[Men of Inked 01.0 - 03.0] Volume 1

by Chelle Bliss

  I hunched over, feeling the sting of her bony elbow as I pretended to catch my breath. “Sure.” I smiled at her.

  Suzy was a vision. Skin slightly pink and pale, blonde hair flowing down her back with her knee-length white sundress. She looked like an angel, but I knew the truth. The girl came off as sweet and innocent, but she was a tiger and had developed quite a liking for curse words. I rubbed off on her. To say I was proud to call her mine was a complete understatement.

  “The house is beautiful,” Ma said as she grabbed my arm. “You trying to kill her?” she whispered as we walked into the great room.

  “Ma, she gives as good as she gets.”

  “I’m sure, baby,” she said as she patted my stomach. “Wow, the fireplace really turned out better than I thought.”

  I looked at it with pride. It took me days to get it just right, laying each stone one at a time. “Thanks, it was worth all the hours.” The rounded river rock made it a challenge, but I sure as fuck wasn’t going to let it beat me.

  Ma touched the stones and ran her hand across the large wooden mantel. “I’m speechless. The entire place is…” She smiled, looking around.

  “I know, Ma. It’s perfect. Turned out better than I could’ve dreamed.”

  “Here’s your drink Mr. G,” Suzy said as she handed him a glass of whiskey on the rocks.

  A loud pounding on the door made my mother jump. “I’ll get it,” I said.

  Suzy nodded. “I’ll show them around.”

  The banging continued. “Jesus,” I yelled as I opened the door.

  Mike’s fist stopped in midair, as he was about to land another blow. “Sorry, didn’t think you heard me.”

  “I think the dead heard you, brother.” I opened the door, letting him inside. His large body hid Mia. “Hey, Doc. How the hell are ya?” I asked Mia as Michael walked inside.

  She smiled, holding out her hand to me. I shook my head, grabbing her, and pulled her to my chest. “I want a hug. We’re beyond handshakes, Doc. You’ve seen me naked, for shit’s sake.” I laughed, feeling her tense in my arms.

  She blushed, her cheeks turning red as she pulled away. “Well, um…”

  “It’s okay, Mia. I was dying and you saved me. I’m just harassing you.”

  She swallowed, looking at Mike before turning back to me. “You know how your brother gets.” She chewed her lip as she looked around my body to Mike.

  “Don’t worry. He doesn’t give a shit about me. He knows I have my girl. Come on in.” I stepped aside, letting her pass. “How’s the clinic?” I asked as I followed her toward the sound of Mike’s voice.

  “I promise I didn’t look, by the way.” She winked, with a small smile on her face. “It’s so great, Joe. Your family has done so much.” She smiled, stopping at the counter to watch everyone else in the great room.

  “Mia,” Ma said, holding out her arms.

  I smiled as Suzy wrapped her arms around me, placing her head on my chest. Life couldn’t get much better than this. Mike and Pop sat on the couch talking, Ma and Mia greeted each other, and Suzy was at my side.

  The front door opened and I turned to see who it was. We were only missing Izzy and Anthony. “Smells damn good in here,” Izzy said as she walked into the kitchen.

  “Hey, sis,” I said, walking over to hug her.

  “I brought someone, I hope you don’t mind.” She smiled, looking up into my eyes. Izzy was never this sweet.

  “Who?” I asked, looking up.

  Anthony waved and stepped aside. Fuck. “Really?” I whispered in her ear, grabbing her by the shoulder.

  “Come on, Joey. He didn’t have anywhere else to be. He was in town and I told him he could spend the day with us. I know you made enough food for an entire army.” She batted her eyelashes at me.

  “He’s here now.” I shook my head, looking down at her. “Next time ask, Izzy.”

  “Okay,” she whispered in my chest, squeezing me before ducking under my arms.

  I held out my hand to Sam as Anthony walked by and grimaced. He felt the same way I did about this fucker. “Nice to see you again, Sam.”

  He placed his hand in mine, gripping it roughly. “I go by Flash now.”

  “Whatever,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Welcome to my home,” I said, pulling him close as I crushed his fingers in my grip. “If you hurt my sister, I’ll fucking bury you. Got me?”

  “Easy now, City. I wouldn’t dream of it. We’re just friends.” He stood toe to toe with me, gripping my shoulder.

  “I don’t care who the fuck you think you are or what MC you’re in. You’re still Sam to me and I can still whip your ass. Just so we’re clear.” I glared at him. Who the fuck did this punk think he was?

  Suzy’s arms slid around me as her tits crushed against my back. “Everything okay, baby?” she asked.

  “Just perfect, sugar. This is Sam, Izzy’s friend.”

  She released me and held out her hand to him. “Hi, Sam, I’m Suzy. Nice to meet you,” she said, smiling, unaffected by his inability to dress up. He had on his MC cut and jeans—classy for the holidays.

  “It’s my pleasure, Suzy.” He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “You have a beautiful home.”

  “Thank you, Sam.”

  I growled, wanting to punch him in the face. His eyes flickered to me, his lips turning up in a half-smirk before he looked back to Suzy.

  “Joe’s a very lucky man. I hope you don’t mind me crashing the party.” Sam’s eyes flickered to me with a shitty grin before looking at Suzy. I wanted to rip his head off, the fucking weasel.

  “Not at all. Come on in and make yourself at home,” Suzy said with a smile.

  As Sam walked past me, I glared at him but I knew I should be nice. Suzy stood on her tiptoes, rubbing my cheek and staring at me with her head tilted. “What’s wrong, City?”

  I looked down at her, giving her a half-smile. Her kind eyes and big heart always did a number on me. “Nothing, sugar. I just don’t like him.”

  “I’m sure he’s harmless. Let’s enjoy our first Thanksgiving in our new home.”

  I kissed her hair, taking in the coconut sweetness on the silk strands. “Harmless isn’t a word I’d use to describe Sam, but you’re right, let’s enjoy it.”

  “No more sex references either,” she said as she pinched my ass.

  “Sugar, I make no promises when it comes to you and that sweet pussy,” I said as I crushed my lips to hers, stealing her breath.

  3

  Suzy

  “What still needs to be done, dear?” Mrs. G asked as I sipped my white wine. “We’re just over a week away.” She smiled, her eyes soft. I knew she was happy and excited. The wedding was all we talked about anymore.

  “I think everything is ready. I have a couple to-do lists, but it’s last-minute stuff.” I set my fork down, unable to take another bite. “Maybe you can look over the seating chart with me one more time while the boys watch football after dinner.”

  Her teeth sparkled as her smile grew wide. “I’d love to help.”

  “Me too,” Izzy said from across the table. “Maybe we can have the boys do the dishes for once.” She grinned, looking around the table.

  “Oh, hell no,” Anthony said. “That’s women’s work.” He shook his head, shoveling another forkful of stuffing in his mouth.

  Clinking from all the ladies dropping their forks on the table made me laugh. That wasn’t the thing to say at this table.

  “No shock why your ass is still single,” Michael said, slapping Anthony on the back of the head.

  “When have we ever done dishes on Thanksgiving? I’m just saying. It’s our job to eat and watch football, and the ladies cook and clean. It’s the Italian way.” He smirked and his body jerked. “What the hell was that for?” He looked at Izzy.

  “Being a dumbass,” Izzy said as she rolled her eyes.

  “Anthony, you boys can handle it this year. The ladies have wedding plans to finalize,” Mrs. G said. />
  “But Ma,” Anthony replied with wide eyes.

  “No buts, mister. There are enough of you that you’ll get it done quickly. Joseph and Suzy’s wedding is more important than football this week.” Her mouth was set in a firm line. Mrs. G was sweet as apple pie, but no one, and I mean no one, challenged her.

  “Fine, Ma.” He covered his mouth with his napkin and mumbled.

  I bit my lips, stifling my giggle. “We never went around the room sharing what we’re most thankful for.”

  “You’re right, Suzy. The boys were so hungry, I didn’t even think about it. Forks down,” Mrs. G said, placing her fork and knife next to her plate.

  A collective groan filled the room. The boys didn’t like anyone getting between them and their food, or their women, for that matter. The two things were non-negotiable.

  “I’ll start,” she said. “I’m thankful for my children and loving husband. I’m thankful for the new additions to the table and new members of the family, Suzy and Mia. I’m thankful that Thomas is safe even though he’s missed another holiday. I’ve been blessed with each and every one of you being a part of my life.” She smiled, wiping her eyes.

  Mr. Gallo stood and cleared his throat. “I’m thankful to live another year to hopefully see the Cubs win the World Series.” He laughed. “I’m thankful that I can be proud of each of my children, Mia and Suzy included. When I met and married your mother, I never dreamed that she would give me such wonderful children and a life filled with such joy. I can honestly say I have no regrets, and for that I thank my lucky stars each day.” He tipped his head and winked at Mrs. G before sitting.

  She blushed and blew him a kiss. I wanted that life. I wanted that love. The lifetime-enduring happiness that seemed out of reach for most.

  “I’m thankful for my uncomplicated single life. No offense.” Anthony looked at his mother. “I’m thankful for this meal and having you all part of my life. That’s enough sappy shit for me to say in one day.” He blew out a breath and smiled.

  “Aw, you’re so sweet, Anthony, you almost made my teeth hurt,” Izzy said. “I’m thankful for having two wonderful parents. I’m thankful for having more women around the table. Being outnumbered sucks.” She looked at Flash, and he shook his head before he turned to Michael.

  Michael glared at him. “Fine, I’ll go, you pansy ass.” He cracked his knuckles and put his arm around Mia. “I’m thankful for all of you, but most of all for the woman at my side. I haven’t been the same since the day I knocked her on her ass. I love ya, Mia, baby.” He leaned forward, holding her chin, and kissed her gently.

  All the love around the table made my eyes water. This family had become everything to me. City was the icing on the cake, but they were the silky-smooth filling.

  “Pussy whipped,” Anthony choked out.

  “Shut the fuck up.” Michael slapped Anthony on the head without looking, as his lips lingered over Mia’s mouth.

  City stood, looking down at me with a smile that made my stomach flutter. “On that note, I’ll get the mushy shit out of the way. I’m thankful that Suzy has agreed to be my wife. I couldn’t ask for a better person to share the rest of my life with. We had a rough beginning, but I knew I had her the moment I kissed her. I’m thankful to Mia for helping save my life after the accident.” He smiled at Mia, and she blushed. “I’m thankful for my family…well, maybe not Anthony, but everyone else.”

  He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me forward before he kissed me. His lips were warm and sweet from the wine. My nose tickled from the facial hair he’d become so fond of. As he pulled away, I moved with him, wanting more of his mouth. He winked, giving me the cocky grin that always set my body on fire.

  I swallowed, trying to regain my composure. “I’m thankful that City is still with me after all we’ve been through. I’m thankful that he survived and is healthier than ever. I’m thankful for each and every one of you for being around this table, even Anthony.” I laughed as Anthony smiled, winking.

  All the Gallo men were to die for—they were the panty-dropping variety. Women couldn’t say no to them; that was how City stole my heart. Everyone dug back into their meal, scooping up the stuffing and dreaded green bean casserole, and chatter filled the large dining room. I set my napkin down, sat back in my chair, and let the joy I felt seep inside me.

  There was something about a man that could cook. I hadn’t gone hungry or worried about which brand of Ragu jarred sauce to use since I met City. He had so many skills, and every first impression I had about him was wrong. He was cocky, I hadn’t been wrong about that, but City wasn’t the overbearing brute I thought he was when we first met.

  City was an artist, a romantic, a loving partner, a cook, and an amazing person. The most diverse and well-rounded person I knew. His artistry when it came to tattooing was beyond amazing, colorful and intricate; he spent hours in his studio upstairs creating designs for clients.

  He wasn’t easy or simple, but he was mine.

  “Sugar, you okay?” City brushed the back of his knuckles against my cheek.

  I turned to him, smiling, tears welling in my eyes. “Yeah, babe. I’m great.” I wiped the corner of my eye, turning to him and taking in his rugged beauty.

  “Why the tears?” he whispered in my ear, rubbing my cheek with the rough pad of his thumb.

  “I’m just happy.” I touched his hand, moving into his touch, and leaned to the side to kiss him.

  He smiled, moving toward me and enveloping my lips in a loving kiss. “I can’t wait to call you my wife.” He searched my eyes, a small smile on his face. “You’ll be mine legally.”

  “I’ve always been yours, City.” I smiled, warmth flowing through my body. He’d never let me think otherwise. He’d laid claim to me early in the relationship and never let me too far out of reach. No matter how scared I was or how hard I tried to fight him, the pull he had over me was too great.

  The cocky grin I could no longer live without spread across his face as he grunted. “There’s no going back now, sugar.” He crushed his lips to mine, stealing my breath, the familiar dull ache returning between my legs.

  “You two are kinda nauseating,” Anthony said, pretending to gag.

  We both turned to glare at Anthony. City cleared his throat. “Someday you’ll understand, brother.”

  “Not going to happen,” Anthony said, grimacing before stuffing a piece of bread in his mouth. “I have too much to offer to be tied to just one woman,” he said with a muffled voice and small pieces of bread falling from his mouth.

  “Yeah, I can see that. Who couldn’t resist such a specimen of a man?” I said, breaking out into laughter.

  Mrs. G pushed back her chair to stand; the sound of the wooden chair scraping against the slate flooring sent a chill through my body, reminding me of fingernails on a chalkboard. “All right, boys, the ladies are done and we’re going to work on the wedding plans. Get this place cleaned up.” She raised an eyebrow and looked around the table. The boys, including Mr. G, nodded at her but grumbled under their breath. “Come on, ladies, we have work to do. We have eight days to make it perfect.”

  Mia, Izzy, and I rose from our chairs and followed Mrs. G out of the dining room. “I can’t believe I’m going to have a sister,” Izzy said, throwing her arms around me. “Finally, the tables are turning. We’re so close to equalizing the cock in this family,” she whispered in my ear, a small giggle escaping her lips.

  “That’s not possible,” Mia said as she walked behind us. “All the vaginas in the world couldn’t outnumber those boys. They’re too…”

  “Full of themselves,” Mrs. G chimed in, turning to face us. All of us laughed as we walked up the stairs. Gallo men were unique, and we knew it. “It’s my fault. I made them who they are, but never fear, ladies—we control everything, even though they think otherwise.”

  We sobered, hanging on her every word. “You control them, Ma. We sure as hell don’t.” Izzy rested her body against the wall
outside the wedding war room I’d created.

  “I’ll share my secrets when we’re inside and out of the boys’ earshot. They don’t need to know who really holds the power. It may bruise their male egos,” Mrs. G said, her body shaking with laughter.

  “Come on, ladies. Be prepared, it’s organized chaos inside.” I smiled as I opened the door, standing back to let them walk in first.

  “Wow,” Mia said as she stepped inside and looked around with her mouth agape.

  “Holy shit,” Izzy said, stepping into the room with wide eyes as she spun around.

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, dear,” Mrs. G said as she put her arm around me and gave me a tight squeeze as we entered the bedroom.

  I smiled at her, blushing. “We haven’t made it into a bedroom yet. We’re using it for the wedding only right now. It is pretty damn cool, isn’t it?”

  “Will it be a nursery?” Mrs. G looked at me with hopeful eyes.

  “Maybe someday.” I smiled, my stomach in knots.

  We weren’t ready for a baby, not just yet. I had too much City left to enjoy.

  “No worries. I have all the faith in you, my sweet Suzy.” She released me and walked toward the gown.

  My body warmed from her sincerity and love as I took in the most important women in my life, all in one spot and without our testosterone-laden other halves.

  “This is stunning,” Mrs. G said, running her fingers across the lace skirt of my wedding gown.

  “Joey is not allowed in this room anymore. I can’t risk him seeing my dress.” I shook my head. He begged me to wear it for him, he wanted to dirty it—his words, not mine—before I walked down the aisle. That wasn’t going to happen.

  “Good idea,” Mrs. G said, smiling at me.

  I watched them as they looked at every detail I’d laid out across the expansive space. I had a seating chart that looked more like an invasion plan for a war, tables and sticky notes everywhere in different colors to represent our two sides. Izzy eyed the party favors while Mia grabbed my wedding shoes and studied them.