[Men of Inked 01.0 - 03.0] Boxed Set

by Chelle Bliss

  My brain must have been rattled by the force of my fall.

  I’d seen him before. I knew it.

  I lost my breath as I stared into his eyes. I’d never had a reaction to someone like I had with him. Something unspoken passed between us as we looked into each other’s eyes.

  It took everything in me to not react when he helped me off the ground. The moment our skin connected, electricity passed between us. There was a snap, crackle, pop.

  I couldn’t get him out of my damn mind as I started to run on the treadmill. As my thighs burned and sweat trickled down my chest, I thought about only him.

  How did I know him?

  Tall with broad shoulders, muscular, tattooed-covered arms, and completely not my taste.

  The track pants he wore hid his legs, but there was no doubt in my mind that they were as solid and powerful as his upper half.

  When our bodies were inches apart in the doorway, my heart pounded in my chest—if he were any closer, he would’ve heard the frantic rhythm.

  “Hey, Mia.” A voice pulled me out of my haze.

  Blinking, I looked over to see Rob leaning against the treadmill. “Oh. Hey, Rob.”

  “You’re looking beautiful, as always.” He stared at my chest as my body bounced.

  “If you don’t stop staring at my chest, I’ll knock you on your ass,” I warned.

  He snickered, covering his mouth with his hand, but his eyes remained glued to my breasts. “Promises, promises. Why don’t you let me take you to dinner?”

  “Rob, I’m sure you’re a nice guy.” I coughed.

  He was the farthest thing from nice. He wasn’t an asshole, but he sure as hell wasn’t boyfriend material.

  “We wouldn’t work. I’d spend too much time repairing the injuries I’d give you.”

  A giant smile crept across his face before he finally looked at my eyes. “You say the sexiest shit, Mia.”

  “Not happening. Who was that guy that left when I walked in?” I grabbed the towel and blotted the sweat from my chest.

  Moving his eyes to follow the path of the towel, he asked, “You mean Mike?”

  “I don’t know his name. Tall, muscular, walked out right after you opened.”

  Brawn didn’t equal brains when it came to Rob.

  “Mike, yeah, he’s a friend of mine.” His eyes flickered between my breasts and eyes.

  If they were friends, then in all probability he was an asshole too. I had attracted more of those in my time than I wanted to admit.

  “Tell me about him. I think I know him from somewhere.” I couldn’t help myself; I had to figure out how I knew him.

  “He’s a fighter. He has a big fight coming up that I’m helping him train for.” Rob flexed and punched the air.

  “Is that all he does?” Fighter—code word for “unemployed and a workout junkie.”

  Rob shook his head and laughed. “Nah, he’s part owner in a tattoo shop. He’s a piercer there.”

  A busty blonde walked by and started to set up camp at a treadmill nearby. Rob’s eyes wandered in her direction as he licked his lips.

  “Thanks. You can go now,” I said, wanting to be alone with my thoughts.

  He put his hands over his heart and staggered backward as though he were in pain. “You just dismissed me like that? I’m wounded, Mia.”

  “Maybe the girl over there”—I moved my head in her direction—“will have the remedy.”

  “You may be right, beautiful. I’m off to find out.” Winking, he tapped my treadmill with his palm before whistling as he walked away.

  CNN played on the tiny screen in front of me, but I couldn’t focus as my thoughts drifted back to Mike. The powerhouse that literally rocked my world this morning was a body mutilator. He pierced and punched his way through life while I patched up the damage caused by fists and dirty needles.

  I grabbed my phone from the cup holder as it began to chirp.

  Lori: Girls night out. Game?

  I needed a night with my friends. I needed to laugh and hear the latest gossip. I had two days off, and an evening to let loose sounded like heaven and a great way to get my mind off work.

  Me: I’m in. When and where?

  I didn’t give a shit if I had to drive to Orlando, I’d be there. My restless night would require a nap to keep up with the ladies, or I would do a face plant on the table after the first drink.

  Lori: Ybor City. Be ready to party your ass off. I’ll pick you up at 9.

  Me: I can drive.

  Lori: Fuck no, your ass is getting drunk. I got it all worked out.

  She knew me so well. Lori and the girls went out all the time. They lived without their work to weigh them down emotionally. Unlike me, they didn’t have to hold someone’s heart in their hand and try to get it to beat again. Their pressures were different, but I could never stumble into work nursing a hangover.

  Lori was a lawyer, Sarah a receptionist at an advertising agency, and Jamie was a bored housewife.

  I wanted to buy a new outfit for tonight. I had a closet full of clothes, but screw it, I deserved something special. I worked my ass off and didn’t feel ashamed to splurge on myself every once in a while. International Plaza called my name.

  ***

  I straightened my hair—the humidity in Florida wreaked havoc on my long brown locks—before starting my makeup. I didn’t wear much to work; the long hours typically had me questioning their claim that makeup was twenty-four-hour wear. It never stayed put, and caused my eyes to look more tired than they did naturally.

  I took my time, giving my lids a smoky treatment to bring out their color before applying an obscene amount of Barely There mascara. It made my eyes look bright and my eyelashes long and lush. Lori texted me that she was almost at my house as I spritzed my body with Gucci Guilty and stared in the mirror—giving myself a once-over.

  The short, tight black tube top showed off my stomach and hourglass figure perfectly. My tits didn’t stick out too much, but would be noticed without flashing a sign that read “looky here.” My form-fitting denim capris made my ass look perky. The leopard print stiletto heels caused my calves to tighten and pulled the entire outfit together.

  I sat on the front step as I waited for Lori to pick me up. The neighborhood was bustling. People waved as they walked past with their dogs and sat on their front porches enjoying the warmth of the Florida air. Summer would soon be arriving in full force, and people would be scarce at this time of day. The summer sun felt like a flame against my skin, and even the mornings were stifling from the humidity.

  I closed my eyes as Lori’s headlight blinded me momentarily when she pulled in. The car shook from the loud bass of whatever hip-hop song she had blasting inside.

  “Oh my God, I’m so excited. Fuck, you look amazing, girl.” She bounced a little in her seat and held the steering wheel, a giant smile on her face, as I climbed in.

  I leaned over and planted a giant kiss on her cheek. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Me too, Mia. Got everything?” She applied a layer of lip-gloss before smacking her lips together and checking her reflection in the rearview mirror.

  I nodded at her with butterflies in my stomach. “Yep, let’s hit it.”

  Lori and I met in college. I was pre-med and she was pre-law. We became thick as thieves sophomore year. Any free moment we had, and there weren’t as many as we wished, we spent together at the beach or clubs. We danced our asses off and loved every minute of it.

  When college ended and the real world sucked us in, we didn’t have the time to hang out together and drink Coronas on the beach. We were lucky to see each other once a month, and to get everyone together had become virtually impossible.

  We could go without speaking for weeks and pick up right where we left off. She was that kind of friend. I envied her beauty, though. Her blonde hair had a wave that I couldn’t achieve, no matter how hard I tried. Her crystal-blue eyes sparkled in the light, and her teeth were so white they almost glowed in the
dark.

  “Did I tell you I started seeing someone?” she asked, as she turned the radio down when Justin Bieber started to sing. His high-pitched girl voice made me cringe.

  “No. You’ve been holding out on me.”

  When most people were getting married and starting their families, we were still in school, finishing our degrees before starting our careers. Families and marriage were put on the back burner. Now that we hovered around the big three-zero, we both felt a pang of jealousy and remorse that we may have missed out on so much for our careers.

  “His name is Sal and we work together. We’d been eye fucking for months before things got interesting one night when we both worked late.”

  “Dirty girl, doing it at work.” I shook my head and laughed.

  “Jesus, I can’t even describe what it’s like being with him. The first time I could barely think. We were going over a case. We argued about how to win and he went all cavemen and threw me on the table. It was fuckin’ hot.”

  “Mm, that sounds nice. So are you guys casual or are you officially a couple?” I felt a bit jealous. Hospitals weren’t sexy.

  “We’re not officially dating. We are seeing other people, but then again, who the fuck has the time with our schedule?”

  “So, you picked a Guido. Hmm.”

  “What’s your issue with Italian men?” She looked at me, wrinkling her nose, before returning her eyes to the road.

  “I don’t have a problem with them. They’re typically bossy and believe a woman’s place is in the kitchen.”

  “He’s not like that.” Her blonde hair swayed as she shook her head.

  “Mm-hmm, not yet, maybe.”

  “Bitch, don’t rain on my parade.” She laughed.

  I loved Lori. “Never, doll.”

  “You seeing anyone?” she asked, just like she did every time we spoke.

  My answer was the same: “No.”

  I tried the online dating sites and they ended in disaster. I didn’t want to date someone that lived with their parents or enjoyed sitting at home playing video games.

  My world consisted of doctors and nurses, and I wanted to escape that at the end of the workday, not date someone that would want to talk medicine.

  “Haven’t found the right one.” I stared out the side window, watching the palm trees sway in the breeze.

  “It’s not easy for girls like us.” She threw the money in the toll box and waited for the green light. We were close to Tampa and Ybor City. Ybor is one of the oldest parts of the city, with a unique history. Cigar factories used to line the streets, but were replaced with nightclubs and bars.

  “I don’t want to be anyone’s sugar mama. I worked hard for everything I have. I will not have someone leech off me. I want a man, not a child. You know what I mean?”

  “Agreed.” She nodded. “Text Sarah and let her know we’re close.”

  Lori rambled on about Sal and his amazing cock until we pulled into the parking lot. I smiled and nodded, letting her talk. I applied a little more lipstick as she turned off the car.

  “I’m so happy you could come tonight, Mia.”

  “Me too, Lori. I need a night of dancing with my girls.”

  “Fuck music, let’s get inside and find you some dick.” She giggled.

  “I don’t think my Romeo’s inside. I just want to dance and get shitfaced.”

  “I said dick, not your one true love, silly woman. You need a good fuck to remind you what life’s all about,” she said as we approached the long line filled with beautiful girls in skimpy outfits.

  Lori pulled me forward, bypassing all the waiting people, straight to the bouncer. “Hey, Pete. This is my friend Mia.” Lori kissed his cheek.

  Pete’s face softened with her kiss. His t-shirt looked painted on as it strained against his bulging biceps. His hair was cut in military fashion, flattop and perfect. Pete didn’t look like someone you wanted to mess with.

  He held out his hand to me. “Hi, Mia. It’s nice to meet you,” he said, bringing my hand to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on it.

  There was no sizzle and pop. I wanted the spark, like Michael gave me, and although Pete had that sexy-as-fuck look, his lips did nothing for me.

  “You too, Pete.” I smiled, pulling my hand back.

  “Your friends are inside waiting for you,” Pete said, motioning toward the door.

  “You’re the best,” Lori said, wrapping her arms around his waist.

  “Only for you,” he said, kissing her hair. “When are you going to go out with me, beautiful?”

  “Pete,” she said flatly.

  “I don’t give up easily. Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He shrugged and patted her ass. “Go on in before the line gets restless.”

  “Thanks again. Maybe we’ll see you inside,” she said as he opened the door for us.

  The thump of the music made my chest rattle as we stood in the entrance, surveying the bar. People were everywhere, and the dance floor moved with the beat and didn’t have a free spot on it.

  We spotted Sarah and Jamie at the bar nursing their martinis and checking out the men. Jamie’s red hair bounced as she shrieked and clapped when she saw us. She was typically overdramatic, but fun to be around, especially when she had a few too many to drink. She had on a kickass black dress and red heels showing off her long legs. Her thin frame swayed as she grabbed the bar top.

  Sarah wrapped her arms around me. “Been too long, girl,” she said in my ear. Sarah’s blue eyes were glassy.

  “I know. We have to do this more often.” I checked out her outfit. “Damn, you look good, Sarah.”

  She grinned and twirled. “I’ve been working my ass off in the gym. I’m wearing a bikini this year if it kills me.” She snapped her fingers, catching the attention of the bartender, and signaled for two more drinks. “He’s delicious, isn’t he?” Sarah asked, watching him move in the tight space. “I’m taking him home as a treat.” She laughed, as her eyes remained glued to his body.

  “Always on the prowl,” Lori said, before becoming enamored by his body too.

  He placed our drinks on the bar and leaned over to whisper in Sarah’s ear. Her lips turned up in an enormous smile, her eyes growing wide. He was definitely saying something X-rated. He backed away with a grin that could only be described as sinful. “Would you ladies like a shot?” he asked, never taking his eyes off Sarah.

  “Hell yes,” she said, still wearing the dopey smile he’d given her.

  “A toast,” Lori said as she raised her glass. “May your love last thousand years but come in six-inch increments.”

  We clinked our glasses together and laughed before taking a sip.

  “Six seems a bit average, don’t you think?” Jamie said as she wiped her lips with the back of her hand.

  “Hey, when you’re getting zero, six seems like fucking king dong.”

  “True, true.” Jamie nodded and giggled.

  “Drink those martinis, because the dance floor is calling my name,” I said, grabbing the drink in front of me.

  “I’d rather stand here and gawk at all the yummy hotness in this room,” Lori replied.

  “I know you would, Lori, but dance and gawk. Maybe you’ll get felt up,” I said around the rim of my martini glass.

  “If I could be so lucky.” She laughed as she finished the last of her drink. The others were ahead of us by a few sips and we had some catching up to do. “I’m usually the one doing the molesting, though.” Lori sighed as she placed her glass on the bar.

  Lori wasn’t bashful, and made her intentions known to any man that caught her attention. We never judged her for going after what she wanted. Nine times out of ten, she hit a homerun, but I’d never been as forward as her.

  “Fuck it,” she said. “We’re taking a taxi tonight, or sleeping at Sarah’s place. I’m not going to be the sober one tonight.”

  When Prince’s “Get Off” started to play, we ran screaming to the dance floor.

  It re
minded us of our college days, bringing us right back to where we all met at a frat party. The song was dirty as hell, and perfect. It wasn’t the same song that we heard in the nineties—the DJ had spiced it up, making it techno—but the words were the same.

  The mass of bodies moved to the rhythm, bumping and grinding with the music. I swayed, shaking my ass with the girls as we laughed. The colorful lights moved across the floor. I closed my eyes, getting lost in the beat. The alcohol made my legs feel weak as I continued to dance.

  Running my fingers through my hair, I bumped into Sarah and leaned against her. We danced back to back, holding each other up. As I opened my eyes, I had the feeling that someone was staring at me.

  I looked around and saw him. His eyes were focused on me.

  My breathing stopped and my heart stuttered, as my body froze and I returned his stare.

  I couldn’t look away as he held my gaze. Leaning against the bar, he paid no attention to the man at his side. He raked his eyes up and down my body, and I felt flushed as heat crept up my chest to my neck.

  “Why’d ya stop?” Sarah yelled from behind me.

  All I could do was shake my head. My body felt frozen in place and my eyes were zeroed in on him.

  Mike, the brick wall from the gym, stood there, watching me.

  The dark pants and a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up showed off the tattoos on his forearms. He looked calm and collected, but his eyes were fierce and pierced right through me.

  The butterflies in my stomach from earlier came back with a vengeance.

  What were the odds that I’d run into him again? Did he follow me or was it some cosmic force pushing us together?

  “Mia, are you okay?” Sarah asked, as she stepped in front of me, breaking our eye contact.

  My cheeks heated as I exhaled. “Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s dance.” I turned my back to where he stood, and focused on the music, trying to forget he was there.

  Watching me.

  5