Solitude (Artistic Pricks Ink #3)

by Cat Mason

  My eyes widen. “Mitch’s moods are crazy, you know that,” I argue, shrugging. “One minute he’s totally fine; the next, he is ready to rip someone’s head off for no good reason. You learn to anticipate the crazy. Hell, I welcome his mood swings. It keeps my right hook sharp.”

  “Hmmm.” Scrunching her nose, she studies me. “You’re full of shit,” she counters. I know exactly what this is. It’s a bitchervention. This woman, who has become one of my best friends in the last few months, is analyzing me because she knows something she isn’t telling me.

  Luke.

  Damn men. They gossip way more than us women do. Give a man a tight, warm hole to shove his dick in on the regular and he will tell you anything. After sex pillow talk is worse than the fucking beauty shop, nail salon, and physiatrist office all wrapped up into one.

  “Not full of shit, just nothing to tell. Okay,” I say taking a deep, cleansing breath. Grabbing a blank sheet of paper from the printer, I take a bright pink sharpie from the cup and scribble a note. “Call Leah. Tell her to bring pizza, beer, and her tiny ass here STAT. We have a million things to do now.”

  “Whatever you say,” she says, rolling her eyes. “How are you gonna ignore the bigger issue when it comes stormin’ back in here as soon as he needs somethin’?”

  “I don’t have to ignore shit, Ki. I have this,” I say, capping the marker and tapping the paper. Looking down, she scans the words, a smile spreading across her face. “Though, I may need to print this and laminate it for future use.” Grabbing the tape dispenser, I affix the paper to the door before stepping back to admire my handiwork.

  Attention: Effective Immediately

  I’m sorry, but no more fucks shall be given today. Our current fuck distribution policy doesn’t provide rainchecks. I encourage you to turn around, head directly for the exit, and find someone who gives a damn.

  Slamming the door, I lock it and make my way around the desk while she grabs her phone and dials Leah. Cracking my knuckles, I slip the papers from the folder and start sorting them. Focusing on what needs to be done, I ignore Kionna’s not so subtle hints that she isn’t done with the conversation, hoping that she will drop it before Leah gets here and I’m outnumbered.

  The rest of the afternoon is spent looking for a crew to do the work needed upstairs. Once that is done, we can move on with inspections, licensing, along with all that goes along with getting everything ready to open as soon as possible. Thanks to my new policy change, Leah, Ki, and I are uninterrupted while eating pizza and drinking beers in Luke’s office. While our time is spent picking paint colors and ordering supplies, the guys are left to handle the shop.

  ***

  Once the girls and I give it up for the night, we head up the hall to the front of the shop to check on the Luke, Skinner, and Chuck. With the shop basically dead, we end up sitting around and discussing what we have come up with, while finishing off the beer. All except Skinner and Luke, that is, who are on the clock in case of a walk in.

  “I’m hurt that no one told me this sooner,” Skinner says, clutching his chest. He sniffles dramatically. “You’re tellin’ me there will be dozens of women coming here to shake their asses? I feel no need to ever date again,” he says, rubbing his hands together.

  “And that’s why I didn’t tell you,” Luke mutters, rolling his eyes. “This is not a pussy free for all, Skinner. It’s a business, just like Pricks. There will be no fuckin’ on company time. That’s a law somewhere, right Shelby?”

  “It’s frowned upon,” I agree, nodding my head. “Sorta like don’t shit where you eat… you don’t wanna stick it where you prick it…”

  “Nonsense!” Skinner shouts, hopping up and planting his ass on the counter. Grabbing a stack of the CDs in front of him, he begins to flip through them. “That’s totally different. There are several clients I’ve had that I’d love to use my special gun on.”

  “Aww, honey,” I say, patting his arm. “You should show them that one first. Always lead off with the smaller tool.”

  “Whatever.”

  Everyone laughs, except a pouting Skinner and a blushing Leah. Which only makes me laugh harder.

  “I don’t think I’ve had enough to drink for this conversation,” Leah giggles, hiccupping as she collapses on to Chuck’s lap. “The closest I’ve been to a strip club is watching Magic Mike on Blu Ray.”

  “Oh for fuck’s sake,” I reply, fumbling with the stereo mounted to the wall, “What have I told you about that movie?”

  “It sets unrealistic expectations for all other men in the human race,” Leah mutters. Leaning back against her husband’s enormous chest, she puffs out her bottom lip. “It is perfect research. How are we supposed to be the Charlie’s Angels of Sexercise if I don’t up my game? Poles ‘R’ Us is our baby and I want everything to be perfect.”

  “Poles ‘R’ Us?” Ki and I say in unison. Handing me her IPod, Ki shakes her head. “No, just no.”

  “No good?” Leah asks, sighing loudly. “I thought that one was a keeper.”

  “Not even a little bit, babe,” Ki replies, with a giggle.

  “Besides, we’re offering more than just classes working with the pole,” I explain. “Chairs, scarves, the possibilities are limitless, really.”

  “Exactly. It’s simple, I’ll show you,” Ki adds. Switching on the stereo, she steps toward Luke, swaying her hips to the beat. “It’s great exercise because you can bet your ass you’ll be using muscles that usually get overlooked. It’s also about being confident and sexy in your own skin, and what woman doesn’t want that? It’s not about the pole, that’s just a tool; it’s about expression.” Stopping in front of Luke, she reaches down and runs her index finger up his chest stopping at the collar of his t-shirt. Their eyes are locked on each other as if no one else exists. Shifting in his seat, Luke leans into her touch, making her grin wickedly. Pushing him back against the back of the chair, she runs a hand through her hair as she moves her hips. “It’s fucking powerful. There’s nothing sexier than a woman who is confident enough in herself and her body to use it to seduce her man.”

  Luke clears his throat and reaches out a hand to grab her, but she bats him away, ignoring him. Spinning in a circle, she bends over, shaking her ass just out of his reach. I can’t help laughing. Poor Luke is damn near drooling down the front of his shirt, his tongue practically hanging out. Facing him again, she straddles his thighs and finally slips onto his lap.

  “Men are visual,” Leah says, shrugging. “It doesn’t take much to have them racing for the end game.”

  “Hey,” Charlie grunts, wrapping and arm around her, swiping her beer. “I resent that.”

  “Oh Chuckle, face it, you represent that,” I say, having to agree with Leah on this point at least. “No matter the presentation, a man will eat it up as long as it ends with a woman taking off her clothes.”

  Tipping up the beer, he shrugs. “Some men have more than pussy on the brain.”

  “Mhm, I know.” Arching a brow, I smirk. “Some like cock too.”

  “We need to install glass flooring and floor to ceiling windows. It would make a hell of a focal point for customers, you know?” Skinner asks, scratching his chin thoughtfully. “I could sell tickets; or, fuck, I could teach.”

  “Teach what?” Mitch asks, walking in the front door, carrying a brown paper bag and a soda.

  “Pole dancing,” Skinner says proudly. “I am going to revolutionize the entire industry by putting every single woman in cock shock.”

  “That’s a woman’s thing,” Mitch laughs, taunting him. “Sure, men strip, but we come equipped with our own poles.”

  “Please,” I wave him off, rolling my eyes. “Some of us actually want a pole we can see from the audience.”

  My laugh is caught in my throat the second I catch Mitch looking my way. While everyone else around us is laughing, Mitch’s eyes are blazing as he stares me down. It’s so intense I can barely breathe. I forc
e myself to look away, to focus on anything other than him.

  “Suck my cock, Mitch,” Skinner says, getting my attention. “Since you’re the only unattached female here, Shelby, you’re gonna help me out.”

  “Um,” I stammer, not sure what in the hell his crazy ass wants from me.

  “Come on,” he pleads, hopping down from the counter and walking over to me. “You’ll love it. Besides, you can’t let Mitch wound my ego like this,” he winks. “That’s your job.” Not waiting for my answer, he grabs me with one hand while dragging a chair with the other. Once he has the chair where he wants, he plops me down in it and beams at Mitch. “Prepare to see how it’s done, motherfucker.”

  “You’ve started somethin’ now, Mitch,” Luke laughs, wrapping his arms around Ki.

  “Whatever,” Mitch fires back, flipping Skinner off. “Put up or shut up.”

  “I hope you’ve got a wallet full of singles, you’re all about to blow your wads!” Turning away from me, Skinner shakes his ass from side to side. Sliding his hand down to his ass, he slaps it hard and thrusts his hips, making Leah giggle. “God yes!” Grabbing his cock through his jeans, Skinner dances around me, winking at me and making these weird, sexual faces that are anything but hot. I bite my lip to keep from giggling at him because he looks more and more like a possible stroke victim the longer he dances. Charlie whistles while Leah and Ki clap along with the beat, rooting him on.

  Spinning to face me, he drops to his knees and humps the air. “Fuck yeah,” he yells loudly. Ripping his shirt off, he whips it above his head before throwing it in Mitch’s direction. “Hold that for me, will ya, sweetheart?”

  “Oh my God!” Leah screams, from behind me.

  “You’ve made your point, asshole,” Mitch growls. “That’s enough.”

  Skinner stops and looks over at Mitch with a smirk as he runs his hands down his chest. “Wrong.” Letting his fingers run along the waistband of his jeans, he pops the button revealing a hint of red and purple ink. “You haven’t seen shit yet.”

  Gripping my knees, he runs his hands up my denim covered thighs before shoving them apart and sliding between them. Throwing his head back, he thrusts his crotch wildly, making Leah scream and giggle. Looking up at the ceiling, I shake my head, trying not to laugh, but fail miserably.

  Everyone around us is cheering him on. Rocking his body against me, Skinner pushes to his feet until his lips are just inches from mine. Even though it feels a bit awkward, I’m not about to ruin Skinner’s fun. Raising my arms above my head, I move them to the music, deciding to roll with it. “Oh baby!” I laugh, “Bring it on home, Skins.” Slipping a leg over mine, he takes one of my arms and wraps it around his hip. Wiggling his eyebrows, he leans in closer and parts his lips.

  “Still don’t think I can shock you, Shelby?” he purrs, tipping my chin up as he grinds down on my thigh.

  Oh shit.

  Suddenly, other than the music, the room is complete silence. Though I can’t see them, I know everyone is staring at us. Is Skinner going to kiss me? Oh fuck.

  Cupping my jaw in his hand, his thumb brushes over my cheek, softly. My eyes close tightly and my whole body tenses. His mouth is so close to mine, I can feel his heated breath tickling my skin.

  Just as I come to terms with the inevitable and anticipate his lips on mine, he yanks my head to the side, and laps at my face like a dog. My eyes fly open in shock. “Ew!” I scream, shoving him off me. “You dick!”

  “What?” he laughs, spinning to give us all a perfect view of his ass before twerking it in my face. “You can’t tell me that wasn’t an unforgettable performance. Admit it, you are shocked!”

  “Oh hell no!” Luke shouts, chucking his soda bottle at him. “No fuckin’ twerkin’ in my shop, asshole.”

  Shoving his ass with both hands, I push from the chair. “Payback’s a bitch, Skins. Prepare.”

  Whipping around, the color drains from his face and his eyes widen. “Oh shit,” he backpedals, holding up his hands. “I was playin’. Shel, you wouldn’t.”

  “No, but I will.”

  Turning just in time, I barely see Mitch’s fist fly past me out of the corner of my eye and collide with Skinner’s jaw. Skinner stumbles, falling to his ass. “The fuck?” he shouts, staring up at Mitch wide eyed as he rubs his jaw.

  “Because you’re a stupid son of a bitch,” Mitch spits, lunging at him. Shoving him to the floor, he punches him again.

  “Jesus, Mitch,” Luke’s voice sounds a million miles away. “What the hell are you doing?”

  Time slows to a crawl. Though everyone around me is moving, it feels like nothing is happening. “Stop!” I shout, grabbing hold of his arm. Ignoring me, Mitch rears back to hit Skinner again, his elbow colliding with my eye instead. Pain explodes across my entire face, my teeth rattle and it steals my breath. My vision blurs with tears as I release him and back away, nearly tripping over my feet and the chair.

  “Shit, are you okay?” Charlie asks, grabbing me around the waist to keep me from falling. Everyone is moving around me. Ki, Leah, and I are pushed back toward my desk as Luke and Charlie grab Mitch by the arms and yank him off Skinner.

  Mitch fights them both like a caged animal, shouting incoherently while trying to get free of their grip. Ki and Leah grab me, fussing over my eye. Batting them away, I know the moment Mitch sees me. He damn near goes totally limp against Luke as he stares at me. “Fuck,” he whispers under his breath. “Shelby, I…”

  Luke shoves him into the counter, heading straight for me. “Are you okay? Mitch, what the hell is wrong with you?”

  Skinner pushes to his feet, spitting blood into his hand. His face is a bloody mess that is already beginning to swell. “And you call me the son of a bitch,” Skinner says angrily. “Bastard.”

  “I… I…” Mitch stammers. He’s pale as a ghost, his eyes wide, a look of terror and disbelief on his face.

  “Look at you,” Skinner says, brushing his knuckles over my cheek. He stares down at me, his eyes filled with guilt. “I’m sorry, Shelby.”

  “You didn’t do anything wrong, Skinner.” Patting his arm, I grab my bag. “I’m going home. I’ll see you in the morning, Luke.”

  Luke argues, saying that I should get checked out at an afterhours clinic, or at least let someone drive me home, but I don’t want any of that. All I want is to be alone, to get in my car and drive.

  After informing him that I am more than able to drive myself, I make my way down the hall to the rear exit. Fumbling with the door, I manage to knock my bag over, spilling it onto the ground. “Goddammit! Seriously?” I mumble, fumbling in the barely there glow of the street light to shove all my things back in the bag before tossing it across the seat. Climbing in my car, I slip my sunglasses on. Even though it is well passed sunset, the last thing I want to see is my face in the rearview mirror right now.

  Pulling out onto the road, I blast the radio in an effort to drown out the thoughts in my head. Another piece of the puzzle has been revealed to me and this one I don’t like at all.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Mitch

  “I gotta get out of here.”

  Heading down the hallway, I shove out the backdoor. The night air does nothing to cool the rage inside me. I have never hated myself as much as I do now. I hurt Shelby. Sitting on the concrete block that marks her empty parking spot, I bury my face in my hands.

  “Why do I keep hurting her,” I say to myself.

  “Because you’re an idiot?”

  Luke’s voice echoes behind me. My best friend, the constant voice of reason, stands just feet behind me, but I can’t turn to face him. The look of disappointment on his face will no doubt be the blow that finishes me off tonight.

  “Thanks,” I deadpan. “I know that already.”

  “Then why don’t you fix it?”

  “It’s complicated,” I reply, the words pissing me off the second they leave my lips.

  “Only bec
ause you’re making it that way.” He blows out a breath, and though I don’t’ look, I know he is yanking a hand through his hair in frustration. I am going to be the cause of his male pattern baldness one day. “You have a choice to make here, man. Either you go fix this and be with her, like we both know you want, or you let her go.”

  “Why do you keep doing this?” I ask, staring up at the sky. “Seriously, Luke, you didn’t ask for this shit. I don’t want to take anyone with me when I finally hit rock bottom.”

  Walking up beside me, he claps me on the shoulder. “Because I know you have it in you to take back your life and because I know, without a doubt, that if the roles were reversed you’d be here kicking my ass. Even if you hit rock bottom, you’ll have at least a dozen hands reaching in to pull you back.” Looking up, I can barely make out his eyes in the darkness. “And I have a feeling that if anyone gets there before she does, and brother, that’s a big if, she’d do worse than you did to Skinner to get to you.”

  Luke turns away from me, the light from inside the shop shines out into the alley when he opens the door. “You told me that you weren’t capable of falling in love with Shelby. You may believe that, but after falling for Kionna the way I have, I’ve gotta call you out on your bullshit,” Luke says, with a laugh. “The most powerful spark is the one that can reignite the fire that has long gone out. What you could have with Shelby doesn’t come along every day; you, of all people, should know how special it is. I know you think you’re protecting her by pushing her away, but can you really live with taking away, not just your shot at happiness, but hers too? I mean, it’s not just your life you’re sabotaging here.”

  The door closes, leaving me alone in the darkness. Alone. Even the word is like a prison cell door slamming. I stare at the brick wall, remembering the brick wall that started my life in the direction it has taken. I was nothing but a punk kid with a rebellious streak, who wanted nothing more than to leave his mark on the world with a can of spray paint.