Chapter Thirty-Two

"What an honor to be gracedby your presence on a Saturday," Kill sarcastically muses.

"Did Gen finally come to her senses and decide she's had enough of you?" Eli adds.

We're in the back room of The Devil's Court, eating greasy burritos I got from the Mexican place at the end of the street. A mediocre bribe, but I hope they help earn my best mates' forgiveness. I've been remarkably single-minded lately, still trying to balance my obsession with Gen with my work and social life. Eli and Kill have been the ones I've neglected because they'll still be there by the time I figure it out.

"Sorry, mates. It's been a little chaotic lately."

"Oh, I know," Eli starts. "I live right below you, and those floors are not thick. I can hear just how chaotic your life has been."

The glare I send him doesn't stop him from smirking, proud of his joke. I don't like the fact that he can hear Gen in my bed, but it's not like we have a choice. "Care to move out?"

"Nah, I like the free rent."

"Dickhead."

Since he just took a mouthful of burrito, he can't insult me back but raises a finger for me to wait instead, signaling it's coming as soon as he's done chewing.

"Are things getting serious between you two?" Killian wonders.

I hide my wince by biting the fattest chunk off my lunch. It's been three weeks since we decided this was more than a sex thing. And one of those weeks was spent all the way in LA, working my arse off to spread my brand and network for The Parlour. And since I've not seen the guys as much as I used to, I haven't told them about the new developments.

Just to delay the inevitable, I take my time chewing and swallowing. Then, I straighten up slightly and meet their inquisitive eyes. "Gen and I are dating, and the first one who makes a joke about it will eat my fist."

Despite the threat, I fully expect one of them to say something. Instead, Eli gives me a shit-eating grin, clearly not surprised, and Kill lets out a discontented groan. Then, the former extends a hand over to Kill, who begrudgingly puts down his burrito to get his wallet from his back pocket. He produces a twenty-dollar bill and smacks it into Eli's awaiting hand.

"You fuckers bet on this?"

"And I won," Eli confirms, smirking like a twat. Maybe I should evict him. That'd feel good for a couple of days. But he's a great dog sitter, and I'd miss the idiot.

"Well, you were right. We've stopped pretending this was just a sex thing about three weeks ago."

"Three weeks?!" Eli echoes with shock. "Why the fuck did you not share this fact sooner?"

I raise a brow at him. "You two bellends bet on the success or failure of this relationship, and you wonder why I didn't tell you?"

"Yeah, that's fair."

There's nothing but the sounds of our chewing for a moment. The bar opens at eleven, but there's barely anyone until the middle of the afternoon. It still turns a profit though, especially since Kill is usually the one handling it—unlike today, with Wendy behind the counter.

"I still can't believe it," I spontaneously let out. "She's the finest woman I've ever fucking met, you know? And she wants me."

"Yeah, she's pretty hot," Eli concurs.

Kill shrugs, staring at the next spot he'll bite into. "Too skinny for me."

"I'm not talking on a physical level, you wankers. I mean everything. She's genuinely the best woman I've ever met."

"Careful there, Jakey. You sound like a man in love," Eli taunts.

I'm not good at hiding the grimace that twists my lips, and they both catch it. "Wait, are you—"

The question stops as they see me take another chunk of my burrito. Fuck, this shit won't be big enough to delay much longer. They patiently wait as I chew. Again, I'm in no hurry to swallow. As soon as I'm done, I take another bite.

"Ah, you're such a knobhead," Killian grunts, falling back into the old leather couch.

I usually don't mind sharing information with them, but this is all new, so I'm still figuring things out. I've had flings in the past with different levels of commitment, but this thing I'm building with Gen is miles from that. I've never considered spending the rest of my life with one person until her, and I'm slowly coming to terms with what it means. It's not like I miss my old ways—I wouldn't ever take it back—but I need to be sure that I'm the right person for her and will be able to satisfy her for years to come.

This time, when my mouth is free again, I feel more ready to clear things up. "I surprised her at work when I came back on Wednesday, and she wasn't ready for it. That place is way more stuck up than I expected, and those people nearly had a stroke seeing me. I thought I messed it up, you know? It was too much, too fast. And in the middle of the argument, when I'm feeling like a proper cunt for putting her through this, she tells me she loves me."

The guys are absorbed by my words, so taken they aren't even eating anymore. "What did you do?" Eli wonders.

"I said it back."

"Was it a mercy thing?" Kill asks.

"No, it was genuine because I'm madly in fucking love with the woman."

There's a silent moment, and Eli grins. "Aw, that's so cute. Don't they grow up so fast?" he jokes to Kill.

The latter ignores him to ask, "Isn't it quick?"

"I have no fucking clue. Maybe? I can't help how I feel."

"Maybe you should have waited a bit longer, then."

"I wasn't letting her be the only one saying it when I felt the same way, mate. She's got enough insecurities as it is."

"Yeah, Kill, be a gentleman. It's almost like you're not even British."

"Because I'm not, eejit. And if you think the Brits are gents, I have some bad fucking news coming your way."

I'm done with my burrito, so I squish the wrapper into a tight ball and throw it on the table. I'm wiping my mouth with a paper towel when Eli says, "I call dibs for when you two are looking for a godfather."

I know it's a joke, but fuck, the idea of putting a baby in Gen doesn't sound so bad. It's way too early for that, but I can imagine her stomach round with a child I'd put in there, and it makes my heart flip.

"Calm your tits, mate," I mumble, reeling back my premature thoughts. "We're not there yet. Far from it."

"Still, remember that I put you two in contact, unlike some compulsive liars who pretend they aren't British."

"Elijah, you really need to stop stirring shit before I make you eat it," Kill threatens.

It's good to spend time with these two cunts again. I missed their banter and the complete lack of judgment. All three of us have been making our way through life and success together, and those struggles really made us close like brothers.

"So, if everything's going so well, why aren't you spending your Saturday with Gen?" Eli asks.

"She's got a spa day with her best friend."

"Ah, the poor girl needs some rest from you. Makes sense."

"Go choke on a dick. They're dropping by The Parlour a bit later so I can give them a tour."

"Ah, nice! Hana struck me as a great person."

"She's taken. She's got a soon-to-be husband and a kid with him."

"I didn't mean it like that," Eli protests. "I'm not always trying to get laid, you know."

Kill and I exchange a knowing look. It's not that he's obsessed with finding a lasting bed partner, but we think he's got peculiar needs in the sack, and he can't find the right match for it.

"Anyhow, I should probably head back there and make sure everything's in order. Wouldn't want to disappoint the mother of Eli's potential godchild," I joke.

He smugly peers at Kill. "I got the job, bitch."

"Call me a bitch again, and I'll make you mine."

Yeah, this sounds like a good moment to leave before they start making out on the couch. As they launch themselves into another pissing contest, I gather the shit from our lunch and go throw it in the bin behind the bar. I give Wendy a wink and walk out into the gray day. Summer's not quite here yet, despite it being the first of July. It doesn't look like it's going to rain, though.

I arrive at The Parlour and enter via the main entrance. A few visitors are in The Gallery, admiring the detailed work of a street artist we're currently hosting. Tina, whose turn it is to handle The Gallery, is among them, chatting about the art with potential clients. She notices me when I step in, and we exchange a quick wave before I make my way up the stairs on the left. They lead to the waiting area of the tattoo and piercing parlor, with deep green lounge furniture, gold touches scattered in the space, and rich, vibrant tropical wallpaper. Three people are on the couches, skimming magazines we put there or our artists' portfolios and options for flash tattoos. No one's at the front desk, though, but a detector on top of the stairs makes a bell chime, and someone quickly comes out of the employees' private room.

"Hey, Zack," I greet him, coming up to the desk. "I have two people coming later today—Gen and Hana. Can you let me know as soon as they get here?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll buzz you. Do you want me to offer them a drink while they wait for you?"

"They won't have to wait, but thanks, mate." I'm about to leave when I remember something else. "Oh, and I went through those sketches you sent. I really like the pointillism thing you've been working on. Think you could expand on that one?"

"Yeah, sure! I've been trying to develop a technique for it, actually."

"That's great. It looks unique, and I know you've been trying to find your own style, which isn't easy when there are so many tattoo artists out there. But you're close, mate. I can feel it."

"Thanks, boss. That means a lot."

Before I settle in my office to work until my woman and her friend arrive, I peek inside the different booths to make sure everything's in order. Saturdays are our busiest day, so nearly everyone's in, working on some project with their clients.

Thinking I could do the same and be productive might have been naive of me. My mind is absorbed by the prospect of presenting my life's work to Gen.

Eli returns from The Devil's Court and stops by to taunt me some more. "We're really happy for you, bro," he ends up saying with a genuine smile and a pat on my shoulder. "Kill is still a bit on the fence, but he'll come around."

"Nat really did a number on him, didn't she?"

"Eh, he'll find someone with a touch soft enough to domesticate him, I'm sure of it."

"Can you imagine, though? Kill grinning like a lovesick fool," I point out, amused.

"Well, I couldn't imagine you doing those things, but here we are." I smile at his teasing, aware that I've probably been going around looking like an enamored twat. In a more serious manner, he adds, "I know I was joking and being a dick earlier, but I'm genuinely happy that I got to be a part of it, Jake. If you and Gen turn out to be the real thing, I'll have accomplished something great in my life, even if it's out of chance."

It's my turn to rest a hand on his shoulder. "You've done so much already, Eli. This whole place was possible thanks to you. The bar too. We give you shit, but we love you, mate."

A glimmer of mischief sparkles in his eyes. "Like you love Gen?

"Shithead," I say with a chuckle. "Don't you have work to do? Earn your keep, will you? I'm tired of housing your lazy arse."

We might be back to insulting each other, but even then, the truths I uttered linger in the air while he makes his way out. We owe him everything we have, and I'll give him a roof over his head until the day I die.

Even just for introducing me to Gen. The fucker really had an epiphany with this one, and if I'm lucky, I'll thank him with my firstborn as a godchild.

As it turns out, I don't evenneed Zack to ring me because Gen sends me a text when their cab pulls up in front of The Parlour. I'm quick to save my work and head downstairs. I find them with Tina, who's just welcoming them.

Their backs are to me, and Gen's wearing a white dress that hugs her silhouette to perfection, and Hana has on jeans and a teal silk top.

"Ah, here's Jake," Tina says enthusiastically as I approach.

When they turn around, I'm close enough to slip an arm around Gen's waist. She's pliant in my hold as I pull her closer, and we share a small peck that lasts a little longer than it should.

"Hi, red," I greet her when I pull away, gazing down at her magnificent eyes and beautiful face.

"Hi, wombat," she murmurs in return.

"Do I get the same greeting?" Hana cheekily asks next to us. "Because I'm not opposed to it."

Gen and I chuckle as we separate, and I give her friend a brief but tight hug. "I'm so glad you two could make it. A tour of the place is long overdue, isn't it?"

"I guess you two were too busy testing the limits of the human body," Hana replies.

"I'll go back to the other clients," Tina tactfully offers. "Let me know if you need anything from me, Jake."

"Thanks, Tina." I turn to Gen and her friend. "So, this is The Gallery by The Parlour. We host artists of all backgrounds, and the exhibit changes every month or two. This one's a German street artist who isn't mainstream yet, but we're confident he'll blow up soon. Most of his pieces have already sold, and the exhibit opened last week."

"How do you select your artists?" Gen asks as we move closer to a painting.

"We work on submissions, where an artist sends us their portfolio. Tina has an art degree and a keen eye for it. Jude's the other one who handles The Gallery, and he's just as good."

"I'm better," Tina chimes in from the other side of the room. "I'm the one who came to you with this guy," she reminds me, gesturing at the art surrounding us.

"She's better," I admit with a whisper. "Don't tell Jude I said that though. Anyhow, we find our artists that way, and all three of us have to agree on the ones we select. When we're not entirely sure, we involve Eli because he usually knows what's trendy and what has the most likelihood of success."

Gen and Hana nod, absorbed by the fine details of a painting. Greifster—the artist's pseudonym—paints major cities in a way I've never seen before, with vibrant colors and organic shapes. From up close, it looks like a barely organized mess, but with a few steps back, it transforms into Paris, London, Berlin, Milan, New York…

Since they don't stay as long on the pieces, the two women end up separating. I come closer and rest a hand on Gen's hip as I bend to whisper in her ear, "Did you enjoy your day of relaxation, my love?"

I can hear her smile when she replies, "The masseuse told me I needed more rest because I kept dozing off."

"Did you explain your boyfriend's a greedy simp who can't get enough of you?"

"Told her I'd rather keep getting dicked down all night, but thank you for the advice."

I chuckle, knowing she didn't say that but liking the idea. She takes my hand in hers as she moves on to the next painting, and we intertwine our fingers together. We go around the whole space, and it doesn't matter if I already know all these pieces. I watch her as she discovers them.

Once they're done, we move on to the level above. "This is our lobby and waiting room," I explain when we get there. "I worked closely with an architect to create a space that makes sense, optimizing the natural sunlight on this floor. The wide and tall windows in the red brick are why the parlor is here and not downstairs. Each tattooing booth has its own window. The piercing ones are a little more sterilized and don't have any."

"Do you have a lot of clients?" Hana asks as she looks around at the few people there. Four on the couches and three at the reception desk, talking with Zack.

"We're on a fast climb to becoming one of the city's most reputable parlors," I explain. "It's great for us because we're very young, so it means a lot that we got people to trust us so quickly. We offer a safe space for all and a judgment-free experience. We do have some ground rules we're not willing to break, though."

"Like what?" Gen wonders.

I think about them for a second; I'm a little rusty regarding that topic. "No slurs or hate symbols, no face tattoos that haven't been thought of for at least six months, no tattoos on drunk people, no tattoos about or for someone you've known for less than a year—unless it's a direct family member. We have a few more, but overall, they're all common sense that we have to enforce because not everyone has it."

Hana is distractedly listening, looking at the flash tattoos in an album on the low table. My sexy redhead is still avidly paying attention right by me, though. "That makes sense. Did The Parlour ever get sued over a tattoo?"

"Never, no. We've also been experimenting with temporary ink, which fades off in around a year. And I'm in the process of acquiring the proper tools and license, as well as a new employee, so we can open a laser station for tattoo removal. We take the permanency of tattoos seriously, but we're also aware that people can change their minds with time."

Gen pulls me in by the hip. "Don't you dare remove a single tattoo off your skin, Jacob Clarke. Not even Eli's."

"That one's secretly your favorite, isn't it?"

"Yes, because you trusted an idiot to leave a permanent mark on you, fully aware that he'd make a mess. And it says a lot about the kind of person you are."

"Then I promise I won't remove it," I concede, lowering for a kiss.

As if we've summoned him, Eli's voice resonates in the hall. "Someone get a crowbar to separate those two."

"Speak of the devil," Gen humors, pulling away from me.

Eli comes to greet her with a hug, and Hana gets the same treatment. "Nice to see you again, ladies. Welcome to our humble abode. Do you like it?"

"It's amazing," Gen and Hana say in unison.

"Since you're so popular, is the waiting list very long?" Hana randomly asks.

"Why? Would you like to get one?"

"I've always wanted one but never took the leap. And I saw a few things in there that were amazing."

She points at the portfolio she was skimming through. "Ah, yes. Zack has a lot of success with women," I explain. "Very delicate and unique designs. He's here today, but he's on reception desk duties. Let me get him for you."

In three minutes, I have negotiated a consultation between Zack and Hana, for which they head to the private booths down the hall. Eli is in charge of the front desk instead, a task he accepts without much bargaining—probably sensing this is my chance to have Gen all to myself.

"Let me show you my office, an essential attraction of this tour," I explain, taking her hand in mine and leading her to a hallway.

"Is it now?"

As we pass various doors, I tell her what's in them, still trying to be a good host. "Tattoos, tattoos, piercings, this one too, tattoos again. That's Eli, and this one right here," I say, opening the door, "is my office."

I shove her in there, and before the door is even closed, I wrap her in my embrace and dive to claim her lips. She's as eager as I am, her hands clutching my hair as we devour one another. It feels like we've been apart for weeks rather than a day.

"Hmm, you smell good," I appreciatively mumble, licking the outline of her upper lip. "What is that? Lilac?"

"I think so."

"It suits you. But I prefer the smell of cherries. Makes me want to eat you whole, red."

She demands more kisses until we're both out of breath and need to recuperate. "You snuck out on me this morning," I groan right before I lower to press my lips on the vein pulsing at the base of her neck. "You have to stop doing that, Gen."

"I'll stop when you stop coaxing me into having sex every time I wake you up," she giggles.

I fill my hands with her bum and pull her closer, so tightly that I bet she can feel the piercings of my cock pressing through our clothes. "Don't act like you don't love it when I wake you with my tongue or fingers. One day, I'll be so very gentle that you'll wake up with my cock buried inside your wet cunt."

She shivers against me, her delectable moan resonating in my ear. "Would you like that, red? Would you like to wake up to me fucking you?"

"I would, yes. I really would."

We kiss again, unable to hold back, and it's dirty and sloppy this time, with our tongues wet and needy while our bodies grind where we crave to be united.

"I need you," she whimpers, reaching between us to open my jeans.

"You do? You want me to slam you into a wall and fuck you like I'm trying to make you go through it?"

"Oh God, yes!"

It takes everything I have in me, but I let go of the soft mounds of her arse and rip myself away from her lips. "Then next time, wake me up before you leave."

Once I'm sure she's stable enough on her feet, I release her, quenching my amusement at her appalled expression.

"So, this is my office. This is my desk. This is my computer. And this is my chair."

"Jake, I will find a more amenable boyfriend, I swear."

"Stop leaving me without a good morning kiss, and I'll be more amenable."

"It's not my fault if you're asleep when I do it."

Something warm lights up in me. "You do it?"

She rolls her eyes. "Of course, I kiss you before I leave. I don't sneak out because I want to annoy you but because you work too hard and deserve the rest after our nocturnal activities. Don't you think I'd rather wake you up and banter with you while we're having breakfast?"

I never thought of it that way, but it makes sense. My schedule isn't as tightly monitored as hers, so I usually decide on my own hours. As long as I get the job done, it doesn't matter when—except when I have a tattoo session. But if the roles were reversed, I might let her sleep as well.

"I forgive you, then," I say as I return her into my arms. "Do wake me up, though. I'd rather have the bantery breakfast than the beauty sleep."

"Alright."

When I lower to kiss her again, she avoids it and slithers out of my hold. "No, that ship has sailed. I'm the one withholding the sex now," she says with faked authority.

I stand there as she walks around the place, analyzing my stuff scattered around. Something catches her eye on the desk, and she reaches into the cup holding a few pens there. She smiles as she pulls out a hair stick—the one I stole during our first night together.

"I know this," she says with amusement.

"You never asked to have it back, so I reckoned you weren't missing it."

"Has it been here for long?"

"I found it in my jacket the morning after, and I dropped it in there."

Somehow, I expect her to reclaim it, but she surprises me when she drops it back into the cup. She likes the idea of it being there as much as I do. Still smiling, she continues her inspection.

"I love that you get to have Mulli in here," she notes, gesturing at the round bed on the floor.

"She was being lazy this morning, so I left her upstairs. I'll have to walk her before we head to The Devil's Court. Or maybe I'll take her with us."

"Yes, take her! I love spending time with Grubsy girl, but her selfish dad takes up all of my free time."

"She'll get more of you when I've had my fill."

Gen has gone full circle, and she's back with me. She looks up to meet my eyes, plastering her front to mine in a seductive way. "Which I hope will be never."

"You can bet your sweet arse on that."

I'm about to kiss her again when she escapes me once more and opens the door to the corridor. "I need to make sure Hana is planning something good. See you in a minute, wombat."

I can't even be mad about the blue balls. Not when I lean on the door frame and watch her walk that perfect bum back to her best friend. Thank fuck Eli and Kill aren't here to witness the idiotic smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

The Devil's Court is much morelively at this hour. We're all settled in the main room around a barrel table with high chairs.

Gen, Hana, Eli, and I are here. Mulli is quietly lying down at my feet, and Kill sometimes pays us a visit when he gets a break at the bar.

Hana ended up deciding on a tattoo to honor her son. In half an hour, Zack drew a beautiful piece based on the birthmark Hana's baby has on his back—a brilliant idea she had. The delicate outline of the mark will become the background for a bouquet of lilies, which are Hana's favorite flowers.

"This place is incredible," she shouts over the table to be heard despite the band, Blood Red Shoes, on the stage. Kill did a great job finding them.

"Isn't it?" Gen adds. "We often have a few drinks here before we head off to Jake's. I love handing them their asses whenever we play pool in the back room."

"They keep playing with you? Don't they know you won state championships at Harvard?"

"They didn't until now, no."

Eli's jaw drops as his eyes dart to Gen. "Hey, not disclosing that is basically cheating! You owe me, like, a hundred bucks!" he shouts, apparently remembering those times they played for money and he lost.

"It was your idea to bet on it five times, sweet summer child," Gen taunts.

"You don't want to mess with a lawyer on this one, mate," I tell my friend before turning to Gen. "I, however, need to have a word with you, Miss Kensington."

She grins, not even trying to look apologetic. "A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do."

"You mischievous little minx," I grunt, pulling her closer as if she's not nearly on my lap already. "You're full of surprises."

"Gotta keep the mystery alive somehow, you know?"

Eli and Hana launch themselves into a random discussion I can't hear, and Gen and I watch the stage for a moment.

"I have something I want to ask you," she says right in my ear after a while.

"Yes, I'll still play pool with you, even though I know you're a state champion."

She giggles. "That's not it, but thank you, wombat. My brother is hosting a dinner for Independence Day, and he's invited me. I don't know if you have plans already, but he knows I'm seeing someone, so he suggested I bring you along. Would you like that?"

I'm a little shocked and honored that she's making such a considerable leap like this. Her family has always been a worry where I'm concerned.

"Will your parents be there?"

"God, no. They always celebrate it in DC, using their network to get invited to the most exclusive parties. It would be just my brother's family and us. His daughter was recently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, and they don't want to overwhelm her while they're working on it with a therapist."

She told me her brother isn't as uptight as her parents, so it should be okay. "The guys and I planned a barbecue on the roof with a few friends. But they'll understand if I tell them why I'm dropping out."

"To be fair, it'll probably be over by nine. Then we can attend your rooftop party, which, knowing you guys, will last well into the night."

"Probably will, yes," I concede with a smile. "I'll still have to smoke the meat for them and prepare the sides because these two twats can't cook for the life of them. They'll handle the drinks and grilling, though."

"You're so sexy when you take charge like that," she amorously says, grabbing my jaw to pull me in for a kiss.

I know Kill will probably give me shit about it and say it's going too fast, but I don't care. This doesn't feel fast to me because I know what I want.

This woman.

For as long as she'll have me.