Love & Ink: Scratches Down My Back

By J.A. Howell

**Not for readers under the age of 18+. Contains language, explicit sex, and adult situations.**
Liam Donovan can’t connect with women. The only woman he thought he had something with was his best friend Shayne, but she chose his younger brother over him. Single, bitter, and with a non-existent sex life, he’s accepted the only good things he’s got going in his life are his tattoo shop and fighting in the cage.
When Lucy Stevens walks into his shop for a tattoo, he dismisses her like so many of the beautiful but vapid girls he’s met over and over. Unfortunately for him, this five foot blonde bombshell is more than capable of going a few rounds, easily putting Liam in his place. He finds her ability to keep him on his toes both intriguing and annoying. But he isn’t just afraid of being able to keep up with her verbal jests. Despite nothing being medically wrong with him, Liam hasn’t been able to “perform” on that front in years...
But Lucy isn’t one to back down from a challenge. When she gets this man in a compromising position and it seems once again his body won’t cooperate, Lucy takes control of the situation. A little tough love never hurt anybody, and it seems with Liam, that’s just what he needed.
For someone that’s spent the last decade having to be in charge, Liam finds complete release in handing it over to her. But Lucy is keeping a few secrets from Liam. Secrets that have previously destroyed her life and her past relationships. As she falls for Liam, she knows she needs to tell him. But will he still want to submit to her once he finds out the truth? Or will this be the one fight he walks away from?

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.A. Howell
• Release date: Jul 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311902481

J.A. Howell

J.A Howell is an office drone by day, and a writer by night. Her love of writing took off when she was eleven years old and decided to fill a composition notebook with stories to read to her friends. Many years (and notebooks) later, not much has changed. She still loves writing and sharing her works with others. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found trying her hand at whatever artistic pursuit strikes her fancy. J.A. Howell resides in Apopka, FL with her husband and their menagerie of animal children.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Boob Smooshing

Oh em gee…Liam you’re so talented. I love it. Ashley, a short voluptuous blonde bounced happily in front of the full-length mirror as she admired the cherry blossoms running down her hip to her lower abdomen.

Glad ya like it. I smiled and leaned against the wall. She spun around, strode toward me, and pulled cash out of a lacy pink bra, batting long eyelashes up at me. She was wearing matching knickers. I’d seen them when she’d undone her jeans so that I could tattoo her.

So, what are you doing tonight? She slipped the cash into my hand, leaning close. Her breasts brushed against my stomach and I swallowed hard. She was close enough that I could smell her peppermint breath.

Um, I had another appointment in a bit, but after…I don’t know. Probably going ta’ grab a quick drink and head home.

A playful smile tugged at her lips as she stared up at me with mossy green eyes. Over at Finley’s?

Yeah, probably. Not sure yet.

She pulled back, the smile turning mischievous. Oh, well maybe I’ll see you there. She winked, then turned to leave.

Jesus, Liam…

I turned my attention to Shayne standing in the doorway of her room and frowned at her.

What?

What? You know what! Are you going to Finley’s tonight?

I shrugged and ran my fingers through my hair. Think I’m just goin’ ta call it an early night.

Shayne’s eyes widened and she put her hands on her hips. Are you crazy? That girl wanted to jump your bones!

I rolled my eyes and turned back into my room. No, she didn’t. She was just being friendly.

Not one to let up, Shayne followed after me, her boots clacking against the tile.

If by friendly you mean she was three seconds away from smashing your face into her tits, then yes, she was just being friendly. Shayne grabbed her own boobs, smooshing them to her chest in demonstration…not that the clarification was needed.

I grabbed the disinfectant and sprayed down my chair, ignoring Shayne’s observations. She came around the other side, leaning down so that our eyes met.

Liam…you should go.

No! She’s a little college girl! Maybe nineteen or twenty? I’m over ten years older than her.

Shayne’s eyebrow ticked up. And you’ve never had a little college girl fantasy?

I’m so not having this conversation with ya.

Shayne’s eyes bulged and she let out a snort. Oh my God… you have, haven’t you?

He has what? Niall’s voice came from the doorway drawing our attention. Shayne stood up, flashing him a coy smile.

Liam likes naughty little college girls.

Jahysus, Shayne! Really?

Niall grinned wide, letting out a hearty chuckle. He had a thing fer cheerleaders too. Ya shoulda seen the girls he brought home in high school. Kier and I would spy on them making out in our parent’s car.

Redness rose up my neck and I glared at my younger brother Ya little perverts…

He shrugged and waggled an eyebrow at Shayne. He used ta be a total player, this one.

Right. I’ve got better things ta do now. I turned away from them both. A double sneak attack on my sex life was not something I needed right now. Especially from my little brother and the girl I’d pined over for the last five years.

Niall snorted. So…why are ya two talking about sexy coeds?

Shayne giggled and I pinched the bridge of my nose.

This girl was smooshing her boobs against Liam’s chest after her tattoo and asking him where he was going tonight.

I fixed them both with a stubborn stare. I’m not going.

The hell yer not! And I’m goin’ with ya! I need ta see this boob-smooshing coed myself.

They brushed against me, she wasn’t smooshing! I growled, pushing through them and heading for the office. Niall followed after me, just as annoyingly insistent as Shayne.

Ey, a boob brush or a boob smoosh. Either way, it sounds like this chick wants ta kiss yer Blarney stone.

What the hell are ya two talkin’ about? Who’s kissin’ Liam’s Blarney stone? Also...that’s a terrible pun, Niall. Really? Kieran’s voice came from the back door and I gritted my teeth. Just great.

I narrowed my eyes at Niall and he grinned but said nothing.

They want me ta go have drinks with this girl I just tattooed.

Kieran looked from me to Niall and shrugged. So, are ya goin’?

No, I’m not feckin’ goin’.

Shayne came up behind Kieran, wrapping her arms around his waist, and I looked away. While I was happy that they were happy, a small part of me still held onto feelings for Shayne. Ever since Kieran had come back for her, they’d been inseparable, the picture of utter happiness and infatuation. It was only a glaring reminder of how unhappy and lonely I was. Kieran squeezed her hands in his and kissed her cheek before looking at me.

Why don’t ya just go? Have a drink with her? What harm could it do?

The bell on the door rang and my next appointment, a middle-aged biker, walked in. I shrugged at Kieran.

I suppose I can stop by fer a drink after this guy. Now will ya three drop it?

Niall let out a snort. Fer now. But we’ll want details in the mornin’.

*****

I walked into Finley’s pub and ran my fingers through my hair. Why the feck had I let those idjits talk me into coming here? This was stupid and I doubted little miss freshman was even here.

Oh! Liam! Over here! She wriggled off of a barstool, fruity drink in hand and bounded toward me in a black ruffly mini skirt and a tight pink shirt that said Angel across her chest in sparkling rhinestones.

Come on, have a drink with me! She beamed, biting at the straw in her drink.

Just one. I’ve got an early mornin’. I mumbled, letting her drag me to the bar by my wrist. She only giggled in response. I flagged down the bartender for a Black & Tan and took a hearty drink when she handed it to me.

I wasn’t sure you were coming. Ashley grinned at me over the rim of her glass. What are you drinking?

I let her taste my drink and she scrunched her face.

Don’t like beer?

No. Yeck. It’s so gross.

What are ya drinkin’?

Her lips pulled into a mischievous grin. Sex on the beach.

I cringed. I didn’t even think they made those kinds of drinks here.

Excuse me, miss? Can I get another? Ashley flailed an arm at the redheaded bartender and I caught the slight cringe that crossed her face at the request. Apparently, they made them by request…they just didn’t like it.

So, you got a girlfriend? Ashley turned her attention back to me after draining the first glass and picked up the second.

Um, no.

She brushed her fingers over my bicep and down my chest. That’s nuts. You’re such a hottie, Liam. And you’re a tattoo artist. How sexy is that?

Jahysus Christ, what the feck am I doing here?

I drained the rest of my drink. Look, Ashley. I think I should go.

Her eyes widened and she pressed against me, pink lips forming a pitiful pout. No! Don’t go. Just have one more drink.

I looked down at her as she blinked round bambi-eyes at me and sighed. Alright. One more drink.

I nodded at the bartender and she slid another Black & Tan my way as I sat back on the barstool. Ashley flashed me a pleased grin and sipped at her drink.

So, how’d you get into doing tattoos?

My shoulders relaxed, now that we weren’t discussing my relationship status or apparent sexiness, and I shrugged.

I always liked ta draw. Things didn’t work out with college so I got into tattooin’. Seemed ta work out well at least. Not sure I would have been much for the corporate business world.

Are you kidding? You’re so talented. I wish I could do something like that. I’m going to nursing school.

Oh, ya like caring fer people?

Not really…but it’s decent money.

I took another drink, unsure of how to respond. Hopefully I’d never have her as a nurse. Ashley finished off her drink and ordered another.

Maybe ya should slow down.

"Oh, okay, dad." She giggled and slapped her hand on my thigh. I grabbed her hand, intent on removing it, but she took the opportunity to swoop in for an aggressive, full-mouthed kiss. Surprised, my lips parted and her tongue darted into into my mouth.

Ashley, I—

Mmm, come here. She was off the barstool and tugging me back toward the restrooms before I could protest.

Ashley, I don’t think—

Oh, stop worrying. She shoved the mens’ restroom door open and pulled me into the handicap stall. Her mouth was on mine in seconds and her breasts pressed—okay smooshed— against my chest.

Feck! Ashley, I don’t think we should do this here!

She took no heed of my warnings and deepened the kiss, the taste of peach schnapps and fruit juice invading my mouth. She ran a hand southward and gripped my cock through my jeans and I groaned.

Nobody will say anything. She giggled against my ear and dropped down to her knees in front of me. I had the feeling this wasn’t her first sexual encounter in a bathroom. I tried to pull her back to her feet but her fingers were already undoing the fly of my jeans.

Ashley, please don’t—

Oh… She frowned at my flaccid state then smiled up at me. Well, I can take care of that.

She stroked me in her hands and flicked her tongue over the head and I closed my eyes. I hadn’t been with anyone in a long time, maybe I should just stop fighting it. She took me in her mouth and I ran my fingers through her hair, pushing my hips forward.

But nothing happened.

Just relax, Liam. Ashley let out a soft laugh and ran her tongue up the length of my cock.

I leaned against the wall and let out a deep breath, but still nothing. Ashley’s mouth withdrew and she let out a cough.

Um…maybe I should go. She stood up and smoothed out her minuscule skirt, avoiding my eyes.

I gritted my teeth. Yeah.

It’s just, my friends are waiting for me at another bar. She let out a nervous laugh, still refusing to look at me. Um. Maybe I’ll see you around.

I nodded, but dearly hoped I never did. If it was possible to die from embarrassment, I’d already be six feet under at this point.

CHAPTER TWO

La Belle Dame

Lu! Good ta see ya! How was yer flight? Niall grabbed me around the waist in a hearty hug before setting me back down.

It was good. I’m exhausted though. What kind of coffee do they have?

Niall nodded toward the counter and I read over the menu, my eyebrows rising higher with each drink name I read.

The Motorboat?

Oh, trust me, ya don’t want that one. My brother tried that one and it made his heart want ta burst out of his chest. Niall laughed. The Hip Thruster is good though. I usually get that.

I smirked at names of the sizes. I suppose I’ll have a Twelve Inch Throbbing Hip Thruster then.

Good choice. Though I always feel a little weird ordering it. Why don’t ya have a seat and I’ll get us our coffee. Grant should be here in a bit.

I did as he said, settling down at a table near the front. Niall returned with two large cups of coffee just as another man walked into the cafe. His fringy black hair was a stark contrast to his pale skin and he chewed at his lip ring thoughtfully before his gaze landed on Niall and a smile broke out across his face. Niall swung around, and grinned. So this was his painter friend he was telling me about.

Lucy, Grant. Grant, Lucy. Niall introduced us. Grant grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips, a deviously playful look in his blue eyes as he kissed the back of my hand.

"The infamous La Belle Dame. The Beautiful Lady Without Mercy. Pleasure’s all mine." He rumbled with a sexy burr. Adorable and Scottish, I thought. Nice.

Pleasure to meet you too. I giggled, sitting back down on my chair. So Niall was telling me about your project idea. I liked it a lot.

I’d been doing the same kind of modeling for years now, and while I still loved it, I liked the idea of doing something different and creative for just the hell of it.

Thanks, love. He winked. Niall and I got plastered one nicht and the idea fer it just sorta came up. When he told me he kent ye, I begged him tae talk tae ye aboot it.

When Niall told me about it, I fell in love with the idea immediately. It would be large, mixed media pieces. Grant would paint me as well as a canvas behind me and Niall would photograph the finished pieces. I had already worked with Niall in the past and loved what he could do with a camera. After he’d shown me some of Grant’s paintings I’d booked my flight. I had money saved up and a couple months until my next big project so I figured why the hell not? I hadn’t been around the New England area for a while. Maybe I could do some sight-seeing while I was here too.

I’ve already got a few places in Boston interested in the finished exhibit and a couple of the concepts put together. Whit dae ye say if we all start this in aboot a week? Grant asked. I nodded and took a sip of my coffee.

That works for me. Will give me some time to go exploring.

Aye weel, if ye need a tour guide, let me know. That flirtatious look gleamed in his eyes once more and he chuckled. Ye kin, I really didnae think it was ye at first. Ye look sae different withoot the make-up and costumes.

I glanced down at the flowy, asymmetrical dress that stopped just above my knees and the brown leather boots I was wearing, then shrugged, looking back up at him expectantly.

Oh commoan, love. Ye look more like yir goin’ tae hand oot flowers and hugs than spankin’s and ball gags.

I shook my head at him but grinned. He was right. With my sun-kissed complexion and equally sun-kissed blonde hair you would think I spent my days on the beach, not wearing vinyl and leather at photo shoots.

Lu, weren’t ya talkin’ about gettin’ tatted while ya were here? Niall spoke up, placing his coffee cup on the table.

Oh, that’s right. You were telling me your brother and his friend had a shop here. They did all yours didn’t they?

Yep. Niall beamed, then with a slick grin glanced over at Grant. He’s got one from ‘em too.

I lifted an eyebrow and tilted my head at Grant. Well? Let me see it. I’m a sucker for ink.

Grant’s lips turned down into a frown and he shot Niall a blistering stare

Ye just had tae bring that up, didnae ye?

What? It’s cute! Ya should show her!

I’m no’ feckin’ showin’ her just sae ye can sit here titterin’ tae yirself like a wee schoolgirl.

Niall’s face lit up and from the sounds of it, he did titter, his eyes dancing from me to Grant in pure amusement.

What? What’s so funny? Just show me the damn thing.

Grant frowned at me then shot Niall another dirty look before standing in front of me and tugging at the fly of his jeans. Instinctively I put my hand up.

Jesus, is it on your dick?

Nae! It’s no’ on ma’ dick! He huffed and I dropped my hand to see a cute cartoon baby tiger staring back at me from just to the side of his pubic hair. It’s richt next tae it.

I blinked and studied it for a moment. It’s…so cute.

Aye, precisely whit I want tae hear when a woman’s starin’ at ma’ crotch. Grant grimaced.

Grant! Are you showing customers your dick again? What have I told you about that!? A woman yelled from the counter and I turned my head, startled. A barista with long dark hair hung over the counter, watching us, but an amused grin tugged at her lips.

I wasnae shown’ her ma’ dick, Elle. Just my tattoo.

"Oh…alright then. Behave, Tiger."

Grant glowered, zipped up his jeans, and sank back into his seat after slapping Niall in the back of the head.

Arsehole.

"Ey! Calm down…tiger."

Och! Feck ye.

Niall took a sip of his coffee and did his best to hide the grin on his lips. If ya wanted ta come along, I was goin’ ta head that way after we finish up here. I do have ta warn ya though, Lu…Liam’s a big fan of ya.

Your brother? What do you mean?

La Belle Dame. He’s got several framed prints of her hangin’ up in his room at the shop.

Wait…what about his—

Grant’s question was interrupted with a jab to the rib from Niall and both straightened up, then returned their attention to me with the looks of angels. Cherubic, mischievous little angels.

What? I narrow my eyes at them.

Grant tugged his lip ring between his teeth, flashing me an impish grin. Och, nothin’. I kin we’re done fir noo, if ye wanted tae head over tae the shop and let Lucy meet yir brother.

Sounds like a plan. Ya ready Lu, or did ya want ta get settled into yer accommodations first?

I was a little tired from the flight, but given their behavior, I was more than a little curious to meet Liam, if not slightly wary as well. The moment a guy found out what I did for a living they either had one of two reactions. Complete revulsion and fear that I’d tie them up and make them lick my boots, or utter fascination—with the hope that I’d tie them up and make them lick my boots. I wasn’t Lucy anymore. I was La Belle Dame, or that utterly insane woman that made their balls shrivel up into their body at the thought of the things I might try on them. I suppose to most guys not in the lifestyle, they couldn’t grasp that there was some in between, that under the wig and makeup and outfits, I was just Lucy. But that’s why I hid myself, that’s why I kept the real me disguised in the photographs.

We can go now. I nodded at them, then stood from the table and threw my empty cup into the trash, turning to Niall before we left. Do me a favor though. Don’t tell your brother who I am.

Niall nodded, understanding my reasons. I wasn’t plannin’ ta. I figured it would be much more interestin’ of a meetin’ if I didn’t.

For some reason, that didn’t serve as any comfort. Leave it to Niall though. Always up to something.

CHAPTER THREE

Tramp Stamp

I tensed as I walked into The Knotted Needle the next morning. With a good workout and the prospect of fighting tomorrow, I’d nearly forgotten the disastrous evening, but I knew Shayne was going to ask about it.

Hey, big guy. She beamed at me as the door swung shut. I grunted in her direction and headed for the office to check my messages and the appointments for today. She followed behind me. Everything okay?

Yeah, just great.

She narrowed her eyes, appraising me. You went to the gym…what happened?

What, I can’t go to the gym?

No, you can, but you look extra muscly. Been hitting the punching bag?

I shrugged, looking over a couple bills.

Okay, tell me what happened.

Nothing happened, Shayne.

She pursed her lips at me but persisted. Did you go to Finley’s?

Yeah, I did. I let out a sigh, not even bothering to mask my exasperation.

Oh…didn’t go well?

No. No it didn’t.

Not your type? I turned toward her, but I couldn’t snap at her. I’d been enough of an arsehole to Shayne in the past year.

No…she was drinking Sex on the Beach

Shayne’s face scrunched up. "Ohh…at a pub?"

And she was wearin’ a shirt with rhinestones on it that said, ‘Angel’

And I couldn’t get my cock up, but I didn’t add that part.

"Ohhhh…Angel, huh?" Shayne broke into a giggle and I shook my head at her.

What?

And in rhinestones no less. Yeah…you should have ran at the first sight of those…did she also have a Juicy Couture bag?

I shrugged and moved past her to my room. I had an appointment in a little under an hour. She might have.

I’d bet money she did. Shayne snorted, following me into my room.

I wiped down my chair then looked up at her, eager to change the subject. I ran into Bobby at the gym. He asked me ta fight tomorrow night.

She blinked, eyes wide. Wait…are you going to? Is ‘The Carbomb’ coming back?!

I cringed at the nickname. Bobby, my old trainer gave it to me, and it stuck. Unfortunately.

It’s just one fight. Amateur. No big deal.

No big deal? Are you kidding me? Where is it at? I’m so going. We’re all going.

Shayne no. I’m rusty. I’ll probably just get knocked on my arse.

She giggled and attempted to squeeze my bicep in her small hand. You kidding me? Not with these guns!

I frowned at her and the bell on the door jingled.

Liam, ya here arsehole? Niall’s voice came from the front. Great. Just what I needed. Surely he hadn’t come over to the shop to interrogate me over last night.

Back here. I said, giving Shayne a flat look as she bounced on the balls of her feet and punched the air. Will ya cut that out?

She pouted at me and dropped her hands to her sides as Niall came into the room with a petite blonde in tow. Probably one of his latest model/girlfriend/flings…I didn’t know. I couldn’t keep track of them.

Shayne beamed next to me. Who’s this?

Oh! Lucy, this is Shayne, and that giant, grumpy-lookin’ bastard’s my brother, Liam.

I gave him a sideways glance and put my hand out, shaking hers. Nice ta meet ya, Lucy.

She glanced down at my arm and made a strange, confused face, then looked back up to me. Oh, um…nice to meet you too.

I looked from her to Niall, but his smile just widened. Lucy came ta town fer a bit ta work on a project with me and Grant. She’s been wantin’ ta get a tattoo and she liked the ones ya did fer me.

Oh. I glanced back at her, eyeing her up and down. Let me guess, a butterfly or fairy on your lower back?

Her pink lip-glossed lips formed a quick frown. Well, if that’s all you can do, maybe Shayne will be happy to tattoo me.

Shayne snorted and stepped closer to her. I’d be happy to tattoo whatever you want.

Hey, I can do it! What exactly were you thinking of getting, then? I pushed Shayne back, forming my own scowl.

Are you sure, Liam? I know you’ve got a lot of butterfly tramp stamps on your plate, already.

Shut it, Shayne.

She and Niall giggled, but I returned my attention to Lucy as she blinked challenging hazel eyes at me. For just a moment, I swore she looked familiar, but I couldn’t place from where.

If you think you can handle it, I wanted a custom piece. Handcuffs, with vines and flowers growing on them. She said once the other two quieted down then turned, running a hand over her lower hip around to her tummy. I was thinking a decent size, wrapping around my hip.

She didn’t have any piercings aside from her ears and as far as I could tell, no other tattoos. I was tempted to ask her if she was sure about such a big tattoo, but figured it better that I don’t.

Alright, well I’ll need ta draw it up, but I’ve got a few appointments today. I can draw it up tomorrow but won’t have much time then either. Maybe Saturday night ya can come in fer it?

That’s fine. If that’s the earliest you’re available.

He’s going to be busy getting ready for his fight tomorrow! Shayne blurted out, punching me in the arm.

Wait, what?! Yer fightin’ again? Niall’s face lit up. I let out a sigh.

It’s not a big deal… just one feckin’ fight.

A fight? Lucy raised an eyebrow, looking between the three of us.

Niall put a hand on her shoulder. Mixed Martial Arts, though Liam prefers just ta knock them the feck out before they can land a good hit on him.

Oh. Like wrestling?

Niall snorted with amusement. No, first it’s real, secondly, Liam doesn’t wear those little spandex panties…normally.

I glowered, crossing my arms over my chest.

What? I don’t know what ya do in yer spare time.

I scrubbed a hand over my face, and noticed Lucy staring at my arm again. What the hell was the matter with her?

So what time is the fight?

Eight…but really, please don’t go.

Feck that, arsehole. We’re all goin’. Where’s it at?

I shrugged and Niall narrowed his eyes. I can just as easily call Bobby and ask him.

Fine! It’s at the feckin Zoo.

Are you going to be fighting animals? Lucy looked between us dubiously.

Niall snorted again. It’s a night club. Ya goin’ ta come with, Lu?

Sure, if Liam doesn’t mind. She glanced back at me.

Why not? Seeing as these two arseholes probably plan to drag everyone else ta it.

Yep. Shayne beamed. I already texted Kieran and Darren.

The bell on the door jingled again and I sighed in relief.

If ya guys will excuse me, I think that’s my first appointment.

Niall nodded, still grinning like a jackarse. "Fine. See ya tomorrow night, Carbomb."

*****

You little asshole! You couldn’t warn me about his tattoo? I punched Niall’s arm after we left The Knotted Needle.

"What? I told ya he was a big fan of La Belle Dame." He rubbed his shoulder, still smiling like a buffoon.

Yes, but a big enough fan that he has my likeness tattooed on his arm?

I figured it would be entertainin’ ta see yer reaction. It was. He looked at me from his side of the car and waggled his eyebrows.

Asshole. I’m just glad he didn’t recognize me.

Well, yer dressed up enough that it really is hard ta recognize ya. I didn’t when I first met ya and I’ve followed La Belle Dame’s work. Where do ya think he got his first print of ya?

From you?

Yep. After him and Shayne bought the shop, I saw the print when I was in New York and got it fer him. Told him he needed a nice view for his new office.

And the others?

Niall shrugged, turning down another street. The others I guess he just started collectin’ on his own.

Is he…into that sort of thing? I lifted an eyebrow.

What? Femdom? Niall let out a vicious snort, trying to contain his laughter. No…I don’t think Liam would be caught dead letting a woman tie him up.

Pity. With his attitude he seems like he could use some discipline.

I still couldn’t believe what a condescending ass he’d been toward me. He was kind of hot–until he opened his mouth.

Yeah, well good luck with that. Mr. Control Freak doesn’t generally listen ta anyone. Can’t really blame him though, he had ta grow up a bit faster than me and Kier.

I looked at him as her parked the car, intrigued. Why’s that?

I told ya about my parents dying when I was young, no? Mum had Liam when they were young, only about sixteen. Through all the challenges that caused, they stayed together then had Kieran nine years later and me two years after that. My mum remarried and shortly after, her and my stepdad died when I was seven. At that time, Liam had just come over here fer school. We didn’t have a lot of family and he wanted ta keep us all together so he brought us over here and tried ta finish school. But I guess me and Kier were a bit of a handful and with everything goin’ on, he ended up droppin’ out. That was when he first got into tattooin’.

Oh…wow. I pushed the passenger door open, thinking back to Liam. It still didn’t excuse him from being a condescending asshole but that was definitely some heavy shit to go through at that age. Niall grabbed my suitcases out of the back of his car and handed me the key to my studio. I’d had him help me find a place in town so I didn’t have to hole up at a hotel when I first got here.

Yeah. He’s a good guy, just sometimes difficult ta deal with. At least fer me and Kier. He seems ta forget we aren’t kids anymore.

"You aren’t?

Niall narrowed his eyes at me but a smirk pulled at his lips. No, sweetheart, I’m all grown up.

Physically, anyway. I teased.

So, did ya want ta go out tonight, check out the town, or ya stayin’ in?

Think I’m going to stay in. I’m a little tired and I have some things to catch up on.

He nodded. Alright, then. Call if ya need anything. See ya tomorrow?

Yeah. I’ll probably wander around town a little tomorrow, then we can head to your brother’s fight?

Sounds like a plan. See ya later, Lu. Oh and just so ya know, Grant’s a few studios down ta the left if ya want him ta show ya around.

I waved to Niall then turned the key and headed into the small furnished studio I’d rented. A lot of these were rented out to artists and the like so it made me feel at home. It wasn’t much, but it had the necessities. I tossed my suitcase on a chair and pulled my laptop out of my bag then settled myself onto the futon in the corner. I hadn’t checked my email in a few days and La Belle Dame got quite a few messages from fans. Some of them were just downright weird, but others made me smile. Modeling had never been my life’s aspiration. I sort of fell into it. I did enjoy it though, and the encouraging messages from complete strangers kept me going. I’d get messages from women, about how empowered my images made them feel, and other emails from couples, telling me that it helped them explore new experiences and grow together. Sure, some people didn’t like what I did. They’d send me messages calling me a slut and a filthy whore, that I would go to hell for showing my body. For the most part I’d learned to ignore those people. They were just talk.. They only knew La Belle Dame and she wasn’t me. She was simply a mask I put on, a role I played. Let them hate her.

My email client popped up and I read through a few messages. A couple were just spam, a few were from fans I’d heard from before. I smiled, reading their updates. The last email wasn’t from an address I recognized and the subject read: Hide and Seek.

I gasped when I opened it and a picture of me loaded. It was from when I was in college. A picture I recognized all too well. It was a posed portrait, one from my sorority. I was dressed in a pink cardigan and white blouse with pearls around my neck. My sorority letters were pinned to my sweater, bright and gleaming as my perfected smile…and across my face in dark bold letters was the word WHORE.

Underneath the picture, there was only one sentence.

You can hide behind your makeup, but I know who you really are, Lucy. XOXO

My hand trembled, but determined, I deleted the email. Fuck them, whoever it was. Probably some asshole that knew me in college. Despite the make-up, a couple people had figured it out. I’d made plenty of enemies before I left school, so it really shouldn’t have surprised me that one would send something like that. What did surprise me was how much it bothered me to see that after all this time.

I closed the laptop, and grabbed my phone out of my bag, dialing Niall’s number.

Hey, I changed my mind. Want to go out for drinks?

CHAPTER FOUR

Pre-Fight Rituals

I’m heading out, Shayne. Ya good ta lock up?

Yep. Kieran should be here shortly.

Good. I sighed and headed for my car. I hadn’t planned on going back to the gym tonight but since I had the fight to prepare for tomorrow I might as well get in a quick workout.

When I walked in, Bobby grinned at me. Getting ready? Good.

I didn’t know why I’d agreed to do this fight. I came in nearly every day and each time he brought up returning to the cage. I always shrugged him off, telling him I’d think about it, but not this morning. Regardless of my reasons, he was more than thrilled and just itching to sign me up for more after this one.

I changed into my workout clothes and plugged my earbuds into my ears, putting on something loud and heavy before heading to the treadmills. A tall brunette was already jogging on one and she grinned at me. Without paying her much mind I got onto the one next to her, warming up for a few before upping the speed to a comfortable run.

I tried to clear my mind, keep myself focused on my workout as I ran, but memories of the night before came back. It hadn’t been the first time that’d happened…I just gave up trying. Why the hell did I think last night would be any different? The treadmill beeped and I nearly stumbled off the side as it slowed. The brunette grinned to herself but was nice enough not to laugh.

I stopped for a drink of water then grabbed a jump rope off the wall and managed to focus on the rhythm of my jumps, clearing my mind for fifteen minutes as hard rock blasted in my ears. I wiped the sweat from my forehead, slipped on my gloves, and moved to the speed bag, my mind wandering back to earlier in the day. I scowled, thinking about Niall’s visit and the girl he’d brought with him. Lucy. Hmmph. Who the hell did that little midget Malibu Barbie think she was, talking shite to me? I let my fists go, punch after punch, replaying her snide little remarks in my head. Who the hell comes into someone’s shop and insults them when asking them for a tattoo? Maybe I’d assumed she wanted something cute and girly, but come on, she was the epitome of cute and girly. Just like the girl at the pub last night.

Feck. I hit the bag with renewed ferocity, growling under my breath. If that’s all ya can do? Hmmph. Just wait, sweetheart. I’ll have ya tappin’ out Saturday when ya get yer big tattoo.

My muscles felt warmed with the exertion when I finally finished. I let out a deep breath, sliding my gloves off and heading back toward the treadmills. The brunette was still there and she glanced over at me with a coy smile. Trying not to be a complete arsehole I nodded at her and continued my workout, running for twenty more minutes. When I finished, I headed for the locker room.

Hey, The brunette got off her treadmill following after me and I grimaced, continuing on as if I hadn’t heard her. Hey, wait up. Liam, right?

Shite.

Yeah? I spun around and she slowed, biting her lip as she looked me over.

I heard Bobby talking about you earlier. Got a big fight tomorrow, hmm?

Yeah. Was just finishing my workout and headin’ out. I started toward the locker room again, but her hand gripped my arm.

I’m just starting out, but I heard you’ve got a lot of experience. Maybe you could show me a few things some time? She looked at me through long dark lashes, tugging her full bottom lip between her teeth.

Sure, maybe. I’m usually pretty busy though. I shrugged, avoiding her gaze.

Or, you know…if you needed to relieve a little tension before tomorrow… Her hand slid to my chest and my gaze darted back to hers. Was she serious? She stepped closer and I took a step back—only to realize she had me cornered. Dammit.

Look I don’t think—

The way you were hitting the speed bag, mmm. God, that was sexy. She moaned against my lips before brushing her tongue against mine. I couldn’t deny she was sexy. She pressed her body against me and I felt her hard nipples brush against my chest through her sports bra. I kissed her back, a groan moving through me, but then she slid her hand to my crotch. I snatched her wrist in my hand, jerked it away and gently pushed her back.

That’s not a good idea, love.

She frowned at me, trying to pull her wrist free. Oh come on, I’ll do things to you that you couldn’t dream of.

"I’m sure of that, but I’ve really got