Alice sauntered into the tattoo parlor, hips swaying teasingly as she made her way to Gabe's chair. "I hope you're ready to make good on our little wager," she purred, leaning in close. Gabe's eyes darted to the deep neckline of her dress before meeting her heated gaze. "A bet's a bet," he replied gruffly, trying to ignore the growing tightness in his jeans. He'd enjoyed their flirtatious banter over the past few weeks but hadn't expected the confident beauty to actually accept his playful dare. Now he'd have the pleasure of permanently marking her flawless olive skin. This would be a long, pleasurable afternoon for them both.
"Did you have a design in mind?" Gabe asked, watching as Alice gracefully lowered herself into the chair. She stretched her long legs out in front of her and crossed them at the ankles, drawing his attention to her strappy stilettos.
"I figured I'd leave that up to you since I lost the bet. But nothing too big or flashy. Maybe something on my wrist or shoulder blade?" Her tone was nonchalant but there was a mischievous glint in her dark eyes that had his pulse quickening.
Gabe nodded as he prepared his tools, acutely aware of Alice's intense gaze following his every move. He still couldn't believe she had actually shown up today. The first time he saw her walk into the shop with her friend, he was sure she was just there for a laugh. One look at her designer clothes and expensive purse told him she came from money. Slumming it in a tattoo parlor was probably her idea of adventure.
But to his surprise, she kept coming back week after week, seeming genuinely interested in his work. It wasn't long before their conversations turned flirtatious as she watched him tattoo other clients. When he jokingly dared her to let him ink her flawless skin if her favorite sports team lost their upcoming big game, he never imagined she'd actually take him up on it. The feisty move only made him more attracted to the striking beauty.
Gabe carefully shaved and disinfected the smooth skin on her upper shoulder blade. Her loose tank top left the area bare, exposing the black lace bra strap beneath. He tried not to notice the enticing swell of her breasts as she leaned forward.
"Are you sure about this? Last chance to back out if you're getting cold feet," he said, giving her an out. As much as he wanted to mark her, he didn't want Alice to regret it later.
She glanced back at him over her shoulder, eyes simmering. "Not a chance. I fully intend to pay what I owe."
Gabe swallowed hard at the sensual promise in her voice. "Alright then, here we go."
He began tracing the custom design he had created just for her onto her flawless skin, the one he had envisioned the moment she first sauntered into his shop. It was an image of a queen chess piece, elegant and strong. He worked carefully but quickly, not wanting to drag out what was likely an uncomfortable first-time experience for her.
To his surprise, Alice seemed completely relaxed, occasionally letting out soft hums and sighs as he worked. The melodic sounds went straight to his core, sparking a simmering ache inside him. Her exotic floral perfume filled his senses, fogging his mind. He tried to maintain a professional demeanor but with her half naked body just inches from his grasp, it took all his restraint.
Just over an hour later, he sat back to admire his work. The queen chess piece now graced her shoulder blade, the black and grey ink contrasting beautifully against her golden skin.
"All done," he said. "What do you think?"
Alice stood and turned to survey it in the mirror, the movement causing the thin straps of her tank top to slide down, exposing more of her delectable cleavage. She stared at the tattoo for a long moment, teeth sinking into her full lower lip in concentration.
"It's perfect," she finally said, meeting his gaze in the reflection.
Gabe released a ragged breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Pleasurable relief washed through him at her approval.
"I love it. You do incredible work." She turned to face him. "Thank you, Gabe."
"My pleasure," he said huskily.
She gazed at him for a moment before glancing away shyly. "I should probably get going."
Gabe stepped forward, not wanting the intoxicating connection between them to end just yet. "Stay for a bit. I'll put some ointment on it so it doesn't get irritated." His fingers itched to caress her soft skin again under the guise of treating her fresh ink.
Alice's eyes locked with his, her full lips curving into a sensual smile. "Well, if you insist. You are the professional, after all."
She sat back down and swept her long, dark hair over her opposite shoulder, fully exposing her back to him. Gabe's pulse thundered as he gently massaged ointment into the reddened skin, careful not to aggravate the sensitive area. He could feel the sexual tension thickening between them with each pass of his fingers over her smooth flesh.
When he was done, he reluctantly withdrew his hand. Alice turned her head, eyelashes lowered demurely although her expression was anything but innocent.
"Is that part of the usual service or just for me?" she asked coyly.
Gabe curled his fingers to keep from reaching for her again. "The ointment application is standard. But I have to admit, I'm enjoying this particular aftercare more than usual."
Alice glanced meaningfully at the front of his jeans, making it clear she noticed the effect she was having on him.
Gabe cleared his throat, trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism. But it was damn hard with her so close, looking at him like she wanted to devour him.
"Do you want to grab dinner sometime?" The words were out before he could stop them. So much for professionalism.
Alice's smile widened, eyes dancing playfully. "Are you asking me out on a date, Gabe?"
