Page 88 of Wicked Design
In the shot, he grabbed her mancuffs. Dutifully, Clover held out her wrists. He slapped those babies on. The camera zoomed in for a close-up. Metal glinted.
Luke’s drummer pounded away.
Van Gogh lifted her arms and secured them to a post. He circled her ominously.
Face lowered, she played the meek sub.
“Use Clover Cuffs to confine and display your woman.” His baritone rumbled in her belly, same as the bass. “Four designs for your enjoyment and personal fantasies.”
Luke shouted his lyrics. His band played wildly.
Shots flashed on the screen showing the cuffs she wore, then her modeling the dragon and snake ones in various poses. On her knees, hands on Van Gogh’s rock-hard belly. Her wrists secured to the wall, him regarding her, arms crossed, biceps bulging. Van Gogh to her side, holding a chain attached to a leather collar that hugged her throat.
“Clover Cuffs. Your newest toy. Your intimate dream come true.”
The image burst apart, replaced by her brand name, email address, and phone number.
Applause and wolf whistles broke out from the audience, Jasmina’s the loudest.
“No, no, no. It’s not over.” Clover bounced on her butt. “Wait till you see this. It’s the best part. Shh.”
Soft, seductive music played. Her image materialized on the screen. With her back to the camera, she looked over her shoulder, her mouth pursed and pouty. “Tired of the same old routine?” She’d spoken breathily. “Let Clover Cuffs make you a star.”
The harsh lights flicked off. A black one snapped on.
Her white ink tat glowed between her shoulders, its geometric design exactly as Van Gogh had drawn. Stars shot from every direction, the spent ones drifting down.
“Holy shit.” Tor pointed his beer bottle at the screen. “When did you do that?”
Van Gogh shrugged. “After hours. We wanted to surprise you guys.”
“You did.” Jasmina gaped. “I want one of those.”
Clover’s mom nodded. “Me, too.”
“Sorry, guys, but no way.” Clover slipped her arm around Van Gogh’s shoulders. “This is a one-of-a-kind tat. Mine alone.”
Just like her guy and the future he’d promised then kept delivering.
They’d never belonged anywhere until they’d met. Together, they could face anything and win.
With each other, they’d found a home.
