“Colton!” The woman threw herself into his arms. Colton laughed, picking the woman up and twirling her around in a circle before placing her back on her feet.
They drew apart and Vida was struck by the woman’s resemblance to Colton. He placed a casual arm across her shoulder as he introduced her to the smiling woman.
“Vida, this is my sister, Brenley. Brenley, this is Vida.”
“Hello, I can tell by your face that Colton didn’t tell you he had a sister. He likes to surprise everyone that he actually has a family.” Brenley made a face at her brother.
“I try to keep her hidden away. Everybody feels sorry for me that my sister’s so ugly.”
Brenley punched Colton in the stomach at his joke. Vida smiled as the two began to push and shove each other. She was amazed at this side of Colton.
“My big, ex-con brother is an embarrassment to me, too.” She could dish it right back to her brother.
“Ouch, that’s no fair. That’s hitting below the belt.”
“If I could have got to you before you made such a stupid move, I would have busted your balls,” Brenley replied grimly.
“Well, it’s over now and I’m home. What’s for dinner? I’m starved.” Colton changed the subject.
“I made your favorite; meatloaf.” Vida saw Colton turn pale and Brenley snickered at him before leading the way into the house.
The aroma of fried chicken hit her nostrils as soon as she walked into the doorway.
“You witch. I’m not doing the dishes because you lied to me.”
“You’ll do the dishes or I won’t cook for you anymore,” Brenley threatened right back at her brother.
Colton made a face. “That’s blackmail, but what can I do? I’m held hostage because you won’t share mom’s recipe book.”
“If I gave you the recipes, I would never see you.” Brenley’s tone became more serious. “You two have a seat. Dinner’s ready.” The table was set for three people; Brenley had known that Colton was bringing her for dinner. Vida tried not to let warmth invade her at Colton introducing her to his sister.
“Can I help?” Vida offered.
“You and Colton can do clean up.” Brenley smiled, setting down a platter of fried chicken before going into the kitchen and returning with potatoes and biscuits.”
“I have died and gone to Heaven,” Vida said, looking at the delicious food. Her mouth was watering from the aroma alone. Brenley laughed, placing a pitcher of tea on the table.
The talking stopped as they each filled their plates with the food that ended up tasting as good as it looked. Vida cleaned her plate, debating seconds, not wanting to make a pig of herself in front of Brenley. Colton demolished his food then had seconds. He seemed determined to eat everything on the table except the dishes.
“Slow down, Colton. I have plenty for you to take home for later,” Brenley promised.
“It’s been a long time since I ate food that tasted so good,” Colton said when he finally finished.
Brenley smiled at her brother’s compliment before getting up from the table and going into the kitchen with a wink in Vida’s direction. She came back carrying a huge chocolate cake.
“Now, I have died and gone to Heaven,” Colton sighed. Brenley cut each of them a big slice of the rich dessert. Even Colton couldn’t manage a second slice.
After dinner, Vida and Colton both cleaned the table and did the dishes while Brenley stood nearby, chatting with Colton and occasionally asking Vida a question.
Vida liked the woman, and finding out that she owned a small local business doing graphic designs only increased her admiration. Vida liked She also enjoyed that her home was cozy and nicely decorated without being too girly. It was exactly what Vida dreamed one day of owning herself.
Deciding to watch a movie, they went into the living room. Brenley sat down in the only chair, leaving the couch for Vida and Colton.
Vida sat down on the end of the couch, however Colton eyed her before tugging her closer to his side. Embarrassed, she tried to scoot away a few inches.
Vida noticed Brenley’s amused gaze on the silent struggle. Deciding it wasn’t worth embarrassing herself, she stilled, relaxing into the sofa.
Colton leaned back, putting his boots onto the coffee table. Vida was about to take him to task when Brenley shook her head with a grin. Vida came to the conclusion that both brother and sister were used to getting their own way.
The movie was a comedy that had them all laughing. Vida wished it lasted longer when it went off and Colton pulled her to her feet.
“We’d better be going, Brenley. We have to work in the morning,” Colton told his sister.
Brenley rose from the chair. “Let me get your leftovers.” With a grin, she went into the kitchen.
“I like your sister,” Vida remarked with envy in her voice.
Colton smiled. “She’s pretty cool for a sister, but she can be a pain in the ass sometimes.”
“I heard that. If you’re not careful, I’ll take that half of a chocolate cake out of the bag,” she threatened.
“You’re the best sister ever,” Colton said soulfully. Vida laughed at his little boy act while Brenley handed him a plastic zip up bag that would make it easier to handle on the bike ride back.
“That’s more like it,” Brenley said before turning to Vida and giving her a quick hug. “It was really nice meeting you. Stop by sometime for a visit and I’ll tell you all of Colton’s secrets.”
Vida couldn’t help herself. “If it involves women, I think I’m finding that out for myself.”
“I think the right woman could get Colton under control.”
Colton took Vida’s hand, leading her to the door. “Bye, sis.”
“Bye, Colton. See you next week.”
Colton tugged Vida out the door, hastily leading her to the bike.
“What’s the hurry?” Vida asked, watching him strap down the food bag on the back of the bike.
“I didn’t want my sister giving you more ammunition against me.”
“I already know what kind of man you are, Colton.”
“Do you? Or have you simply made judgments based on how I acted when I didn’t care what you thought?”
Vida began to feel uncomfortable. She didn’t want Colton’s attitude to change towards her. She was comfortable with the way things were with them except for this morning, which she had every intention of forgetting about.
Without answering his question, she waited for him to get on the bike before getting on herself.
It had rained while they were inside, but the motorcycle drove effortlessly on the wet pavement. Colton was able to even control the bike when a car pulled out recklessly in front of them. Vida felt safe, not frightened in the least when she felt the bike’s wheels slide slightly before Colton expertly maneuvered the bike to a slow stop. Expecting him to rant at the stupid driver, he surprised her by slowly regaining his speed until they were once more traveling through the night traffic.
She was becoming tired by the time Colton pulled up in front of his apartment.
“Mind if I take the shower first?” Vida asked once they were inside.
“No, you go ahead.”
Vida didn’t take long, wanting to go to sleep. Putting on her pajamas and brushing her hair before braiding it, she went out to the living room to see that Colton had made the couch for her.
Coming to a stop, she appreciated his thoughtfulness. She really didn’t know how to handle this side of him. He had never been mean to her, merely treating her as a stranger in his home. Which she was. Now, with his change in attitude and how he treated her with consideration, almost like a girlfriend, she was beginning to be scared of the feelings it was bringing to the surface.
“Thanks, Colton.” Vida stepped around him, moving towards the couch.
“No problem. I can see you’re tired.”
Vida lay down on the couch, already half asleep. Colton turned the light out when he saw she was settle
d. She was about to roll on her side when she felt him standing by her side.
“Colton…”
“I’m going to let you get used to the idea of us while I wait for my divorce.” Sinking to the floor beside her, he reached out to cup her cheek. “When my divorce is final, Vida, you’re going to be in my bed,” he said firmly.
Vida was determined to shut him down before things could go any further. She was about to let him have it for his mistaken assumptions when his mouth closed over hers, his tongue driving all thoughts of denial away until he lifted his head, taking his mouth away from her and rising to his feet.
“Now you can go to sleep, if you can.” Colton’s thick voice had her wanting to drag him back.
Vida rolled onto her side, her body in turmoil and sleep no longer close by. It took time for her body and mind to calm. Her body wanting his and her mind telling her to jump up and escape. Weariness finally overrode both, providing her with the sleep she needed.
Chapter 13
Vida took a long time getting ready for work the next day, which provided her with the perfect excuse to ignore Colton. The morning ride to the tattoo shop had been full of nervous tension for her. Colton, on the other hand, was laid back as if he actually believed all he had to do was wait and she would fall in with his plans of having sex.
Vida didn’t try to straighten his misconceptions out. She had plans of her own that didn’t include an overconfident horn dog with the scruples of an alley cat. Vida’s lips twisted at her comparisons, but they were the truth. Every woman that came into his shop was given the same gorgeous, seductive smile; they didn’t stand a chance against his sexual chemistry that seemed to put them under his spell. Vida was going to be the exception, the one that could respite his fuck me smile. She took it as her personal mission to help these women fight back against his sexual allure, whether they appreciated it or not.
The shop was busy enough that with the extra part-time tattoo artist Colton had hired she could pick and choose which artist was given clients. It was easier to do with the appointments scheduled on the phone, but she learned a system of penciling in clients then erasing them and going over it in ink for the clients that came in the shop with nonscheduled appointments.
It took a couple a days before Colton became suspicious. By the fourth day, there was no doubt left in his eyes when he escorted his last client, a trucker who wanted a tattoo that would take at least a couple of hours. Vida gave him an innocent smile, but couldn’t prevent the smile of satisfaction from her lips as Tessa’s next client, who looked like a lingerie model and wanted a bunny tattoo, looked longingly at Colton as he left the room.
Later that evening, Vida powered down her computer, packing it away in her backpack, as she waited for Colton to clean his room so it would be ready for the morning. Colton drove everyone crazy on his habits of cleanliness, but Vida respected his concern for his clients.
“Did you lock the door?” Colton asked, coming in the room.
“Yes. Ready?” Vida stood up about to reach for her backpack.
“In a minute. Come back to my room. We need to have a talk.”
“Can’t it wait until we’re back at the apartment?” Vida didn’t like the grim expression on his face.
“No, it can’t.” Turning, he left the room while Vida followed reluctantly.
Entering the room, she saw he had his tray set out. She thought he would have put it away for the night.
“Have a seat.”
Vida sat in the chair he used to tattoo his clients.
“Ever wanted to get a tattoo?”
Vida, expecting him to take her to task for the clients he had been given, was surprised into giving an honest answer.
“Yes.”
“Why haven’t you gotten one?”
“I really don’t know. I couldn’t make up my mind which one to get or exactly where I wanted one.”
“Trust me?”
“Yes.” Vida had seen his work since she had started at his shop and it was really good.
“Then, you’re getting your first tattoo.”
“My first? I only want one,” Vida objected.
“Nobody has just one tattoo,” Colton said absently as he pushed the stool closer to her. Moving her top to the side, he took a cloth and wiped where she thought he planned to put her tattoo. Vida stared ahead as he began to work on the front of her shoulder next to her collarbone.
“I will,” Vida said adamantly.
“We’ll see.” He continued to work on her. It wasn’t as painful as she thought it would be, but was glad it wasn’t overly large. She kept trying to look down to see what he was doing.
“Stop it, or your lines are going to be crooked.” Vida stopped moving, straightening in the chair. “The shop’s been busy this week,” Colton said matter-of-factly.
“Yes, more money for you and your partners.” Vida joked half-heartedly, dreading where this conversation was heading.
“Yes, it is.” He swiveled on his stool and then dunked his needle in ink before swinging around to begin drilling into her again. “You doing okay?”
“Yes.”
“I noticed something a little strange this week.” He continued to work steadily.
“Oh really?” Vida tried not to look down at what he was doing.
“Um, hm.”
“What did you notice?” she asked when he didn’t continue. Her nerves were stretching to a breaking point.
“I have had three women this week. Two that are happily married, and one that wanted her wife’s name on her arm.”
“That’s so sweet.”
Colton paused, looking up at her with narrowed eyes. “Yes, it was. Can you explain how I had such an overabundance of male customers when I saw several female clients in Tessa, Reverend’s and Carlito’s rooms?”
“Luck of the draw?” Vida pretended to stare at one of his drawings on the wall.
“If you give me another trucker that hasn’t bathed in a week, or a businessman who wants a pussy tattoo without it being my turn again, I’m going to turn that ass up and smack it until you can’t sit down.”
Vida swallowed hard. “I didn’t—”
“Yes, you did. Don’t deny it.” Colton didn’t look up at her, merely continued working, wiping her shoulder off. He slid his stool back. “You’re done.”
Vida got out of the chair, going to the mirror to look at her new tattoo. Staring, she was tempted to touch it, but didn’t. If was a beautiful butterfly. Its fragile, colorful wings were captured in whirls of lines and colors.
“Thank you, Colton. It’s beautiful.”
“Glad you like it. Now let’s go home.” He put his equipment up after cleaning his station while Vida admired how professional he was, and surprisingly meticulous.
“Let me wrap it.” Vida turned back to him as he placed a wrap on her tattoo. “I’ll put some lotion on it later. Make sure you don’t get it wet when you shower.”
“I won’t.” Vida nodded happily at the same time that Colton smiled indulgently.
Turning of the lights in his room, they closed the shop and drove home. The night air on his bike always refreshed her, but much too soon, they were at his apartment.
Vida went to the kitchen to fix them something to eat. By the time Colton got out of the shower, Vida had fixed them chicken and rice. She had discovered both of them had big appetites, but didn’t like cooking. To stay fair, they took turns cooking.
They ate while Vida questioned Colton how he had began tattooing.
“I always liked to draw and was really good at it. In the Predators, one of the brothers was a tattoo artist. He gave me my first tat then, seeing I was interested, took me on as an apprentice.”
“You’re really good,” Vida complimented. “Do you miss not being in the Predators?”
“Yes, they became my family. My dad took off when I was ten-years-old and never came back. Mom remarried; he was cool, but I could tell he wanted Mom to himself.” Colton shrugge
d, taking the dirty dishes to the sink before grabbing a beer from the refrigerator and sitting back down at the table. “So when I was sixteen, I started hanging out at the Predators’ clubhouse.”
“Your mom didn’t mind that you were hanging out with outlaw bikers?”
“No, because my stepdad was a Predator.”
“Oh.” Vida didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t ever imagine willingly letting a child of hers become involved in a motorcycle club.
“They’re not all bad, Vida. The Predators are loyal. Their activities may not be completely legal, which is why the brothers can’t let me visit without notice. If I’m around drugs, guns or convicted felons, I could lose my parole.”
“I’m not going to say anything negative about them, Colton. They helped save me from Digger, and if they scare him enough to get Sawyer back, I’ll owe them a big favor.”
“Don’t tell them that or you’ll be giving private performances for the brothers at the clubhouse,” Colton said seriously. “I’ll handle any gratitude they have coming.”
Vida packed her own dishes into the sink and then filled it with hot water. “You going to strip for Ice?” Vida teased.
The dishes didn’t take long, Colton sat at the table until she finished.
“I think I’ll take my shower.” Vida didn’t want to sit and watch TV with him as she had the last few nights. She was beginning to look forward to spending time alone with him now that he was opening up, telling her about his past and drawing her closer to him.
Vida couldn’t let herself get attached to him. She kept telling herself this over and over, remembering her mom after each and every one of her relationships had ended. Colton was more of a horn dog than any guy her mom had dragged home.
She showered, careful to keep her tattoo dry, and when she finished, she dressed in pajama pants and a top. After brushing out her long hair before she braided its thick length, she exited the bathroom to find Colton waiting for her.
“I need to rub some lotion on your tattoo and rewrap it. Have a seat on the couch.”
“Okay.”
Colton sat down on the couch, waiting expectantly. She sat down next to him, reaching up to tug her pajama top to the side, but Colton forestalled her by reaching out and casually unbuttoning her top and sliding it off her shoulder.