Tempt Me: Tattoos and Temptation Book 5

by Mia Monroe

  “Not for you?”

  “I do not care if my brother approves. I do not care if the entire world does or does not approve. I learned long ago that to be happy, I cannot be concerned with the thoughts of others, even those I love. Lucien will understand and support us, but if he does not, does that change your mind?”

  Apollo frowns. “It doesn’t change my mind, but I have in my head what I want to be able to tell him when the time is right. This is a step in that direction.” He sits up, pulling me upright with him. As he takes my hands in his, he searches my eyes, pulling me into his orbit even deeper than I was. “Felix. I want to tell your family, Lucien and your parents, that it’s serious and real and we’re in love.”

  My heart screeches to a stop. “In love?”

  He nods. “I want them to know it’s not casual. We’re not just fucking around. I want them to know it’s love, when we get there.”

  I blink rapidly. When we get there. Right. I have to remember he’s only had a few weeks with me. It’s not reasonable to expect him to catch up to the years I’ve been falling in love with him. Being home again has only proven to me that my love was more than a crush. It’s real.

  “I understand.”

  “Good. So, are we doing this?”

  “You are absolutely sure?”

  “Not only am I sure, I now believe that…” He shakes his head, chuckling nervously. “God, I hope I don’t freak you out saying this, but I honestly believe that you were meant for me, Felix. This entire journey that I’ve been on led me to this moment. It feels so right. Yeah. That.”

  A tear slides down my cheek. “It is a happy tear,” I explain with a smile as I brush it away. “I always thought you would only be a dream for me.”

  “You’ve always liked me?”

  “Always. You were how I knew I was gay.” I laugh. “My entire romantic experience has been shaped by memories of you. I have looked for someone who made my insides melt with a smile, like you do. Someone who looked at me the way you did even though I knew you saw me as a child, as just Lucien’s baby brother, but still, the way you looked at me made me feel special. Seen. I always wanted that, but I did not find it until you looked at me again.”

  “Felix…”

  “I would show you the cookies or cakes I made, and you would gush your praise and tell me how delicious they were. I was making them for you.” I blink away more tears. “I am so emotional because I never thought I could tell you these things. It feels so good to let them out.”

  “I’m so honored. I did see you as special. You were funny and sweet and very talented. I kept the drawing you did of me, you, and Lucien on the porch. It’s in a box somewhere, but it made me smile so much that you would make that. Include me. I loved it.”

  “You kept that?”

  “Yeah.”

  “That makes my heart sing. Merci, Apollo.”

  He leans in and presses a soft kiss to my lips. “No, merci, Felix, for sharing all of this with me.” He smiles. “I think we can really have something amazing here. Do you agree?”

  “Of course.”

  His smile grows, and thankfully I’m sitting, or I think my knees would buckle. “I’m so excited. You’re my first boyfriend.”

  I laugh. “You are my best.”

  “I’ll take that.” He kisses my hands again. “What do you want to do today? Can you hang out?”

  “Yes. Can we get breakfast and go look at apartments?”

  “Yeah, the guys usually brunch on Sunday mornings. Or do you want to be alone?”

  “Brunch with friends sounds nice.”

  “Cool.” He glances around the room for a second. “You could move in here, you know. I have space.”

  My mouth falls open until clarity, thankfully, washes over me. “That is a beautiful idea, but I think I should get my own place for now. We are new at this and have more to learn. It’s only been a little over two weeks, no? We should not put all the eggs in one bush.”

  Apollo scrunches his forehead. “What?”

  “You know, if you have all the eggs in one bush...” I frown. “That doesn’t make sense.”

  “No. Do you mean, don’t put all our eggs in one basket? Or maybe you meant, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?”

  I twist my lips. “Maybe I just meant we should go slow and be sure. Honestly, Apollo, I don’t want to be asked to be a roommate. If you ever ask again, I want it to be as your lover. Your partner.”

  “I understand. I got ahead of myself.”

  “It makes me feel good.”

  “Okay, so I propose we grab some brunch, go apartment hunting, come back here, and you can teach me some more things with our clothes off.”

  I smile. “Excellent proposal.”

  An hour later, after a quick stop at my home so I could change clothes, we arrive at the restaurant where the guys are meeting for brunch. We take the two seats next to Tate and Nix.

  “You look cool like that,” Tate says, acknowledging my hair pulled back in a messy bun, a beat-up T-shirt, and jeans.

  “Thanks. I didn’t have time to get pretty.”

  “You’re always pretty,” Apollo says, winking, as he studies the menu.

  I laugh softly while picking out my meal. I’m starving, so I order a huge breakfast platter with pancakes, eggs, two kinds of meat, and potatoes. Apollo fills my mug with coffee.

  “Merci.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “So,” Tate says, nudging my arm gently. “About looking pretty. Can I just say that you were giving me life last night?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I really like showing off my feminine side in private, and I would like to be braver in public, but I still hold back. You walking in like that last night, in heels and makeup, was really inspirational for me.”

  “Aw, that is sweet, Tate.”

  “How did you do it? Like, I guess, how are you brave enough?”

  “I was not always so brave. Certainly not in Paris. I decided, though, I wanted to be happy, and that is one way I can do it. It is one reason I wanted to come back to Miami. I knew I could be myself here.”

  He nods, studying my face.

  “I think you just have to feel confident,” I continue. “You have to know the people in your life support you. I think you can see through me they will.”

  “Yeah. Do people ever stare at you when you have makeup on?”

  “Yes, but I have decided it is because I am pretty. If they give me an ugly look, it is because they are jealous.” I smile. “It doesn’t matter if it's true or not. They do not matter to me. I am almost thirty. I will not hold back anymore for the comfort of strangers.”

  “I like that. Do you, um,” he glances at Cairo and Gen across the table who are ignoring us as they chat with Luca, Apollo, and Casper. “Do you wear lingerie?”

  “Exclusively. You?”

  “Yeah. That’s cool. I’ve never met another guy who does.”

  “Neither have I, actually. I found a beautiful shop when I was out with Apollo. It is a little expensive, but it is heaven. We should go sometime.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “So would I,” Nix says, nuzzling Tate’s neck and letting us know he was listening. Tate’s cheeks bloom pink as he laughs softly.

  The conversation is lively as our food is delivered and everyone eats and drinks mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. I’m updated on how all the couples met, and it feels so nice to be pulled into this group. Apparently, Apollo didn’t know a lot of it either.

  The couple who captures my attention the most though is Saint and Casper. Saint is doting, and an obvious caretaker, making sure Casper is eating in between talking. His attention and devotion never wavers from his fiancé, and it makes me feel warm inside. It’s how I feel about Apollo. I just have to have a little more patience for him to see what I do. We are well on our way.

  Grey, one of the guys who works at the tattoo shop, startles me by asking my favorite Parisia
n district, in French.

  “Tu parles français?”

  Grey shrugs. “Un peu. My parents had an exchange student who lived with us for a year. I helped him with English, he helped me with French, but I’m rusty.”

  “You have a good accent.”

  “Merci.”

  “Let’s see, my favorite district. Probably the Marais since I love to shop. Eclectic and fun, vintage and classic. You could find anything there. It was a fun way to spend the day.”

  “Nice. I always wanted to go to the Champs-Élysées.”

  “Also a nice area. A must see if you are in Paris of course. It is very romantic.”

  “Maybe we’ll go there someday,” Apollo says.

  “That would be lovely.”

  Nix’s phone buzzes across the table. He grabs it, and while he chats, his eyes shift up to Grey and he nods. After he ends the call, he smiles. “Mitsu sends his hello, Grey. He couldn’t make it out last night. A friend was visiting from out of town.”

  Grey’s expression is a mixture of fear and awe. “Oh, that’s really nice. You can tell him I say hi too, next time you talk to him.”

  “I will,” Nix says, winking.

  That was interesting.

  After we finish eating, we split the bill and get ready to leave.

  “We’re going to see a movie,” Gen announces. “If anyone wants to come.”

  “We can come,” Tate says. “You guys?” he asks, looking at Apollo.

  “Nah, I’m taking my boyfriend apartment hunting.”

  My eyes widen as my face heats.

  “Boyfriend,” Gen says, grinning. “That’s an upgrade.”

  Apollo chuckles, wrapping his arm around my waist. “I know a good thing when I see it. Had to lock him down before someone else did.”

  I gaze up at Apollo as if he just unlocked the secrets of the universe. I didn’t think I could fall any harder for him, but I just did.

  “Yes, I have to move out from my parents’. Well, I don’t have to, but I want to.”

  "Of course, boo,” Cairo says.

  “Have a good day, y’all,” Luca says, giving Apollo a pointed look.

  Apollo takes my hand and leads me to the car. Once inside, he looks at me with a serious expression. “Was that okay? I should’ve asked first.”

  “What?”

  “Announcing that you’re my boyfriend. I guess I got excited.”

  “Is it okay that the man I have wanted my entire life, the most gorgeous, sweetest man in Miami called me his boyfriend? Is that okay?” I laugh. “Yes.”

  Apollo smiles. “Good. I’m proud of you.”

  “Same.”

  He lifts my hand and kisses the back of it. “So, I have an idea of some areas I think you’d like. Not too far from work, but what are your thoughts on transportation? Are you getting a car?”

  “I don’t like to drive, and I haven’t almost the entire time I was in France. That is why I was thinking something close enough to walk.”

  “Okay cool. I found a place to show you.”

  “Wonderful.”

  I settle back in my seat, letting Apollo navigate the streets that are both familiar and foreign. Being away for so long has a strange effect on me. In some ways it feels like Miami was on pause, simply waiting for me to return. The same businesses, the same churches, the same stores. But then we turn onto a street and everything is new. I left when I was barely an adult. I’ve returned a man, and Miami has welcomed me.

  Apollo pulls into a parking lot, and the apartments make me smile. It’s a high-rise building. The ocean is just a few blocks from here and likely visible from the some of the units.

  “I brought you here because you said your future life might be a high-rise glamour city lifestyle or the suburbs. I live in the suburbs, and maybe if I’m lucky, someday you’ll live there too. So for now, here’s your glam.”

  My heart stutters in my chest. I lunge across the console between us and grab his face, kissing him hard.

  When I let him go, he chuckles. “What was that for?”

  “You were listening to me.”

  “Of course, I was. I always listen to you. You’re my favorite sound, Felix.”

  I shake my head. “Maybe when I was flying home from France, the plane crashed. There were few survivors. They drug me from the cold ocean, and I am in a hospital in France in a coma, imagining this beautiful dream where you say things like that to me, I have the perfect job, and coworkers who are becoming friends. Am I in a coma?”

  Apollo’s smile fades. “No, beautiful, you’re awake and well, and in Miami with me. You’re not dreaming or imagining all of this. You deserve it.”

  “You are every bit as wonderful as I hoped you would be.”

  “Good.” He kisses me again. “Want to go inside?”

  “Yes.”

  We enter the leasing office, where a young, blonde woman is sitting behind a desk clacking on a computer with her super-long nails. She glances up with a smile, but it is quickly muted.

  “May I help you?” she asks.

  “Yes, I would like to see a one-bedroom please.”

  “Ah. Have you seen our brochure? There are several floor plans.”

  “Oh. May I?”

  “Behind you.”

  I twist around to see a small table. Apollo and I walk over and browse. This place is overpriced, as I expected, and I would have to dip into my trust fund to afford it, but maybe just for six months it would be fun. They even have a furnished model.

  “It’s beautiful,” I whisper.

  “Babe. I pay half that for my mortgage.”

  “I know, but what is the saying, YOYO?”

  Apollo chuckles. “YOLO?”

  “What is the thing people say when they are going to do something crazy?”

  “YOLO. You only live once.”

  “Right. Six months. Then I find a cheaper place, or we're in love and live together.”

  “Yeah.” Apollo’s brow furrows as he glances around the lobby.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  He tries to neutralize his face, but it doesn’t work.

  “Apollo, please tell me.”

  He gazes down at me, rubbing his forehead. “I guess I just wonder if you live somewhere like this will you be happy with what I can provide.”

  “Aw, amour. You are so wonderful. I will love anywhere we live together, do you understand that? It is so hard for me not to move in with you right now. I never want to be without you, but I think it is wise.”

  “Yeah.”

  “And you do not provide for me. We will be a partnership. A team. I was very frugal in France. This feels like a nice indulgence.”

  “I support whatever you want. I just don’t want you to feel like your slumming later.”

  “I love your house because you are in it. It is very nice and neat. I would be happy there.”

  He nods, still looking unconvinced.

  “Apollo.” I take his hand in mine. “You know about the money.”

  He nods, focusing his eyes on me.

  “Sometimes I will use it. It will be for fun things or silly things or excessive things. Sometimes I will spend it on you because it makes me happy. Do you know though, my Apollo, I would give it all away tomorrow if I had to choose you or it? I would rather live in poverty with you than like a king without you.”

  His features soften as he smiles. “Thank you, Felix. I didn’t mean to get weird about it. I just want you to be happy. I want to be a source of that happiness for you.”

  “You must believe you are the torch that keeps it lit.”

  “I do. Let’s go see this place.”

  “Yes.” I turn back to the woman. “Can we see one of the furnished ones please?”

  She looks surprised. “You are aware of the monthly rent?”

  “I can read, yes. Can we see it?”

  “Yes, of course. We do have two months’ rent as a deposit and there are qualifying fi
nancial criteria.”

  This woman does not think I can afford it. I offer a curt nod. “I will pay upfront.”

  Her eyes widen. “I’m sorry?”

  “If I like the apartment, I will pay the six months upfront. You accept wired funds, yes?”

  “Um, yes, we do. I’ll get my keys.”

  “Thank you.”

  As she walks away, Apollo is shaking his head. “She didn’t think you could afford it.”

  "No, clearly she did not.”

  “I kind of don’t want her to get credit for signing you up.”

  I pat his chest. “Let us see if we like it first.”

  The woman, whose name is Dana, leads us to the elevators and takes us up to the tenth floor. We step out onto marble floors and walk down a small corridor. She opens the door for me, and Apollo and I step inside. It’s stunning. Floor to ceiling windows reveal a view of the ocean. The space is decorated in a contemporary design in whites and grays. It’s beautiful, but it’s also…

  “What do you think, sir?” Dana asks.

  “It’s very nice.” I walk around the space for a few minutes, trying to imagine myself in it as I open closets and cabinets. I wouldn’t have to buy anything. It has it all, down to the dishes. Something just feels off about it.

  “Babe?” Apollo asks, standing behind me in the massive master-closet. “What do you think?”

  I squeeze my eyes shut. I wish you would tell me right now that you’re in love with me and ask me to move in as a lover.

  “It’s nice,” I whisper.

  “But?”

  “I want to think about it.”

  “Yeah, okay. It’s a big decision.”

  “Yes.”

  We leave the apartment and head back to Apollo’s place. I’m lost in my thoughts. A furnished apartment is ideal for the short term. It would give me time to figure things out with Apollo. It is a lot of money to spend though. I’m sure there are less expensive furnished apartments in the city, but then I might have to get a car. I shudder. Driving is not a joy.

  Back at Apollo’s, we cuddle on the couch, neither of us saying much. Finally, I break the silence.

  “Today was nice. The guys are great.”

  “Yeah, they are. I knew you’d like them, and vice versa.” He kisses the top of my head. “What do you want to do now?”