Gravity (Artistic Pricks Ink Book 1) Read online

  My sister has told me for years to take time for me. Well, Chase is right, it’s time to focus on myself. For the first time in my life it needs to be about me for a while. I have no fucking idea where to go from here, but one thing is clear. At the end of the day, being alone isn’t something I want anymore. Problem with that is, I will have to step out of my comfort zone to find it.

  Opening my eyes, I scowl at the mirror hanging on the wall in front of me. I’m content in my life sure, but am I really happy? Isn’t there more to it than just being satisfied?

  The shrill ring of my cell phone nearly has me falling out of bed. I’m exhausted, but living a double life will do that to you. Time flies when you are living as two people and you don’t know what is what anymore. You just do what is needed to get the bills paid and food on the table. Life is a race, you do what it takes to survive or lie down and die.

  My anonymity is top priority, which is why I take every precaution not to be noticed outside the club. Black wig, heavy makeup, and always keeping enough distance from patrons. Every night I dress up and Kionna becomes Sabrina for the length of a song. The men all watch with rapt attention as I tempt and tease, but never get too close. Give them the dream baby!

  I am nothing like their wives and girlfriends, which is what makes me so appealing. My job is to be the fantasy. The one they can see, but can’t have. By not allowing anyone close enough to identify me, I was deemed ‘untouchable’. The so-called ‘Diamond Pussy’ of ‘Heaven on Heels’. Not bad for a failed professional dancer if you ask me, beats the alley or street corner any day.

  At twenty one years old, I lost the center of my entire universe. Completely numb when my mother died tragically, I packed up everything we had and set out for the big time. I was going to be a Las Vegas Show Girl, a headliner. Throwing everything I had into every audition, I was hungry for the spotlight to be on me. To dance and feel something other than the loss. I was picked up almost immediately, the glitz and glamour had me awestruck. However, my lucky break was short lived.

  Everything went to shit on opening night, of all nights. My dance partner’s nerves were shit. His hands slipped and I landed on my knee wrong coming out of the jump. I heard the loud pop, then the pain engulfed me. It was so intense, it was like someone shot me.

  It may as well have been a gunshot. That one misstep killed my role in the show, and my career. A complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL tear, resulting in surgery. That was the darkest time in my life, the straw that broke the camel’s back. Recovery and therapy time all adding up to a long damn year before I was back to dancing strong again.

  They don’t tell you in physical therapy that no one wants a ‘broken’ dancer. Well, they should. Of course, I was offered a settlement due to being hurt on the job, which I was grateful for. It gave me the ability to focus on my recovery. At the audition the following year, they ‘respectfully declined’ allowing me to preform again. According to them, my injury only made me a liability. Instead of seeing my talent, they saw me as broken. A risk they weren’t willing to take.

  And boy, did they spread the word fast. No one wanted to touch me. I was black-listed from auditions and casting calls. Whispers behind my back and looks of pity were more than I could bear. It made me angry and that was no way to live my life. I made a decision to walk away and haven’t regretted it.

  Eventually, I found my way to Kelly, the owner of ‘Heaven on Heels’. She runs a tight ship and only has three rules: no drugs, no visible ink, and don’t bring your life drama into the club. Rules that I am more than happy to live with.

  “Good morning, K.” I answer my phone without even looking at the ID.

  “You took off last night before I could see you,” She scolds into the phone. “Doug says that Mitch guy is becoming a pain in the ass. He’s worried and wants me to ban him.”

  “He’s harmless,” I reply, pulling on my robe and head into the kitchen for a soda. With only four hours of sleep, caffeine will own me today. “There’s nothing for you to worry about.”

  “Does that mean you’re rethinking my offer, Ki?”

  Kelly mentioning her suggestion that I take on private clients makes me shudder. When I first started dancing I tried and failed miserably. It takes a special type of girl to cross that line into that end of the business. Even though I know it could easily triple my pay every night, I’m just not that girl. “No, Kelly, you know I just can’t do it.”

  “All right.” She sighs. “I’ll see my Diamond later then, yeah?”

  Looking out the back window, my focus is pulled into the yard next to mine. A woman in nothing but an old t-shirt is hunkering down against the side of the house sobbing into her hands. “Yeah, Kel. I gotta go, see ya in a bit,” I mumble, ending the call.

  Digging through the laundry at the back door, I yank on shorts and a tank top before shoving into my flip flops and running out the door. “Hey, are you okay?” I ask, climbing over the three foot stone wall separating our yards, approaching her slowly.

  The well put together woman I’ve seen lounging by the pool a few times is a far cry from the lady before me right now. Her usually well kept, long blonde hair is a ratted mess. She looks up at me, her face tear-stained and smeared with mascara. She’s got to be at least forty, but is shaking like a terrified child.

  “How long have you been out here?” I ask, but all she does is shrug. “Look, I want to help you. Can you at least tell me your name?”

  “Audrey, Audrey Campbell,” She chokes out.

  “I’m Ki, I live next door. We need to get you inside, then I can call someone for you,” I explain, helping onto her shaky legs.

  “There’s no one to call.” She sniffles. “I’m all alone.”

  “Okay, Audrey,” I soothe. Tucking her against me, I help her around the back side of the house to the double French doors that are wide open.

  The house is twice the size of mine and immaculate. Everything placed perfectly; and well, it looks more like a damn museum than someone’s home. The only thing I can think to do for her is feed her. That’s what my mom would have done. “Why don’t you go clean up Audrey? Are you sure there’s no one I can call for you?”

  Starting up the steps, she shakes her head. “There’s no one,” Audrey sighs, sounding defeated. “Derek’s gone, Chase is gone,” She rambles, climbing the steps slowly. “That rock star swooped in and stole my baby girl. No one bothers with me anymore, not even Luke.”

  “Is there anything I can do?” I ask, unsure of what I can really do at this point.

  “I’m fine,” she replies from the top of the steps. “I’ll clean up then try to eat something, I suppose.”

  “I can fix you something,” I blurt, happy to do something to help her. She just looks so beaten down, I want to do something, anything to make a difference with her right now.

  “Okay,” her reply is soft. “Thank you.”

  Making my way into the kitchen. I check out what little is in the fridge. A couple eggs, a few swallows of orange juice, and cheddar cheese cubes is all she has in the house. Omelet it is then, I guess…

  Fumbling through the cabinets and drawers, I manage to find a bowl, skillet, and a few utensils. Cracking the eggs into a bowl, I heat the skillet just as I see the flyer on the fridge for a tattoo shop. The words ‘Artistic Pricks Ink owned and operated by Luke Hanlon’ printed across the bottom of the page.

  Checking the staircase for any sign of Audrey, I dial the number on my cell and wait. Hopefully, this is the Luke she mentioned before. She may be my neighbor, but I don’t know her. I’m hoping, as upset as she is, whoever this Luke guy is can help.

  “Artistic Pricks, you’ve got Luke.”

  “Um…” I stutter, unsure what to say. “My name is Kionna Slade,” I start. “I live next door to Audrey Campbell, do you know her?”

  He sighs loudly, “She’s my mother.”

  “Well, I found your mother outside in nothing but a t-shirt; she was completely hysterical. I rea
lly don’t know what to do.”

  “Shit.” The word rushes out on an exhale. “Where’s Derek or whatever his name is?” He asks, I hear the shuffling of a chair and paperwork in the background.

  “There’s no one here but her,” I mumble, taking in the house.

  “I’m on my way,” He says before the line goes dead.

  “You shouldn’t have bothered Luke. He takes on so much,” Audrey says, walking in behind me. She has put on jeans and combed her hair so that it is flowing flawlessly down her back. Sitting at the table, she sighs. “I’m fine, you don’t really have to stay with me. I’m sure you’re busy.”

  Turning to the stove, I flip the omelet with a rubber spatula. “Did someone hurt you? Is that why you were outside like that?” I ask before starting to look through the cabinets for a plate.

  “The cat got out.” She sniffles. “I couldn’t find her anywhere and the coyotes have been howling so close to the house.” She explains and I get it. Wildlife in the valley tend to come right up in your yard and aren’t too friendly to your pets.

  I plate the omelet then slide it in front of her with a fork before pouring her the last of the juice. “It’s okay,” I reply, patting her hand reassuringly. “Where did Derek go?” I ask, even though I have a pretty good idea.

  Her eyes fill with tears. “He left me, they always do,” Audrey answers, pushing a piece of egg around on her plate. “Oh, I’m such a mess. You must think I’m a crazy lady,” She continues, meeting my eyes. “Weak and falling apart over a break-up. Shit,” she laughs weakly. “I’m even sick of listening to my whining.”

  “I think you’ve been hurt. You obviously love Derek.” Sitting beside her, I smile. “That’s the thing about love; it can make the weakest person strong and the strongest person weak. Just give it some time.”

  She doesn’t say anything else, but I can see she is thinking over what I have said. Audrey and I sit in comfortable silence while she picks at her food. She doesn’t seem to want to eat it, but attempts to, I assume, for my benefit. “Mom?” A voice calls out, making me jump. “What the hell is going on?”

  Looking up into the doorway, I take in the man that comes into view. Shaggy, long blonde hair is combed back out of his face showing a stubbly goatee and an intense stare. Leaning against the wall he crosses his tattoo covered arms over his chest, worry and frustration both etched across his face.

  “Hello to you too, Lucas,” Audrey says looking up at her son. “This is…”

  “Kionna Slade,” Luke finishes for her. “We spoke on the phone. I’m Luke Hanlon.” Stepping forward, he reaches out to shake my hand.

  Standing to my feet, I feel a jolt travel up my arm as his large hand engulfs mine. He towers over me, a little closer than I am okay with. “Audrey, I’ll let you and Luke talk. I need to get going,” I say, looking over at her. “If you need anything, I’m just next door.”

  My words don’t cause Luke to release my hand. He just stands there, watching me. “I’ll walk you out.”

  Pulling away, I walk around him toward the back doors. I can feel the heat of his gaze on my ass as he follows behind me. “Look, thanks for letting me know what was going on.” He starts, once we step out onto the back patio. “Things with my mom can be…complicated.” Running a hand over his stubbly jaw, he takes a deep breath. “If I had known, I mean as bad as you described it… She just,”

  “It’s none of my business,” I interrupt him. “Happy to help.”

  “Thanks again for callin’ me, I really do appreciate it,” Luke says again, and I can’t help staring at his eyes. Hazel, but so much more than muddy pools of brownish green. Flecks of gold hit the sunlight, drawing me in. His long blonde hair curls over the collar of his t-shirt, and his goatee has my fingers itching to touch it.

  Stop it, Ki. You’re just tired and need to get the hell away from him.

  “Well, it was nothing. Don’t worry about it.” I wave him off and turn to walk over to the stone wall.

  Reaching out, he grabs my wrist. His thumb runs along my pulse point, making my entire body tense. My hands tremble, my heart racing just from the touch of his hand. What the hell is going on? I am never affected this way by a man, especially one I don’t even know. “Hey, it’s okay,” he assures me. “I was just going to say that it was nice to meet you, Kionna. I didn’t mean to make you uneasy.”

  Standing up straight, I try to pull my hand away making him chuckle. “You d-don’t,” I stutter nervously.

  Damn, he totally does and he knows it. What’s worse, is I don’t want him to.

  I see a ghost of a grin, but he masks it quickly. Slowly, he runs his thumb along my wrist again, no doubt feeling my pulse race. “If you say so, Dollface,” Luke says, smiling as he releases my hand. “See you around, Kionna.” The way my name rolls off his tongue makes my knees weak. It’s a promise, but it feels more like a threat.

  Climbing across the wall, I hurry into my house. Slamming the door behind me, I sag to the floor and pull my knees into my chest. Associating with the neighbors usually doesn’t include my heart racing and me gawking openly at their son. Luke Hanlon could be a real test for my sanity and my panties, because they are all too ready to put out the welcome mat.

  “You care to explain why I had to leave Mitch in charge to run over here? Or why you’re gallivanting outside at noon nearly naked? Are you drunk?” I ask, pacing the kitchen while my mother pushes the last piece of that damn egg around on her plate. The last thing I wanted to do was leave a hung-over Mitch running things this morning until Shelby, my new office manager, gets in. “Mom,” I exclaim, becoming frustrated with her. “What’s going on and where the hell is Derek?” I ask, hoping that was his name. Eventually, they all start running together.

  “He left,” she mutters, not meeting my eyes. “Just like they always do, Lucas. No, I’m not drunk. I was trying to get the damn cat inside. You know how bad the coyotes can be. Now, I can’t find her anywhere.”

  Nodding my head, I open the fridge. Cursing under my breath at how empty it is, I slam the door. Typical Audrey, when shit goes bad for her the whole fucking world ends. “There’s no food in here. How long has Derek been gone?”

  Her back straightens, “It doesn’t matter, Luke,” She replies, “I know you’re busy.”

  Blowing out a breath, I yank a hand through my hair. “Why didn’t you call me? I’m not too busy for you, Mom. Once I find your cat, I’ll take you to the store.” Standing to her feet, Mom nods before leaving the room.

  Does she need to stand on her own two feet? Yes. Should she realize that she doesn’t need a man to function like a normal human being? Absolutely. Am I setting myself up for her to rely on me for everything? Probably. Does that stop the fact that I feel obligated to be here and help her no matter what? Nope.

  I can admit that I like feeling needed for something more than signing a damn invoice or paycheck. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. I built Pricks from the ground up and I am proud as fuck of that. I answer to no one. I don’t have to worry about money, and I take care of mine. Family and employees, it’s one and the same to me. Although, lately, it’s not the same anymore. I take on the world during the day, but the empty nights get lonely. I have found that I avoid my big, empty house more and more lately. It’s more appealing to stay at the shop where it’s busy, and people are always around to keep my mind from spinning in the silence.

  Walking over, I stack the dishes into the sink. Looking out the window, I see Kionna rolling out a yoga mat on her back patio. I swear I can still feel her heart racing against my fingers, her smooth skin so soft compared to mine. Her light brown hair is pulled up in some messy looking ball, giving me a great view of her body as she bends and stretches. I don’t know much more than her name; but damn, if I don’t want to get to know her.

  Get a grip Luke, you really need to get laid.

  Walking out of the kitchen, I head out the back doors to get a better look. Music flows from her opened back door as I wat
ch her body roll from one position to another with ease. Angling her body, Kionna lifts her ass into the air in some ridiculous bullshit yoga pose. I now have an unobstructed view of her backside. Any other time I would laugh. Hell, Chase went through the yoga craze for about two weeks and I teased her ass relentlessly. The idea of trying to bend and tuck into uncomfortable positions in the name of relaxation and some sort of Zen-like calm seems a bit far-fetched for me. Kionna Slade, however, could make me a believer. I can think of far better reasons for her to bend like that.

  Standing to her feet, she stretches one of her long legs against the house. Bringing her knee to her nose, effortlessly, as she leans into the wall and I think my heart stops. All the blood rushing painfully to my dick so fast my damn head spins. Last night, I was jealous of a pole. Now, I’m envious of a fucking brick wall. Every breath she takes forces my gaze to her chest. My eyes zone in on the way her tits press against the fabric of her tank on every inhale. A growl rumbles up from my chest, causing the rising and falling to stop. I look up to meet her wide eyes staring back at me.

  Shit. Busted.

  Frantically, I look around the yard. Desperate to come up with an excuse other than ‘hey, don’t mind me I’m just eye fucking your ass.’ “Just lookin’ for the cat,” I blurt, making her brow arch skeptically. Taking a few steps closer to the stone wall, I attempt to hide the bulge raging behind my zipper.

  A meow and loud hiss comes from behind her, making her scream in surprise. Attempting not to dislocate my dick, I jump the wall into her backyard to investigate. “Do you have a cat, Kionna?” I ask, stepping up onto the patio.

  “No, Luke.” She replies, taking a step back from me. Her eyes run down my body, stopping where my dick is trying to rip through and wave her over.