Page 22 of The Ninth

“Them hard ass nipples through that romper.” That shut me up. “I’ma step out. Call out my name when you’re ready...” he smirked, leaving me standing alone.

I took the romper off and smacked my forehead. All I had on beneath it was the damn panties. He’s right though. Women get tattoos under their titties and inner thighs all the time. It’s perfectly normal to be in here with barely any clothes on. I hopped on the table and onto my stomach. I smirked, clearing my throat.

“Mister Chicago Nigga?”

I heard him laugh before I heard the door. He came in, closing it behind him. Not a word left his mouth as he slid on gloves. I could feel his eyes yet again trail down my back and over my ass. His gloved hand lifted my left cheek, getting a better view of what remained of the tattoo. A moment later, his white shirt was dangling in my face.

“This how you get down in business meetings?”

I chuckled and slid it on as he sat down beside me in a beater. His chest and shoulders were swollen. His hands on my leg were gentle. The needle felt so good against my skin. I’ve been tattooed many times. I mostly had flowers in random places on my body. Never has it been done so carefully while minimizing the pain.

“I wanna know about your journey so far. But first, your name.”

I showed this man my ass without telling him my name. “It’s Devyn. And um...I started drawing when I was three.”

He spoke softly as I vented to him about my love for the art. He never interjected, giving a personal experience or opinion. He only asked more and more questions, digging deeper into my artistry. The environment made me feel comfortable. He made me feel safe. It wasn’t until I started discussing my parents and cousin that I snapped my mouth shut.

Looking at him, he sat with his arms crossed, staring at the side of my face. Observing the environment, I realized that not only was the tattoo finished, but he cleaned and put everything away as well. He just smiled softly, looking at me.

“You didn’t tell me you were done!”

“I’m done with the tattoo. Not with you.”

“Well, I left without giving my, um, friend any warning. I gotta get back.”

He held his hand out, helping me from the bed. I spread my thick thighs as he wrapped the tattoo in saran wrap. Once he finished, he just sat there. I chuckled, pulling him up. He licked them lips, yet again.

“Get changed. Leave your portfolio on my desk, please. I’ll be up front.”

I nodded as he turned away, leaving the room.

The biggest smile filled my face. A genuine smile. A feeling of relief, fun, and curiosity. I felt good not only about the shop and getting a position, but about whatever would happen with Mr. Chicago. Whether we remained friends or not, I was prepared to make space for him in my life. I have nothing but space.

I slid his shirt off and put on my romper. My stomach fluttered with butterflies at the thought of going home to Cassie. Yeah, I do believe I had a right to be angry. But to leave the way I did? After my beautiful day, I started to regret it.

Once I placed the portfolio on his desk, I exited the suite, walking to the front. Three women surrounded him. He spoke seriously as they all drooled. A piece of me was angry that they got to see him in a beater like I did. Are they going to strip for him to tattoo them too?

He looked up at me and excused himself. I glanced up at him as we walked outside. The first thing I did was shove his shirt in his hands. Nobody else needs to see this shit. He smiled, putting it on.

“Mm. Smells like you...” he cooed.

“Thank you for the tattoo, Duke.” I saw his name on his desk.

“Anytime, Devyn. Can I have your phone number? You know...to discuss your portfolio on our next date?”

I giggled, “Yeah, give me your phone.” He handed it to me and watched as I put my number in.

“I’ll be in contact very soon, Indianimal. You sure you don’t want a ride?”

“Bye, Mr. Chicago.”

He smiled, folding his arms as I took off walking back to the apartment. After a few steps, I realized I was going in the wrong direction. I turned and of course he was still there, watching me. He laughed loudly as I walked back past him, giving him the middle finger.

I floated all the way to the apartment and up into the sky.

Chapter 5: Guard Your Heart

Cassie’s POV