Inferno Anthology (283 page)

“I’ll wait, if you want. Hit me up in four months if you’re still interested and we’ll see how things go.”

He glanced over at me briefly. “And what if
you
aren’t interested in four months?”

I let out a partial snort. “Well, I’ve liked you for almost a year, now. What’s four more months?” That got his attention, his head whipping over to look at me.

“Say what?”

I smiled. “Last year. It was the Fourth of July. You were with your girlfriend on the football field waiting for the fireworks to start. I watched you hug and kiss her. I don’t know, something about that moment—I wanted it for myself. It kind of ruined me on other guys.”

His smile was wide as he zipped into a parking garage. “That’s interesting. I had no idea. I asked Tommy about you, casually of course, a couple months before that. He told me you were only sixteen, so I decided not to go any further.”

“Are you serious?” I couldn’t believe what he was telling me.

“Dead serious. If you had been older, you would’ve been the girl I was with that night. I met my ex-girlfriend shortly after I found that out and decided I needed to move on because you were too young.”

“Our age difference is still the same, you know? Nothing’s changed.”

“What’s changed is that I’m tired of fighting my attraction for you. When you came to Inked Edges that night, it was all I could do to not ask you out. You’d just lost Tommy, though, and I didn’t think it was the right time. I’ve been in misery thinking about you, even talking to my roommate about everything. He told me to go for it. Then you showed up, tonight. I figured it was the universe giving me a sign.”

He pulled into an empty spot and parked the car, turning it off.

“So, where do we go from here?” I asked.

“Anywhere you want,” he replied, staring at me. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re in the driver’s seat. We’ll go as fast or as slow as you see fit. Are you good with that?”

I stared at him for a moment, knowing my answer was taking a big step. “Yeah, I’m good with that.”

“Great,” he replied with a smile. “Now get that fake ID ready. I’m going to take you dancing at a club in the Venetian. A buddy of mine is a bouncer here.” He got out of the car, coming around to open the door for me, giving me a hand as he helped me out of the low car. “Of course, there’s always the chance that after tonight you’ll never want to see me again, and none of this will matter.”

“Not bloody likely,” I responded and a loud laughed escaped him, echoing off the low concrete walls around us.

“Glad to hear it,” he replied, grabbing my hand and intertwining his fingers with mine.

I loved the feel of my hand wrapped in his big one. Shoot, I loved just about everything about this night so far.

The music was so loud it was almost overbearing. I knew we’d have to practically yell to be heard, but right now I wanted to feel more of that delicious body pressed up against mine.

Leading Brooklyn onto the dance floor, I pulled her tightly against me, situating one of my legs in between hers and holding her hips as we bumped and grinded, rocking heavily into each other in the crush of bodies around us on the dance floor.

Damn, I loved touching her. She felt so right in my arms, as if she’d been made just for me. I was still reeling from her earlier admission that she’d been into me for a while now, too. I would’ve never known if I hadn’t pulled her out of the audience, tonight. Thank goodness for the friends that brought her to Leathers. I might have to send the bride a gift basket for the favor she’d done me.

There was that tiny nagging voice in the back of my head reminding me I still had the same problem I did before. She was too young for me—at least in a sexual sense. It wouldn’t be breaking any laws to sleep with her, but until she was eighteen, her parents could still cause a lot of problems. And they would. I knew that for sure. I was definitely treading on dangerous ground and I knew it. I wanted her bad—in all the ways a guy could want a girl. It would be hard to step back. Especially if she decided she wanted to go full throttle. Of course, that was the honorable voice talking. The dishonorable voice said as long as the two of us were discreet, then no one would have any clue to what may or may not be happening with us between the sheets.

Obviously, both sides were in a deep argument with each other at the moment, but I didn’t care. I was simply feeling lucky to have her in my arms.

After dancing several songs together, I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward one of the empty booths that edged the wall. I signaled a waitress and she made her way toward us.

“What can I get for you?” she asked.

“I’ll have a Coke with lemon,” I said, throwing a few dollars on the table. “And whatever the lady wants.”

“Ice water, please,” Brooklyn said. The waitress nodded, taking the money and leaving. “You can drink if you want,” Brooklyn added. “I can drive if needed.”

I shook my head leaning in next to her ear. “I want to remember tonight when tomorrow gets here. Otherwise I’ll think I dreamed it.”

She smiled and nodded, looking happy with my comment. Truth be told, I was afraid to drink at all around her for fear I
would
end up fucking her on the hood of my car, later. My hormones were in a constant state of rage right now, demanding to find release. One slip up and my little virgin wouldn’t be a virgin any longer.

“Are you having a good time?” I asked, leaning next to her ear, again. I placed my hand on her bare leg, near her knee, slowly sliding it up her thigh. Her skin felt silky smooth and I found myself wondering how silky other places of her might feel, too.

She nodded, smiling softly. Our faces were mere inches apart and her eyes sparkled invitingly in the dancing strobe lights. Focusing on her full plump lips, I leaned in closer, wanting to taste them for myself.

“Here’s your drinks,” the waitress said, setting my coke down in front of me, and Brooklyn moved away. I was instantly angry that I’d tipped the girl in advance. She had no idea what she’d just broken up.

Brooklyn lifted her water, taking a big swallow, and I couldn’t look away, loving the curve of her long, graceful neck. I wanted to run my tongue across it. She glanced at me and I smiled. Grabbing my drink, I took a sip, wondering if there was anything on the planet that could quench the fire inside me. I watched as she set her drink down.

She leaned in close. “I have a question.” Pulling away, she ran a finger from my shoulder to my bicep. “Your tattoos. You said you had six…but I only counted five on stage.”

I grinned widely. “There are six. You already know it’s not on my face, so that leaves in my boot or in my underwear for the other one. I think I should make you find out on your own where the last one is.”

She blushed. “If you’re wanting me to hunt, then I’m guessing it’s in your underwear.” I loved that even though some subjects obviously pushed her comfort level, she wasn’t afraid to say what she thought. “Am I right?”

I nodded. “Yep.”

“What is it?” she asked, still red.

I shook my head. “I never say. I consider it a show and tell feature, only.”

“That’s not fair. You know what tattoo I have in that area. Tell me yours.”

I snorted. “They aren’t in exactly the same spot, sweetheart. And if you really want to know, I’ll happily show it to you.”

“Right here? In the club?”

“I’m game if you are?”

She laughed. “I’m afraid we’d get thrown out.”

“I’m more than willing to take this conversation somewhere more private.” I ran my hand over her bare thigh, inching higher.

“Tell me about your other tats, then. You have a tribal on one shoulder.”

I sighed, realizing I wouldn’t be showing her my “special” tat any time soon. “Yeah. That one I got just because I liked how it looked. The barbed wire on this arm actually goes with the word ‘trust’ above it.” The pain in my heart reminded me of the reasons I’d chosen these two tats together. “I’ll tell you about it some time.”

“Okay,” she said, not pressing me.

“The wings on my back are in memory of my grandpa. The cross with the heart on my side is to remind me to love God, no matter what. That leaves the one in my pants. When you’re ready to know about it, just give me the word.” I winked at her.

She fanned herself with her hand. “Is it hot in here?”

I laughed, but agreed. It was warm. “Would you like to go outside for a walk?”

She nodded. “Yeah, that sounds nice.”

We left the club, heading out onto the balcony that looked down over the front fountain and pools for the gondola rides. She leaned against the massive sculpted banister, peering over at the crowds mulling below.

“I’ve always loved this hotel. It’s so pretty. It makes me want to go to Italy and see it for real.”

“That would be nice,” I agreed, wrapping my arm loosely around her shoulder.

“Have you traveled anywhere before?” she asked.

I shook my head. “No. Growing up, it was just my mom and me. My dad took off before I was even born. We never heard from him, again. Mom worked three jobs to make ends meet; so even if she would’ve ever had the time to travel, she didn’t have the money.”

“And you’re talking about her in the past tense.”

“She died in a car accident when I was eighteen. I’ve been on my own ever since.”

“Wow. I’m sorry. That must’ve been so difficult.”

I shrugged. “It all worked out. A buddy of mine, Brandon Wilkes, and I moved into an apartment together and split the rent. We still live there. Sadly, the place still almost looks just like it did the day we moved in. We never really got around to fixing it up.”

“Where’s it at?” she asked. “I don’t even know where you live.”

“Wanna ditch this place and go there? I can introduce you to Brandon.” Just the thought of having her in my house, in my private space, excited me.

“I’d like that.” She smiled. “I’ve seen him before, but we’ve never been introduced. Plus, it’ll be nice to know where to find you.”

“Speaking of that. I gave you my phone number already; any chance I can get yours, too?”

She laughed. “Maybe. If you’re lucky.”

I wasn’t letting her get away that easy, pulling my phone from my pocket. “Give me your digits, sweetheart.” I punched the numbers in as she recited them, making a new contact for her.

“Sweetheart?” she asked, reading the contact information over my shoulder.

“Yep, that’s you. I think it fits you perfectly.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and we moved back inside, making our way to the parking garage on the other side of the hotel.

***

“Looks like Brandon is gone. His car isn’t here,” I said, slipping my key out of the front door lock. “Again, I warn you. This place isn’t much.”

“I think it sounds like heaven. I’d love having my own place.” Her voice sounded sad.

I flipped on the light, showcasing the plain brown couch and leather recliner in the living room. A round wooden table, with four chairs, sat off to the left in our dining area. I was thankful she couldn’t see the sink, which was full of dirty dishes.

Old take-out wrappers were on the coffee table and I realized she probably thought we lived in constant squalor compared to her house.

“I see you put your money where it is important,” she said, nodding toward the sixty-inch television and wireless surround sound system.

“You know it. True bachelor pad priorities.” I shut the door behind her and took her hand, leading her toward the hallway. “The bathroom at the end of the hall is Brandon’s—it’s next to his room. That’s the perk of this apartment. It’s a two bedroom, two bath, and the master suite is mine—if you can classify it as ‘a suite’.”

Opening the door to my room, I flipped on the light. I was thankful I’d taken the time to straighten most of my room during the last week. The bed was even made—sort of—more like I grabbed the covers and threw them up toward the top of the bed; but hey, it was better than nothing.

“A king size bed?” she asked, sounding surprised.

“I’m a big guy. I like to be able to spread out.”

“Hmm.” It was all she said, but I still noticed the blush.

Releasing her hand, I closed the door behind her, going over to flip on my bedside lamp. “Have a seat,” I said, gesturing toward the bed before going back to turn off the main light. It was funny, but just having her in my room made me feel slightly nervous. If someone had told me a week ago that Brooklyn Hall would be in my room on my bed, I would’ve told them they were crazy.

She looked beautiful sitting on the gray coverlet. I’d love to see her in the bed, as well.

“So, tell me,” she asked before flopping backward onto the mattress, making my breath catch. “How does a tattoo artist, become a stripper?”

“Exotic dancer.” I corrected her with a laugh. “And, in my case, it happened when I gave a tattoo to another guy who works at Leathers. He told me I should come in and give it a shot. I figured it couldn’t hurt, and I could definitely use the money.” I moved toward the bed, crawling over so I was straddling her. “And now that you showed up there, I’m thinking it was the best career move I ever made. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here right now—on my bed.”

Her breath was coming quicker. “It
is
a really nice bed.”

“Is there a bed here?” I leaned in closing the space between us even more. “I forgot already, distracted by the hot girl. Damn, you’re gorgeous.” I stared at her, drinking her in, my hands braced on either side of her head.

“I think you’re the gorgeous one,” she said, lifting her hand to caress the side of my face. Everything in my body moved at her touch. She was like a magnet, drawing me in closer and closer.

My eyes drifted over her beautiful features, before moving back to her hazel colored ones. She was staring at me so intently.

“I’ve been waiting all night to kiss you,” I said softly, my gaze dropping to her plump lips.

“Then what’s stopping you?” she asked.

I didn’t wait a moment longer, lowering my lips to hers.

Sparks flashed and sizzled through my body at the touch of Six’s lips against mine. Unthinking, I wound my arms around his neck, pulling him tighter to me. His body collapsed against mine and he groaned when I opened my mouth, allowing the kiss to deepen.