by Layne, Lyssa
Bekka slipped her t-shirt off on one side, displaying part of her lilac lace bra. She was very confident and showed no signs of being intimidated at all. I thought I might have seen the tattoo artist blush a little, but I was certain it was probably just my imagination. He’d probably tattooed every part of a woman's body. He did smirk at her – that reaction was obvious to all of us.
He began the procedure for the second time - the stencil, followed by the questions. Just as he readied himself to begin, the front door bounced open and two guys came in, carrying brown paper bags full of take-out food. I was starving and my stomach growled in anticipation of being filled, even though the food wasn’t for us. I didn't pay any attention to the two guys, turning back to the photos instead. A low murmur about their food reached my ears, but I kept my attention focused on the album, fighting a return of nerves about having the tattoo done.
After a few seconds, a strange sensation started spreading through my body. I lifted my eyes from the photos and my heart stopped. The blood drained from my face and I was pretty certain I was going to pass out. Ink boy was standing not three feet away from me. He had that perfect, sexy grin on his face and he was obviously happy to find me here.
''Are you stalking me now, princess?''
''Princess?'' I repeated, with a quirk of my eyebrow.
''I know, I know. Geez, I’m sorry. What are you doing here...? Phoenix?'' he asked in an alluring voice. The sound of his voice was so different here, without the club music pulsing in the background.
''What do you think I'm here for, Levi?''
''Are you always so feisty?'' His voice sent shivers all over my body.
I nodded. ''My turn to say sorry - I never know how to act around you. You’re so... different.''
''Different? Is that all?'' he asked cockily, his lips turning up in that damn smirk.
''You have the worst pickup lines I've ever heard.'' I tried very hard not to, but I smiled for a split second. It didn't matter that I tried to suppress it - he saw me.
''Was that a smile I saw on your lips?'' he grinned, stepping closer.
''What do you want from me?'' I asked. Why did we pick this shop? Of all the tattoo shops we could have gone to, we had to pick the one place where he hung out? What were the odds?
''You're the one who's here, in my shop, so I should be asking you what you want. Are you here for a tattoo?''
''They're all here for a tattoo. Stop harassing my client, jackass.'' The tattoo artist who was prepping Bekka turned to grumble at Levi.
Irritated, Levi looked at the tattoo artist. ''No,” he began, shaking his head. “This one is mine, Kyle. I’ll be the only one marking her.'' Levi turned back to me. ''What are you getting tonight? I’ll be taking care of you.''
I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest. ''A star. A pink star. He has the design,” I said, my voice trembling slightly, as I nodded toward Kyle.
He marched over to Kyle, got the design, and looked at me again. He seemed disappointed. ''Well, I was hoping for something a bit bigger. It’ll only take fifteen to twenty minutes. Are you a virgin?''
What? Was he seriously asking me such a private question in the middle of a shop? ''Hummm...''
''Tattoo virgin, I meant. Have you ever had a tattoo before, Phoenix?'' he asked, obviously amused by my flushed face. I shook my head and he glanced down at the design again. ''Are you sure you don’t want your star to be filled in with red? It kind of suits your skin.''
I shook my head, not certain I wanted him doing my tattoo. I didn’t want to know the artist. It would be a lot easier, a lot less intimate, and a lot less personal. Not that I knew Levi well, but I was nervous around him, and factoring in the location of where I wanted the tattoo – my nerves reached an all-time high.
''Are you sure you don’t want something a little bigger? It’s a pretty small tattoo.''
''It's the only tattoo I’m ever going to get and I don't want it any bigger. This is perfect.''
''We’ll see about that. Where do you want it?'' he asked, his eyes roaming across my body.
I pointed to the exact spot where I wanted the tattoo, my eyes never leaving his. Being so close to him was challenging. My stomach was filled with butterflies and the need to touch him and get a closer look at his ink was driving me crazy.
His gaze lowered to where I was pointing, a position just above my pubic bone. ''Okay, I see,” his voice sounded husky “You’ll have to lower your pants or I’ll get ink all over them.''
''Don't worry about it. It's alright.'' I wanted to shake my head at my own stupidity. I’d already admitted he made me nervous, I didn’t need to sound like such an idiot!
He smiled and it’s beauty surprised me - it was like seeing him for the first time. This was a glimpse of the real Levi – not the tatted up bad boy with cheap pickup lines. My cheeks grew hot as I blushed at this latest discovery.
''Are you ready?'' He offered me his hand and I took it, not knowing why. It was almost an involuntary reaction. Val was sitting next to Bekka and they both stared at us in disbelief, their gaze taking in our joined hands. This wasn’t normal behaviour for me and both of my friends knew it.
He led me to his work area. ''I’m Levi, by the way.''
''I know, you told me your name last night. I'm Nix.''
''I know. You can sit down here and lower your pants for me. Don't worry, I’ll be gentle.'' He was trying to hide a smile, but I wasn't stupid. I knew there was a double meaning behind his words and his smirk was due in part to my obvious discomfort.
He put latex gloves on and I noticed his fingers were trembling. It seemed he was nervous too and I wondered why. He fiddled around with the cords for a minute, and attached a needle to the tattoo gun.
The needle came from a sterilized package, so that was one less thing to worry about. I was still incredibly nervous - my hands sweaty and shaking. Levi sat a few feet away from me, preparing his tools silently - far different from the joking guy who had been smirking at me only a minute before.
I lowered my pants as much as I could, without showing too much. Thankfully, I’d worn stretch yoga pants, so it was easier to slip them down without embarrassing myself.
''Show me again where you want it,'' he asked, startling me.
I pointed to the area on my bare skin and he smiled and nodded.
''It’s a cute place to get a first tattoo. You'll be the only one who gets to see it. Well, you and Tristan…'' His voice cooled as he trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.
''In that case, it’ll only be me seeing it," I admitted.
''It seemed you liked him well enough the other night.''
''I do. He's a great guy.''
''I guess I see things differently,'' he responded as he cleaned my skin.
''Why would you say that? Do you even know him?''
''I wouldn't have said something if I didn't. You may think I’m an ass, but I'm not.'' He got up and walked behind me. ''Watch out, I'm about to lower the backrest. I’ll need you to lie flat on your back,'' he instructed, his voice cool.
He placed the stencil where I’d pointed and ordered me to stand up and look in the mirror to see if it was correctly positioned.
''Yep, that's it. Let’s do this!'' I was excited, adrenaline overtaking my earlier jitters.
He held the gun as he prepped himself to permanently etch the star onto my skin. ''Ready?'' His voice startled me again. There was something sensual about it and the heated look he was giving me. I always seemed to pick up double meanings around him.
''Yes,'' I whispered, chewing on my lip anxiously.
As soon as the words left my mouth, his hands were on me as he started working. He went slow and stopped after a couple of seconds. ''Is everything okay? Not too painful?''
''No, no... I’m fine,'' I muttered.
He continued placing ink on my hip. There was pain, but it wasn't anything I couldn't tolerate. His soft touch over my skin helped negate the discomfort he was inf
licting. The needle pierced my skin, filling it with black ink in a very methodical, repetitive movement. After two or three minutes, my skin began to numb and it became easier to deal with.
''So you know my boss, Tyler?'' I said.
''Yeah, I do. We go way back. He's a good friend.” He smiled to himself. “You like working at the club?''
''Yes, it's fun and the paycheck is great.''
''And you're not quite done with school?'' He was so close, it was almost arousing. It was wrong of me to be affected by Levi when I was interested in Tristan, but I couldn't help myself. The vibration of the machine, his hands on my skin - it was having an amazing effect.
''No. I have one more year to go,'' I murmured, trying to settle myself.
''What are you studying?'' The breath coming from his lips danced across my skin. What I’d thought would be painful was becoming agonising in a totally different and slightly erotic way. I could hardly think with his eyes focused on my hip, let alone answer questions.
''Journalism.'' It was all I managed to blurt out. I was studying more than journalism, but I didn’t have the control to explain any more right now. ''What about you?''
''Well...'' he chuckled. ''I'm done with school. I completed law school, but I work as a full time tattoo artist.''
''A lawyer? Aren't you supposed to wear a suit and work in a skyscraper somewhere downtown?'' I asked in disbelief.
''I guess I should, but I'm not into it. I changed my mind.''
By the tone of his voice, it was obvious my questions weren't welcome and I decided against asking anything else.
''The outline's done. Let’s start with the color now.'' He looked up into my eyes. ''Are you still doing fine?''
''Yeah, sure I am.'' I forced a smile. ''It’s not too bad.''
He wiped a cold wet tissue over the tattoo and blew over it. Goose bumps broke out across my skin. His warm breath against my sensitized skin was marvelous. Did he do this with every female client? Somehow, I doubted it, but damn, I loved it.
I avoided any further eye contact. I knew why he was doing this; he wanted to affect me and I couldn't let it happen. This wasn't a game. Things were happening between Tristan and me and Levi knew it. If I looked at him, there was a good chance I would fall for him and who knew what would happen next? I kept reminding myself he was trouble, but I’d never felt like this way around a man, and I wasn’t sure how to handle it.
I closed my eyes, doing my best to ignore the tension building between us. I wasn't the type of girl to play with two guys at the same time and, to be honest, Levi wasn’t the type of guy I would normally go for. The tattoos and the bad boy allure seemed like a heartache waiting to happen. He was totally inappropriate and I knew it. Mom would hate him the instant she saw him, and I could hear her voice warning me to stay away from him.
I was normally attracted to guys like Tristan - serious, studious and gentlemanly. Tristan was everything I wanted in a guy, and thankfully, he seemed to like me as well.
My thoughts about Tristan were interrupted when Levi started adding color to the tattoo. He didn't give me any warning – he just started and it caught me off guard. I thought he did it on purpose. ''Thanks for the warning - I appreciate it,'' I spat out.
''Well, it's not like we were taking a break. What did you expect?'' he grumbled.
I decided to ignore him. I didn't want to play games with him. I wanted to get the tattoo and get the hell out of here.
Ten silent minutes later, he was finished and he placed a bandage over the tattoo. He explained how I had to clean it and what type of lotion I should apply. His voice was flat and emotionless, and it was apparent he was treating me as just another client. Since the mention of Tristan, his mood had changed, but what else was I supposed to say or do? I wasn’t going to get involved with him.
''How much do I owe you?'' I asked as I got off the chair. The tattoo was uncomfortable and the skin was burning.
He took the remaining ink and gloves and threw them in the trash. ''Nothing,'' he muttered, clenching his jaw.
''I beg your pardon?'' There was no way I was accepting a free tattoo.
''It’s free. It took me twenty minutes and I wasn't even on shift. I did it for the hell of it - to spend time with you. To get to know you,” he said with a shrug. “So, no charge - it was my pleasure.'' He forced a smile and I could tell he was angry with me.
''Can I at least tip you?'' I asked.
''I won't smile for you,'' he said, a reference to the first time we met. We exchanged a tiny smile anyway.
I slipped forty bucks out of my handbag and placed it on his work station. I didn't give him time to say anything before I grabbed my things and joined Bekka and Val. I could see the unspoken questions in their eyes. I really wished they could be more subtle.
We waved to Kyle, saying thanks and goodbye as we left. I knew my friends would ask for an explanation, but I didn't know have a clue what to say, I didn't even know what had just happened. It was only a moment we’d shared, but he made me so angry. There was something about him which I didn’t seem able to resist, and I didn't know exactly what it was. He seemed to have direct access to my nerves and I hated it. I seemed to like being around him, but the smallest thing would turn me into a bitch, which wasn’t like me. This man was different in so many ways and I didn’t think we could possibly find any common ground.
After a quiet walk to the car, I knew the questions would start any minute. Things like this never happened to me, so the beginning of an inquisition was only a matter of time.
''Was that the guy from the club? The one who sits and watches you?'' Val demanded.
''Yeah, that's him. I swear I had no clue he works there.''
''Maybe it was fate. Kyle said he’d never seen Levi act like that with a girl before - he was in shock the whole time he was tattooing me,'' Bekka laughed. ''We were watching both of you and, I don't know, I can't explain it. There’s just an undeniable connection between the two of you. Don’t tell me you can’t feel it!”
''Yeah, I do, but I don't want the connection. I can’t trust myself when I’m around him.''
Bekka sighed. ''You always go for the good guys, don't you? Maybe it's time for a change and I think he's perfect for you!''
''You saw him for all of twenty minutes. How can you tell he's perfect for me?'' I asked through clenched teeth. I didn’t ask for, nor did I need, their opinions.
''He likes you - that much is clear. And he's freaking hot! He spends night after night at the club, which is full of hot girls, and all he sees is you! From what Kyle told us, there’s something about Levi which people find hard to ignore. He seems to attract people, and now, you’re attracting him to you. You can’t live the life your mom wants you to live, Nix. Live for yourself. Have you ever asked yourself what you want, and not what you were told to want?''
''He's bad news. The tattoos... he... I can’t... okay? I'm with Tristan now.''
''I hope it won't be too late when you wake up from your perfect little dream life.'' Bekka muttered.
''What the hell, Bekka? Are you on his side now?''
''Between him and Tristan? Yes, I'm on his side,” she said, her tone confident. ''Yes, Tristan is cute and smart but there's something about Levi…”
I was starting to get upset with them. I wanted to let this go and keep the good mood we’d had. It wasn't exactly how I’d planned my tattoo experience to work out, nor did I want this discussion when Val was leaving the next day.
''I know you both love me, but I really like Tristan! I want to see where it could lead.''
''It's your life, Nix. Do what you want,'' Val said, cupping my cheek. ''I just don't want to see you get hurt or have regrets.''
''We both know how it was with your mom, Nix. We just want you to live your life for you - spread your wings, have a little fun.''
''Thanks girls. I appreciate it. I really do,'' I said, hoping this was the end of the conversation. They were right - Mom had controlled my enti
re life. I was controlled by her fears of being abandoned. She taught me to always go for the safest option, never to take any risks. Tristan represented everything she wanted for me, and Levi, with his tattoos and bad boy attitude, was everything she’d warned me to stay away from. Men like Levi would always remind her of Brian, my biological dad. My dad hurt her and left scars on her heart and mind which she would never forget and never let go. Carlson loved her and she loved him back, but I was afraid she would always think about Brian. There was never any closure. He just disappeared and left her with me.
When we got home, we had less than thirty minutes to get ready for work, so we had to hurry. I didn't want to wear jeans or work pants, I wanted something comfortable which would rub against the bandage. I opted for a stretch fuchsia cotton skirt and a tube top with the club’s name printed on the left side of my chest. Both of them clung to my body, making me feel a lot more self-conscious. The combination showed a lot more skin than I would have liked, but I worked in a club, so wearing a turtleneck wouldn't work. I brushed my long hair before braiding it. There was nothing I could do to make it presentable and braiding was always my emergency solution. I applied black eyeliner, refreshed my mascara and applied my favorite cherry red lip gloss. As usual, I was ready before Bekka and Val, so I grabbed my guitar and decided to play for a few minutes before we left.
Valerie had already telephoned Tyler and given her notice, so tonight would be her last night. He was disappointed because we were a good team and he loved working with all three of us. He had extra staff coming in tonight and he wanted Bekka and me to pick our new partner. I was hoping for another girl, not that I would try to replace Val. It would never be the same, no matter who got the job.
When they were finally ready to go, I put my guitar back on the stand and we walked out. Bekka had already removed her bandage and was wearing a tank top. Even with her skin still reddened from getting the tattoo done, the star looked great. I was too chicken to remove my bandage yet and it remained hidden under my skirt.
As usual, the music was blasting in Bekka’s car. This time, we were subjected to a mix of rappers. It wasn't my favorite music, but it was alright. Bekka could drive, dance and rhyme all at the same time - she was a professional multi-tasker. I liked watching her, she was goofy and didn’t care at all about what people might think about her. If she was having fun, nobody was going to stop her. By the time we got to work, I was getting into the music and having fun with the girls. It was the beginning of what I hoped would be a nice evening.
