Stuck-Up Suit(60)

Tig led me over to the corner seat. “You have an idea what you’re getting?”

“Yes. I know exactly what I want. I actually attempted to sketch it for you.” Taking a piece of paper out of my pocket, I said, “My drawing skills aren’t as good as yours, but it gives you an idea of what I have in mind.”

Tig lit a cigarette and squinted to examine my attempt at tattoo design. “I recognize this.” He chuckled. “Alright. I think we can do even better. Why don’t you lie down.”

I looked up at him as he prepped the needle. “Has she said anything to you about what’s going on with us?”

He blew smoke. “You mean about your baby mama drama?”

“Okay. You obviously know I recently found out I have a daughter.”

“If she did talk to me about it, I wouldn’t f*cking tell you anything, dude.”

“Fair enough.”

Damn. I wasn’t going to get jack shit out of him.

The sting of the needle burned into my chest as he started the design. A few years ago, I would have never imagined getting a second tattoo in my lifetime. But somehow it felt natural to be doing this. It seemed like more than just marking my body. It was art, which in turn was an expression of love. Soraya had a way of getting me to see a lot of things differently now.

After several minutes of watching him work in silence, I blurted out, “I love her, Tig.”

He stopped the needle and held out his hands. “Whoa…whoa. Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you’re her friend. She doesn’t have many close ones.”

“Have you even said those three words to her?”

“No. I haven’t had the right opportunity, but I will. I also get the impression that you still don’t trust me, and I think it’s important that you understand that despite recent developments, I’m in this for the long haul.”

“Look, I’m not gonna bullshit you. I don’t personally trust you. But Soraya seems too deep into this for me not, at least, to take you seriously. If she cares about you, then I’m gonna have to accept it and trust her judgment.

“Okay…well, I appreciate your honesty.”

“Just remember what I said. Don’t break her heart, and I won’t have to break your pretty face.”

I swallowed my anger for Soraya’s sake. “I heard you loud and clear the first time you threatened my life, Tig.” If this guy was anyone but Soraya’s best friend, I wouldn’t have taken his shit, but I didn’t need him badmouthing me.

When Tig finished the tattoo, he applied clear tape over it. I couldn’t wait to show Soraya.

Delia came around the corner. “Since you’re getting adventurous, MBP, I’d be happy to pierce something for you while you’re here.”

“MBP?”

“Mr. Big Prick.”

“Oh, of course.” I rolled my eyes and threw a wad of cash that was triple the amount I owed on the counter.

She took the money and placed it in the register. “So…cock ring? Whattya say?”

A protective shiver ran down through my dick from shaft to tip. Ouch. “Baby steps, Delia.”

“Alright.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Can’t say I didn’t try.”

***

THE NEXT NIGHT, I COULD BARELY CONTAIN my excitement as I headed to Soraya’s for a surprise visit after work. The bandage would be coming off, and I could finally show her my tattoo.

With Chloe’s birthday party this weekend, revealing it to her tonight would be good timing. It would remind her how important she was to me.

I had worked late and made the decision to drop by unannounced with some of her favorite Mexican takeout.

Soraya buzzed me in no problem, but when she opened the door, her mood seemed off.

“Graham….I wasn’t expecting you. Come in.”

Pulling her toward me, I slid my hand down her back and gripped her ass. “Are you not happy to see me?”

“No, it’s not that.”

I placed the paper bag of food on her kitchen table. “I have a surprise for you. I couldn’t wait to come here tonight to show you.”

“What is it?”

Taking off my jacket, I said, “Let’s eat first. I brought your favorite enchiladas from No Way Jose’s.”

Soraya was quiet all throughout dinner. Something was definitely off. I wondered if she was just nervous about going to the Hamptons this weekend.

I took her plate. “Want to talk about what’s bothering you?”

Dodging my question, she said, “Not really. Tell me what the surprise is first.”

It felt odd presenting the tattoo to her when she was in such a morose mood. It wasn’t exactly how I’d pictured this moment, but I wasn’t going to be able to hide it much longer since I had every intention of f*cking her out of that bad mood later. She was going to see my chest one way or the other.

“Okay…this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I finally bit the bullet and had it done. I hope you like it.”

Soraya bit her lip in anticipation as I slowly unbuttoned my shirt. My heart was pounding. What if she thought it was creepy? Shit. It was too f*cking late. She watched as I tore the tape off.

“It’s still a little red,” I said, oddly nervous.