Body, Ink, and Soul

by Jude Ouvrard

  She replied seconds later. Can't wait to see you xxx

  Nix: I know... I can't wait to be home. This is taking forever!

  Bekka: Where are you?

  Nix: Cleveland, TTYL. xxx

  A few text messages with my friend later and I was a much happier girl. I missed her and couldn't wait to share my past few days with her. I missed working, too.

  Levi placed his hand over mine while he rode and he started humming an Elvis song, ‘Burning love’. It was a great song. I kissed him once in a while on his shoulder blade and he always made sure to respond with a little knee squeeze or he would tell me he loved me. It was as much interaction as we could get.

  Hour after hour, the sun was slowly releasing it's place to the moon and it grew darker and colder. My arms encircling his waist clung to him with more strength. The darkness was making me even more nervous, and I battled flashes of images in my head suggesting any number of accidents which could occur. I didn't know why I was reacting like this. It wasn't like me to be so anxious and I trusted Levi, I had no reason to be freaking out.

  I closed my tired eyes again and listened to his humming, trying to find a way to relax and rest. We eventually had to stop for fuel again and he noticed my mood had darkened.

  "What's wrong, Nix?"

  "I’m tired and nervous. I like riding with you, really I do. I mean, I love the Harley, but it's making me nervous and with the night setting in, it's gotten even worse. I keep imagining us getting hit by a truck or something." I clasped my fingers together, trying to stop them trembling.

  "Hey hey hey..." he murmured. He lifted my chin up so we were eye to eye. "You have no reason to be nervous, Nix. I'm being really careful and I would never let anything happen to you. We’re getting closer to Chicago, are you still up for the rest of the trip? Or do you want to see if I can find some place to stay here?"

  I glanced around and realized we were in the middle of nowhere. He really wanted to make our first official stop in Chicago, so I decided I wouldn't ruin it for him. "No, it's fine. We’ll get a hotel in Chicago." His smile was my reward.

  "I love you, my beautiful Rock Star."

  And my heart immediately melted with the sweetness of his words. I would never get tired of hearing him saying he loved me.

  Once again, we were back on the bike. I rested my cheek against his back and slid my hands under his shirt. His cologne was imprinted into his shirt, and it made me daydream about our night together in Boston, and the first morning I discovered him in the apartment kitchen. It wasn't that long ago, but so much had happened in between, it felt like ages ago.

  I couldn't believe it was possible to sleep on the Harley, but I did doze before we finally arrived in Chicago at 1:15 am. Exhausted didn’t even begin to describe how tired I was. I could hardly stand, barely walk. Levi parked the Harley in front of a bar, and I noticed there were a lot of people inside for a week night. I was searching around for the hotel, but I couldn't see it.

  "Where’s our hotel, Levi?"

  "It's just around the corner. It's called the MileNorth. Don’t worry, Nix, I booked ahead - they have our room key and it's already paid for."

  "Why did you park here, then?"

  "I just want to grab a beer, chill a bit before we crash for the night."

  I couldn’t believe it. "Are you fucking kidding me? We’ve been riding for fourteen hours. Aren't you tired?"

  "I am tired, Star... but I would very much like to relax a bit before bed."

  He knew I wanted to collapse, why the hell was he doing this? "Can’t you meet me at the hotel when you’re done? I’m so tired!"

  "No, stay with me, I want to be with you," he insisted. He pressed a kiss against my lips, but I refused to kiss him back, because I was so angry. I saw a shadow pass over his features and I think I hurt his feelings, but at that minute, I didn’t particularly care.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I had never refused him a kiss before, and the pained look in his eyes nearly tore me in half. I’d hurt him and now I was hurting. He walked into the bar and headed towards a free seat by the bar.

  "Double JD and a Heineken." I heard him order without looking at me, not checking if I’d followed him or not. It seemed like he suddenly didn’t care and I struggled to hold back tears.

  I was literally pushed to one side by a tall brunette, wearing a yellow tube top with a way-too-short skirt. She also had a full sleeve tattoo emblazoned across her right arm. She smiled wolfishly at Levi and offered him a husky "Hey". I immediately wanted to push her through the nearest window.

  "Nice tattoos, who did ‘em?" she asked.

  "Some are my own work, some are done by a friend," he answered dryly. I thought he was annoyed, he didn’t look at her when she spoke.

  "Are you a tattoo artist?" she asked, biting her lip and blatantly batting her eyelashes. She ran one carefully-manicured finger up and down Levi’s arm.

  "Please don't do that," he said curtly. "Only my girl gets to touch them."

  I wanted to hurt her so badly. I was boiling mad because she kept looking at him, pretending she hadn't heard him. "You’re disgusting," I shouted at her before I stomped out of the shitty bar.

  I stalked out into the street and a bunch of idiotic drunks blocked my path trying to get my number. I shoved one out of the way and walked as fast as I could towards the hotel. The MileNorth, Levi had mentioned. My body was literally shaking with rage, an emotion I’d never dealt with before.

  I asked for the key card at reception and they handed it over after I showed some ID. As soon as I reached the room, I took a long, warm shower and changed into pyjamas. I couldn't believe Levi had stayed there in the bar. I’d hoped I would find him in the room when I came out of the bathroom, but I was still alone and a little desperate. Thinking about that girl, I knew she wasn't listening when Levi said not to touch him. She was flirting outrageously with him, that much was very clear. I knew he was upset because of the kiss I’d refused to return, but I had to believe he wouldn't do anything which would risk us having another fight. I trusted him completely but the fingers of doubt kept creeping into my mind. I’d behaved like a bitch – would he decide flirting with that girl might be a good way to get back at me?

  I fell asleep on the couch, lost in a maelstrom of anxious thoughts. I didn’t cry, and somehow, I controlled my emotional responses which I thought was pretty impressive under the circumstances. Lately, it hadn’t been one of my stronger character traits, and I knew I’d been flying off the handle a lot since the blow up with Mom. Despite congratulating myself on my control, my sleep was troubled.

  I woke up to the sound of the door being unlocked. I didn't move, instead staying on the couch and pretending to sleep. I didn't want to play games with Levi, but I was in no mood for a fight. I heard Levi rummaging through my backpack for some of his things. I heard him unzipping his jeans and letting them fall on to the carpeted floor. He probably hadn't noticed me lying on the couch yet. I was going crazy, wanting to look at him and see if he was drunk or worse, if he looked mad, but I was too scared to open my eyes.

  His hand brushed against my cheek and then he carefully tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. He didn't move, just stood there looking at me, studying me in the darkness. He moved closer and lifted me into his arms to carry me to the bed and tucked me under the comforter. He kissed my forehead and whispered against my cheek. ''I love you more than you’ll ever know, Nix. I only have eyes for you, don't worry. You own me, heart and soul.’’ I could smell Jack Daniels and beer emanating from his breath and it was apparent he knew I wasn’t really asleep.

  I rolled over to face him. ''You let her flirt with you. How would you feel if the situation was reversed?” I asked.

  ''It would drive me crazy,’’ he admitted. He lapsed into silence for a few moments and I knew he was thinking over something. ''I wanted to grab a beer and relax, for ten minutes before bed. Driving the Harley all day is exhausting, I needed a break. I’m sorry you got ma
d and didn't agree, but it wasn't a good reason to deny me a kiss.''

  ''And that’s why you let that girl flirt with you, just to piss me off?’’

  ''I don't have any excuse for that. I did warn her off, but she was drunk and honestly, her sleeve was horrible. The lines weren't even inked straight and the shading was miserable. I told her I wasn't interested and to leave me alone because I was with my girl, but when I turned around you were already gone.’’

  ''I couldn't bear watching her flirting with you.’’ I was hurt, but at least my trust wasn’t misplaced, and he’d turned her down. ''I’ve seen enough girls in your arms already. I don't want to go through it again. I know I’m being totally unreasonable, but I’m going to ask anyway. Am I enough for you, Levi?’’ My eyes were swamped in a sea of tears, and I was terrified of what he would answer.

  He dropped down onto the bed beside me. ''Of course you’re enough for me. My life means nothing without you, Phoenix. I've loved you since the very first day I saw you, working behind that bar. You are the woman I want to spend my life with, I love you. Don't you trust me?’’

  I was being over-sensitive because of how tired I was. ''I do trust you, Levi. I'm sorry. I love you so much and I trust you completely. I just need to sleep. My brain is playing cruel games with me.’’

  He pulled off his shirt and joined me in the king-size bed. Lev took me into his arms and he feather kissed me again and again. It tickled but it was the best feeling in the world. He owned me then. Just like that we were reconciled. The other girls didn't stand any chance. Our love was strong and the thought of spending my life with him was all I needed.

  I woke up in the middle of the night, the moon was peeking through the curtains, giving me enough light to be able to gaze at my boyfriend. He was breathing peacefully and looked angelic in the moonlight. I could barely see the tattoos on his skin, and I spent a few minutes imagining how he would look without all the ink. I had no doubt he would be exactly the same person, but his tattoos gave him a bit of edge which I thought would otherwise be missing. Once I knew him better, his tattoos had changed my perception of him. He’d become the sentimental guy who kept his memories and passions inked on his skin.

  I drifted back to sleep with my ear pressed to his chest, listening to the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. His heart. The sound was peaceful, but so filled with life.

  His fingers danced against the skin of my back and my whole body was rapidly covered with goose bump of expectation. It felt so incredibly good.

  "I know you’re awake, my sweet Rock Star. Turn around, let me admire your pretty little face."

  I giggled, because I was quite certain I probably looked like hell. I flipped onto my back and found him, naturally, looking as hot as hell. His hair was a little bit dishevelled and his green eyes were happy and filled with pure joy.

  "I love you, Levi. I'm so sorry about last night."

  "Hey, baby girl, don't worry about it." He slapped my thigh playfully. "Come on, get in the shower, I'm taking you out to breakfast."

  "Come with me." I suggested. I loved taking a shower with him, it was my favorite time of the day.

  "I certainly can't deny that request," he smiled lazily, his eyes darkening with desire. He followed me into the bathroom, shucking his boxers along the way and quickly stripping me out of my t-shirt.

  We stepped into the modern tiled shower, my back against his front. I loved moments like these. He got the water started, adjusting it until it was the perfect temperature.

  "We won't always agree with each other, it won't always be unicorns and rainbows, but I will always love you, Nix, always. When you think I don't like you, I want you to remember this moment and know how much I love you." He kissed the back of my neck, slowly making his way to my shoulders. "Before you, I never thought about marriage, babies - but now, the idea of this life, with you and a small family sounds fucking good. Perfect, I should say."

  My heart was pounding and I wasn't certain I was going to be able to stand for too much longer.

  "I know you’re only twenty two, Rock Star. I'm not trying to rush you into anything. I want you to live your life like I’ve lived mine, free to make your own choices. I just wanted to let you know what I’d been thinking about while we were riding yesterday." His hands slid from my waist to my pubic bone. He slowly tightened his arms around me. I was silent, letting his words sink in.

  "I want it all too, Levi.” I finally said. “I want our life together in a little house, with a puppy and a black cat. I want it so badly, because I'm crazy about you, but I need to finish college first. It's my last year. After that, we’ll be free to do whatever we want."

  "I like it, when you say we." I turned around in his arms and gazed up at him. I thought I might have seen a tear in the corner of his eye. "I love you," he whispered.

  "I love you, Levi," I murmured against his lips. My hands travelled up from his abs to the base of his neck and I clasped them there. The moment was perfect. "We’ll get married in a small ceremony, with your family and our friends. You’ll have to wear a suit and I’ll wear a beautiful white gown." I giggled. "I can't believe it. I never dreamed I would be getting married someday."

  "We will." He took the small bottle of shampoo the hotel provided from the shelf, and squeezed some into the palm of his hand before massaging it gently into my hair. I couldn't recall anyone doing that for me, apart from the people in a hair salon. The shampoo was scented with flowers and vanilla, I loved it and relaxed against Levi as he massaged my scalp tenderly, interspersing his efforts with long kisses.

  After washing my entire body, the sexual tension had built between us to extreme levels and I wanted nothing else but him. Levi carefully rinsed the shampoo and soap from my body, skating his palms across my nipples so I shivered with desire. Satisfied that I was soap-free, he picked me up, pressing me against the tiled wall and he entered me in one smooth lunge. Our bodies became one, we both knew exactly what we wanted. My desire for him was growing every time we made love. He was amazing at showing me how much he loved me, with his touch, his whispers, his kisses and he continued to slide in and out gently, while he caressed my skin

  "Please, Angel, give it to me. Please. Harder, faster," I demanded.

  He did as I requested and we came undone together, Levi shouting my name as he pressed deep and lost control. Maybe too fast, as I still craved his touch. He lowered me carefully to the floor and I took both of his hands in mine, bringing them up to press against my heart. His chin rested on my shoulder as we both let our heart rates slow down.

  "That was really hot," I panted.

  Levi chuckled at my comment.

  "I'm serious. Don't laugh!"

  "You are one hot little baby, Rock Star. You drive me wild." He kissed me on the soft spot behind my ear and squeezed me in his strong arms.

  My stomach growled, and I knew it was time to turn off the shower and get something to eat.

  We walked through the streets of Chicago holding hands. The sky was a perfect blue and the sun was blinding in the early morning. The weather was perfect for a late August day.

  "What do you want to eat?" Levi asked, bringing my hand up to his lips.

  "Hmm... Something simple. Eggs with an English muffin or a bagel with cream cheese."

  "Yeah, sounds good to me."

  I slipped my hand into the back pocket of his jeans. It was relaxing to walk with him, we were happy and in love, and that was all we needed. We ended up eating breakfast at a McDonald’s near the hotel. We didn't want to waste too much time in a restaurant and McDonald’s provided exactly what we wanted, something quick and good. We were back to enjoying our walk through the city of Chicago in no time.

  The beauty of Millennium Park was impressive, I took heaps of pictures of the Cloud Gate and the garden area was majestic. There was so many things to love about the park. I could have spent hours exploring our surrounding, kids were playing in the fountain and it brought so much life to the city. I dec
ided I was in love with this park.

  "I don't want to ruin your moment, but do you want to leave today, or are we going to stay another night?"

  I took some time to think it over before I answered. I did want to stay here, not just for one night but for a couple of nights so I could discover all that Chicago offered. But while there was something about this city I loved, I missed home more than anything. "I think we should leave today, but promise me that we will come back here one day?"

  "I promise." He stared into my eyes and promised me, and it was so much more than a promise to come back here. Levi wanted me to be happy and I knew he would do anything to ensure that happiness.

  We stopped in few stores and browsed a little, but I couldn't buy anything due to the restraints of travelling on the Harley. We only had my backpack to rely on and it was already full.

  We finally got back on the Harley after a quick lunch and a fast make-out session in the hotel room. We didn't know where we were going to stop next, but we both were anxious to get home. We had almost thirty hours of riding ahead of us, though I’m sure Levi was relieved that I was in a much better mood than yesterday.

  Rockfort, Madison, Eau Claire and Minneapolis disappeared behind us as we travelled. We decided against stopping in Minneapolis for the night, choosing to continue and possibly reach Fargo before exhaustion kicked in. This time, I was the one singing for Levi. I sang for hours as we rode, and he seemed to love it. We made a few stops here and there and every time, we cuddled and exchanged a few ‘I love you’s’. I was beginning to think we were both hopelessly romantic.

  Levi hadn't booked the hotel in advance this time, due to our open-ended travel plans and we had to find a place willing to accept us at 11pm at night. We finally ended up in a Best Western with an indoor pool. We both crashed almost immediately. Lev looked exhausted. This trip was wearing us out, it was much harder than I’d expected, but we were keeping our morale up. I never realized it was that tiring to travel on a motorbike.