason other than I was a bit concerned. She had really been rocked by that text message she got from some Wes dude. I didn’t know if he was an ex-boyfriend or who the hell he was, but he was pouring out his undying love for her like a complete pussy.

If there was one thing I could guarantee I wouldn’t do was act like a damn crybaby over a girl, and I certainly would never be one to get pussy whipped. This fucker hit the mark for all on that checklist. It made no sense. If she received a gushy text from a dude, then why was so upset about it—and afraid.

My curiosity was fucking tweaking. She was obviously running from something. Maybe she got out of a bad relationship. There was something, but I couldn’t seem to put my damn finger on it.

“Hey, dude, I’m going to go grab some dinner. Do you want me to get you anything?” My second in command had been busy all day.

“No, Troy. I’m thinking about heading out early tonight and letting you close shop once you are done with your appointment you have at eleven.” I looked down at my watch it was nearing six o’clock.

“Right on. I won’t be gone long. My next appointment isn’t due until eight. It should only take me an hour or so, some chick want’s a butterfly done on her hip.” He walked toward the door and threw over his shoulder. “If you change your mind just text me the order, I’m going to Chubby’s.”

I went back to sketching and my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was probably Troy texting to say he forgot his wallet or some shit like that. He was always hitting me up for money.

Pulling out my phone from my pocket, I swiped the screen to unlock it. I was shocked as shit to see a text from Sydney.

Sydney: Hey Damien. I thought I would see if you still had time to give me a tattoo and possibly a piercing if you do those types of things?

Me: Sure, you want me to pierce your kitty?

Sydney: Kitty?

Me: Yeah, you know, your clit, pussy, vagina? Whatever you refer to it as.

I hit send and knew I was going to get blasted for that text. I just loved to stir the pot with her. There’s just something extremely fun about getting under her skin.

Sydney: Pig!!

Me: Prude

Sydney: Man-whore

Me: No, seriously, all joking aside, you want me to ink you and give you a piercing?

Sydney: Well, I may have changed my mind now. No thanks to your crude comments.

Me: You’ll get over it, you diva. Now, are you coming here or what?

Sydney: diva?

Me: Yeah you act like a diva most of the time.

Sydney: I’m not a diva. I just am not one of your skanky whores so you gave me a title that clearly doesn’t fit.

Me: Whatever you say. So are you coming to get some ink and piercing or what?

Sydney: Fine. Give me some directions.

I quickly typed out directions with cross streets and everything so she wouldn’t get lost. It should only take her about ten minutes to get here depending on traffic.

Well, I guess my night was looking up.

Me: Hey, you can bring the rat if you want.

Sydney: Uh. He’s not a rat. He’s an adorable Chihuahua.

Me: Yeah, he’s all right. Bring him. We are slow here and he can hang out with us.

Sydney: Only if you’re sure. He loves to go places with me.

Me: I wouldn’t have suggested it if I didn’t mean it.

Sydney: Well, all right then. We’ll see you soon.

Setting my phone down, I went to the front of the shop to get my portfolio. I wanted her to have all of the options available for her tat and to see what I could do. I had mad skills.

Troy strolled back in with a bag dripping grease. Damn that shit smelled good. My stomach rumbled a little. I should have had him pick me up some grub while he was there. Maybe I’d see if Sydney wanted to get some Chubby’s after we were finished.

Maybe.

Getting up from my chair, I headed back to the break room to get an energy drink. I was addicted to those things. I needed the extra juice to push through the night. Fortunately, I didn’t get the shakes from the shit, but just the boost I needed.

Heading back out front, I went back to my station, which is in a room by itself. The shop was set up with a reception desk where Ginger, our shop girl, greeted customers and helped get the client to the right artist. Then we each had our own 12” x 12” room complete with a table and station. There were six rooms total although we only had five artists. It allowed the customer to have privacy when getting their ink done and the artist the opportunity to concentrate on what they were doing.

When I first got the shop, it was a blank canvas. I had to have the rooms built and we threw up some Dove gray paint on the walls and painted the trim black in the reception area. The walls in the artist rooms were a cobalt blue with black trim. It really was a kick ass shop. Although my father didn’t see it as an accomplishment, I felt proud as shit with what I’d achieved. Hell, I was only 25 years old and I had my own business. Now, I wasn’t making a killing, but I was doing decently. My clientele list kept growing and the shop saw more and more traffic. If I hadn’t gotten myself into credit card debt when I was in my late teens and early twenties, I wouldn’t have needed a damn roommate to help take care of some of the bills. But in all actuality, I kinda liked having the company. Coming from a big family, I hated to be alone.

I was pulled away from my thoughts when I heard the bell on the door chime. I stepped out of my room hoping it was Sydney. And indeed, it was her and Zeus. She set Zeus on the ground and he came barreling toward me.

Gathering him up in my arms, he started lavishing my face with puppy kisses. For a rat, he was damn cute and such a loving little guy.

“Hey, little dude, what’s up?” I scratched him behind his ear and his tail started wagging a mile a minute. I had to admit this dog loved me and well, he was growing on me.

“Hey, Damien, nice shop you got here.” Sydney gave me a warm smile. I had to admit, I loved it when she smiled at me, which has been rare with all of our damn bickering. Her face lit up the entire room when she smiled.

“You have a beautiful smile, Sydney. I don’t see it often enough.” I returned her smile.

And she blushed.

It wasn’t just a light blush.

It was a full on pink.

She cleared her throat. “Well, thank you. It’s nice to have a reason to smile.”

Hmm, I wonder what that meant. Thinking back to the text from earlier, I wondered if she was thinking about that Wes dude.

“So let’s talk about what you want.” I motioned for her to come into my room. I handed her my portfolio.

She took it from me. “I’m not sure I need to look, Damien. I’ve been mulling it over a lot longer than just today, and well, I’m pretty confident about what I want to do.”

“Spill.”

“Well…” She bit her bottom lip. “I want my belly button pierced.”

“You mean we aren’t doing your kitty? Shit. I was all excited.” I tried not to laugh, but a little chuckle slipped out.

She gave me her wicked eyes. “You better not start with that shit or else my ass is going to march right out of here. Can you please be serious and not a pig for once?”

I pulled on my serious mask and really focused on her. “Sorry, yeah, shoot. Tell me what else you want. And you have to know I was just playing with you. It’s obvious you aren’t the type of girl to get that type of piercing.”

“Well, thank you. No, I’m not that type. So anyway, around my belly button I want you to do a tribal sun. I’ve seen them on people and I think they look really kick ass.” She seemed nervous about how I would react, which was odd since this little diva was pure confidence.

“I think that will kick some ass, Syd, err… um, Sydney.” I went to shut my door and put Zeus down so he could run around in here. “Let’s get you inked first and then we can do the piercing. Okay?”

“Great, that sounds awesome. Thank you so much for doing this for me. I really appreciate it and promise to return the favor with as many haircuts as you’d like.” I motioned for her to get on the chair and she hopped up.

“What about the massage?” I honestly couldn’t help myself. I had to razz her.

“Give me a break, already.” She gave me a teasing smile.

If I played my cards right, I knew that someday I would get the massage I was teasing her about.

I went to setting up my equipment, putting on gloves, getting needles and my ink out. “So you’ve had a tattoo before and know what to expect?”

She rolled her eyes at me. “Yes, I’m totally good with it.”

“Well, maybe you should show me your tattoo so I can see for myself?”

“Fat chance that’ll happen.” She narrowed her eyes at me.

Damn. I guess I wasn’t going to get to see the tattoo she had, but you couldn’t fault a man for trying. She probably had a Unicorn on her ass or some stupid shit like that. It got old doing tattoos like that. I was actually thrilled that she wanted me to do some tribal art. Now that was what I was fucking talking about.

“All right, I’m gonna start.” She gave me a panicked look.

“Wait. Aren’t you going to draw something up and then put it on my skin first and trace over it with your machine?” She sat up.

“Actually, no. This won’t take long at all, and I’m confident I can free hand it and give you exactly what you want. I’m a professional, babe. I got it under control. Can you just roll with it and trust me?” I stared into her jade orbs.

“Well, I suppose, as long as you’re sure. I’m just not sure how I feel about not seeing it first. Would you mind drawing it up first?” She gave me a pleading look.

I set my tattoo machine down and took off my gloves. “Sure, Sweets, if that will make you happy, then it’s not a problem. I’ll be right back. It shouldn’t take me long.”

Coming back into the room after drawing up her tribal sun, I walked into her snuggled up with Zeus on the reclining chair. “Hey, I got it done.” I handed it to her. “What do you think?”

She took it from me and looked at it, scrutinizing over every detail. “Damien, this is perfect. Thank you so much.”

“Awesome. All right, you can lie back down, and we’ll get this show on the fucking road.” Just then, my stomach chose that time to betray me and growl.

Sydney looked at me. “So now you’re the one who’s hungry?”

“Yeah, I haven’t eaten yet. I’m pretty ravenous. I was thinking maybe you and I could go get a bite after we’re done here?” I put on a fresh pair of gloves and got her ready.

“I’m actually hungry as well, so that would work.” Wow, she was actually agreeing to go out and eat with me. This was huge baby steps for her.

Fucking baby steps.

“Cool, all right. I’m gonna get to inking.” I settled the machine over her flesh and went to work. I had to make the tattoo just right so it wouldn’t interfere with the piercing I planned to give her.

Forty-five minutes later and I was finishing her tattoo. “All done, this looks fucking slick.”

I had to admit, looking at all of her milky flesh had my dick throbbing in my pants. She was pure perfection.

Utter perfection.

“Cool, can I see it now?” I grabbed the mirror off my table and she looked at it. “This is perfect, Damien. You are amazing at what you do.”

‘Well, thank you. I’m glad you like it. Let’s get your piercing done and then we can get this covered up for you.”

She looked at me with a bit of hesitation. “Is the piercing going to hurt?”

Hmm. How to answer that question. It wasn’t going to
not
hurt. Anytime you pierced your skin with a needle, you would experience some feeling that wasn’t pleasant. “Well, I won’t lie. It does hurt, but then the pain goes away. I think you’ll totally be fine.”