Inked Love: An Enemies to Lovers Romance

by Cassidy London

She nodded reluctantly her lips pursed.

  “Good so now you are hearing me. Desi, you’ve been looking for something to pick on with Lex ever since she got here.”

  “Ben non, Jean-Marc! Honestly, I’m just looking out for you.” She said firmly.

  Then she took a step closer to him and slowly began caressing his arm playfully, right in front of me. I felt frozen in place. Completely dumbfounded, watching them locked in each other’s eyes.

  “No, you’re not Desi.” He said calmly but sternly.

  “You’ve been gunning for Lexi since she started here. You don’t like her and I have the distinct feeling that you really don’t like her with me.” JM was now standing right in Desi’s space, staring her down as he towered above her.

  “She’s not what you need JM…” she drawled, her hands still pawing at his chest as she batted her long black lashes.

  I’d had enough. This bitch needed to take her hands off my man, before I lost it. I stood up from my desk with such force that it sent my desk chair flying back across the room. “That’s IT!” I yelled.

  “It’s okay baby, Desi was just leaving.” JM interrupted me as he side stepped her to open the office door. Her face fell a bit as he motioned for her to leave. “Des…you’ve worked here a long time but this shit needs to stop. I’m with Alexis whether you like it or not. Cause trouble again and you’re fired.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief as Desi rolled her eyes and walked out.

  Chapter 23

  The sound of my alarm came ringing through the room at such a high decibel, that my body began to shake as if I was having a seizure. “FUCK!” I heard myself scream. Why the hell did I have to put it on so damn high? JM growled at the sound as he rolled over, still half asleep

  I reached for my phone to turn off the alarm and saw that Ang had already texted me ten times and it wasn’t even eight am yet. “Sorry.” I texted back to her. “I was sleeping and…” suddenly, my texting was interrupted by my Facebook messenger app. My brother’s face appeared smiling through.

  I rolled my eyes. Only took him three weeks to answer me!

  He was short and to the point. Sure Lex, come on out here. Love to see you, it’s been too long.

  It was crazy how a few weeks could change everything. Had Logan answered me earlier, I’d have packed up and left Montreal immediately. But now that JM and I had finally figured things out and were happy, I wasn’t sure what to do next. Although a vacation with him could be nice…My mind began racing with thoughts of us taking a cross country trip together. Lost in the fantasy, I saw us on the back of his motorcycle, my arms wrapped around his hard body, hair blowing in the wind.

  As my mind began to run away with all the possibilities, I gazed over to JM who was still sleeping in my bed. He was absolute perfection. Tanned sun kissed skin peeked out through the haze of his deep inked arms. Strong cheekbones with a rugged five o’clock shadow across his jaw line. Even his jet-black hair, in need of a cut soon, flopped over his face casting shadows in the sunlight over his perfect features.

  Just looking at him, turned me on. I was falling deeper and deeper with each passing day, addicted to his scent, his touch and especially the way that he made me feel so loved and cared for. I gently ran my nails down his arms and traced the outlines of his tattoos. JM’s tattoos each told a story, one more intricate than the next. They had each been planned; down to the last possible detail representing a time or an event in his life that was memorable to him. His ink was his way of literally weaving his life on to his own personal canvas. Some of his tattoos even had their own tattoos. Like the one of a stunning pinup girl, with a hummingbird on her shoulder and a full sleeve of tats down her arm. Her face was a representation of his grandmother when she had been a young model in the 1950’s.

  JM was raised by his grandma and although she had been old fashioned in many ways; she had never stopped him from going after his dreams and fulfilling his own wishes. She had been the most influential person in his life and she had even let JM tattoo a tiny little hummingbird on her shoulder blade when she was eighty-years old. Everything he had told me about her made me wish I had known her.

  JM had taught me that ink was actually much more than the sign of a rebellious teenager. It was an opportunity to heal past wounds, and to celebrate or commemorate the best moments of life. I knew that I’d have to think long and hard about what I wanted, but when the moment came--JM would tattoo it on to my body and would make the experience more meaningful to me.

  I could feel myself falling for him, and although a part of me kept saying I should be scared, I felt nothing but peace.

  Deep in thought, I cuddled up next to my man and melted into him as he wrapped me back up in his strong manly arms. Drifting off back to sleep wrapped in Jean-Marc was my favorite place to be.

  Until that damn buzzing started again.

  “Lex!” He called out to me, jolting me out of my slumber. “Ferme ton cell! Je t’ai dit de fermer ton cell quand on dort !’’ JM’s voice was harsh as he poked my shoulder and complained to me about how many times he’d told me to close my phone while we slept. He was right though, he’d only said like a million times. Bleary eyed, I reached over and hit the button.

  “It’s just a text man--shit JM-- stop freaking out.” I mumbled in to my pillow as I dropped the phone on to the blankets. ‘’Non mais, com’on babe!’’ He complained rolling over-- exposing his rock-hard abs, chest and one hell of a tent in the sheets.

  Well, now he had my attention. Turning my head slightly to catch a glimpse of this magnificent angry specimen, as he picked up my phone and shoved it into my face.

  “It’s your mother… again.” He muttered. “When will that crazy woman leave you alone?”

  I laughed. “Not until I answer and do what she wants probably. Unfortunately for her though, that won’t happen any time soon.”

  JM leaned in and kissed me. As soon as his lips hovered above mine I began to feel that magnetic pull. He kissed me softly and gently as he caressed my face, brushing my hair away from my face.

  “Je t’adore princesse.” My entire being, body, heart and soul melted at his words. He adored me. There was no better feeling in the world. I was so close to saying the words that would change our relationship forever. I could feel them on my tongue, wanting to get out. Our eyes locked together, we stayed in that moment each seemingly repeating those silent words in our heads. Almost willing each other to be the first. But it wasn’t the right time. We weren’t there yet.

  Needing to break the tension in that moment; I made a bold announcement. “I think I want you to tattoo me.”

  JM’s face broke out into a massive smile and a chortle came from deep inside his lungs. “Quoi? T’es pas serieuse!?”

  “Yes, I’m very serious actually!” I retorted. “And I don’t know what you find so damn funny about it.”

  “It’s funny because you’re not the type Lex.”

  “I don’t know what you mean by that.” I responded somewhat annoyed with his flippant judgment of me. “In case you hadn’t noticed when we made love, I’m not an ink virgin.”

  “Well, I know you’re not a virgin that’s for sure.” He teased. “And I have seen every single side of you but I just don’t remember… where is this tattoo you speak of?”

  JM began to slowly pull and paw at what little clothing I was wearing, and gently pulled them off my body as he pretended to search for this mysterious tattoo. After pulling off my shorts, he flipped me on to my back.

  “Et voilà!” His fingers circled around the tiny flower just below my hip bone and began to lick and suck at the inked skin. “Ahh yes, I think I remember this spot now…” he grinned mischievously.

  The warmth of his breath and the softness of his tongue made me squirm. Not to mention him being completely naked and one hell of a display to drink in. I sucked in my breath in an attempt to hide how turned on I was. But of course, he caught on.

  “Doesn’t take much, now does i
t Lex...”

  “Stop teasing me JM, we don’t have time for this, we have to go to work. In case you forgot, you have a client at ten am.”

  “C’est vrai…so just a few minutes then. You’re just so distractingly beautiful.” He said as his head dipped down lower and his fingers gently pulled apart the wet folds of my skin. “I just need a little taste angel.” He whispered, as he pushed open my legs and his tongue began to lick, twirl, and suck me with no mercy.

  Being naked had its advantages.

  ***

  After we showered and got dressed, we walked to work with our coffees in one hand, and each other’s hand in the other. In silence, we absorbed the sounds and sights of the bustling city in the midst of a working morning. Our eyes locked for a moment as we walked and he smiled right up to the creases in his eyes.

  “JM, I was serious this morning…I really do want you to tattoo me. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time and I want it to be special.”

  “Okay…” he hesitated. “I’m still not sure this is the right move for you but I’ll entertain the thought for a moment. Do you know what you want?”

  “I think so…” Taking a deep breath, I told him my idea.

  “I love how your ink is unique and represents something special to you. So, with that in mind, I wanted to commemorate the most significant moment in my life. I feel like this summer has changed me in ways that I could never have imagined.” JM’s eyes widened as if he was afraid of what I was going to say next.

  “Relax dude, it’s not about you!” I giggled as I playfully slapped his arm.

  My comment broke the tension and he pulled me into his side, tousling my hair and kissing my head.

  “So, what is it then? Well…I was thinking of the outline of the Montreal skyline. Like the one that I see from the top of the mountain on my runs maybe? With like a sunrise in the background representing this new life. Even if I don’t stay in Montreal forever, this city will have left a major impact on my soul.” I trailed off, not knowing really where this would lead me. “And also…if you were the one to tattoo me… it would make it even more special.” I loved being in these moments with JM but the truth was I had no idea where it would lead us.

  He just nodded and looked away. “JM?” I pulled at his arm. “Look at me.”

  Instead he said nothing but flipped his sunglasses over his eyes and put his arm around me making us walk in sync. Clearly, he needed a moment. But for what exactly? My mind raced with possibilities and in true “Alexis” fashion, none of them were any good.

  We kept on walking in silence until we reached the shop.

  Just as we arrived, he turned and pulled me to face him. His hand cupped my chin and tilted it up towards him. With his other hand, he lifted his shades up to rest on his head. Staring me straight in the eyes, his words enveloped me in a blanket of pure love. “Lex that’s a beautiful tribute. I love it and I would be honored.”

  “Really?” I squealed. “And here I was thinking you hated it and wouldn’t do it!”

  “No way...” He smiled. “I love everything about you Alexis Reynolds.”

  I froze. What did he just say? Did he say what I think he said? The heaviness of his words masked by the playful wink he threw my way as he called over his shoulder, “I’ll draw something up for you later this afternoon.” And, he disappeared into the shop.

  Alone on the sidewalk, I had all but a second to shake off what had just happened before the rush of the day began.

  Chapter 24

  It was a particularly crazy day at the shop. Granted it was a Friday. All the artists had a good flow of clients and we had our usual beginning of the weekend walk-ins. Desi was even being particularly nice today. And by that, I mean she was ignoring me. I was thankful for the hustle and bustle. It kept my mind focused and not concerned with the last words JM had said to me privately, before walking in that morning.

  The afternoon came to a halt around four o’clock, and we finally had a moment alone. I was in the back balancing the shop’s numbers for the week when he came up behind me and dropped a paper on my keyboard.

  It took my breath away. A black and white skyline, with a colored sky in an ombré in the background. It was everything my imagination could have hoped for and more.

  “JM I love it! I said jumping up and throwing my arms around his neck.

  “Merci mon amour.” He said as he held me slightly away from his face. Again, his words hit me with an unbelievable force.

  “If you would allow me to...I would like to include something else. It would be small and barely noticeable but I would like you to trust me.”

  “Uhh… on the tattoo?” I stammered, still unsure of what he was referring to.

  “Oui.” He responded... Zero hints about what he was planning.

  “Okay…” I answered slowly. I had so many questions; I wasn’t sure where to begin.

  “Great!” he smiled. “And where do you want it?”

  “Well…I was thinking about the putting it on the inside of my left arm. That way it’s always visible to me.”

  “C’est parfait!” He told me that was perfect and seemed delighted with my choice and eager to begin. “So, we do it now then?”

  “Now? I uhh…I thought it was too busy today.”

  “Well it was but Lex, il n’y a presque personne maintenant. There’s no one left.” It was true, there was only one artist left working. "Ummm okay…but Jean-Marc…?"

  "Oui ma belle?"

  “I’m nervous. I want to do this but I had the other tattoo so long ago I don’t remember what it felt like and this one…it’s so big!”

  “Don’t worry ma chère. Let’s just put on the temporary one and you can decide on the size first. As for how it will feel…well I won’t lie to you, it won’t feel as good as when I’m buried balls deep inside you.” He whispered into my ear as he swiftly licked it.

  This man. I had it so bad for this guy and he knew it.

  JM walked me over to his chair. “Do you want to sit or lie down baby?” He asked gently as his hand caressed the side of my arm.

  “Maybe lie down?” I giggled. As I sat down and gingerly slid into place, his hands rested on top of my thighs making slight tingling and buzzing sensations run up and down my legs. Somehow, this magician of a man, made feeling nervous a turn-on.

  “Okay ma chère Alexis.” I love how my name sounded as it came across his tongue in French. This seemed to drag on forever sending a wave of shivers up my spine.

  “So, we will place the temporary tattoo like this.” His accent coming out stronger, making the word this sounds like ‘diss as he concentrated. I watched JM’s brow furrow as he carefully laid the temporary tattoo paper across my arm. Holding it fast against my arm he leaned in until our lips were just inches from each other. His eyes locked on mine and his breath seemed suck me in to that place I never wanted to leave. I felt a small moan escape my mouth as I leaned closer wanting to feel his lips on mine. He pulled back and smiled sweetly.

  “Now Lexi. You shouldn’t disturb me when I’m working.”

  “Sorry.” I mumbled. “I just really thought you were leaning in to kiss me.” I teased.

  A certain naughty twinkle appeared in his eyes. “Is that what you think I do here? Make moves on my clients?”

  “I’m not your client.” I challenged him, slightly distracted by the sound of my phone buzzing somewhere in the background.

  “That’s right you’re my employee, which makes it even worse. Now stop being such a tease, petite fille.”

  I breathed in deeply at his insult. “I’m no little girl JM.” I cautioned.

  “This I know Alexis. I can see your nipples right through that shirt. You should really wear something a little more appropriate to work.” He leaned over me, his hard chest brushing my nipples making them stand up to attention. I exhaled shakily.

  “Okay enough playing around, we can get back to that later. Let’s see how this will look.” JM pulled off the pap
er and we both looked down at the temporary ink on my forearm.

  “Oh!” I cried. It was beautiful. Taking up the entire width of my left forearm, it radiated with all the beauty that was this city and the love I had found here. A deep love for myself, which finally after all these years was here to stay. Embedded on my skin by the man who had taken me to places I never knew existed.

  My phone buzzed for the umpteenth time ruining the moment; breaking the silence that the artwork had brought upon us. JM grabbed it out the front pocket of my jeans and casually dropped it in my purse which lay on the floor beneath us.

  “It’s your mom again. Didn’t you block her?” He shrugged. “I don’t understand! Cette femme est insupportable!” He rolled his eyes as he announced how unbearable my mother was.

  “You’re telling me!” I laughed. “Nothing works with that woman.”

  “Okay so the size is good no? Too big?” he asked.

  “No, actually it’s perfect. I love how it doesn’t show unless I flip my arm over. Then it’s like a surprise. But you said you added something…I don’t see anything new?”

  “That’s because I asked you to trust me, chérie. It will only be on the actual tattoo. And it will be so small that you will have to look for it.”

  “Okay…” Why the hell was I agreeing to this?

  “On y va d’abord? We begin?” he asked.

  “Yes, let’s do it!”

  I couldn’t wait to have this inked on me for real. Although I was definitely nervous about JM’s little surprise. I did trust him and I knew he was a talented artist.

  “All right baby, lean back and just breathe.” He said, as he leaned over me with the ink gun.

  I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as the needle pierced my skin. The buzzing of the ink gun became a rhythmical sound that I focused on. I inhaled and exhaled slowly through it. It wasn’t as painful as I had feared but more like a slow burning sensation dragging across my skin. I almost felt like the cloth JM used to rub the excess ink away, was more irritating to me.