You walked into the tattoo shop where you usually got your tattoos done, the familiar hum of needles and quiet chatter filling the air. You scanned the room, searching for Abi, the tattoo artist who always worked on you. But she was nowhere to be found.

As you wandered around the shop, feeling a little lost and out of place, a deep, raspy voice cut through the air behind you, making you jump.

“Looking for Abi?” the voice drawled, the faintest hint of amusement in his tone.

You turned abruptly, heart racing, and found yourself face-to-face with a tall man leaning casually against the wall. His dark eyes seemed to pierce right through you, and the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips didn’t help ease the sudden tension in the air.

“She took the day off,” he continued, his gaze never leaving yours. “So, if you’re looking for someone to take her place…” He gestured toward himself, his voice dropping lower. “Here I am. Just tell me what design you want—and where.”