by Layne, Lyssa
''Come here, Rock Star,'' he said huskily, with open arms. ''I'm sorry about the way I acted at the club. I never got the chance to say it. I'm not that type of guy, but what he said to you was wrong and unacceptable.''
''Is your hand okay?'' I asked, concerned that he might have hurt himself.
''No, it's fine. I only hit him once, to be honest. Tyler got a hold of me before I could punch him again.''
''I don't know if I should thank you, or yell at you for getting into a fight over me.''
''You are the cutest girl alive, I'll never get enough of you,'' he murmured against my lips.
We cuddled and made out on the couch. I knew he was holding back, not wanting to push me further but, I was happy. The day couldn't have ended in a better way. My head was resting on his warm, inked chest. He ran his hand through my hair and he was feathering kisses across my skin with every chance he got. I relished every touch, every kiss and the warmth of his body close to mine.
I woke up hours later in bed with the comforter drawn over. Levi had apparently put me in bed and hadn’t joined me. Why not? We hadn’t known each other long, but I wanted him, and could see no reason why we shouldn’t consummate our relationship. Even if he didn’t feel ready for that I had a desperate urge to see him, feel him lying next to me.
I tiptoed out of my room, confirming the living room and kitchen were empty. I continued my search, heading to his bedroom. He was lying on his stomach, his boxers had lowered and I could see his glorious swell of his muscular backside. My smile was my worst enemy right now, I couldn't hide how much it was amusing me.
''Stop staring, Nix... and come here.''
I did, and he drew me into his arms and we cuddled, then fell asleep again. I drifted off with his arm around my waist and his lips pressed against my shoulder. I had never really spent time like this with a guy before. With my parents, I wasn’t even allowed to have a boyfriend. I was able to sneak out once or twice, but it was nothing compared to lying in his arms like this. Knowing Levi was now living in the apartment, I planned on never letting him sleep alone in his room again.
His alarm clock woke me up with the sound of dogs barking. ''Levi, what kind of alarm is that?''
He laughed and turned it off. ''A loud one. I've got to get ready for work, beautiful. Are you coming in today?''
I hesitated for a few seconds, because sleeping sounded so much more appealing than working. But the thought of spending time with Levi was all it took to get me moving. ''Yeah, I’ll go with you.''
''We need to hurry then. Go get in the shower first, I'll get your breakfast ready,'' he ordered.
''Maybe you should come in the shower with me, we could save time and water,'' I suggested with a sexy smile.
Levi studied me for a second, before he responded with a husky growl. ''Hell yeah, I like the sound of that.'' He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him, kissing me like there was no tomorrow. Levi lifted me into his arms, and I circled my legs around his waist as he walked us to the bathroom. I rubbed my hands over his tattoos and my lips were busy kissing every inch of reachable skin.
He stepped into the shower, started the water and pushed me up against the cold tile wall, while he searched my eyes for confirmation. ''Are you sure you want this, Phoenix?'' I loved how he said my name, making it sound so incredibly erotic. And I adored him for being so careful with me, wanting to make absolutely certain this was what I wanted, before he would act.
I wanted him, there was no doubt. I wanted to start living my life with Levi and enjoying everything about him, and that included sharing our bodies. ''I’m sure, are you?'', I asked tentatively.
His lips crushed down on mine, giving me his answer. The shower sprayed against us, streaming over Levi’s head and his back, turning his pale brown hair much darker. He was so stunningly sexy and we gazed at one another, both knowing exactly what we wanted. I wriggled in Levi’s arms until he let my feet reach the tiled floor. My t-shirt was clinging to my skin, I tried to get it off under the streaming water but I was failing miserably. In one swift movement, Levi slipped it off and gazed down at my chest, his green eyes darkening with unconcealed desire. It felt so completely natural, to be here with him like this, and no hint of shyness overtook me under his fervent gaze.
I stepped closer to him, our skin touching from one end of our bodies to the other and the sensation of it was incredible. My insides tightened and my sense of touch became ten times more sensitive. I slipped my hand under the elastic waistband of his boxers. His body tensed for a split second but, he relaxed as soon as I started caressing his behind. He was firm and warm and just perfect.
What happened next was a blur as we worked together to remove the last pieces of clothing which separated our bodies. His lips were on mine one second and on my breasts the next. I heard him groan more than once and it proved again just how much he desired me. It still stunned me that Levi would fall for me, when he was so incredibly beautiful and I was just, well, Nix. Levi’s intensity made my pulse race to sky-high levels. I gripped his hair, wanting him to take me, to make me his in every possible way. The more we kept arousing one another, the less control we had. All the touches and kisses led to one thing. Levi pushed me gently again against the wall, hitching my legs around his waist and with one smooth, slow push, we became one. He stopped in his tracks, cupping my face with both his hands and he whispered the words which made my heart melt.
“I love you.”
We eventually ran out of hot water and he was late for work, but it was worth every single moment.
CHAPTER NINE
''Phoenix... I can't believe you! Already?'' Bekka had one hand resting on her hip and looked at me in disbelief.
''I'm no saint,'' I giggled nervously.
''I know, but you’ve always said you’d wait at least a week.'' She chuckled. ''You didn't even last twenty-four hours!''
I was embarrassed. My whole life had changed in those twenty-four hours. ''I know, but what I feel for Levi is stronger than I ever thought possible.''
''You are so in love with him,'' she announced with a knowing grin.
We were trying to shop for new clothes, but her words hit me like a sledgehammer. Yes I am, I thought. ''I think you’re right, my friend, because I’m missing him like crazy and I’ve been away from the shop for,” I glanced at my watch, “forty-seven minutes. He’s gotten under my skin already.''
''NIX IS IN LOVE! '' Bekka yelled enthusiastically in the middle of the mall, wrapping me in a huge hug. ''I’m so freaking happy for you! He is the perfect guy for you.''
I blushed terribly, even though it was good to see Bekka so happy for me. I needed her comfort. In moments like this, I wished Val was still around. I might try to call her later today, I missed her a lot and wanted to tell her the good news.
I had planned the shopping trip to get a few things. Now that I had someone to impress, I wanted some lingerie, deciding sheer or lace would become my new best friends. We’d started by looking for the basics; tops and bottoms. We kept Victoria’s Secret for last, because we both knew this was going to be a long task. Given that I was shopping to impress Levi, and Bekka was shopping to impress Tyler, I imagined we’d be there until the store closed its doors.
I wanted something in pink or black. I loved both colors against my skin. I was proud of my full ‘C’ cup, and judging by Levi’s fondness for them, he was impressed also. Maybe I carried a few extra pounds than I needed to, but I didn't care; there was nothing wrong with my figure. With Levi’s love, I felt sexier now than ever before.
Bekka, who was both thin and tall, looked fabulous, just like a model. Neither of us were shy about showing one another what we tried on, so we managed to find two change rooms next to each other, so we could help each other choose.
With her darker skin colour, Bekka preferred white and cream, or even yellows. She tried on more than a dozen different bras, much to the salesperson’s pleasure. I’d already chosen two bras and that was enough for me.
For ano
ther twenty minutes, I watched Bekka parading in and out of the room. She was deciding between five different styles and even my opinion wasn't helping. After a few recommendations from the salesperson, she finally made a decision and bought four of them with the matching panties. Tyler was a lucky guy, I thought, and Levi too.
As much as I enjoyed the shopping spree, I was anxious to get home and find Levi. I didn't know if he was still at work or would have headed home by now, but either way, I was going wherever he was.
I sent him a text message as soon as we got to Bekka’s car.
Where are you? I pressed ‘send’ and waited impatiently for a response.
It came within a couple of minutes. Hi, Rock Star. I'm at work with a client.
I sent another message, unable to stop grinning. I'm on my way.
His reply came through within seconds. About time...
I laughed when I received the last message. He was missing me and I loved it.
''I have to stop by the tattoo shop, right?'' Bekka asked. She did her best to sound irritated, but she had a big smile on her face.
''If you don't mind.'' I was dying to see Levi again.
''I thought we were going to have a nice dinner at home, just the two of us,” Bekka said with a fake whine, before she grinned. “But I guess it's OK; we’ll have to find time some other night. I can't wait to see Tyler either.''
''You have it just as bad as me, admit it. You’re in love, Bekka,'' I told her
''I know,'' she confirmed, and if anything her smile became brighter.
Just like that, my best friend and I were in love with two best friends. Clichéd, yes it was, but it didn't matter, we were both so happy. In fact, I was ecstatic. I was slowly becoming the person I’d kept hidden for years, and it felt so good. I could finally breathe, away from Mom’s influence.
Bekka parked the car in front of Levi’s shop and I kissed her cheek. ''Thank you for the shopping trip, and I’ll see you later. Love you.'' I stepped out of the car and spied a pair of shining eyes staring at me through the window. Levi. Mine.
I entered the shop, where the music was really loud. Kyle was at the drawing table working on a design and he glanced up and waved. Levi was with a really large man; the guy was at least 6’4’’ tall and his size was intimidating. With a mass of tattoos and built like a brick outhouse, he was everything Mom had ever warned me about. I waved to Levi, uncomfortable about approaching his client, and sat at the chair behind the counter, grabbing a tattoo magazine. I studied each tattoo and tried to understand the meaning behind it, musing over the many reasons people decided to mark their skin permanently.
Levi had a lot of tattoos and I’d never questioned him about them very much. It was personal, I thought and while I knew he had his reasons for having them done, I didn’t know if he would want to share. I was trying to remember the tattoo covering one of his arms and couldn't recall exactly what it consisted of. Flowers - roses and a cross, I thought. Maybe he’d been mourning someone when he got it done, but I didn’t like to ask. I tucked one hand under my chin, thinking about what little I knew about his tattoos. Would he talk about it sometime? Perhaps he needed more time to get to know me before he would open up about his choice of art.
''Hey, beautiful.'' Levi slipped up behind me, kissing my temple, and my mind drifted back to the here and now.
''Hey, ink boy.'' I smiled when I saw the big guy putting on his shirt. He was done. ''I missed you.''
''Missed you, too.” He glanced back towards the big guy. “Come and meet my client. He’s one of my best customers.''
I didn't have enough time to react, to beg him not to introduce me before, I was holding the man’s hand and he was shaking mine delicately. I remember the words Mom used to say... ‘When you’re in a difficult situation and you need to look civilized, just smile politely.’ I’d never really understood what she meant until now.
I didn't get the guy’s name, I only heard the part where Levi mentioned he was a football player. Looking at the sheer size of him, I figured he must have kicked more than a few asses in his career. The big guy smiled and was very polite, making me feel a little more comfortable. I couldn’t remember ever meeting anyone of his size before, not even in the club.
''You’re scaring the shit out of her,'' Levi joked, chuckling when he saw the nervousness in my eyes.
''I’m... I never... I’m sorry. I’ve just never seen someone like you before... Oh my god! That came out so wrong. I apologize,'' I babbled like a complete idiot.
To make me even more miserable, the big guy grabbed me into a bear hug. ''Don't worry, little girl. I would never upset Levi by frightening his girl. He’s a good buddy of mine.''
Levi was enjoying this, barely able to contain his amusement. ''Let my girl go now, before she passes out from embarrassment.'' He drew me into his arms and I was suddenly relieved. The man probably wasn’t dangerous in the least, but wow, he was huge.
Levi shook hands with him, but kept me in a close hold. As soon as his customer walked out the door, he lowered his mouth to mine for a long kiss. God, I had missed him.
When he pulled back, he offered me a warm smile. ''I drew something for you, Rock Star.''
''Aww, I want to see, will you show it to me?''
He rolled his eyes. ''If I wanted to keep it secret, I wouldn't have said anything about it, silly.'' We walked over to his station and I saw a very beautiful drawing.
He handed me the drawing pad, so I could take a closer look. I was utterly speechless. I’d seen some of his drawing talents, but this was truly magnificent. The drawing consisted of a lot of flowers, in a wide variety of sizes. The colors he’d chosen were various warm tones of reds, pinks and purples. He had managed to add texture, making the flowers seem as though they were alive. There was a beautiful angel in the centre, with her wings spread wide. The flowers were falling down from all around her intricately designed wings. I was amazed by the amount of detail he’d captured, his amazing talent and... ''Where am I supposed to get this? I mean which body part is it meant to go on?''
He didn't answer, simply continued to gaze at me, studying my reaction.
I returned my attention to the drawing, studying the many details he’d added to the angel. My eyes got teary and I felt my heart constrict. It was me, wasn’t it? I studied it closer, picking up on the little details he’d captured from my own features and added to his drawing.
''I always try to create meaningful tattoos and this one... well... it's what I see, Phoenix. It's what Bekka sees too. You’re an angel. You used to be an angel who was so self-controlled, but now you're free. You’ve spread your wings wide and you finally shine in your own right. Your love is everywhere you are. You’re beautiful, Nix, and so perfect. And you’re mine. I drew flowers because your perfume is always flowery and because flowers represents the freedom, the purity which is all Phoenix. It's how I see you...''
''Levi, this is just... it's so beautiful,'' I whispered. ''You are beyond talented. This is so pretty and it looks unbelievably real.''
''It is real, Rock Star... it's you.''
''Where did you plan on inking me?'' I turned around, needing to see him eye to eye.
''It could be a full sleeve, or half sleeve.'' He touched my arm delicately with the back of his hand. ''Or it could be on your lower back or maybe your calf.'' He brushed a kiss against my lips. ''There are endless possibilities.''
Endless possibilities. Levi was gradually destroying every belief I’d been indoctrinated with all my life. His gentleness, his caring ways and his ability to continually prove his love, showed me - more than anything my Mom had told me - that what he was suggesting and what I wanted, was okay. I needed to be my own person, I needed to throw away the shackles my mom had harnessed me to. The fears, the warnings – none of it mattered to me anymore. Levi loved me unconditionally and I wanted more of his art on my body. I had never thought about having a tattoo until Bekka and Val convinced me to do it, but I loved it now, and this dra
wing Levi had created for me was everything I wanted. I wanted his mark on my body, declaring myself to be his, forever.
I looked at the piece of art for long minutes, wiping away the tears sitting at the corners of my eyes. Arms? No. Leg? No. Lower back? If could be nice, and sexy too. I closed my eyes and one last time let my heart and head talk to me simultaneously, ensuring this was the right decision. I wanted this. It's my life, my body.
''Do it,'' I said.
''Are you sure, Rock Star? Because not so long ago, you didn't want another one. Tattoo removal is expensive and it fucking hurts.'' His nose was dancing up and down the side of my neck. ''I don't want you to regret this,'' he murmured into my ear.
''No regrets,'' I whispered. ''I want you to do it on my back.''
He stayed quiet for a while, considering my answer. He looked back at his drawing and started tweaking it. ''Do you want something which would sit on the small of your back, or do you want something which will sit on one side of your hip and climb over your side?''
He was professional and endearingly cute at the same time. ''I want the second option.'' I kissed him softly. ''And I want it now - your schedule is clear for the next three hours.''
''You are a very bossy customer, I might charge more,'' he chuckled.
''Don't you dare! You know you want it, just as much as I do...''
''You have no idea,'' he breathed, pulling me close and kissing me.
Kyle cleared his throat loudly. ''You guys need a room. If I want to watch porn, I can go get it myself.''
Levi released his grip on my waist and rolled his eyes. ''Kyle, shut it. You just ruined our moment.''
''Well I'm glad I did.'' He threw a pen in our direction. ''I’m going to grab something to eat... need anything?'' he offered.
''I’m good,'' I responded and Levi nodded.
"Okay. So if you want to get this done right away, could you clean my station while I get the gear ready? I’ll draw it directly onto your skin, it’ll be easier to get it right.''
''It all feels so intimate and personal.'' I kissed him again, pressing up against his chest.
