Chapter ??

Atlanta, Georgia – inked to the Max

Zoie

5½ months pregnant

Z

o, I believe your next appointment just arrived,” Yasmeen or Yaz calls out so everyone in the shop can hear as she heads back to her desk.

I actually felt their arrival despite the busy Atlanta traffic around this time of the day. Lunch time in a populated city area is busy and insane. Atlanta traffic is an entirely different breed of life. Still, I felt the rumble from their motorcycles as the rode up to the front parking area. The individuals who make up the party affiliated with my next appointment are fortunate to find somewhere to park out front. Delivery trucks are usually everywhere. Maxie’s bike isn’t out there today, so her spot is open.

Looking at the main door, I watch three guys and a woman as they ride up then dismount their bikes. It’s weird calling them bikes, even in my head, considering the men parking those monsters are huge. Trevor would look hot as fuck standing alongside that crew.

“I know what you’re thinking, Tress. I’ll tell you about that part of my life at a later time.” Trevor swats my ass. “To answer the unspoken question, I make any machine and anything between my legs look fucktastic.”

“Is that supposed to include me?” I ask even though I know he’s not referring to me in any way.

“Nah. Tress, you do that all by your lonesome. You live and breathe that all while making it look impossibly east,” I shake my head as my response. “Plus, I look even more delectable riding it. Nothing like I do when I’m riding you, but you can picture it.”

My current client giggles causing me to roll my eyes once again. Clearing my throat and my thoughts, I turn away from the cleaning of my area, so I can greet my next client but not before I get a quick barb in.

“FYI, I wasn’t thinking that at all. I wasn’t thinking about you in any way.”

I’m sure he would’ve believed the words had my stupid voice not giving me away. Trevor produces the sexy smirk that makes my insides all swirly and instantly heats my core.

“All right, Dancer Girl, you keep telling yourself that. I’ll leave you to all this. Oh, and you’re not allowed to go falling for any of the three bears or the dark-haired goldilocks who are getting ready to walk through those doors.”

I start laughing and so does Yaz and Cherry. Max enters the den from the back office. The den is what we call the main area of the shop where we all work. Her presence causes all to dial down their laughter and conversation all but ceases as all eyes are on her. She strolls over to Yaz’s desk then turns to face her awaiting “audience.”

“Trevor reminds me I need to say some things to the group. ANNOUNCEMENT! Inked M. employees. All eyes on me!” Max says before hopping up on the circular desk that is part of the reception area where Yaz sits. “All of you single bitches put your shit on lock down. No heat seeking missiles for any of you and no way in hell are you leaving my shop to go join the harem of Hell’s Harlem.”

The bell over the door jingles and all of the air in the room is sucked out of the open area of Inked to the Max. It’s an amazing feat considering the fact it’s a huge, open space. Inked to the Max has seen some gorgeous guys. Hell, a good portion of the staff is conscious sin walking. Ironic reference considering the name of the biker gang? Maybe it’s a club? Max would know because she’s a bad ass and knows this kind of thing like she was born into it.

“Fuck.”

“A.”

“Duck.”

Cherry, Yaz, then Tam Tam speak in succession. Cherry’s real name is Charise. She earned the name cherry from her lipstick color choice and the homage to her red hair color. Tam Tam is Tamera and her nickname is one from childhood. Those three voice a version of what most of us are thinking about the three men who are walking towards the front doors of the shop. I focus on the women and not the wall of hotness that has just strolled into this shop. It’s better for me.

All of the women including myself watch as the men file in and stand at Yaz’s desk. The usual quick to speak Yasmeen is stunned stupid looking up into the president of Hell’s Harlem, Greyson Mercer’s, blue eyes. I know those eyes because I’ve looked into them many times during our consultation. He wanted to ensure he knew all of the details of what his wife, Eve’s, piercing would entail.

The door chimes again. A beautiful woman with long, dark brown hair and pale skin walks in. When she slides up to Greyson’s side, an audible, collective groan rings out in the shop. A knowing smirk flits across Greyson’s lips. As I pull up from my chair, I see two women preparing to pounce on the remaining two men. That’s my cue to get my ass over to this group before these women get themselves into something they won’t be able to handle. They don’t know the danger wafting off these men is real. It’s on an entirely different level than anything they’re dreaming up.

“Grey, you left it on the bike. I’ve got it now,” the woman tells Greyson.

The man has an easy smile for her. He chuckles and shakes his head before murmuring something to her. The damn women sigh as they watch the exchange. Needy, just plain needy. The lot of them.

Danger, Will Robinson, Danger. In this case it should be: Danger, hot asses! Danger!

Greyson or Grey made sure that I was aware. He also informed Maxie and Deck so they knew who was going to be in the shop. Max and Deck made sure Grey knew his money spends just like everyone else’s. Deck, being on the side of the law he is, didn’t even flinch when he was informed of who and what Grey is or some of the things he does. I respect the hell out of him for his response.

“I don’t give a shit what he’s into. As long as his name doesn’t cross my desk, we’re good. Plus, who the fuck am I to judge? My father is president of his own club. The man’s name is Ballistic for fucks sake. Dealing with that asshole’s proclivities is a cake walk in comparison. This I’m sure of.”

I’d looked confused for a moment because damn pregnancy brain had me forgetting trivial things. Maxie smiled at me then looked over at her husband, who gave a single nod before speaking.

“Remember I told you the story about the guy who tattooed his initials into someone’s balls, so they would recall not to fuck with him or his family?”

I absentmindedly nodded before what she was telling me clicked.

“Oh damn! Are you serious? That’s your father?”

“That was him being kind,” Decks said before kissing his wife then her belly. “All right. I’m off. Be careful and let Grey know about the cameras around the shop,” he’d told us before heading back to work.

“Ladies, excuse me,” I state as I push through the growing crowd who all of a sudden need something at the front desk. Rolling my eyes, I greet one of the women in an annoyed voice.

“Hey.”

“Are you doing another tattoo today? On one of these guys?” Yaz asks me as I approach the desk.

Her eyes bug as she fans herself feigning overheating. Trevor clears his throat, loudly. I try to ignore him, but I know I won’t be able to do so for long. He’s persistent. I know he is. I’m sure he has some insane comment he wants to make about the guys and me. It’s who he is. He needs to make a joke while letting everyone know we’re together.

“Hey guys. We haven’t met yet,” I say as I turn my focus to them and ignore everyone else.

“Catch.” The youngest member of the trio grins down at me while sticking out his hand. “Well, aren’t you beautiful?”

The other portion of the wall of hotness slaps him across the back of the head.

“Clearly she’s taken.” He looks at me with a knowing smirk spreading on his face.

I swallow hard as he extends his hand to introduce himself.

“Tray. My friend here is right.” His big hand closes around my own. “You are beautiful.”

I know my response is going to get me into so much trouble, but I can’t help the blush that creeps up my cheeks. I turn away from Catch and his gorgeous looks that remind me of the ever-mysterious looking Sam Winchester from Supernatural and the sexy, older smooth talker, Tray who has shorter, darker hair. Both have tattoos. They make me wonder if Maxie has ever done any work on any of them.

My focus turns to the hot blonde with blue eyes that are filled with love for his woman and patience for his friends. Even with his harden exterior, I recognize the comradery and love that’s shared between the three of them and by extension, his Eve. They are a unit. There’s something about the blond who reminds me of the Jax character from Sons of Anarchy that just screams don’t fuck with him and he’s the one in charge.

“That makes you Grey. I recognize you from the video chats.”

“Afternoon, Ms. Watson. Nice to finally meet you. Forgive the ignorant bastards to my right. We don’t let them out often.”

“Ms. Watson?” Cherry and Trev jokingly tease at the same time.

I studiously ignore their silliness while I try to remain professional. Simply offering her a smile, I turn my attention back to my client’s husband.

“I forgot that was your last name,” Cherry adds.

“Greyson, please call me Z or Zo. I get enough of the Ms. Watson from the reps at my father’s office. I appreciate the respect but despise the name. I’ve come to accept what it means to be his daughter.”

“Understood Zo,” he quickly responds, and I nod.

“I like her even more now,” Catch tells them with a flirty wink tossed my way. “Wait. Who’s her father?”

Tray and Grey both shake their heads.

“Why the fuck did we bring him if he can’t do a simple search for recon?” Tray questions as his gaze continues to return to Yaz’s ass when she squats to open boxes that were just delivered.

“Because I’m too pretty to be left alone and to my own devices. Now, who the hell is her daddy?”

“Isn’t that the burning question they pose on that talk show?” Tray throws out, purposely ignoring Catch.

I find myself laughing and unable to keep a straight face with this group.

“Maury,” Max supplies while pulling her two-toned hair—her natural red and the blonde color she’s letting grow out—into a bun. “I shouldn’t know that. It sucks being home as often as I am. Since I’ve got the belly it makes things different.”

“It’s for your own good, Boss,” Yaz tells her as she hands off Maxie’s messages. “Will you give these to Ms. Popular back there, please?”

Max nods before grumbling, “Damn elephant sized dick creating monstrous babies that want to wreak havoc on my body.”

“Maxie, did you say something? Deck is on the phone checking in,” I yell at her retreating form.

I know I’m horrible, but I don’t care. We’re spending this summer pregnant together. It’s only the beginning of this Hotlanta summer and we’ve exchanged moments I’m going to get my kicks any way I can. Even it means tormenting the hell out of my best friend. My thoughts are interrupted by the voiced thoughts of the eldest of the three bears. I notice Maxie’s middle finger salute then as well. It makes me smile as I listen.

“I could get used to a place like this. They bicker and banter the way we do back at the office. The heat of this place gives my eyes plenty to feast on as well.”

Tray and Sam, if he were around, would have been fierce friends. Sam left us suddenly and with no explanation. There’s no Sam to help this crew get the lay of the land.

Catch slaps the top of the island before doing a little “woop” dance-cheer combination before pointing to his phone then explaining himself when he sees all of us staring at him.

“Ha! You’re the Georgia Senator’s or Senator of Georgia’s daughter! I don’t know why neither of you fuckers wouldn’t just tell me.” Wiping his brow, he adds. “That was some serious work. I need a drink.”

“The dawn of the fucking day was twenty minutes ago. You don’t need a drink to reward that sadness. Why would we tell you and miss you sounding like the asshole you are. What the fuck would we do that for?” Tray questions.

Eve says nothing. She just laughs and lies back in my chair. My quieter laughter accompanies hers. My slight giggle doesn’t go unnoticed.

“That little laugh is enough to get a man up in the morning in more ways than one,” Tray informs me.

“Yeah, I’d welcome that morning wake up call,” Catch adds, then continues. “I’m not even a morning person and I’d accept it.”

I hear these rumbling growls and know for a fact that one is coming from Trevor. It surprises me to realize the other is coming from Greyson.

“Stop it. You know how they are,” Eve admonishes. “They do it all in good fun. You know they both have short attention spans.”

“Yeah, I do know how they are. I didn’t like it when they did it with you. Seeing them doing it to another person reminds me of that shit. I’ll be a growly bastard if I want, woman.”

Eve shakes her head. Her hair floats from side to side as she laughs at her man’s behavior. We share an understanding look. Damn possessive ass men we have will drive us crazy if we let them.

“Well, all right, Eve, it’s nice to finally meet the woman whom I will be piercing. It’s also good to know I’m not alone on the alpha male island.”

“Nope, you’re not.”

Trev doesn’t acknowledge us talking about him. He’s taking in everything that’s going on around us. At least, that’s what I believe he’s doing until I feel him closing in on me.

“Zo, you’re not tattooing Jax and Sam here, are you?” Trevor asks as he walks up and rubs my belly.

I officially feel like a well pissed upon patch of grass now. On the one hand, I love how possessive he is of me. On the other hand, I despise the feeling of being someone’s property. It’s funny that he made the same connection I did when referring to Greyson and Catch. For a fleeting moment, I wonder if Catch is this man’s real name or is it something given to him because of all of the tits and ass he catches. It’s just an observation but I see Catch and Tray as the male versions of Yasmeen. They know what they want and go after it. If it means getting it from various people then oh. Damn. Well.

“Love, they’re names are Grey and Catch.” Pointing my thumb to the right, I direct his attention to the one he didn’t make a reference to. “His name is Tray. Will you be good and not hover? Everyone knows I’m not on the menu today.”

Stepping closer, he kisses my cheek before correcting me.

“Today or any other day, Zo.”

I have to smile. The man is maddening but he makes me smile like a loon with some of his antics.

“Damn Tray, we officially know the fuck hot, piercing lady with a baby on board is off limits.”

“Yep. That shits clear as hell. Still love the look of a pregnant lady. Makes my dick twitchy.”

Tam and Max burst out laughing while Trevor surprisingly nods his agreement with what Tray just proclaimed.

“It makes no sense riding all this way and not tasting a Georgia Peach. Damn! Is it a requirement to work here to look like sex walking and have guys hard enough to rock steel in their pants?”

Neal almost chokes on the water he’s drinking. He recently said something similar.

“I’ve been saying that shit for years.”

Catch and Neal share one of those bro nods which makes me roll my eyes every time I see it.

“Catch, reign it in,” Grey says without looking up from his phone.

I continue to get things set while listening to the other two bears from Goldilock’s entourage.

“Grey, we’re going to survey the rest of the shop. You know, for safety purposes and shit like that,” Catch responds while practically twisting his own neck looking at a couple of the other women in the shop.

“You know damn well this place is well protected and a practical house of fucking mirrors with the system keeping tabs on this crew. Call a spade a fucking spade. You’re going hunting for ass.”

Eve smiles and tilts her head in that way women do when we want to communicate how special we think our guy and his friends are.

“No use in denying it. Should I announce we’re on the hunt as well?”

Tray pats Catch’s arm to get his attention.

“Desk number one was first sight. I don’t think anyone has a claim on that one. The boss lady and piercing peach have buns in the oven, but the buns on that one looked ripe for picking.”

Tray doesn’t know it yet, but he’ll learn fairly soon that barking up Yaz’s tree may get him more than what he bargained for. A still hovering Trevor laughs as he kisses my neck then walks towards the back exit of the shop.

“Max, I’m going out to get shit to feed my family,” he yells as he heads to the back door.

“That better include me, jackass. These babies is definitely making themselves known.”

“Yeah, I know. Also, yes, it does. Deck would have my ass strung up by the balls if I went to your favorite restaurant and didn’t bring you something back.”

“Smart man, that one. You should keep him,” Max says to me.

“I plan on it. I just haven’t told him yet,” I respond.

I notice Cherry and Eve smile. I also see Grey’s smile as he tries to pretend like he’s not listening. I have no earthly idea how I am about to get any work done with this lot in my booth. If nothing else, they will make the rest of this day all the more interesting.

Ladies and gentlemen or germs within earshot, I was their sweet Georgia Peach all night and well into the morning hours. They tapped me for freshness and whatever other juices they could squeeze from my body the entire time.”

“I loved the way they loved ... no fucked me. My only disappointment is not watching those two beautiful men together. They were all about me and very aware of one another. The tension between the two turned me on so much I was sent into orbit just thinking of the possibility of one of them slipping up. Now that would’ve been some hot shit. I wanted to see one of them stroking or licking the other, but they never did.”

“I could tell that Catch wanted to because of how eagerly he watched as I sucked Tray off. He was practically salivating. Nothing ever happened between them. They operated together to work my body into a damn frenzy then sent me into a tailspin of euphoric wonders. The photos I took will have me content for days.”

“Days? You had two men fucking. What I’m sure was every hole they could reach, and that will only last you for days. What am I doing wrong?” Cherry asks.

“Being a prude,” Yaz responds with a snarky tone to her voice.

“Fuck you, never-miss-a-beat-Betty.”

––––––––

“These guys be wanting to make a sex tape but cum so quick it could be a Snapchat,” Tracker says to Drew.

Girl’s Night Out –

Pins and Wings Bar & Grill

“Have you heard about Maddie and Olly’s story? It rendered me useless for several hours. I watched the movie first then read the book. Tissues are your friend if you attempt to discover it. Everything is just what the title says it is, even more,” Cherry

“Who the hell are Maddie and Olly? Why does it sound like they are part of some movie you watched?” Ma

“Everything, Everything. They are characters in a story that was made into a movie. A movie you need to see but grab the tissue box first. Even for a hard ass as yourself this movie will get to you.” Cherry

Cherry has flowers. Makes Gabs fave drink. Pass it around the table in memory of friend.

Eileen Demetria Jones

Calls herself Demi Jones

-  It’s the name that spoke to her, specializes in tattoo correction and laser tattoos

-  Wears light brown hair in two long fishtail braids

-  “Sorry, Not Sorry” is her jam

-  “Despacito” is always playing in her booth

-  Tells everyone her name spoke to her so that’s the one she chose

-  Refused to be called distraction like her mother used to call her in order to goad her

-  Dating an abusive asshole from the hood of Atlanta (Devon)

-  Always chewing gum