Beautiful Ink

by Nicole Reed

  I turn to look out of the back window and notice the fast-approaching motorcycles racing toward us.

  “Hey, if they catch us, you better believe my story is that you have a gun to my head.”

  “We will be fine as soon as you turn onto the next street. Don’t slow down,” Luke says, looking ahead.

  We corner on two wheels when Mikey takes the turn too sharp, but the sight at the end of the road is a welcome one. Police cars line the road. We come to a screeching halt beside them.

  “I am going to tell them that you were giving us a friendly escort out of town,” Luke says to Mikey. “You tell Ward that not a word about what just happened will be relayed to any of the authorities, only because I don’t want Helen to have to stick around to testify. We are disappearing. He is best off forgetting we exist, and that we includes anyone she has met these past couple of years. If something happens to any of us, there will not be an MC left in Harmony. I promise him that,” Luke says, opening the door to help me out.

  He ushers me inside the backseat of a police car, speaking to one of the cops at the same time to explain the situation. After his statement, he slides in beside me, staring out of the back window toward the commotion we’re leaving behind.

  The beat of my heart pounds loudly in my head. My adrenaline rush burns itself out quickly, leaving me emotionally back at ground zero. Every single second of the last hour seems almost too incomprehensible for words. I can’t believe Hold sacrificed himself once again for me. What is Ward going to do to him?

  The memory of seeing his love as he looked at me, and his knowing that I’m leaving again, softens my heart. I shut my eyes tightly, the pain in my soul questioning if I can leave him at the mercy of the Hell’s MC. Even after what he has done to me, I don’t know if I can be the one to walk away this time.

  I glance over to see Luke staring at me. He doesn’t seem too affected by the turn of events.

  “I guess in your line of work this is just another day?” My sarcasm belies my anxiety.

  “Used to be. Now I am just an unemployed carpenter,” he says. A smile threatens at the corners of his mouth.

  My cool façade finally cracks. “Can you be serious for just one minute? We were almost shot to death. I almost lost you.” A hiccup hides the hysteria that halts my words for a minute. “What about Hold? He gave me the gun. He’s the reason we got away before ending up in an unmarked grave,” I cry, my voice breaking at the end. “How can I possibly protect Malik or Ginger from the MC?”

  “I am serious and there wasn’t a chance in hell that you were going to lose me. I plan on having the next fifty or so years to make you laugh,” he says, leaning to pull me next to him. He captures my lips with his, holding me tightly against his chest. “Don’t worry about Hold. He’s a big boy. I’m sure he will take care of himself. And I’ve already arranged to have Malik and Ginger warned and protected.” This time his kiss shoulders some of my worry.

  The touch of his mouth makes every single dangerous minute that we’ve been through worth it. I touch my tongue to his and deepen the emotional bond we are rebuilding. My hands wrap around his strong arms, holding on for dear life.

  “Where are we going?” I pull back to ask, knowing that no matter what, the MC is coming for us.

  “For now, we’ll travel overseas. Let shit settle. I thought I would take those tattoos of yours to see some exciting places,” he says, softly caressing the side of my face.

  My lips turn upwards, smiling at his play on words. I search his eyes, finding everything I am looking for deep within them. He gives me a huge grin in return.

  “Maybe we should start over,” he says, scooting back against the seat. “Hi, I’m Luke Carrity. I’m twenty-nine… I know, older than you thought, but remember, experience goes a long way.” He offers me his hand, trying his best to stifle the laughter that obviously threatens to erupt.

  I give a soft chuckle. This man in front of me is more than I have ever wanted.

  “Hello. My name is Helen Rudder. I’m a former tattoo artist who is currently on the run from her psycho MC family.”

  Merely two years ago, I would never have dreamed of writing full time and so many people have made that possible. Thank you, dear reader, for your loyal support. I am forever grateful to you!!

  To all the bloggers who have supported me throughout my journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart. None of this would have been possible without your support. Please know that I appreciate everything you do for me (even when I don’t see it). Denise T., Denise S., Lisa, Christine, Kim, Kathy, Theresa… all of you ladies are so important to me!!!

  Trina, you are without a shadow of a doubt, my sanity in this book world. You keep me grounded. And when things do not make sense, you bring clarity. I thank God (and Maryse’s Blog) that you came into my life. Books equal friends. Thank you for being the best beta reader and boss there ever was. No matter what, I am thankful for you.

  Hang Le, your covers ROCK, but it’s your friendship that means more. Thank you for all the hard work and time that you devote to me. It’s unbelievable.

  Kirsten, your input when it comes to beta reading my books are spot on and amazing. Thank you for always dropping everything to devote the time and energy in me. I am so very thankful for you and your friendship.

  Ena, you have been one of the most important people in this book life of mine. Thank you so much!! I am so happy and proud of you and wish you much success.

  Lisa Aurello, I am completely humbled and forever in your debt with the time and love you took editing Beautiful Ink. You helped me bring this story and its characters to life. Thank you seems inadequate for how I feel, but thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

  Erin Noelle, I love you. No, really, I love you!!

  Tyler Seielstad Photography, your photographs are art and inspirational. Amazing!!

  Sheena, I appreciate the love you have shown me this past year!! Big kisses!!

  Danielle, thank you so much for your support. I love you bunches!!!

  To my Reed’s Street Team ladies, thank you all for your continuing support and love. You guys ROCK!!

  My road team, Lynn and Christan, you are more than family. Thank you for all that you do!! Mom… I love you. Who cares if we never see “eye to eye”… we keep it real!! Heather & Penny, I’ll have you reading yet.

  To my Dad who is always supportive, even if I don’t let him read my books.

  Shannon, Cannon, Reese, and Madi Grace, it has been a rough year, but we keep it going because we are family. Thank you for taking care of me throughout. I love you all!!

  Nicole Reed is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Ruining You. She is a true Southern girl, enjoying life with her husband and three children in the peachy state of Georgia. As a child, she discovered another world between the pages of a book. In 2012, she self-published her first book Ruining Me, and then followed it with Ruining You, Cake, and Wasted Heart. Her books have also been listed on the overall Top 100 Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestselling list. She is represented by Ginger Clark with Curtis Brown, LTD. You can follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authornicolereed, Twitter @nicole1reed, and her website www.nicolereedbooks.com.