I tried to keep it cool. “Sound, yeah. Got some left they haven’t reached yet. Been going higher these days.”
“I’d like to see them.”
“Can’t miss some of ’em.” I dropped both my fag ends in the ashtray and buried my hands back in my pockets. “Gonna give this place a go, for Sophie.”
“Good choice.” Her eyes were sparkly, like the night sky. I tried to remember, so I could paint her one day. “We’d better get back in, they’ll be wondering where we’re at.”
“Aye.”
I went to open the door but it was already swinging our way. I stepped back, adrenaline spiking on instinct, clearing some space between me and the huge motherfucker heading our way. I heard Raven squeal, and got ready for trouble, but it wasn’t that kind of squeal.
She flew at the man as he stepped outside, jumping up into huge arms that lifted her clean off the floor. The man was wearing a mask, a dark leather thing covering most of his face. He was half naked too, like a bloody gladiator, muscles ripped and tanned, with a fucking massive piece of ink all the way across his chest.
He was a fucking beast.
And he was heading my fucking way.
***
“Masque!” Raven squealed. “Didn’t think you were coming, baby. You’re so fucking late.” She dropped from his arms, and dragged him a few steps over. “This is Callum. Here’s here with Missy. He’s got the most amazing fucking ink, designed it himself.”
The big bastard gave me the chills, made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. He looked tough, not tough like the Stoneys, or me, or Tyler Jones, though. He looked like he’d walk into a bar fight without even breaking a sweat. Calculated and tough. Tough but not hot-headed. Hard to explain.
Was trying to work out whether I needed my wits about me, but he smiled and held out a hand.
“Missy’s a fine girl, congratulations on the guest status.”
I took his hand. It was firm, like the rest of him. “Cheers.”
“Must have some fine ink to get compliments like that from our lovely Raven. She’s quite a talent herself.” He stepped forward into the balcony light where I could see him better. “She designed mine.”
His tattoo was fucking awesome. A huge black beast, bit like a dragon, two heads, though. It curled around his back, touching almost down to his hips. “That’s some cool ink, man.”
“Chimera. One body, two beasts. Resonates with me.” He turned back to the door as it creaked on its hinges. A girl followed him out, tall and pretty. Long dark hair and the craziest green eyes I’d ever fucking seen. Looked like a fucking lynx or something. Raven did another squeal, then more hugs, more kisses, gushing about her tan. The beast turned his attention back to me. “Sorry, we just got back. Holiday.”
Green eyes headed over, threaded a dainty arm through his. “Hey. Who’s this?”
“Missy’s guest.”
The way she looked up at him sent shivers down my back. Her pretty eyes were so wide, smiling like he was God himself in front of her. She offered her hand, and I took it carefully. “I’m Cat. Pleased to meet you.”
Name kinda figured. “Callum.”
“Always nice to see a new face,” she smiled. “Especially a pretty one.”
I was glad it was half fucking dark out here, so she didn’t see me burning up. “You got ink too?” I asked, thinking of summat to say.
She shook her head. “Not yet. Raven’s working on it.”
“You’d look so fucking hot with ink, baby,” Raven said. “And so fucking hot in my chair getting it done.”
“Don’t ask,” Cat grinned. “Masque and Raven are conspiring to decorate my most intimate of places.”
“Yes, we are,” Masque said. “Say, Callum, you’ll have to check out our little show in a while. You can give Cat some feedback on whether she’d suit some tattoos or not. You’ll see enough of her to form an opinion, that’s for certain.”
She seemed to swoon at his words, all giddy, like. I wondered what fucking skills the guy had to make her act like that. Hung like a fucking donkey on steroids, probably.
“What show?” I asked.
“On the main stage,” Raven explained. “Quite an eye-opener.” She winked at me, and my stomach went all funny.
“Will we see you later?” Masque asked. “After the scene?”
I didn’t really know what a fucking scene was. Not really. I shrugged anyway. “Yeah, likely. I’ll be around.”