Black Hart

by L. J. Swartz

  I pick up the empty bottle pissed that it's gone. Jesus, that probably means I have a problem, but whatever. I put on a pair of ripped knee jeans, a white t shirt, and my gray button down sweater before grabbing my favorite black beanie and tugging it over my messy ass hair. I sit on the edge of the bed and reach out grabbing my chucks. I stand and shake my head at myself in the mirror. I look ok if you don't notice how sunk in and dark my eyes are. I should just stay here and catch up on some sleep, or watch a movie marathon, or anything instead of going to the liquor store. I walk over grabbing my keys off the table next to the bed. Liquor store sounds like a better idea. I'll sleep better once I get a little buzz on. Today is my second day off in a row. Gives me too much time to think..... too feel. I need to slow my head down. I open the door. The sunlight makes me squint. I lock the door before closing it behind me then jog down the steps. I won't make that mistake again. Some little punk robbed me a few weeks ago. I ran out to the liquor store and when I came back everything down to the soap in my shower was gone. That's what I get for staying in a seedy motel and being in too much of a hurry to lock the damn door. I'm about to make my way across the parking lot when I hear, "Dalton where are you going?" I can't help the smile that creeps to my lips. Sometimes life has a funny way of sending you just what you need. I turn around to face my most recent pass time, Abigail. "What are you doing here sweetheart?" I wiggle my eye brows knowing exactly what she's here for. She steps to me sliding her hands up under my shirt digging her nails into my stomach as she drags them back down. "Well I got moved to the late shift at work. I was grabbing coffee at Mabel's after a long night and ran into Dave. He told me you were off, so here I am." She looks over my shoulder then back to my face. "Are you leaving?" She pouts trying to be sexy. It's not. If she didn't let me do all the dirty things I want to her, I wouldn't even waste my time. Having someone tell you yes to everything you want is hard to walk away from. "I was, but it can wait." I wrap one arm around her back pulling her to me. She smiles up at me then stands on her tip toes pressing her lips to mine. I kiss her back out of obligation. I'd much rather take her in my room, get her from behind, and move along about my day. But I've come to learn woman need a certain amount of intimacy. Even the freaky ones. I take my lips from hers and nod toward my hotel room. "Let's go." She steps back and turns toward the stairs. I smack her ass making her jump. She looks over her shoulder with a raised eye brow. I wink at her and watch her fine ass as she starts up the steps. I've been living here for three months now. I had an apartment and a roommate, but he got sent to prison for drugs. Truth is he is my best friend from high school, and I was living with him for free since his rich ass parents were paying the rent. Once he got sent away they didn't need to pay for his rent anymore leaving me homeless. Whatever I'll find a place eventually. But for now the Majestic Motel feels like where I belong. It's anything but majestic. I'm really no one worth mentioning. I'm a loner. Loners live in shady places like run down nasty ass motels. We get to my door. I unlock it then motion her in. She steps in then turns to me. She's wearing that look to let me know I'm free to do as I want with her. She's a part time waitress/substitute teacher. I met her when she came in to get tattooed about a month ago. I thought she was a goody two shoes. She came in all dressed like a teacher. A sexy one, but still a teacher. She got a large side tattoo. Not only did I find out that her conservative sweater covered some pretty incredible tattoos, but she took me in the bathroom to give me a "tip." She knew what to do with the tip for sure. I throw my keys toward the bedside table. They teeter on the edge then drop to the floor. I step to her sliding my hands to her ass pulling her to me. She groans as she runs her hands up into my hair, knocking my hat to the floor. I'm trying something new folicly. So far women seem to love it. I usually shave my head to show off my tattoos, but recently decided to let it grow out a bit. I keep the sides shaved, but let the top grow out. It's a Mohawk kind of style. I like when chicks tug on it during sex. The pain/pleasure of it all appeals to me. I look into her dull brown eyes. "So Abby what are you looking for today?" She smiles seductively. "Anything you want." That makes my dick jump in my pants. I haven't had sex since last week when she came over after a late shift. I'm not a monogamy kind of guy, but sometimes it's good to have a steady around for the times like these when the women don't seem as eager. "Get naked." I bark as I step back taking my hands from her. She smirks as she shrugs her grey coat off letting it drop to the floor then grabs the hem of her tight black v neck tee. I lick my lips as she lifts it over her head. She's got a smokin body. Her tits are nice, not too big, not to small. Just a bit more than a handful. She works out doing that girlie yoga shit. I'm not complaining or anything. Her body is trim and tight. She has no problem keeping up with me stamina wise. I wear most women out. She unbuttons her tight jeans then unzips them slowly biting her lip. I clear my throat as I think about biting that lip til it bleeds. She gets her pants off and looks to me expectantly. "Naked." I whisper as I cross my arms over my chest. She reaches back unclasping her bra then lets it slide down her arms dropping it to the floor. I smile. "Your tattoo looks hot." I like getting to see my handy work healed. She smiles. "Yeah well this sexy, talented artist did it." She waves her hand down her side like Vanna White or some shit. I can't help but chuckle a bit as I take her in. She's covered from neck to naval, with a few that sneak onto her thighs. Her arms are done just from her shoulder to her arm pits. No one would ever guess she was hiding it all when she's all teacher ready. She slowly pushes her panties from her hips then lets them fall to the floor. "Get on the bed." I command as I nod to it. She moves to the bed laying on her back. I shake my head no. "On all fours." She does it without hesitation. I walk over running my finger tips along her side. I am fucking awesome if I do say so myself. She wanted this painting done on her side. I tweaked it a bit making it my own. I don't particularly like copying other people's art. She told me she likes my interpretation better. Of course she does. "You admiring your work?" Her tone makes it sound like it's a bad thing. I smack her ass hard forcing her forward a bit. She raises her eyebrow. "I didn't like your tone." I explain. She shakes her head, rolling her eyes. I smack her again. This time she moans. She's a pain/pleasure junkie like me. Some people look down on you for wanting pain with your pleasure. I guarantee you those people have never tried it. I grab her ass kneading my fingers into it. She looks over her shoulder at me. I smile then dip two fingers into her. He groans resting her head to her hands on the bed. She's always so responsive. I slide the thumb of my other hand up and down her ass crack. She's doesn't tense. She just moans louder. I know damn well she showered and groomed before she came to see me. I'm not into that all natural bullshit. I press my thumb into her puckered entrance. She gasps then pushes back against me. She's already ready for me, of course. I take my hands from her completely. "Fuck Dalton." She hisses. I smack her ass making her moan loudly then reach down undoing my pants. I push them and my boxers off my hips. Shit. I left my condoms in the bathroom. "Be right back." I hiss as I pull my pants back up. She huffs annoyed laying her head to the bed. I walk into the bathroom and grab the shopping bag I threw to the floor last night with condoms and a few other items I needed in it. I walk back into my room and push my pants back down as I step behind her to put the condom on. "Hurry up." She barks. I shake my head back and forth as I open it. Impatient bitch. She'll pay for giving me attitude. I slide it on then grab her hips. She willingly moves back toward me. I don't give her warning. I just slam into her ass. "FUCK." She calls out. I chuckle. That's what you get for snapping at me bitch. I move inside her. She's moaning already. I close my eyes letting the pleasure take over. Next to drinking, this is my only other escape. She starts to move with me slamming herself off me as I pump into her fast and hard. I lean down sl
iding my hand around pressing a finger to her clit. "Fuck yes." She calls out. I'm getting fucking close, but if I don't get her off first, she'll fucking get on me about it. She starts to really move. Come on bitch. She grabs the blankets on the bed moaning loudly as I feel her clench around me. I take my hand from her then grab her hips slamming her to me hard. She keeps on moaning calling out how great I am. I wish she'd just shut the fuck up, so I can concentrate. I think about this pretty little thing I saw at the bar a couple nights ago. Yeah I bet she'd never let me do this to her. I can dream.... now that's an idea. I picture miss pretty thing. In two seconds flat I find the release I need. I groan throwing my head back then pull from her as soon as I'm done pulsing. She drops to her stomach. "God Dalton you need to warn me next time. I felt like you were gonna rip me in half at first." I smack her ass hard causing her to jump from the bed. "You got snippy." I hiss. She shakes her head then walks over picking up her clothes mumbling something about me being an asshole. I could give a fuck less what she thinks of me. She'll be back for more, and we both know it. I walk to the bathroom and get cleaned up. When I come out, she's gone. She's learning. That's too bad since it's about time I let her move along. If I have to pretend she's someone else to get off, I need to find someone knew. I'm actually surprised it took me this long to get bored with her. I would probably hang in there a bit longer if she didn't run her mouth so much. Oh well time to hit the liquor store.

  I walk into work 20 minutes early. No one else is here yet. There are many, if not most, areas of my life I am considered to be fucking up. Work is the one thing I take seriously. I love to tattoo people. Hear their stories, give them a piece of art to have forever that makes them happy, or laugh, or remember. I glance down at my left wrist then shake my head. I don't drink before work. I like to have a clear head. Only problem is then I can think. Memories rise again. I busy myself with getting set up for my first appointment. The other guys trickle in followed by our desk clerk, Sunny. Yes she's a hippie's kid. I met her parents about a month ago when they came for a visit. Her dad is a dead head, and her mom was so stereo typical hippie, I laughed out loud when they walked through the door. She actually had flowers in her hair. Sunny doesn't look like you'd except given her upbringing. She has tattoos covering 90% of her body, bright purple hair she wears down all the time, and piercings on her lip, eye brow, and nose. Her ears are gauged to the size of golf balls. She's all around hot, but I don't mix work and pleasure, or I would have had her bent over my chair the first day she was here. She's late more times than not, and that pisses me off. I'd suggest she be fired, but Steve the owner, is boning her so she's untouchable for now. Dave, a fellow tattoo artist, is my only buddy here. We hang out outside of work. I tolerate the other two men I work with. Steve let's me keep 80% of what I charge. If he didn't, I wouldn't be here. I bring most of the business in. That's why he lets me do pretty much whatever I want. Luke is a newbie. He apprenticed here for two years and is now tattooing on his own. He's actually really talented. A bit hesitant when it comes to his skills, but I have faith he'll get there. He gets on my nerves guaranteed every day. He is just one of those people. In an ideal world I would rather have my own shop, but that's just too much damn pressure. "Dalton." Sunny calls out to me. I pull my sweater off throwing it to a chair at our drawing table as I walk over to the desk. She motions to a big man standing over by the soda machine. I instantly remember him from a few weeks ago. "Your appointment's here." I nod then walk toward him. He turns to me holding his hand out. "Hey man. How ya doin?" We shake hands. He nods then shrugs. "Can't complain I suppose." I motion toward my station. "I'm all set up." He walks over and sits in the chair I put out. I get my line work and walk over showing it to him. He asked if I'd draw him up a skeleton riding a motorcycle for on his upper arm. He doesn't look like the motorcycle riding kind. Maybe more like a principal or business owner in his polo shirt and khakis. Gotta say I'm a bit intrigued as to why he wants this particular tattoo considering it doesn't look like he has any others. He nods. "Yep that's good." Ok then. I walk over and copy it to some thermafax. I come back and put some gloves on motioning for him to push his shirt up. He slides his left shirt sleeve up and watches as I prepare his arm. I need to get the placement just right so it will flow with his large arm. I hold it up getting my positioning right then press it to his arm. I pull the paper away and check it out. Looks good. I motion to the mirror. "Check it out. Tell me if that's ok." He stands and looks in the mirror quickly then sits. "Yup." Man of not so many words. We're gonna get along just fine. I sit down and fill the clear plastic cups with the ink colors I know will make this thing badass. I dig out two fingers worth of jelly wiping it onto the plastic I laid out on my table. He watches me saying nothing. I get every thing ready then pick up my machine. I raise my eye brow asking, "You ready." He nods then looks straight ahead.

  He looks at it with tears in his eyes. So I found out it not so many words that the tattoo is for his son. He died riding his motorcycle. From what I gather he was young. He looks to me whispering, "Thanks." I pat his shoulder. "My pleasure." I get his arm cleaned up and wrapped. We walk to the desk together. Sunny looks up at me expectantly. "$200." I tell her then turn to him holding my hand out. I had him in the chair for almost three hours which should have been $300. But I had to make his tattoo perfect. Sometimes it's not about the money. It's about giving someone something so they can heal. He takes my hand shaking it. I wink at Sunny then walk over to clean up and get set up for my next appointment that should be here any minute. I just finish up when she peeks her head around the corner getting my attention. "You're up again." I nod then walk over to the kitchen and grab a soda from the fridge. I need some caffeine. What I really need is some liquor. I shake my head as I sit my drink down then walk to the desk. I look around then give Sunny a look. "Where?" She points to the sitting area across the way. I look there then swallow hard. She's fucking gorgeous. I like women and have an appreciation for all the various shapes and sizes, but this woman is beyond the normal ideals of beauty. Her skin can not be described as anything other than caramel. I bet it tastes as sweet as it looks. Her hair is black, long, and flows over her shoulders and down her back grazing just above her small, tight ass. Yoga pants are certainly every mans friend when worn by a woman like her. She has the side of her head shaved from right in front of her ear to her part to reveal a leopard print tattoo by her temple. She looks to me with a smile on her face. Her lips are full, pouty. She doesn't have on lipstick. She doesn't need it either. Her lips are the perfect shade of red naturally. I smile as I take a step toward her. I can't take my eyes off her. The perfect round emeralds that act as her eyes penetrate through me like she see's all the fucked up ugly I hide deep down. I look away for a second. I need to knock it the fuck off. She's a client, who I will tattoo, and who will leave happy like everyone else. I'd like to say I'll maybe see her later, but I can tell already she's not the kind of girl I usually pick up. She's self assured, strong. She won't just let me bang her and send her on her way. I hold my hand out to her. "Hey I'm Dalton." She takes my hand getting the cutest smirk on her face. "I know who you are. I made the appointment with you." I nod trying to hide my amusement. I'm usually smoother than this. She has me all thrown off, and I don't know if I like it or love it. I slide my hands into my pockets. "Uh I don't remember you coming in." She shakes her head back and forth as she tells me, "I didn't. I'm Luke's friend." Fuck that's right. He asked me like a month ago, or some shit, if I'd tattoo his friend when she came to visit. Something about her seeing my work and wanting me specifically. I teased the shit out of him because she wanted me and not him. He made sure to let me know he'll tattoo her someday. I smirk then meet her gaze. "What am I putting on you today?" She looks to the large tie dyed bag hanging from her shoulder pulling out a piece of paper that's folded. I take it from her then open it. I look back to her shaking my head. "I can't tattoo that, sorry." I hold the paper out to her. She doesn't take it. I drop it to the floor and turn t
o walk away. What the fuck kind of sick joke is this? "Dalton please." She pleads sounding more desperate than I can handle. I stop walking and clench my jaw. I can't believe she has that picture. I turn slowly meeting her gaze. "Where the hell did you even get that?" I hiss trying not to raise my voice. I don't need everyone knowing how upset I am. She looks embarrassed. I watch as she bends down and picks it up looking nervous as hell. "I uh.....well......I actually, um found it." The hesitation in her voice makes me calm down a bit. I raise my eye brow. "How?" She searches my face. I can tell she's scared to tell me. She should have thought about that before she showed up here with that sketch. "My dad." She whispers hesitantly. I feel like I've been kicked in the gut. It all makes sense now. She swallows hard then steps toward me resting her hand on my arm. "He passed away five years ago. I found this in his things. It brought me to tears. I've had it all this time not knowing who you were. I mean, he never talked about you. Then when Luke told me about working here with Dalton Hartwell.... I figured it had to be coincidence, that you weren't the same Dalton Hartwell that drew this." She holds up the picture again. I step back making her hand drop from my arm as I look it over. I forgot all about that fucking thing, well almost. I'm regretting that I always felt the need to sign my work. "I'm sorry to hear about Mr. LeSage. He single handedly inspired me to become this." I motion around the shop. She smiles sweetly searching my face. I can't believe he's gone. I always wondered why he never came to see me here. To see the kid he helped actually become someone. I point to the picture in her hand. "I will tattoo ANYTHING else you want, but not that." Tears spring to her eyes. Damn it. I feel the overwhelming urge to do anything I can to make her stop. To make her smile again. I step to her. She looks up at me. I didn't really notice how tiny she is until right now. I easily have a good foot on her. I'm not even that tall really only like six foot. "Why does this," I touch my sketch, "mean so much to you?" She let's out a loud breath. There's a determination in her eyes I can't help but admire. "Because I could feel the love in this picture. I had just lost my dad and it made me feel like even though he was gone. He would still be with me." She holds it up. I look to it. It's been so long since I drew it. So long since I thought about him, or what I let go the day I drew this. I nod then take it from her hand. "I'll do it. But not for you. Because your dad changed my life. I would be nothing without his encouragement." She widens her eyes then nods curtly. I turn and walk over to the drawing table. I can't believe the most beautiful woman I've ever seen shows up and completely flips my entire universe upside down. I need a drink.