“Yeah, it is a bit, it was more when they first did it. Can’t numb the nose.” He shrugged.
“Why both sides?” I asked curious as I flicked the full kettle on.
“Not sure, always liked it. Once it’s healed, I want a stud one side and a small ring the other,” he said as he perched himself on the stool by my breakfast bar, his elbows resting on the worktop.
“Well, it looks hot.” I winked at him as I grabbed two mugs. “Tea or coffee?”
“Tea, please, baby,” he cooed, making me melt on the spot.
“How did you find your first tattoo then? As bad as you thought?” he asked, his fingers interlocking.
“I’m not sure, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was going to hurt, but it was more an annoying pain instead of an, oh fuck that hurts, pain.” I shrugged throwing two tea bags in the mugs, covering them with milk and sugar before pouring the boiling water.
“You were brave.” He smirked.
“I know, such a big girl.” I giggled as I handed him his tea, grabbing the jar full of cookies and leaving them in the middle of the worktop. I sat next to him, watching him dip his cookie in the hot tea, studying his head and neck tattoos.
He had a flower on his throat, it’s never ending leaves entwining round his neck. He then had dot work and small tribal patterns moving into his shaved head, round the sides and the back.
“What you looking at?” He snorted a sigh.
“Your neck and head tattoos.” I cocked my head, nibbling the inside of my lip. “They must have hurt.”
“Yeah, they did, but not enough for them to stand out, if that makes sense.” He lifted his shoulders up before dropping them again and reaching for another cookie.
“What do you fancy for dinner tonight? I’ve got a few bits in, but I haven’t done a shop. My routine is all over the place,” I admitted as I took a sip of tea.
“Something easy, don’t want you slaving over a hot stove for me,” he said, washing his cookie down with tea before placing it back on the worktop and twisting himself round so he was facing me, his head tipped back slightly, his hands reaching for my thighs.
“Something quick and easy, so then we can spend our time together.” He winked. “You’re so beautiful.” He sighed before standing up and leaning down, pecking me on my lips.
I felt myself blush from his words. “I’m going to call Carter, see if I can get an interview. Wish me luck,” he said as he pulled his phone out his pocket.
“Good luck, but you don’t need it.” I smiled at him, him smiling back at me as he put the phone to his ear, walking out and into the lounge area.
I collected his cup, putting it in the dishwasher along with mine and putting the cookie jar back. I opened the fridge to see what I could rustle up for dinner. I had some chicken, cheese and pasta. I huffed at the lack of food, but knew I could make a quick, light, chicken pasta. It would do.
I turned on my heel when I heard Conor walk back through the room.
“So, how did it go?” I asked, trying to mask the apprehension in my voice.
“Yeah, good. I’ve got a meeting Monday morning. Going to travel up with Robyn.”
“That’s amazing. How exciting, what type of security? Do I need to write you a CV?”
“No, Carter just asked for my previous job roles, I said army. He said that was more than enough. And private security, seems he wants to expand from the two he already has,” he muttered as he walked close, wrapping his arms around me, being careful of my tattoo.
“Have you shown your mum a picture of your new ink?” He poked his tongue out at me, winking.
“No, not yet. Thought I would do it tonight. I’m so in love with it.” I beamed.
“It’s hot.” He smirked. “You’re hot.” His lips pressed into my neck, trailing down to my collar bone. I spun round to face him, his eyes burning into me. I hopped onto the worktop behind me, pulling him in-between my legs as our mouths found each other, before he consumed me completely.
CONOR
Monday morning was soon here. I was anxious. This was a big deal for me. My sleep was wrecked last night, I just couldn’t settle, my nightmares plaguing me.
I thought I was getting better, thought I was on the home stretch, but now I felt like I had taken ten steps back. Darcey re-assured me, telling me that I was getting better, that we all have bad days. That’s what I’m putting it down to, a bad day.
We went suit shopping on Sunday as I didn’t have anything smart enough to go and meet this Carter guy. I was up at the crack of dawn, working out in Darcey’s gym before going for an early morning jog along the beach. I got back and showered, slipping my fitted white shirt on, my black charcoal suit trousers that were skinny-legged and a matching blazer. I didn’t want a tie, even though Darcey tried to tell me otherwise.
I slipped my feet into black brogues. The last time I wore a suit like this was for my mum’s funeral. A pain impaled through my chest at the memories, no one showed up. It was just me. I inhaled sharply before I shook away the bad thoughts.
I rubbed a dollop of hair wax into the palm of my hand, then ran my fingers through my thick, naturally wavy hair, styling it to the side then pushing my long hair on top back, combing the back down so it sat neatly on my shaved sides and back. I sprayed creed aftershave before fiddling with the cuffs of my shirt.
I felt her near me, looking in the mirror at her, grinning like the fool in love that I am.
“Hey, handsome,” she said sweetly, gripping onto the bedroom door frame. Her legs looked fantastic in her short, frilly shorts, matching them with a navy baby-doll vest, her breasts spilling out. I bit my lip, sucking in my breath.
She really was a sight for sore eyes. And I was the lucky bastard that got her.
I turned round, walking towards her before wrapping my long, toned arms around her waist and pulling her close to me.
“You smell good,” she moaned as she placed her luscious lips on my neck, kissing me softly.
“You always smell good,” I mumbled, kissing her hair.
“You ready?” she asked, eyes bright.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I said in a low voice.
“You nervous?” She held onto my arms as she pulled her upper body back, eyeing me.
“A little, but I’ll be okay.” I nodded and smiled at her, pulling her back towards me so I could kiss her. “It’s gonna be a hell of a commute if I get this job, I don’t know how Robyn does it.” I groaned.
“Well, we can cross that bridge when it comes to it, for now, enjoy the train ride and call me as soon as you’re out,” she said, grabbing my large, tattooed hand and walking with me to the front door where Robyn was eagerly waiting.
“Come on, Royce, you don’t want to be late for Mr. Cole,” she said sternly with a hint of humour.
“Bye, baby,” I said, leaning across and kissing Darcey once more.
“Bye, babe.” She smiled as she let my hand go. “Go smash it.” Her voice was full of enthusiasm.
“I will.”
We were on our last train and making good time, according to Robyn. She was sat opposite me on the packed train carriage.
We got lost in easy conversation, mainly reminiscing about school and the early army days. I knew she missed Chase and would rather have him home than me, but she didn’t stop being her caring, friendly self.