Singe (Men of Inked: Heatwave Book 8)

by Chelle Bliss

I craved forgiveness. Needed it more than the air I breathed. Spent eleven years trying to find it, too.

My life needs to change, or else I’ll end up alone, watching those around me revel in their happiness.

“It’s how I was raised, Arlo. You see someone in trouble, you help. You see a woman in trouble, you step in and protect. Until you drive away, I got your back.”

“You ran out of the bar so fast, I thought your ass was on fire.” Her cheeks turn pink again. “I’m a little awkward sometimes. I don’t people well.” “I don’t think I people well either.” “You saved my butt that night. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

I don’t know why, but I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my lips. This girl is so weird. She’s quiet and shy one minute

next. She’s shy, yet not. Strong, but weak. She’s a conundrum wrapped in a pretty package with big eyes, a stunning face, and a smokin’ hot body.

She’s cute as hell and quirky as shit, reminding me of half the crazy women in my family.

“I’ll drive slow, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love.” She stares at me again, blinking at me like I’m the weirdest human being in the world. “With you?” “With the bike, but me too, possibly. There’s a whole lot to like about me.”

Someone could punch me in the face right now and I wouldn’t flinch or feel it. Her words have smacked me down, making my cock hard, and left me winded already.

“This isn’t your game to play, li’l man,” I announce, setting the ground rules before my little brother tries to make a move. “You need to let the adults handle the situation.”

I have never been the one to sit around, staring at my screen, trying to will the other person to call. Is this how all the chicks in my life felt before? God, I was such a dick.

She reaches out, brushing her fingers across my skin, scorching me with her featherlight touch. “I believe in true love. I believe there’s someone out there for each of us. Lily wants that for you, and after meeting you, I want that for you too.”

It felt right and as if we’d done this forever. The very fake relationship has started to feel more real than anything I’ve ever experienced before, and in all honesty, it scares the ever-living shit out of me.

shake my head. “When my head’s thinking about another chick, it’s not a good policy to fuck a different one. Sorry to waste your time.”

“Always make her feel like the most important thing in the world and never take whatever piece of herself she gives you for granted. Even the strongest person wants someone in their corner, having their back, and showering them with love. She’s no different. A

extra effort and sometimes requires more attention and understanding. I know you two are new to each other, but don’t use that as an excuse to be lazy.”

what the good Lord gave you to dickmatize her.” I give her a pained look. “Dickmatize,” she repeats with a quick nod. “Bear dickmatized me, and I didn’t even really like him then.”

It’s amazing how many assholes can’t find a clit to save their own life. Orgasms make you memorable.”

This is more than sex. This is the fusing of our connection.

“You get something in your head and you’re liable to run with it and not look back. I want to make sure you’re running toward something and not away from possibly the best damn thing in your life.”

“Then why do people get married?” “Because they find the one asshole they can put up with on a daily basis. You just have to find the right asshole for you, with the knowledge that he, too, is an asshole, no matter how sweet he seems at the beginning.” “Arlo, do you know Carmello’s an asshole?”