Chapter 5 Inks Game 5

Ink

Monday morning came and the second I heard the door open I knew who I was about to see.

Tossing Clicks shirt at him, I had a sudden instant regret that I had agreed to tattoo his chest this morning. That regret was confounded when I turned and found Molly staring straight at him with her mouth open.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. 

The women all loved Click. Not as much as he loved himself but it was close.

“Put your shirt on.” I grumbled out of the corner of my mouth. “Now.”

“But-“ he flexed and I fought the urge to frog march him from my shop. The asshole was actually preening in front of her.

“No buts, her kids here.” That was my excuse and I was sticking with it. “In fact you’re done for today anyway.” Turning my back on him I went to greet Molly.

“Hello not my daddy.” Della sang up at me. Her wide eyes sweeping around the shop. “Those pictures are scary.” She pointed to a poster on the wall. “I like this one better.” Reaching up she tapped the rose on the back of my hand. “I like flowers but not scary faces.”

I couldn’t help it, I smiled. “I’ll have to remember to draw more flowers then.” Lifting my eyes from the little girl to her mother I nodded. “Thanks for coming in. Do you want to follow me out back for a second?”

She had a moment where she looked uncertain, chewing on her lip.

“My office is out back. There’s a tv for Della to watch whilst we talk.” 

Clearly she was nervous about going somewhere more private with a man she didn’t know.

“Ok.” Molly said finally. “And I wanted to thank you for the ,” she continued to chew on her bottom lip and I fought back the urge to cover her mouth with mine to stop her. “The pizza and Della's costume. I will pay you back.”

Grinning, I led the way, “as long as you enjoyed it. No need to pay me back for the pizza. It was buy one get one free. And I can’t eat two.”

“Still it was really sweet. And -“ her eyes swept over the compact office. “I think you offered me a job.”

“Yes.” 

Behind us Click choked.

“It’s not much, a few hours a day. Just admin and cleaning up.” I said smoothly. “And I can’t pay a huge amount but you can bring Della with you. She can chill in here. Bring her toys or things.” Even as I said it I realised that I hadn’t thought this through at all.

I’d just offered her a job without any planning on what that job would actually be.

Molly was a sweet girl. She probably wouldn’t want to work in a bikers tattoo shop, cleaning up after him.

“Ink.”

Fuck was she going to cry again? I turned to her in shock. 

“Thank you. Thank you so much.” Half laughing, half crying she launched herself into my arms. Almost forcing me backwards as she clung to me.

“You’re welcome.” I hesitated just a moment before wrapping my arm around her waist. Lifting her off her feet an inch.

And god she felt nice in my arms. Like she fit.

“Thank you Ink.” She blushed and it was only then that I realised I was pressing her to me like we weren’t virtual strangers. Reluctantly I placed her back on her feet but instead of stepping out of my arms, Molly reached up and pressed her lips to my cheek in a small kiss that sent my heart racing and blood rushing down to my cock.

“You’re my hero.” Finally she stepped away.

I didn’t know what to say. I had never been called a hero before. 

Asshole and douche bag yeah,  but never hero. It felt kind of good.

“No problem, get Della settled and come out to find me. We will get you started right away.” I walked away before she could notice the bulge pushing at my zipper.

One little peck on the cheek and was already sporting a hard on.

“You’re diabolical.” Still reclining back on the leather chair, Click had at least put his tee back on.

“Don’t know what you mean?”

His laughter followed me to the desk.

“You bought her food, and her kid something she wanted?” He asked after me.

I shrugged. “What of it? I was being a good neighbour.” At least that’s what I was telling myself. That and the image of Dellas heartbroken face had almost brought me to my knees. All little girls deserved to be the glittery witch of their dreams on Halloween.

“And you gave her a job.” Clicks voice lowered. “You made up a job for her?”

Another shrug. “She needs the work and I could do with the help.”

Again it was another half truth.

“Brother.” Click burst into fits of laughter. “You are really playing to win aren’t you? Getting in with the kid is cold. But-“ he came up beside me. Leaning his elbows heavily on the top. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well. This isn’t over. Even if she is throwing herself at you already.”

I wanted to scream at him that I hadn’t done any of that to win a stupid bet but I knew he wouldn’t believe me.

“Game on brother.” He clapped me on the shoulder.

I didn’t answer him. This might be a game to Click. But it wasn’t for me.

Because I was pretty sure I kind of liked Molly, and that meant I wasn’t playing to win the bet.

I was playing for keeps.