The Ink That Brands Us: A Colorado Ink Novel

by Terra Deason

  “Just sleep?” I clarified.

  “Just sleep,” he confirmed.

  I was confident I would win. “ Deal, but if I win, you have to let me pay for dinner.” It was lame, but I know much he hated it. And I was right.

  He frowned deeply mulling over it for a moment before sighing. “Fine. Deal.”

  Luckily, we didn’t have to wait long to see who would win. The waitress walked up to your table and to my absolute horror her eyes passed right over Jensen and settled on me. Taking the time to look me over appreciatively. I mumbled out my drink order and listened as Jensen smugly ordered his.

  “That was so unfair,” I grumbled as she walked away. “Who could have foreseen that?”

  “A bet is a bet, luv,” Jensen chuckled, but I sat back sullen. He stared at me like he had just won the lottery rather than me in his bed for the night.

  Our dinner was great and I had a great time once Jensen coaxed me out of my sore loser funk and before I knew it we were on our way back to the apartment. By the time we reached the apartment I could hardly catch my breath from laughing so hard. He was just so funny.

  “I had so much fun, thank you,” I breathed, climbing out of the car.

  “As did I.”

  “The nights still young, sure you don’t wanna go out?” I admit to being a little nervous about going into the apartment together and was hoping he might find something else to do besides hold me to my bet.

  “And let you out of your bet? Absolutely not,” he said in mock outrage.

  I stuck my tongue out at him and grabbed my books out of the backseat. I gripped my things tightly and look up at Jensen. “I’ll race ya!” I grinned and slammed the car door.

  I sprinted towards the building and almost made it up the stairs before he caught me. He wrapped his arm around my waist, lifting me off my feet carrying me up the remaining steps.

  “Jensen!” I shrieked, giggling. “Put me down!”

  My laughter died out when I noticed a figure standing rigid just outside our door. I struggled harder, forcing Jensen to release me. I dropped to my feet and stepped away from Jensen. Alex was shooting daggers at us.

  “Alex!” I tried to sound happy to see him, but mostly I sounded caught. I looked to Jensen and he winked at me, grabbing my things from my hands. He sidestepped Alex and went into the apartment without looking back.

  “You call that bullshit just friends?” He snapped. “You gotta be fucking kidding me, Freya?”

  “We are just friends,” I insisted.

  “You blew me off for that so called friend. What am I supposed to do with that?”

  “I blow you off for Saw, too. You don’t get mad when I do that.” It was like I was trying to win the worst girlfriend award.

  “Saw doesn’t have a dick and isn’t interested in getting you into bed.”

  My mouth dropped open. “Jensen does not want to get me into bed.”

  “You are dumber than I thought. You honestly believe that?”

  I saw red. Did he really just call me dumb?

  “Okay, you know what? You can fucking leave if you are going to talk to me like that. I have done nothing wrong and I deserve better than being called dumb.” I stepped towards the door, but he reached for me.

  “Freya,” he sighed. “Don’t. I’m sorry, okay? That was out of line.”

  I arched an eyebrow and stepped away from him. “You think?”

  He reached for me again and pulled me into his arms. “I’m sorry. Look, I’m going to leave so I can cool off and stop saying things I’ll regret.” He kissed me on top of the head and let me step back.

  “Okay,” I sighed.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow.” He pressed a parting kiss to my lips and disappeared down the stairs. I stared after him. Trying to figure out what the hell just happened. I couldn’t believe he was acting like some neanderthal. And I sure as hell can’t believe he talked to me like that.

  I took a deep breath and walked into the apartment. Jensen was sitting on the couch, his head in his hands. He looked up when I shut the door.

  “All right, luv?” We’ll pretend like my body didn’t just melt.

  “Yeah. He was just being an asshole.” I shrugged, trying to pretend like it wasn’t no big deal.

  “He shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. You are far from dumb.” He walked over to stand in front of me.

  I leaned my head back to look up at him. “I know. I’m sorry you had to hear it.”

  “Don’t be, but the next time I hear him speaking to you in such a manner, ]I’ll be having words with him.” I could see the anger he was holding back, and I knew he didn’t mean he would be using his words.

  I looked away embarrassed. “Okay.”

  “Do you want to read for a bit?” He asked, changing the subject.

  I shook my head. “No, I'm pretty tired. I think i’m gonna hit the hay.”

  “Okay,” he gave me a small smile and headed down the hall towards his room. I followed, but turned towards my own room. I changed quickly, then walked across the hall stopping in his doorway.

  He wasn’t in there and I could hear the water running in the bathroom. I walked over to his bed and climbed in. I shifted around trying to find a comfortable position. The floor creaked, and I looked up to find Jensen standing in the doorway, arching an eyebrow at me.

  “What?” I asked.

  “You still want to go through with this?” H asked, confused.

  “Of course. A bet is a bet. Why do you want to back out?” I shifted to move the covers off of me, but he stopped me.

  “No. No. It’s just I figured after what Alex said you’d rather not.”

  I shrugged. “Was he right? Are you trying to get me in bed with you?”

  “Technically, luv, you’re already in my bed.” A smile played on his lips.

  “Ha. Ha. You know what I mean.” I said, rolling my eyes.

  “No. I’m not trying to get you in bed.”

  “Then, I’m staying.” I patted the bed beside me. “You going to stand there all night?” I knew I should’ve taken the out he gave me, but boyfriend or no, there wasn’t a chance in hell I was passing this up. It was just one more notch in my bad girlfriend belt.

  “This isn’t your side is it?” Maybe that’s why he hadn’t moved yet.

  “No. I sleep more in the middle of the bed,” he said, then turned out the light. The room went black, and I snuggled deeper under the covers. I took deep breaths to steady my heart rate. I was afraid it would give away how nervous I was.

  The bed dipped as he slid in beside me. I decided last minute to turn my back to him, hoping that it would make it sleep come easier. I tried to keep as much distance as I could. He said I had to sleep with him not cuddle, but God did I want to cuddle.

  “Goodnight, Freya.” His voice was a whisper in the night.

  “Goodnight, Jensen.” I said, my voice just as low.

  Sixteen

  I was dying of a heat stroke. It was the only thing that made all this heat make sense. I tried to shift around for a cool spot while pushing at the blankets, but when my hand collided with skin that was not my own, I froze. My eyes snapped open and I found that the stiff pillow I had been using wasn’t a pillow at all, but a naked chest.

  I assessed the situation quickly.

  The first things I noticed was that we were knotted together like we were welded together. I’m not sure we could have gotten any closer. Our legs were a tangled mess and Jensen’s arms were wrapped securely around me, holding me to him.

  I tilted my head up to find a very much awake Jensen staring down at me.

  I smiled sheepishly. “How did we get like this?”

  “I’m not sure. I awoke to find us like this.” Neither of us tried to move right away. We just lay there staring at each other.

  The lines were so blurred they were almost nonexistent and I had a feeling that in the end I would be the one getting burned. And the thought of being the one on the hurting
end made my stomach knot up. I didn’t want that to happen to me again.

  “I think it’s my turn to make breakfast,” I said, untangling myself like he was on fire. I sprung from the room without waiting for him to say anything.

  We didn’t speak much throughout breakfast and I was glad for it. The awkwardness surrounding us was almost tangible and it was slowly suffocating me. When Saw barged through the door, I almost kissed her. I practically ran out the door, not letting her get a word in to Jensen.

  “Where’s the fire?” She called after me.

  I ignored her as I flew down the stairs and over to my Tahoe. She wasn’t in any rush as she sauntered out of the building shooting confused looks in my directions as she neared. I sighed in relief as she closet the car door behind her.

  “You wanna tell me why you ran out of there like hell was chasing you and why Jensen looked like a guilty dog who couldn’t look me in the face?” The look on her face told me she was in no mood for avoidance.

  My shoulders sagged in defeat. “Just a chase of awkward as fuck.”

  She choked out a laugh. “What?”

  “Things with Jensen are getting a little more intense rather than flaming out like I had hoped.” I was too cowardly to tell her the truth. I knew what I had done was bad because bet or no bet, Jensen was not my boyfriend, so I shouldn’t be having sleepovers in his bed.

  “You don't say? Is that why you both look weird when I walked it? Well, more weird than normal.” Her sarcasm rang clear and I stuck my tongue out at her.

  “Shut it.”

  “How are things with Alex? I won’t pretend I couldn’t hear him yelling at you last night in the hall?” Her change of subject was not in the direction I had hoped. I was a little hesitant to answer.

  “I’m the worst girlfriend,” I chuckled. “He’s such a great guy, but I just… there’s just nothing. I feel nothing for him and I hate myself for it because I want too. Not to mention here lately he’s just been kind of weird.” My frustration bubbled to the surface when I thought about the jealousy he’s shown towards Jensen.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “He’s insanely jealous of Jensen. Last night when he stopped by while I was out with Jensen and waited on my doorstep until I came home. When Jensen and I arrived we were being our usual playful selves and as you heard Alex lost it on me. He called me dumb because I didn’t think Jensen was into me.”

  “And did you punch him in the balls?” She demanded. “Please tell me he will walk with a limp when I see him today.”

  “No, but I told him to leave, and he apologized.”

  “The jerk. What did Jensen say?”

  “He was pissed. Threatened to intervene if he ever heard Alex talk to me like that again.” My mind flickered back to the anger on Jensen’s face when I walked through the door. He looked like a lion stuck in a cage.

  “Good. He better or I will.”

  I couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled up. I could only imagine how hilarious it would be to see Saw beat Alex’s ass and I had no doubts she could do it. Then the verbal lashing she would give him would go down in the books.

  My phone dinged, and I pulled it from my bag.

  June: So you bitches decided to skip class and didn’t invite me. Some friends!

  I checked the time and swore. I looked up at Saw, frowning. “Class started five minutes ago.”

  Saw shrugged, not looking bothered. “Everyone needs a mental health day. Is that June?”

  “Yea,” I chuckled.

  “Tell her to meet us at the bakery on Downing.”

  I nodded and typed out the message quickly, then pulled out of the parking lot. This day was starting to look up. I was saved from an exhausted day at school and trying to avoid Alex. I wasn’t ready to see him and I wasn’t sure if it was because I was still mad at him or because I was feeling guilty that I had slept in bed with Jensen last night.

  June beat us to the bakery and had already found us a seat. We placed our orders and try to play catch up. June had been busy lately, and we hadn’t seen much of her.

  “How’s work?” I asked June.

  “Running me ragged, but I love it.” June worked at one of the popular bars near campus. She’d been there since she turned twenty-one and couldn’t imagine working anywhere through college.

  “I feel like we only see you at school anymore and that’s only for a few minutes at a time,” Saw pouted.

  “I’m sorry. Between work and going back and forth to my parents, I’ve been swamped.” I noticed that she looked more tired than usual and maybe a little pale.

  “Everything okay?” I asked, concerned for my friend.

  “Oh yeah,” she smiled. “My mom just gets a little crazy when I stay gone too long.” She waved me off, but I could tell that that wasn’t the whole truth. I decided not to push it.

  “Speaking of, I haven’t heard from my parents in a while. I’m thinking maybe they don’t miss me at all.” I made a mental note to call my mom sometime tonight.

  “How’s the tattoo healing?” Saw asked June. Saw had finished putting the final touches on it a week ago and they both seemed really pleased with how it turned out.

  “Perfect, of course. You’re a fucking genius,” June praised her.

  “It’s by far one of my favorite pieces,” she beamed. “I swear I’m considering framing a picture of it to hang in the studio.”

  “That would look awesome!” I exclaimed.

  “Mack and the guys will love it! And speaking of the guys I was thinking about cards Friday. You guys in?” Saw looked hopeful at the both of us

  “You know me. All work and no play,” June huffed.

  “You know I’m in, but we can wait until Saturday if that would be better for you June.”

  “Saturday’s no good me either, but you guys go ahead and I’ll catch the next one. Promise.” June said, looking apologetic.

  “You’d better. We talk about you all the time and the guys can’t wait to meet you,” Saw told her and it was the truth.

  We spent the rest of the morning sitting in the bakery, sipping coffee and snacking on delicious pastries. I think in that moment we all kind of wished our lives could freeze right here so we could stay here a little longer, but the reality was we were busy people and live goes on.

  The shop was slow and by the time dinner rolled around Mack gave me the rest of the night off. I was a little thrilled for the early freedom and didn't waste any time in calling Alex to see if he wanted to meet up for dinner.

  “Freya!” Alex greeted me when he answered his phone.

  “Hey you,” I smiled. “You busy?”

  “Too busy for you? Never!”

  “Do you want to have dinner with me tonight?”

  “Are you kidding? Of course I want to have dinner with you!” He sounded like he was genuinely thrilled.

  “Great! How about I meet you at that Italian place in fifteen minutes?”

  “Sounds perfect. I can’t wait to see you.” The line went dead, and I rolled my eyes. I’m pretty sure it would kill him to say bye before hanging up.

  I shoved my phone into my pocket and picked up my bag, heading down the hall to Saw’s studio. I pushed her door open, to find her and Jensen. They seemed to have been in an intense conversation until I interrupted.

  “Oh, sorry. I just wanted to see if maybe you could catch a ride. Mack told me I could cut out early, so I’m going to have dinner with Alex.”

  “Sure, babe,” she smiled.

  “Awesome,” I said, my eyes flickering to Jensen and I started to say something, but thought better of it. Mostly because I had no idea what to say. I backed out of the room and hurried to the door. .

  Dinner turned out nice and I was pleased that I had enjoyed myself. We chatted for what felt like hours at the restaurant. As we headed to our cars I found myself looking for reasons to stay.

  “You sure you don’t want to come home with me?” Alex asked, rubbing his thumb ac
ross my thigh before pulling me into him. “I don’t want to end the night yet.”

  I should have said yes, but I knew what he had in mind and I wasn't there yet. Josh had been the only person I had been with and that made me hesitant to jump into bed with someone else. I wanted to feel like it was the absolute right choice and right now it didn’t feel right.

  “Not tonight, okay?” I whispered, looking down at my hands. “I’m sorry, Alex. I’m just not ready to take that next step yet.” I hated disappointing him.

  “Hey,” he said, softly. “It’s fine, honey. You don’t have to apologize.”

  I smiled up at him and raised up to kiss him lightly. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “I can’t wait.” He pulled me into a deeper kiss, then I watched as he walked to his car.

  Seventeen

  I lay sprawled in the middle of my bed completely naked, watching as Jensen slowly crawled towards me. His eyes never leaving mine. My body pulsed with the beat of my heart as he ran his hand up my leg as if he were memorizing every curve. He bent his head low planting butterfly kisses along the inside my thigh.

  He trailed further up my body leaving seared flesh in his wake. He had me on edge just from his touch. My fingers itched to reach out and touch him, but I was afraid any movement would break whatever spell he had me under. I was mesmerized by his every movement.

  He climbed over me, settling himself between my legs, spreading my thighs wide. He leaned his head down never breaking eye contact as his tongue snaked out and caressed my bottom lip. His hand trailed down my belly reaching lower until he found his target. He pressed his thumb on my clit causing me to arch against the pressure and moan into his mouth.

  “Oh, luv,” he chuckled. “You want me, don’t you?”

  “Yes!” I panted, arching against him again.

  He bent his head lower capturing my nipple between his teeth. He drew it into his mouth and sucked hard. Without thought I grabbed a handful of his long hair and pressed him into me. The pressure on my clit was gone as he reached lower, running a finger through my wet folds. He teased me with his touch and I squirmed under him. Just when I thought I would topple of the edge he pulled back.