Written in Ink (Montgomery Ink #4)(19)

She licked her lips, her heart racing.

His eyes dropped down to her mouth, his pupils dilating.

Oh, damn it. This was so not the place. So not the time. So not the guy.

Instead of letting anyone know what he did to her, she lowered her head and rested her forehead on her arms. Austin spoke to her every once in a while but seemed to know she needed time to herself—even in a busy tattoo shop.

Forty-five minutes passed in a blink as she focused on not focusing on Griffin. Soon she felt Austin wiping down her side for the last time and talking about aftercare.

“I think you’ll be done with this one in one more session,” Austin explained. “I could have finished the final shading today, but you were swelling a bit and I want to make sure it’s perfect.”

Autumn let Austin grip her hand to keep her steady as he led her to the long mirror. Her gaze traveled down the groupings of different bunches of flowers down her side—each flower representing a new place she’d been forced to occupy while never finding the space that was uniquely hers.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered. In fact, it looked finished. If she had to hightail it out of Denver right away, she wouldn’t have to have anyone touch it up—not that she’d ever let anyone touch Montgomery ink. Only to a perfectionist’s eye would there need to be extra shading or lines done.

“It’s almost there,” he said softly. “Now, don’t forget to take care of yourself.” He looked over at Maya and Griffin. “And kick his ass if you need to,” he whispered, his beard tickling her ear.

She rolled her eyes then carefully slid her shirt over the plastic wrap he’d placed over her fresh ink. When she turned toward Maya’s station, it was to see Griffin’s eyes on her, his eyelids hooded as he raked his gaze down her. She wasn’t sure if that look was for her alone, or a mix of the pain and pleasure that came with his own ink as Maya worked on his shoulders.

“I only saw a glimpse, but it looks f*cking phenomenal,” he said. He licked his lips. “See you tomorrow?” he asked, his voice hesitant.

She swallowed hard. She could do this. She could help him—then leave like she needed to. “Sounds good.” With that, she said her goodbyes and left the shop, a cool breeze of Colorado mountain air chilling her red cheeks. She’d miss the scent of fresh and clean most of all…

By the time she drove home and pulled into her driveway, she was ready for food and a long shower. She couldn’t soak in the tub thanks to her new ink, and she never liked to drink until her tattoo had healed a bit more since it thinned her blood.

When she stepped out of her car, her ever-present bag in her hand, she froze, the hair on the back of her neck rising. She swallowed hard then did her best to look casual as she searched her surroundings. Autumn might not have seen anyone, but it damn sure felt like someone was watching her.

She knew what that felt like.

Had felt it countless times before.

She quickly made her way into her home, her keys and pepper spray in her hands in case someone came at her. As soon as she closed the door, she set the deadbolt, hurried to the kitchen, grabbed the big butcher knife she knew damn well how to use, and searched the rest of her small house.

Alone.

She was safe.

At least for the moment.

But she knew her time in Denver was ending. She’d been here too long already…long enough that she’d formed attachments she never intended to keep.

Autumn would finish her promise to help with Griffin to the Montgomerys and herself and then she’d leave.

It would be safer for everyone. Because if she stayed, she’d be responsible for the carnage.

She always was.





Chapter Six


“You’re looking more energetic,” Griffin said with a small smile as his dad engulfed him in a big hug. The man may not be as large as he once was, the hugs not as tight as they’d once been, but there was no denying that Harry Montgomery was a force to be reckoned with. Griffin had come over for an afternoon meal, and honestly, just to see his folks.

“I’m feeling like it,” his dad said softly. “You here for a reason, or to check up on me?” He grinned and leaned back. “It’s your turn, isn’t it?”

Griffin rolled his eyes. Busted. Whatever. His siblings wanted nothing but the best for their parents, and things had been a shitty rollercoaster for the past few years. Between Dad’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatments? Austin’s drama with his kids and Sierra, Decker and Miranda’s rocky courtship and almost ruined wedding courtesy of Alex, and all the hell that Meghan had been through before she’d finally been able to settle down with Luc, Griffin worried.

Griffin worried about a lot of things. It was just something he did.

“We kids can’t get anything by you. It’s my turn, but I like coming here anyway.”

“Because your mom feeds you, most likely.”

Griffin shrugged, his grin unrepentant. “Well, that’s a plus in the column for sure.”

Marie came into the living room, a tray of drinks and an antipasto plate in her hands. Griffin quickly went to her and took the platter.

“You should have told me to get my ass in there to help,” he admonished and set the tray down on the coffee table.

“I’m not feeble,” she said then kissed his cheek as he handed her a drink. “But I like your help anyway.”