I nod, still mute and embarrassed.
“Good.” He smiles and grabs Jett’s shoulder. “Are you okay with her doing the piercing?”
Jett moves his gaze to me again. “As long as she knows what she’s doing and it won’t lead to me getting an amputation, I’m game. How about you, Lily? You up for it?”
“I know how to handle a penis.” I smile, not realizing what the hell I just said and how freaking dirty it sounded.
That’s until Jett’s smile widens, and he winks at me again. What the hell did I say?
I know how to handle a penis? Fuck my life.
When Jett’s around, it’s like my brain disconnects from the rest of my body. This is going to be a long, long day, and it’s barely started.
“Well, she’s your girl.” Uncle Joe ignores my idiotic statement as he moves toward me with a straight face. “Just holler if you kids need help.”
I stand there, gaping at Jett. My mouth is opening and closing like I’m a goldfish out of water, gasping for air.
“Jett?” Gigi’s voice is filled with shock as she stands next to me, gawking at Jett too. “Am I seeing things? Are you really here?”
All I can do is blink. It doesn’t matter that Gigi seemed to come out of nowhere. I never saw or heard her walk into the waiting room. All I can think about is Jett. Jett’s penis. My hands. The needle. Oh my God. I am finally going to see the one body part I’ve dreamed about on this guy but never seen.
“Hey, sweetheart.” He runs his fingers through his beautiful hair, doing the smooth, cool thing he always has.
She’s in his arms a second later, kissing his cheeks frantically. “I didn’t think you’d come back alive.”
Jett moves his head to avoid her kisses. “Stop, Gigi.” He laughs, gripping her arms, trying to put some space between them. “You’re killing me, smalls.”
She swats his chest. “You disappear for years—no letters, no phone calls, nothing. You just vanish into thin air, and now I’m not supposed to kiss you.” She wipes her cheeks like she’s crying and being overdramatic. “You’re like seeing my long-lost brother. I’m getting my kisses before you disappear again.”
Jett’s parents, Sophia and Kayden, have been best friends with Aunt Suzy and Uncle Joe since way before any of us were born. From what I understand, Sophia and Suzy were roommates before she met Uncle Joe. I find it hard to believe because Sophia’s kind of kick-ass and Aunt Suzy…well, she’s more like me.
Jett smiles. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m back for good.”
My heart almost leaps out of my chest with the news. Not that it should matter because it’s not like we’ve ever run in the same circles. And then there’s the fact that he’s Jett and I’m boring Lily.
Gigi slaps Jett’s shoulder and nearly vibrates with excitement. “We have to celebrate, then. Tamara will be home this weekend from school. You game for a little party like old times?”
Like old times. I never had any old times. The parties they went to in high school, I didn’t attend. I stayed home, knowing my dad wasn’t going to let me go anyway, and read books. I studied on weekends or helped my mom at the clinic. Talk about boring. I could’ve been the poster child.
Jett looks over Gigi’s shoulder. “Only if Lily’s coming,” he says, staring straight at me.
I blink like I’m in a trance or daydreaming, trying to wrap my head around what he’s saying. Maybe I’m imagining things. Why in the world would the town hottie want me there? I’m about as fun as watching paint dry on the walls. I know it too, and I’ve accepted my blandness.
“She’s totally coming,” Gigi answers for me.
“Maybe she has a date or something,” he tells me.
Gigi snorts. “Lily doesn’t date.”
“I date,” I grumble, giving Gigi the death glare.
“Oh. Okay,” she laughs, rolling her eyes in my direction. “Are you free this weekend?”
I don’t answer right away as I stare at Jett, our eyes locked and my body beginning to overheat. “I think so.” I shrug, trying not to commit to anything in case I chicken out.
Gigi hugs Jett one more time. “We’re doing this, and it’s going to be epic.”
“Yeah,” Jett says as Gigi wraps her arms around him, but his eyes are on me.
“I better start prepping,” I say, stepping backward toward the piercing room. “So much to do.” I smile nervously, feeling the heat of his gaze.
“What are you doing at Inked?” she asks him when I turn my back, almost running away from them.
“I’m getting a Prince Albert.”
Gigi gasps. “No. Fucking. Shit. Are you shittin’ me?”
“I never joke about my dick, sweetheart.”
Once inside the small room, I close the door, plastering myself against the cool metal for support. I can do this. It’s just a penis. I’ve seen so many at this point, I’ve lost count. What’s another one, right?
* * *
Ready for Lily and Jett’s hilariously sexy story?
A Note from Chelle Bliss
Dear Reader,
I want to take a moment to thank you for reading and loving my characters and words.
Without your kindness and support with every Men of Inked book, I’m not sure if I would’ve had the willpower to keep on pushing myself.
You are the true rockstar.
As I write each story, I think about what you would love and how I can craft a story to capture your attention and make you close the book, feeling satisfied and excited for the next.
I never know where a story is going to go when I start. I let the characters lead me where they may.
I know some of you may be sad that Crow wasn’t the leading man in this book, but something about him didn’t feel right for Tamara.
Suddenly, there was this smooth talking unknown guy who was sweet talking Tamara…and Mammoth was born.
Just know Crow may appear later. I have so many plans for all these characters. Just stick with me and I promise you’re going to be a very, very happy girl.
As always…Thank you.
Love Always,
Chelle
Want more Men of Inked?
Thank you for reading Burn! I hope you love the Gallo Family as much as I do. Want to start at the beginning? Download your free copy at menofinked.com/free or read the rest of the series by visiting menofinked.com/men-of-inked
Already read the original Men of Inked series? Get to know the other branch of the Gallo family. Learn more by visiting menofinked.com/southside and download Maneuver.
Want to know how the books connect? Turn the page and check out the Gallo Family Tree.
View Chelle’s entire collection of books at menofinked.com/books
Original Men of Inked Series
Join the Gallo siblings as their lives are turned upside down by irresistible chemistry and unexpected love. A sizzling USA Today bestselling series!
Throttle Me - Book 1 (Free Download)
Ambitious Suzy has her life planned out, but everything changes when she meets tattooed bad boy Joseph Gallo. Could their one-night stand ever turn into the real thing?
Hook Me - Book 2
Michael Gallo has been working toward his dream of winning a MMA championship, but when he meets a sexy doctor who loathes violence, his plans may get derailed.
Resist Me - Book 3
After growing up with four older brothers, Izzy Gallo refuses to be ordered around by anyone. So when hot, bossy James Caldo saves her from trouble, will she be able to give up control?
Uncover Me - Book 4
Roxanne has been part of the dangerous Sun Devils motorcycle club all of her life, while Thomas Gallo has been deep undercover for so long, he’s forgotten who he truly is. Can they find redemption and save each other?
Without Me - Book 5
Anthony Gallo never thought he’d fall in love, but when he meets the only woman who doesn’t fall to her knees in front of him, he’s instantly smitten.
Joe and Suzy Gallo have everything they ever wanted and are living the American dream. Just when life has evened out, a familiar enemy comes back to haunt them.
Worship Me - Book 7
James Caldo needs to control everything in his life, even his wife. But Izzy Gallo’s stubborn and is constantly testing her husband's limits as much as he pushes hers.
* * *
Men of Inked: Heatwave Series
The Gallo’s Next Generation
Flame - Book 1
Gigi Gallo’s childhood was filled with the roar of a motorcycle and the hum of a tattoo gun. Fresh out of college, she never expected to run into someone tall, dark, and totally sexy from her not-so-innocent past.
Burn - Book 2
Gigi Gallo thought she'd never fall in love, but then he rode into her world covered in ink and wrapped in chaos. Pike Moore never expected his past to follow him into his future, but nothing stays hidden for long.
Wildfire - Book 3
Tamara Gallo knew she was missing something in life. Looking for adventure, she takes off, searching for a hot biker who can deliver more than a good time. But once inside the Disciples, she may get more than she bargained for.
Blaze - Book 4
Lily Gallo has never been a wild child, but when she reconnects with an old friend, someone she’s always had a crush on, she’s about to change.
* * *
Men of Inked: Southside Series
The Chicago side of the Gallo Family
Maneuver - Book 1
Poor single mother Delilah is suspicious when sexy Lucio Gallo offers her and her baby a place to live. But soon the muscular bar owner is working his way into her heart — and into her bed…
Flow - Book 2
The moment Daphne Gallo looked into his eyes, she knew she was in trouble. Their fathers were enemies--Chicago crime bosses from rival families. But that didn't stop Leo Conti from pursuing her.
Hook - Book 3
Nothing prepared Angelo Gallo for losing his wife. He promised her that he’d love again. Find someone to mend his broken heart. And that seemed impossible, until the day that he walked into Tilly Carter's cupcake shop.
Hustle - Book 4
Vinnie Gallo's the hottest rookie in professional football. He's a smooth-talker, good with his hands, and knows how to score. Nothing will stop Vinnie from getting the girl—not a crazy stalker or the fear he's falling in love.
Love - Book 5
Finding love once is hard, but twice is almost impossible. Angelo Gallo had almost given up, but then Tilly Carter walked into his life and the sweet talkin' Southern girl stole his heart forever.
* * *
ALFA Investigations Series
A sexy, suspenseful Men of Inked Spin-off series…
Sinful Intent - Book 1
Out of the army and back to civilian life, Morgan DeLuca takes a job with a private investigation firm. When he meets his first client, one night of passion blurs the line between business and pleasure...
Unlawful Desire - Book 2
Frisco Jones was never lucky in love and had finally given up, diving into his new job at ALFA Investigations. But when a dirty-mouthed temptress crossed his path, he questioned everything.
Wicked Impulse - Book 3
Bear North, ALFA’s resident bad boy, had always lived by the friend’s code of honor—Never sleep with a buddy’s sister, and family was totally off-limits. But that was before Fran DeLuca, his best friend’s mom, seduced him.
Guilty Sin - Book 4
When a mission puts a woman under Ret North’s protection, he and his longtime girlfriend Alese welcome her into their home. What starts out as a friendship rooted in trust ignites into a romance far bigger than any of them expect.
* * *
Single Novels
Enshrine
When Callie’s life crumbles around her, can she trust her attraction to ruthless Bruno?
Mend
Before senior year, I was forced to move away, leaving behind the only man I ever loved. He promised he’d love me forever. He vowed nothing would tear us apart. He swore he’d wait for me, but Jack lied.
Rebound
After having his heart broken, Flash heads to New Orleans to lose himself, but ends up finding so much more!
Acquisition - Takeover 1
Rival CEO Antonio Forte is arrogant, controlling, and sexy as hell. He’ll stop at nothing to get control of Lauren’s company.The only problem? He’s also the one-night stand she can’t forget. And Antonio not only wants her company, he wants her as part of the acquisition.
Merger - Takeover 2
Antonio Forte has always put business before pleasure, but ever since he met the gorgeous CEO of Interstellar Corp, he finds himself wanting both. And he's hoping she won't be able to refuse his latest offer.
Top Bottom Switch
Ret North knows exactly who he is—a Dominant male with an insatiable sexual appetite. He’s always been a top, searching for his bottom…until a notorious switch catches his eye.
* * *
Love at Last Series
Untangle Me - Book 1
Kayden Michaels is a bad boy that never played by the rules. Sophia has always been the quintessential good girl, living a life filled with disappointment. Everything changes when their lives become intertwined through a chance encounter online.
Kayden the Past - Book 2
Kayden has a past filled with sex, addiction, and heartache. Needing to get his addictions in check and gain control of his life for the sake of his family, Kayden is forced to confront his past and make amends for the path he’s walked.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chelle hails from the Ohio, but currently lives near the beach in Florida even though she hates sand.
She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, and ex-history teacher.
She loves spending time with her two cats, sometimes pain in the ass alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.
To learn more about Chelle’s books, please visit menofinked.com.
Join my newsletter at menofinked.com/alert
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➔ Text BLISS to 24587
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I suck at writing acknowledgments. Not just a little, but ALOT. There’s something so hard to remember everyone who helped because there’s truly a huge community behind the scenes, helping me through each release.
To my beta team, who read as I write—Renita, Elle, Curtis, Nita, Yolanda, and Heather… Thanks for dealing with my insanity. It sounds like it would awesome and fun, but trust me, I’d drive most people to drink. Thank you for your patience and helping me make every book better.
Lisa A. Hollett—Someday you’ll be in therapy, complaining about me, but just remember all the joy your misery brought to others. Thanks for putting up with my special breed of crazy. #TacosForever
Kevin Creekman—Thanks for being willing to be on the cover of Wildfire. As soon as I saw your photo, I knew you were the perfect Mammoth.
Rose Holub, an amazing proofer and total Gallo Girl—Thank you for your professionalism, speed, and loving my words. Your commentary as you proofed was uplifting.
Julie Deaton… You’re a rockstar. Thank you for always finding time for me. You’re one popular chick and an amazing eagle eye.
To my readers—
I want to take a moment to thank you for reading and loving my characters. Without your kindness and support with every Men of Inked book, I’m not sure if I would’ve had the willpower to keep on pushing myself.
You are the true rockstar. As I write each story, I think about what you would love and how I can craft a story to capture your attention and make you close the book, feeling satisfied and excited for the next.
…Keep on goin’, Gallo Girl. There’s more to come!
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