Indelible: Beneath His Ink (Teal and Trent Book 2)

by Inger Iversen

  Anger flared, allowing Teal to ignore the ache in her stomach. “Fuck you, you inbred bastard.” She stood and eyed the man. Shockingly enough, she’d expected a toothless hillbilly with a mouth full of snuff and missing a few teeth, instead she was greeted with a rather handsome, chiseled man, who clearly spent a considerable amount of time in the gym.

  For some reason, his appearance shut Teal up. He was in a business suit, an overly expensive watch graced his wrist, and he looked as if he came from an affluent family. Teal knew that racist pieces of shit came in all shapes, sizes and colors, but the fact he looked like her boss, Jan-Erik, or the type of men she worked with on a daily basis, shocked the next insult right out of her mouth.

  Trent stepped forward, all while keeping Teal tucked behind him. “Jake, been working that fat ass out, I see.” He’d said the man’s name as if it were a slime stuck in the back of his throat.

  Again, shock stole Teal’s words and she was relieved to have Trent here with her. Though she didn’t need him to fight her battles, his presence assuaged her stress and alarm. She’d taken self-defense courses, and she worked at a maximum security prison, which required her to learn to diffuse dangerous situations through verbal or physical means. So, while she was more than positive that she could handle herself, she also knew when she was outgunned. Luckily, Trent wasn’t the type to put up with the bullshit.

  Jake lifted his chin in reply. “I heard from a little blonde birdy that you’d gone over to the dark side, but I guess I just had to see it to believe it.”

  Teal’s eyebrows shot up and her mouth flew open. “The—the dark side? The fuck you say? You stupid blue-assed baboon. Keep insulting me and you are going to see the force awaken.” Of all the dumb things for this crossbred redneck to say. She would not let that fool drag one of her favorite movies into his asinine insults.

  Never taking his eyes off the man, Trent said, “Teal, hush now.” His voice held such an authoritative demand, Teal actually shut the fuck up.

  Seething, she crossed her arms over her chest and glared pointedly at each man. Though her anger wanted to boil over, Teal saw the situation for what it was. There were three against one, and though Teal would bet all her money on Trent, it didn’t mean he would win the fight unharmed.

  The thought of these men trying to hurt him only cranked up her anger. She stared at Trent’s back, watching as his muscles coiled tightly beneath his black shirt. Her eyes made their way over his thick arms and watched as the veins fought to break free of his skin. She sensed Trent’s anger as if it were her own.

  Trent’s voice was no more than a furious growl. “The fuck are you doing in town, rich boy?”

  A cunning smile fell across Jake’s lips. “You really want to know?” He reached into his coat pocket and Teal’s heartbeat raced. Fuck, if he had a gun . . .

  He pulled out a gold case and plucked a toothpick from it. Shoving it in his mouth, he glared over Trent’s shoulder and met Teal’s eyes. “I don’t think you’ll care too much now that you’re fucking that over there.”

  His friends let out another round of laughter. He returned his gaze to Trent. “Hey, man,” he raised his hands in mock surrender, “it’s cool. We all gotta fuck a nigg—”

  Before he could finish his words, Trent balled his fist and rapidly threw two punches. Both connected with Jake’s face, causing spit and blood to spray through the air. Before Jake had even hit the ground, Trent rounded on his friends. “Who’s next?”

  His body felt as if it filled the room, seemingly growing larger with his anger. He stood, bloodied fists held up, within striking distance of the man on the right. His rage only tempered when both men threw their hands up in surrender.

  Teal barely noticed each man shake their head no and take a step back. Her gaze remained filled with the sight of Trent, who stood between her and the direct threat, ready to take it on and destroy it. She was no damsel in distress, having thrown a punch or two in her day, however the feminine side of Teal wanted to find a dark corner and show him just how appreciative she truly felt.

  She reached out, gently placing her hand on Trent’s back to calm him. His stance softened, even as he kept his eyes on the two men. Teal felt his stiff posture relax beneath her touch, then felt his soothing weight as he leaned into her, his skin warming her palm.

  While Teal didn’t worry about Jake’s boys hurting him, she did worry all hell would break loose as the huge bouncer made his way over to where Teal and Trent stood. He regarded Jake on the ground, and smirked. Then his gaze made it to Teal, his forehead wrinkled in what looked like confusion before he turned his gaze to Trent. Lifting his chin in greeting to Trent, the huge male leaned down and hefted Jake up.

  The big burly man had two tatted arm sleeves, and a tat on his neck that read, Don’t fuck with me. He also sported an emblem of an open-mouthed wolf, its bloodied teeth and jaws pulled into a vicious snarl and, the words Blackwater Renegades arching over its head. His big, meaty paw wrapped around the back of Jake’s neck, and pushed him toward the door. Hell, Teal feared the bouncer in the leather vest more than Jake and his three goons.

  Trent turned to her as the other men retreated, heading out of the door with their buddy. He placed a hand over her stomach and caressed it. “You okay?”

  Sensing his anger, Teal pulled Trent close and rested her head on his chest. “I’m fine.” She leaned back, trying to lend humor to the situation. “Hell, I guess we have just as much bad luck at bars as Katie and Logan.” When Trent didn’t laugh with her, she added, “Let me see that fist.” She motioned to his swelling knuckles.

  Trent refused to release her. “It’s fine. My knuckles have felt up more than a few noses in their time.”

  Fighting her way out of his arms and ignoring his excuses, she reached for his hand. Teal barely noticed the crowd around them dispersing, leaving them alone at their table, as she gingerly took his hand in hers. Inspecting the swollen digits, she wondered if anything had broken.

  At her job, she’d made her way over to the infirmary on more than one occasion after fights, and saw firsthand what broken knuckles looked like. She kissed Trent’s fingers, relieved that his bones had survived the impact. Picking up his beer, she lightly pressed the cold bottle against his knuckles.

  Trent softly caressed her cheek with his unmarred hand. “See? Told you.” Taking her by the nape of her neck, he claimed her mouth in a sensual kiss.

  She pressed her body closer, as need flared to life. The kiss slowed and his lips trailed down her jaw to her neck. He tasted of beer and wicked male.

  “Let’s go home. I need to be inside you.” His gruff voice told her they would not make love, but that Trent would claim her by demanding her submission. And sensing her man needed to assert his dominance in the most pleasurable way, Teal knew she would give in.

  First things first . . . Easing away, she grasped his hand in hers again. “We still need ice. It’s not broken, but it’s going to hurt like hell in the morning.”

  Trent groaned his displeasure, and followed her when she turned to lead him through the crowd. They settled in front of the bar. Glancing around, she called out to the nearest bartender.

  “Hey, can I get some ice, please?” She put on her don’t-fuck-with-me face when he looked up at her. Nodding, he scooped some ice out of the bin, and Teal’s attention went back to Trent. She placed a light kiss on his palm, amazed at how swollen his hand had become in such little time.

  In a low rumbling voice, the man behind the bar said, “Get the fuck out of here.”

  Teal and Trent both glanced up.

  “Get the fuck out of town,” Trent exclaimed. “Poe?” Teal forced down her anger at the familiarity in Trent’s voice. “You’ve gotta be shitting me!” He grasped the man’s hand in greeting, then pulled him forward for a half hug.

  Letting go, Trent threw his arm over Teal’s shoulder and pulled her close. “Baby, this is an old buddy of mine, Poe Boy.”

  A red flag rose in the
air. “An old buddy, huh?” She eyed the man suspiciously, giving him a fleeting look before taking the ice he offered, wrapped in a clean towel. If Teal knew one thing about the men in Logan and Trent’s past, it was that they’d hung with some seedy characters. Ones just like the man Trent had decked.

  The man shook his head and reached his big paw out in greeting. “Nah, beautiful,” Teal’s brow shot north at the compliment, “not one of those old, bigoted buddies.”

  Hesitantly, Teal took his tatted hand in greeting. “So then, which old buddy are you?” Unconvinced this Poe character was someone she could trust, Teal took a seat at the bar with Trent.

  “Not one of the ones you’re thinking about.” He winked at her before turning his attention to Trent. Poe grabbed two beers and placed them in front of Teal and Trent. “On the house, for having to deal with that piece of shit.”

  Trent took a long gulp of beer. “Hear, hear.”

  Teal looked over the man behind the bar. If she had to describe him, she’d definitely throw out the words, teddy bear and country bumpkin. Not to offend, but the man had the backwoods country look down with his well-worn overalls and cut-off shirt, scraggily beard, and cowboy hat. Beneath the chubby cheeks, and slight beer belly, was a man who’d in his time, worked out and often. Poe’s muscled arms crossed over his burly chest as he leaned back and took the couple in.

  The fact Trent seemed familiar with the man, and the fact the guy had called her beautiful, allowed Teal to let her guard down just a bit. Thankful the date hadn’t been completely ruined, she got comfortable on the barstool and jumped into Poe and Trent’s conversation.

  The next morning, Teal was up and showered well before Trent, and in the kitchen making breakfast as he made his way out of the bedroom. She turned and gave him a warm smile. He looked delectable in his oil-stained overalls and black cut-off shirt. Teal recalled a time when she wouldn’t have given a man like Trent a second look. An impeccably dressed man in a three-piece suit had equaled ambition, someone to achieve a common goal with her. However, she was realizing just how wrong and jaded that notion was.

  Trent had created a suitable life for himself through hard work, and Teal had to respect him for that. She found that his scruffy beard, long hair, calloused fingers, and mucked-up work boots got her more hot and bothered than an Italian three-piece suit ever could. Though she wouldn’t mind seeing Trent in one, just so she could peel that bad boy off him one layer at a time.

  His arm wrapped around her waist. “Eggs and bacon? Smells good.” He dipped his head to place a kiss on the side of her neck.

  Dropping the spatula, Teal tilted her head to the side to make room for Trent’s nips and kisses, and reached up to thread her fingers through his hair. “Don’t you go and get used to me cooking now.”

  He pressed tight against her, while his hands made their way up from her waist to slip under her shirt. His gentle squeezing of her breasts grew rougher when Teal pushed her ass into his growing erection, a needy purr sounding in her throat. There would never come a day when Teal had enough of him.

  Rough fingers pinched and tweaked her swollen nipples, sparking a flare of sweet pain and hot desire. It took root within her, blooming into more moisture between her legs. As if sensing the moment Teal’s body demanded more, one of his hands flew to her waist, squeezing her tightly against him. He placed open-mouthed kisses along her neck and jaw, until Teal turned to meet his lips with hers. Trent sidestepped, taking them from in front of the hot stove, and pushing her into the counter, thrusting against her ass.

  Teal groaned at the sensation. “Shit, I’m going to burn the bacon fucking around with you.”

  At her concern, Trent reached over and shoved the hot frying pan off the burner and into the sink. “There, now bend over.” The words weren’t completely out of his mouth before he’d placed a hand on Teal shoulders, pushing her into the position he wanted. The sound of his zipper echoed throughout the room, muting their panting breaths. Teal pressed her cheek against the cool counter in anticipation.

  Trent bent over her, speaking roughly. “Open.” Warm breath caressed her ear and the sound of his voice sent a shiver down her spine.

  Obeying his command, Teal spread her legs as far as she could in her position. Without a word, Trent thrust inside fast and deep, the motion sending Teal to her tiptoes. He had been correct in his assumption, he knew when she was ready; her slick passage accepted him with only a slight resistance.

  Teal gripped the counter, bracing herself for Trent’s brand of lovemaking. There were times he took her slow and sensual, and there were times like these, when she felt as if Trent were in such need he’d break her.

  The second thrust came hard and fast, forcing a growl from Trent’s throat. His heavy body restricted her movements, yet the feeling of his domination enflamed her desire to such an intense heat, Teal’s body quaked. His hand softly slid from the middle of her back to her neck, and his grip tightened as his thrusts came harder. Animalistic grunts were ripped from his throat, sounding as if he were a man on the edge.

  Trent’s strength demanded acquiescence, and he would accept nothing less than complete domination over her. Teal’s body craved to be devoured by his passion, his strength, and his protection. With each flex of his hips, her hip bones slammed against the counter. He leaned in and whispered words of love and desire. His need was clear, causing Teal to fall apart. She cried out as her body tightened and convulsed around him. Trent continued his pounding, prolonging Teal’s pleasure as he fought for his own.

  When he leaned over her, his lips tracking rough kisses over her neck and back, teeth nipping delicate skin and thrusts deepening, Teal felt the build of another orgasm forming in her core. Reaching back, she gripped his firm ass and pulled him closer. “Please, Trent.” Her words were cut short as a breathy moan escaped her lips.

  He laced his fingers in her hair, his tight grip pulling her head to the side. Biting the soft flesh between her neck and shoulder caused Teal to once again shoot through a shuddering climax. Trent’s thrusts quickened and his breath caught. “Fuck!” he shouted as he jerked above her, releasing deep inside.

  His weight briefly crushed her against the counter, before Trent caught himself. The warmth and weight of him felt like a veil hiding her from the real world. The world that reminded Teal she would have to go back to Vermont.

  Shifting off her, he gently lifted her up from the counter. Turning her in his arms, he checked over her body. “Did I hurt you?” Hands caressed her stomach and hip bones.

  While there was a small ache there, Teal shook her head. “No, I’m fine.” She glanced down, past Trent’s arousal, and to the mess he’d left. “I just need to clean up.” Before letting her go, he gave her a quick and passionate kiss.

  In the bathroom, Teal made quick work of cleaning herself up and washing her hands. She headed back out to the kitchen to see Trent had cleaned up the mess that was supposed to be breakfast.

  He turned as she entered the room, a piece of the finished bacon in his hand. “I’m headed out. Today is the last day I have to work while you’re here.”

  She looked him over, noting his pants were zipped up and he was ready to leave. “You gonna shower and head out?”

  Trent scoffed. “Hell no.” Grabbing his bag, he headed toward the door.

  Lifting her lip in mock disgust, she said, “Now, that’s just trifling.”

  Trent laughed. “I don’t mind your scent on me, baby.”

  Heading to the front door with him, she smacked his ass. “Nasty.”

  Teal watched as Trent winked, made his way out to the truck, and backed out of the drive. Nerves consumed her, as they’d agreed to go to Poe’s house for dinner to meet his wife. When the big guy had invited them, she’d shot Trent a look, hoping to convey her apprehension, but Trent had either been oblivious or ignored it completely.

  As she was about to shut the door, a FedEx truck pulled up. A heavyset man in a black and purple uniform hopped out of
the truck and walked to the front door. “FedEx, ma’am.” Teal repressed the urge to roll her eyes at the obvious. “Teal Lofton?”

  She nodded and took the thick envelope handed to her, smiling when she read Katie Whyte on the label. Her friend had not gone with the hyphenated crap she’d promised to do, instead of just taking Logan’s last name.

  The deliveryman’s exasperated sigh drew her attention back to him. “Signature please.”

  Taking the pen he impatiently held out to her, Teal signed her name. “Thanks.” She slammed the door behind her, feeling no pity for her curt reply. Shit, he hadn't even stood there long before catching an attitude. Teal placed the manuscript down on the coffee table and went for her phone. She sent a text to Katie telling her the package had arrived.

  Starving, she headed back into the kitchen and decided on a quick bowl of cereal, so she could delve into Katie’s newest novel. It was the second in the series, and Teal could not wait to see if Katie had put the hero and heroine out of their misery, allowing them to finally end up together.

  Teal made herself comfortable on the couch by flinging the soft throw over her legs, propping the bound manuscript in her lap, and taking a large bite of cereal. She hadn't even read the first sentence, when her phone rang.

  She leaned over and placed the bowl on the coffee table then picked up the phone. “Damn. I haven’t even started the book yet woman, and you’re already calling.” Though Katie’s books were successful by industry standards, having hit USA Today status, along with the sought after New York Times bestsellers list, Katie still found it hard to admit to her talent. At her silence, Teal sighed. “I’m sure it’s amazing as al—”

  “It’s not about the book.”

  Teal could hear the apprehensiveness in her friend’s voice. Sitting up fast, the manuscript fell from her lap and banged to the ground. “What’s happened, Katie? Are the girls all right? Is it Logan? What? You’re scaring me.”

  Her voice held such concern, Teal’s heart pounded in her chest. "So, Trent hasn't called you yet?" Teal’s hackles rose at the mention of Trent's name. "Shit. I might have overstepped my bounds by making this call, but—”