I can do this for him, we’ve had a fabulous day in the studio. I’m not going to let any fear I may have left, ruin it for me.
Ducking under the counter, I grab my purse and rummage through it, until I find my cell. Unlocking the screen, I find Zoe’s number and dial. She’s gonna go out of her mind, when I tell her what happened today.
She answers on the fourth ring and I take myself off to the kitchen in the back, to speak to her.
“Hey, Sugartits. How’s it hanging?” she chuckles down the line.
“Oh, all good, in fact today has been epic, Zo. That’s why I’m calling, we’re all going out for beers. I wanted to know if you wanted to join us. I spend all day with these guys, I could do with some girl company.”
I can practically hear her jumping up and down from here.
“D, I love you girl, but did you really think I would say no to spending the night with four badass, tattooists? A night out with them guys and we’re set for queue jumping, everywhere.”
I snigger at her, listening to the over top enthusiasm.
“Hold the fuck on, rewind shall we. What do you mean when you say today’s been epic?”
I smile to myself, wondering how long it would take her to backtrack to what I told her, when she first answered the call.
“Well….” I drag it out, building the suspense.
“Just get on it with it, will you. You’re killing me here.”
I then go on to tell her all about my day and the Syren guys coming in. I swear to god, she nearly bursts my ear drums, when she screams that loud down the phone.
“I’m so jealous.”
Putting my hand over my mouth to stifle a laugh, I tell her I’ll be home to change soon, and we end the call.
Leaving the kitchen, I spot the guys getting back to work on their last clients of the day. I go and check with Trey that it’s okay for me to leave, so I can go and get ready for tonight.
Kissing me until I’m practically panting and a needy mess, he lets me go early. With the promise that he’ll come by and collect me and Zoe from our place, in a couple of hours.
With a quick swat to my ass, I’m practically sprinting out of the studio. My buzz from the day is going nowhere. I have every intention of enjoying my night with my friends and the man who’s saving me, Piece by Piece.
I’ve never been a big drinker; coffee is my poison, but tonight we’re all riding the high of the day. It seems just wrong not to have a cocktail or two.
The minute I pushed through the door of my apartment; Zoe is standing there waiting for me, with a tall glass that’s got some gritty shit on the rim.
Dropping my purse and jacket down onto the back of the couch, I eye it suspiciously.
“What in god's name is this?”
Taking the glass from her, I bring it to my nose and sniff it. The strong scent of tequila hits my nose, making me grimace.
“It’s a margarita, I made a batch…” She picks a large jug up from the counter and shakes it a little. “The second we hung up the phone.”
Placing a hand at the top of my arm, she rubs it soothingly. I look down at it and then to her and I can see now, she’s full of emotion. I just can’t quite figure out what kind.
“These drinks aren’t just to celebrate yours and the guys awesome day, D. No. These drinks are for so much more. I love you, just the way you’ve been for all these years. I can’t tell you enough, how fucking proud of you I am. These past few months, I’ve watched you go from my best friend. Who wouldn’t speak to anyone only me, unless it was totally necessary? Not only that, you got yourself a job that requires you to spend all day with four, macho guys. I for one know how that was hard for you. I’ve never seen you so happy, D. Seeing you happy, makes me happy. It means you’re becoming who you were always supposed to be. That’s someone, who opens her heart up and loves with wholeheartedly. I can’t thank Trey enough for giving me the girl, I once knew, back to me.”
A single tear runs down her cheek and I can see now that my issues have been hard on her too, over the years. I’ve just been that locked in my own mind, that I never took the time to notice. This girl means the world to me, she’s not just my best friend, she’s my sister.
Tears, I didn’t know that had sprang to my own eyes, trickle down my face.
“Oh, for fuck sake, just look at us pair.” Zoe giggles, “We’re supposed to be having fun.”
We both swipe away the wetness on our wet faces with the backs of our hands. Before giving each other a hug, I try not to spill the glass I’m holding filled with the potent tequila drink.
“Come on, you have no idea how long I’ve waited for this night to happen. I finally get to play dress up with my bestie.”
Smiling, she takes my free hand and pulls me along to her bedroom.
Over an hour later, I’m standing in front of Zoe's full-length mirror, that she has in the corner of her bedroom and I’m stunned. I don’t recognize the person that’s staring back at me. Yes, she has my features, my eyes and my hair, but the woman in mirror, is no longer the woman she was six months ago.
Thanks to a man, a man that when she first met him, made her stutter like a total idiot and act like a dumb fuck. He’s turned her into someone she never thought she would become; a fighter and someone she can actually stomach to be. Being in love, suits her.
Turning from side to side, I take in the outfit that Zoe has sucked me into wearing. The tight black, wet look trousers are so tight, that my ass looks like it’s been surgically lifted. The pink racer back, tank has been tucked into the high waist, giving my tits extra emphasis. As well as that, it complements my pink hair too. The hair that Zoe has tousled into loose waves, against my shoulders. I’ve also never worn so much makeup. I have sweeping black eyeliner across my lids; my eyelashes are coated in that much mascara, they look fake. To finish the look off, she’s highlighted my cheeks, with a rosy pink tint. Then swiped nude lipstick, on my lips, making them look fuller.
“Ha. I’ve found them.”
Zoe stands from the floor, where she’s been searching for something from under her bed. Raising her hand out to me, I see a pair of baby pink, strappy heels, hanging from her fingers.
“Put these on.”
Taking them from her, my brow knits together.
“Zo, I can’t wear these. I’ll break my fucking neck. I’m a chucks girl all the way. I’ve never even worn heels.”
“Well, now's your chance, time to embrace the new Daisy.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, she stands there and taps her foot, leaving no room for me to argue with her. She’s right, it’s time to explore the new me.
Satisfied that she’s got to use me as her very own barbie doll she comes and stands next to once I’ve put the shoes on and nudges my shoulder, as we both look in the mirror.
“You look amazing, D. Trey is going to blow his fucking load in his pants, the second his eyes see you.”
Laughing at her crass words, I give her shoulder a nudge and leave her room, so she can get ready herself.
Even though I wasn’t a big fan of the margarita when Zoe first gave it to me. I’ve found the more I drink of it, the more I’m starting to like it. Especially when I go to pour myself a fresh glass of the tequila goodness, from the jug and it’s empty.
Ooops.
I didn’t even think we’d drank that much.
Just as I’m placing the jug back down, there’s a knock on the door; Trey’s finally here. Even though I only left him a short while ago, I have butterflies in my belly at the thought of his reaction, when he sees my makeover.
Scurrying to the door, I don’t give him time to say hello. I open the door and jump on him. Throwing my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist, locking my ankles against his ass. Peppering kisses all over his cheeks, jaw and then his lips, I cause him to stumble slightly, before he catches himself.
“Whoa, baby. Has someone missed me?”
/>
Leaning back, so he can see my face properly, I see the moment he sees something different about me. His eyes are scrunched into little slits and his brow meets in the middle, as he tries to figure out what's so different.
Untangling my legs from around him, I unlace my fingers from around his neck, slide my body down his and take a tentative step back. Every instinct in my body is telling me that I should lower my head in shame. That he doesn’t like the way I look, but I find it in me to keep my shoulders pulled back. My eyes firmly fixed on his and just to add that little bit more confidence to my stance, I place my hands on my hips. When on the inside, I’m shaking like a leaf.
I watch carefully has his eyes track all the way up my body, from the ridiculous shoes I’m wearing, up my legs. Past my torso and breasts, then finally his eyes land back on my face. If I could run to get my phone to take a picture of his current facial expression, I would.
It’s clear I had nothing to worry about.
His eyes go from slits, to practically bugging out of their sockets. His jaw is so far on the floor, he even has a little drool hanging from his bottom lip.
“Trey? Are you okay?”
I know he isn’t. I’ve spotted the way his jeans have got tight, in the last few moments.
Gathering himself together eventually, he blinks a few times and then shifts a little uncomfortably. I want to laugh and do a happy dance, but instead I just stand there, waiting for him to say something.
“That’s it, we aren’t going out.”
Rushing at me, I’m lifted back into the air, the door is kicked shut and he has me pressed up against it, in a heartbeat.
“You look so fuckable right now, baby. I don’t want to share you with anyone else.”
His lips come crashing down on to mine in a bruising kiss. We’re both panting and about two seconds away from ripping each other’s clothes off, when Zoe comes around the corner.
“Will you fucking put her down, if you ruin my handy work, I will castrate you, Trey.”
We pull apart and he lets me go from the door and holds on my hips at arm’s length.
“You’re gorgeous any day of the week to me, but in this outfit, you’re out of this world. Are you sure you want to go out tonight? I’ll make it worth it if you change your mind, those losers won’t notice, if we’re not there.”
Shoving my hand at his shoulder, he stumbles slightly, and I take that opportunity to make my escape. Adding a little extra sway to my hips as I go, and I know he’s suffering. The growl that I hear rip from him, tells me everything.
Stepping into Mona’s, in the East Village, half an hour later, I’m feeling rather happy. I have a good buzz pumping through my system from the margaritas I’ve already drank. Trey guides me with a hand on the small of my back, as we follow Zoe to the back where the booths and the other guys are.
“Fuck me, Daisy. You look, just wow...” Levi chokes on the beer, he’s just been drinking, when he sees me.
I blush at the compliment, only Trey doesn’t seem to handle it well. His body stiffens next to me and I hear a predatory growl tear from his lips.
“If you want to keep your job, assface. I suggest you keep your eyes to yourself.”
I love it when he’s protective of me. The way he warns Levi, has me pressing my thighs together, as a wave of desire hits, for the man next to me.
Smith pulls me out of my lust with a bark of laughter.
“Well, fucking hell, I never thought I’d see the day Trey Spencer, threatened another man over a woman. I’m pleased for you dude.”
Everyone laughs, except for Zak. Trey goes over to the bar and gets me, Zoe and him a drink, when we’ve told him what we want, and we slide into the booth.
“You alright, Zak?” I ask him.
The man who’s usually the first one to give Trey shit, is just sitting there twirling his bottle of beer around on the table, in front of him, looking lost in his own world.
“I’m okay, Daisy. Thanks for asking.”
His eyes travel to Zoe and he sighs heavily.
Getting up out of the booth, he slides past Levi and heads to the bar. Mumbling about how he needs something stronger than a fucking beer.
“Is he okay?” I ask, not to anyone in particular.
When Smith or Levi don’t answer me, I give Levi a swift kick under the table.
“Ow. What was that for?”
Leaning down under the table, he gives his leg a rub.
“I asked a question, and no-one answered. You were the closest to get the attention of.” I smile at him.
“Oh, Zak. Yeah, he’s fine, he’s just being a little bitch. He’ll come out of it, when he gets some pussy.”
At the mention of Zak getting laid, Zoe inhales sharply next to me. Mmmm, I shall explore that little conundrum, when I’m alone with her.
I’m three drinks in and I’ve never felt so free in my life. All my inhibitions have now fucked off. Me and Zoe are currently occupying the small, wooden dance floor. Enjoying the music that they have playing live, when my mouth gets all dry. Nudging Zo with my elbow, I indicate to the bar with my head. We both head over, only to find Trey already there and he’s talking to a woman.
Not just any woman, Stacey.
Cam’s sister.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Trey
Sitting and watching Pink on the dance floor with Zoe, is pure, fucking torture.
I’ve never felt this possessive and jealous, as I sit and watch all the motherfuckers in this place, eye up my woman. If I didn’t know that the violence would make her freak out, I’d be swinging some punches. Instead, I sit there with the guys and drink my beer. Considering we’re supposed to be on a high from the day, we aren’t really tearing the place up, like we normally would. Zak looks like someone shit in his beer. Levi and Smith are ripping each other apart with funny insults. I’m glaring at every male in this place, just in case they think it’s okay to approach Pink.
“Fuck this shit.” I say to no-one in particular.
Peeling my ass out of the booth, I go over to the bar and order another round. That’s when I feel a hand snake around my shoulder. Just as I’m about to push the owner of said arm away, I turn quickly and see that it’s Stacey.
“Hey.”
We both say at the same time.
“What are you doing here? Thought you would have gone back to good old Texas by now.”
She knows how I feel about the place, I once called home.
“I did go back, but you know me. I get restless.”
I watch as one of her perfectly manicured nails, stroke down my forearm. This is normal for Stace, she’s always been a touchy type of woman. I’ve never minded it before, but that was before Daisy. If she saw, just that little innocent touch, I know it will send her into a meltdown. She doesn’t trust easily, and I’ve worked hard to get her to trust me. Even if she does know who Stace is, I know I wouldn't like it if one of the guys touched her like that, and they’re my family.
I can feel her before I see her, and I know she’s standing behind me. It’s like we’ve got this weird connection, that tells us when the other one is near.
I don’t get to turn around and face her. Instead, her arms thread around my waist and she rises to put her chin on my shoulder.
“Hey, baby. You okay?”
My smile is so wide, as I pull her around, so she’s pressed up against my side.
“Yeah, I’m all hot and need a drink.”
Her eyes look up at me and I could get lost in them for eternity. It’s not until I hear Stace cough, that I remember she’s still standing there.
“Oh, shit. Baby, you remember Stacey, don’t you?”
I wave my hand out in front of me in Stacey's direction.
“Oh, yes. Of course. You thought I was the receptionist at Ink Nation that Trey had hired.”
Stace laughs but I can tell it’s fake, what’s eating her? Stace i
s the most real person I know, next to Daisy and the guys.
“Yeah, that was bad of me. I’m sorry. I also didn’t catch your name…”
“It’s Daisy, Daisy Harrington.”
“Well, Daisy. I hope Trey has been looking after you? You certainly do look great together.”
I don’t miss the snipe she makes, but I let it go for now.
Squeezing me to her, she stands on her tip toes and kisses me. It’s a possession type of kiss, it’s her way of telling my lifelong friend, that I belong to her. She’s right, I do belong to her, heart, body and soul. Just from the way she’s staking her claim, has my cock rock hard and wanting to bend her over the bar.
“He’s been amazing.”
She looks back to Stace and smiles. It’s not one of her, I like you, smiles either. It’s a, ‘you come within touching distance of my man again and I’m going to kill you with my bare hands,’ smile.
I, fucking love it!
My girl has a jealous streak that could rival mine.
It turns me on to the point, I think I’m gonna explode in my jeans and I can no longer stand to be in this bar. I need her and I need her now.
Not willing to wait any longer. I abandon the drinks that are on the bar, scoop her up and over onto my shoulder. As I do, she screeches, begging to for me to put her down.
Yeah, that's not gonna happen.
I see the shock on Stacey's face and wink at her.
“Sorry, Stace. I gotta go. Catch you soon.”
“Yeah, yeah sure.” she splutters.
Not that I’m really listening to her, I’m already moving through the bar, with Pink over my shoulder and over to our table.
“I’m taking Pink home; she’s had one to many.” I tell them, not wanting to share with them, that I’m taking her back to my place to ravish her.
All three of my best friends look at me like they know I’m lying, but I don’t give a fuck. A thwack comes down on my ass, making me jump.
“Put me down, you fucking caveman.”
Piece By Piece (The Ink Nation Series Book 1) Page 15