Inked: The Novel

By Everly Drummond

Almost five years have passed, five long years since the one and only steamy night they spent together, five years without a single phone call or email.

Not a day goes by that Brody Duncan doesn’t think about what might have been. His heart still aches for The One That Got Away and he can’t help but wonder why Avery never called him back.

Having recently completed her Master’s Degree at Harvard University, Avery Carmichael is ready to move forward with the next chapter of her life, one that doesn’t include Brody, but a chance encounter at a local coffee house has left her mind reeling and her life in a complete tailspin. Whatever hope she’d secretly harboured for reconciliation—however unrealistic and misguided it may be—has vanished into thin air.

Brody’s married!

Hindsight is twenty-twenty, and as much as Avery wishes she could change the past, she can’t. Now she is forced to face the consequences of her actions and say goodbye to Brody forever. But when Brody shows up at her door unannounced and explains that he is in the middle of a divorce, that his wife is his soon-to-be ex wife, they are once again thrown into each other’s arms, and each other’s beds.

Lured by passion and fueled by love, Avery and Brody are drawn to each other just as they were almost five years ago, but will secrets and a soon-to-be ex wife destroy their one and only chance at happiness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everly Drummond
• Release date: Aug 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301020294

Everly Drummond

Author of the best selling series, City of the Damned, and co-author of The Winemaker's Dinner. Now available through Omnific Publishing.Recently named executive chef at one of Miami Beach’s hottest restaurants, Jaden Thorne is determined to make her culinary mark and fulfill her professional dreams. When Jaden is given highly coveted tickets to the ultra-exclusive Winemaker’s Dinner, she jumps at the opportunity to meet South Florida's wealthiest and most influential food and wine enthusiasts.Jaden’s eyes are drawn to the VIP section even before the appetizers appear, but she soon finds herself thinking less about networking and more about the intriguingly sexy stranger eying her from across the room. After dinner, what begins as a light-hearted flirtation unexpectedly catapults into a night of explosive passion. But when morning dawns, Jaden leaves her sleeping Mr. Oh So Sexy behind, sure they’ll never see each other again.Dr. Ivan Rusilko, a handsome, young physician, boasts an extensive resume’ and a well-established position on Miami Beach’s social scene. But despite his success and glamour, he’s routinely had to suffer uninspiring dates and doomed relationships. With a romantic heart, Ivan’s not the love-‘em-and-leave-‘em type. But when he awakens to find that the girl in the red dress has done exactly that, he resolves to find her--only if it’s just to ask why she left without even a kiss goodbye.The Winemaker’s Dinner is a fictionalized erotic memoir inspired by the romantic triumphs and tragedies of Dr. Ivan Rusilko’s real life. Weaving fact with fantasy, authors Everly Drummond and Dr. Ivan Rusilko have gifted readers with a swoon-worthy flesh and blood romantic hero and the intoxicating bouquet only a heartfelt tale of passionate love can create.For more info, visit the website atwww.TheWinemakersDinner.com

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by

Everly Drummond

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Smashwords Edition

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Inked

The Novel

Copyright © 2013 by Everly Drummond

ISBN-13:

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the above author of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

For the nurses and support staff at

Stronach Regional Cancer Centre,

this one’s for you!

Dear reader,

If you are reading this then you have purchased my book, and for that I’m eternally grateful. It is the constant support and encouragement from my fans that keeps me motivated. Thank you.

As many of you know from my numerous tweets and post, the past year has been difficult for me. My uncle, who was every bit a father to me, was diagnosed with cancer. He spent the better part of a year battling this horrendous disease, and sadly, in April, cancer claimed another victim. This book is just as much for him as it is for the amazing staff at Southlake Hospital and the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre. But a special thank you goes out to Connie, Pam, Pat, and Michelle. You girls are angels in disguise and will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Thank you to Kristen, who pushed me harder and further than anyone else and kept me focused. Your help editing and critiquing this book was invaluable. Dinner and drinks are on me!

And of course, thank you to my family and friends. The amazing outpour of support that I receive from you on a daily basis is staggering. I love you all so very much. And for my mother, who puts up with me and my harebrained ideas. I love you with all my heart.

THE HUM OF the tattoo gun was drowned out by the heavy bass of the rock music that drifted from the overhead speakers, but it did nothing to lessen the pain. Avery Carmichael cringed as the needle swiftly moved over the surface of her pale skin. Despite the urge to close her eyes and look away, there was a certain grace to the artist’s movements that kept her entranced as the image of a flower began to take shape on the top of her foot. His hard, sculptured muscles rippled beneath the too tight t-shirt that clung tightly to his body, showing off biceps that had no doubt cost hundreds of hours at the gym to achieve. Something about the beat of the music, the pain of the needles, and the tousled brown hair that flowed freely over his broad shoulders, caused warmth to coil in the bottom of her belly. It was an unexpected, but not unwelcomed, mixture of pleasure and pain. Leaning back in the chair, Avery let out a soft moan as the unfamiliar sensation coursed through her body.

Are you okay, Hun? Brody looked up and smiled. I’m almost done. Just sit back and relax.

I’m fine, Avery mumbled, and did as he asked. Leaning further back into the chair, she shut her eyes and let the vibrations from the gun flow up her leg and through her body, but flinched when the needle of the tattoo gun trailed across the soft, velvety skin near the top of her toes. Avery startled and sat upright in the chair when she felt his hand gently rub the exposed part of her leg.

Just relax, Brody whispered in a soothing tone. The worst of it is over.

Something about the husky tone of his voice and the gentle touch of his large, calloused hands made Avery quiver. It had been months since she’d felt the touch of a man, and it wasn’t taking much to put her imagination into high gear. She could envision the beautifully crafted tattoos that hugged the contours of his well toned body, accentuating his muscular physique. She could almost feel the softness of his unkempt hair as it brushed lightly against the silky skin of her thighs, and she could picture the way his brown eyes would smolder in the dim light of her bedroom when he looked up at her from beneath the covers. What the hell am I thinking? I don’t even know this guy, Avery mentally scolded herself. She wasn’t the type of girl who went around fantasizing about complete strangers, and one night stands had never been her thing.

Hey, are you okay?

Avery’s eyes snapped open at the sound of his voice and she could feel a blush redden her cheeks. Pardon?

I asked if you’re okay. You look a little out of it. Brody turned off the tattoo gun and set it down on the stainless steel table beside him. Do you want me to get you a drink of water or something?

No, I’m fine, really. I guess I just zoned out there for a second.

Well, what do you think?

Avery looked down and gasped. Oh my God, it’s beautiful. A smile crept across her face as she admired the piece of art that now adorned the top of her foot. Leaves—the color of fine jade—accentuated the pale yellow petals of the intricate bloom. It looked as if the flower had just been freshly picked from the garden, vibrant and full of life, making it well worth the two hours of pain she’d just endured.

Are you sure you don’t want a drink of water? You look a little woozy. Brody reached out and offered Avery his hand, steadying her as she swayed slightly in the chair. Maybe you should lie back down for a minute.

I’ll be okay, Avery assured him. Beneath his rough and tattooed exterior lay the heart of a gentleman. It was a refreshing change from the type of guys she was accustomed to meeting. Sitting up in the chair, she watched as Brody covered the top of her foot with cream and covered it in a piece of plastic cling wrap. How long do I have to leave that on for?

Not long. You can take it off in a few hours. I’ll give you a list of instructions to follow. Brody picked up the sock that was lying on the floor and gently slid it over Avery’s foot, letting the tips of his fingers brush against her silken skin, and causing her to flinch as his cold hands came into contact with her warm flesh. He could feel himself becoming aroused and shifted uncomfortably in the chair. Thankfully, today he’d chose to wear a pair of loose track pants instead of the tight jeans he usually sported.

Avery slipped her shoes on and followed Brody to the front of the shop. Hand drawn pictures of skulls and butterflies hung in wooden frames and covered all four walls of the small tattoo parlor. Fake gems glistened in the light of a large glass display case that sat off to one side of the room, showcasing thousands of pieces of body piercing jewelry. The bell chimed as the door opened and a young couple stumbled in, making it obvious that they’d had a few too many drinks.

It looks like you have your hands full.

It’s a good thing the city ordinance says we can’t tattoo anyone under the influence, Brody laughed, very aware that his erection was growing harder by the minute. He reached into the drawer, pulled out a piece of paper, and handed it to Avery. This is a list of instructions. You shouldn’t have any problems if you follow it, just make sure you don’t get your foot wet for at least ten days.

Ten days? Avery repeated.

Yeah, the chlorine in the water will cause it to fade and you’ll have to have it touched up. Oh, and whatever you do, he added as an afterthought don’t scratch it when it gets itchy. If you pull the scab off, you’ll leave bare spots in the ink.

Thanks. Avery folded the paper in half and hastily stuffed it into her purse.

You can always call if you have any questions. The number’s on the bottom of the paper. Trying to hide his growing erection, Brody leaned over and placed his elbows on the counter. He’d always had a thing for curvy girls, and this girl’s curves were driving him mad. The way her curly blond hair cascaded down her back, the way her ample breasts strained against her shirt, begging to be set free, and the tight jeans that hugged her shapely ass, made him hard as a rock. He took a deep, calming breath and tried to focus on something else, anything that would get his mind off the stunning beauty that stood before him.

Good luck with the love birds, Avery joked and thanks so much for everything. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

You’re welcome. Brody watched as his vixen walked out the door and slide behind the steering wheel of her car. His mind was yelling at him to run after her, to stop her before she got away, but it was too late. The headlights of the car flickered on as the car roared to life, and Avery backed out of the parking spot. The bell chimed again as the drunken couple left the shop. Brody reached down and sighed as he rubbed his erection through the thin cotton fabric of his track pants. If he didn’t get some relief soon, he was going to burst, but getting himself off wasn’t an option, not tonight. Tonight he needed the touch of a woman. He needed to feel her warmth wrapped around him. He needed to feel her muscles clench him tightly as he found his release. Hastily, Brody grabbed the top piece of paper from the clipboard that sat on the counter and dug his keys out of his pocket. He walked to the front of the shop and turned off the neon sign that hung in the window, locking the door behind him as he left. It was still two hours before closing time, but there was no way he would be able to get anymore work done tonight.

STEAM INFUSED WITH the scent of jasmine filled the air and fogged up the large, ornate mirror that hung above the sink. Avery lowered herself into the hot water, letting her newly tattooed foot hang over the side of the tub. Bubbles danced against her skin and the heat gently caressed her body as she sank further beneath the surface of the water. Thoughts of pleasure and pain filled her mind. In all the years Avery had spent with her ex boyfriend, not once did she feel a sensation like that, the perfect balance of pleasure and pain. Having sex with her ex had been nice, but it was nothing extraordinary, unlike what she felt earlier tonight. Her body quivered and Avery could feel herself the moisture gathering between her legs. She plucked lightly at her nipples, rolling them tenderly between the tips of her fingers, and sighed as they stiffened at her touch. Letting her hands roam freely across body, she stopped when she reached the curly thatch of blonde hair between her thighs. She’d never been one to get turned on by pain, but something about the guy at the tattoo shop made her blood boil, and for a brief moment, she wondered what it would feel like to get taken as the tattoo needles danced across the surface of her skin. Parting her legs a little further, she stroked herself as a soft moan escaped her lips, her body begging for release. Slick with the moisture she’d drawn, one and then two fingers worked their way inside. It felt good. It felt better than good, but it still wasn’t enough. She needed to be touched. She needed to have him stretch her as he filled every inch of her.

What the hell? Avery cursed under her breath. The loud thud of someone knocking on the door echoed throughout the small apartment, startling her. She lifted herself out of the tub, taking extra care not to get her foot wet, and slipped on the black satin housecoat that hung from the back of the bathroom door. Tiny, wet footprints marred the hardwood floor as she hurried towards the door. I’m coming. Or at least I was coming!

Standing on her tiptoes, Avery looked through the peephole and gasped. On the other side of the door was the gorgeous brown haired artist from the tattoo parlor. She struggled to remember his name but it eluded her. Avery couldn’t form a coherent thought right now if her life depended on it. Just the sight of him was enough to cause a knot to form in her stomach. She couldn’t fathom why this gorgeous man was standing outside her door, but it piqued her curiosity, so she unlocked the door and opened it a fraction of an inch.

Hi, umm… Ms. Bowman? Brody murmured. I think you left this at the shop. Reaching into the pocket of his black hoodie, Brody pulled

Reviews for Inked

[krow134 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really loved this book. I read inked the novella and was so happy to find it made into a novel......with more books to come! I love all the books by everly and look forward to more!