Chapter 2

ᴅᴇᴄɪꜱɪᴏɴꜱ

I got into my car and slammed my head against the steering wheel. Today went well. I rolled my eyes, before starting my car.

As I drove, I began to reflect on all of the events that had happened today. Not only was I humiliated, but I also wasted a lovely gown. Then I met the famous Enrico, only to have him offer me his card after I turned him down.

What?

Was this guy insane? His ego is enormous.

That isn't the only thing that's big.

With a giggle and a shake of my head, I rolled my eyes at my sour humor. When I arrived to my apartment, I changed into my pajamas and wiped off my makeup, calling it a night.

I'll wash my hair tomorrow.

Noting that I hadn't eaten at the restaurant, I pulled out my phone and ordered some dinner for myself.

Once I finished ordering my food, I clicked on the contacts app and phoned Luca's number. On the third ring, he answered and screamed into my ear, causing me to pull the phone away from my ear.

"HOW'S THE DAT—wait, why are you home so early?" He questioned, making me laugh.

"Luca, I was stood up," I murmured, picturing the tremendous frown on his face.

"What do you mean?" Luca whispered. He seemed to be confused by what I've just said.

I repeated slowly over the phone, "Stood up as in the person didn't show up."

"I don't understand—" he begins, but I interrupted him.

"Luca, I told you I wasn't put out for this dating shit," I explained, letting out a big sigh. I couldn't say I blamed him. Luca tried everything he could to get me to go out, and he succeeded, but the guy pulled a low blow.

"However, don't let that dampen your mood," I advised. "You'll never guess who I spoke with today," I said. It was dead silent on the other end of the line.

"Hm, your ex?" I laughed into the phone as he guessed.

Of course he'd say that.

"No, I spoke with Enrico Bernardi," I answered, moving the phone away from my ear as he screamed.

"THE ENRICO BERNARDI?" Luca exclaims. I shake my head as he freaks out.

"Yes, Luca, and you won't believe what we talked about," I said, and he urged me into telling him about it.

I informed him about almost colliding into him and his arrogant reaction. When I told him about my responses, he chuckled. He yelled into the phone when I told him about his offer for a good time. He grumbled when I told him I declined the offer.

"I don't understand why you haven't accepted the offer. You're guaranteed a good time and, even better, will be satisfied. Even better, it's a one night stand. Isn't that a good thing?" He says, making me think.

What was it that I was so afraid of?

I knew why I was so apprehensive about becoming involved with this man deep down. He possessed the looks and had the charming character that would bring anyone to their knees.

What if I fell for him? Or started to like him?

I definitely had attachment issues. Which was one of the reasons why I held back on dating.

I knew he'd simply hit and run, so why not avoid some trouble? Knowing it was only Luca I was talking to, I opened up.

"What if I fall for him? I don't know Luca, he seems to have it all, plus he's also my type. One-night stands aren't something I'm really fond of." I explained to him, getting up after hearing the doorbell ring.

I grabbed some cash and made my way to the door, knowing it's my food. I paid the delivery person and told them to keep the change after I got my food. When Luca noticed that I've settled down, he starts talking.

"I understand, but maybe a one-night stand with him will help relieve your tension. I know you're stressed out about school, so you should relax and enjoy the moment." I hum as he spoke.

He was right. I was stressed out from school and exams, and I'm hoping that one night would help.

I spoke into the phone, "I'll think about it, Luca," and he hums.

I hope this will be worth it.

Luca and I wrap up our conversation by talking about nothing in particular. Given how lonely living alone in a two-bedroom apartment may be, he knows how much I enjoy his company.

After I completed my meal, I told him I'd call him tomorrow. As soon as I hung up the phone, I cleaned up the mess that I'd left behind and returned to my room to study. I figured that since it wasn't too late, a few hours of studying wouldn't hurt.

...

I got up early in the morning to study before heading to work. As a college student, I couldn't just sit down all day, I had to pay off these bills.

Why not get a jump start on paying off my debt?

I work as a tattoo artist. Believe it or not, I'm really good at art. I've always loved to sketch and paint, and I've done it since I was a child. Both of my parents despised it. They didn't appreciate it when I drew on their walls. Looking back, I wouldn't like it either.

When I arrived at the tattoo shop, I checked in and began my day's work. Because I was a girl, I didn't receive many clients. I didn't mind because I was still highly paid. Once I proved my worth to men, they would immediately come to me, without looking at the other artists.

Which is ridiculous because I don't owe men shit, but money is money, and they leave excellent tips.

I heard the doorbell ring while I was cleaning up my station, indicating that someone had came into the shop. When I turned back, I saw someone I didn't want to see. Enrico.

He spun around, almost as if he sensed eyes on him, and found my eyes, making eye contact with me. I battled the blush that had crept up the back of my neck.

He approached me and sat down in my seat. Raising my eyebrows as I looked at him, I was confused.

He wanted me to do his tattoo?

"I didn't realize you worked here," he stated, his tone wasn't sarcastic or teasing, but filled with genuine curiosity.

"I do, but only temporarily," I explained as I prepared my ink and machine. He stared up at me, as if he was trying to figure out who I was.

"Only temporarily?" he questioned.

I looked at him and nodded. "This semester, I will graduate and will become a licensed lawyer." His eyes widened, and his facial expression was surprised as looked up at me.

When I told folks I'm a tattoo artist studying to be a lawyer, I received a lot of those surprised reactions. I'd be stunned too if someone told me that as well. The two aren't particularly compatible.

But, hey, the pay is great, and I have the necessary skills for it, so why not?

He didn't say anything; instead, he hummed and averted his gaze, seeming to be in a deep thought.

He rose from his chair and removed his shirt. His body was covered with tattoos and ink. He was definitely in good shape. I blushed as I looked down.

He smirked when I returned my gaze to him.

He added, "I'd like the tattoo on my chest," and I nodded.

I began by transferring the drawing he requested onto his skin and started getting to work. Surprisingly, he remained totally still, almost as if he wasn't in any sort of pain. I continued to work on his tattoo.

As I was doing his tattoo, I felt his eyes on me. They didn't seem to leave me. I had to take several breaks to catch my breath and settle my trembling hands. It was evident that his gaze had an effect on me, and there was no denying it.

On top of that, I was in such close proximity to him. I inhaled his aroma as a result of this. He smelled fucking divine. I smelled the scents of both his cologne and deodorant. Together, they created a wonderful aroma. It wasn't overbearing, but you could tell that it was him who had this scent.

When I was finished, I applied some cream and wrapped it in plastic wrap. I offered him the mirror, and he grabbed it, nodding his head in approval of the design.

"I assume you know what to do because you have like a million tattoos?" I asked, and he nodded. He got up and carefully put on his shirt.

"Did you think about my offer?" He asked, smirking. I looked down, unsure of how to respond.

"Hm, you should take it up on it, I could definitely make you relax," he added as he approached me slowly. To make eye contact with him, he lifts my chin up with his finger. He continues to scan my face while I remain silent.

I'm curious as to what he's thinking.

He takes a step back and winks at me, before walking over to the register to pay. I took in a big breath and exhaled deeply.

Damn.

I decided to take a couple more clients before leaving and calling it a night after he went. I've had enough surprises this weekend.

When I made it home, I threw myself onto my bed. It surprised me that I didn't want to study.

I always want to study.

Closing my eyes, I muttered, "Maybe I should just call him." He was the last thing on my mind before I went to sleep.