Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely 2)

Irial bit back his smile. “Just Ani.”

“Right then. I’ll get her.”

“Be sure to say hello to Tish, though,” Irial reminded him. “Then send her to me. We’re going out.”

I need to find Leslie. My Leslie, my mercy, my strength, my Shadow Girl…mine.

He drew a deep breath, pleased to realize that he knew exactly where she was, could see her if he tried. She had left the shop and now walked down the street, her step sure, her lips curved in the most enchanting smile he’d ever seen.

Soon. I’ll be there soon. He pulled his hands through his hair, brushing it back, and checked that he hadn’t any blood on his shirt. He didn’t, but his pants were a total loss. He opened the door and called, “Tish! Five minutes.”

Then he went to find his bag. My mortal seeing me like this…no, not the best way to entice her, covered in blood.

CHAPTER 24

Leslie felt a compulsion riding inside her, leaving her with an inexplicable need to move. Her skin felt tight and tingly. She reached back and tore away the bandage that Rabbit had put over her tattoo. The bandage was wet, not with blood but with plasma and traces of ink. Her shirt stuck to her damp skin, its fabric probably getting stained, but she couldn’t stand having her beautiful tattoo trapped.

She tossed the bandage in the trash and headed down Crofter Avenue toward the Crow’s Nest, grinning to herself when she saw the club’s red neon sign. A few guys were hanging out in the shadowed alley alongside the building; it was a shortcut over to the railroad yard, but most people used it as a spot to smoke. As she approached, she saw one guy punch another. She smiled, feeling a pleasant jolt of adrenaline as the two men began hitting each other unreservedly.

At the door of the club, Glenn, the doorman, stopped her. His attention flicked to the fight in the alley, and the bars in his face glittered as the red light from the sign hit them. He shook his head at the fight. Then turned his attention back to her. “Five-dollar cover tonight.”

“Least they’re fighting outside.” She pulled a crinkled bill out of her pocket and held her hand out for the stamp.

“They’re staying out, too.” He grinned at her. “You bringing trouble in your wake these days?”

She laughed, but privately she wondered if he was right. Inside the club the lead singer of the band all but screamed his lyrics; Leslie winced. “They don’t sound like they’re worth it.”

“Could be worse.” Glenn put the money in the box and leaned back on his stool. They listened to the guitar-heavy music for a minute; then he grinned again. “Or not.”

“Anybody around?” She couldn’t see far into the crowd.

“Seth and Ash are over by the wall.” He inclined his chin toward the most shadowed part of the club.

“Is Keenan with them?”

“Yeah, he’s there too.” Glenn scowled, but he didn’t say more.

The door opened behind Leslie. Glenn turned to the newcomer. “Ten-dollar cover.”

Leslie leaned in and asked, “Inflation?”

“Nah. Doorman’s prerogative.” He quirked his mouth in a crooked smile.

She shook her head and started to walk off, but Glenn put a hand on her arm.

“Watch yourself. All sorts of freaks in town tonight.” Glenn shot a glance over the crowded room. The usual familiar faces were there, but a lot of strangers were in the crowd too. Maybe that’s what all the fights were about: maybe gangs were moving in.

No. It felt weird to think it, but somehow she suspected that the fights were tied to her. It seemed solipsistic to consider it, but the idea felt true.

Or I’m losing it.

“You okay?” Glenn raised his voice to be heard over the increasing din, and she felt a wave of something—protectiveness—roll from him. “I could get Tim to watch the door and—”

“No, I’m cool.” She didn’t feel nervous, not tonight, not anymore. Her hand strayed to her tattoo, hidden under her shirt. “Thanks, though.”

She squeezed her way through the crowd to Seth and Aislinn. They sat as close together as they could while still remaining on separate chairs.

Aislinn looked up. “Hey.”