INKED 8: A Tattoo Shop Reverse Harem

Maybe it’ll be the only time in my life that I get to be this version of me.

The trouble is, I like the person I am right now, and I’ll do anything to keep her.

20

KOLE

When Kyla picks my date next, I'm on fucking cloud nine. I wasn't happy that my brother got chosen before me, but when Kyla went through with his date and enjoyed herself enough to continue the game, I felt more confident that she'd be okay with my kink.

Not everyone gets the idea of role-playing. Most people are happier being themselves, especially during sex. Taking the time to act out a different scenario needs a person willing to play. It takes someone comfortable with acting too.

Kyla seems intrigued by the idea. On the paper she picked out of the bowl, I wrote KOLE, CONNOR'S BAR, STRANGERS. I had to explain what I meant, and she seemed relieved that it was only role-play. After, it struck me that she might have worried that I wanted to watch her have sex with people she'd never met before. The poor girl was probably nervous as hell.

On the day of our date, Kyla leaves work at the end of her shift, but I hang around for another thirty minutes to help Carl deal with an issue at one of the franchises. After, as we're closing up, he turns to me with the expression of a Viking who just spotted an enemy on the horizon. "Do you think this game is going too far?" he asks.

"Kyla seems happy. The guys who've already gone haven't said anything negative. She's still happy to pick the next date. I think it's okay."

"I know I said that it was up to you guys, but I'm starting to wonder if I should have put my foot down at the start."

I pat his shoulder, hoping to offer some reassurance. "Carl, you can't control everything. There are seven other men in this business, and you weren't going to be able to say no against that much opposition."

Carl bends to lock the shutter. When he stands, it's with a posture that seems defeated.

"I think she's going to leave…when the game is done. While it's still going on, she's happy to come in, but when it's ended, things will get awkward."

"I don't know. We've all been upfront about everything."

"We have, but that doesn't mean that there aren't feelings bubbling under the surface."

I think Carl might be right, but I'm not sure if agreeing with him is wise or crazy at this point. I've noticed my twin staring at Kyla with a dopey smile plastered across his face. I've seen the homemade lunches that Lex has brought in for her and the way Niall always fetches her favorite soda from the store. My friends have already had a taste, and they all seem smitten.

Will I feel the same after tonight?

"My momma always tells me not to worry about things that haven't happened yet. I think that's a good approach in this situation. There are too many people involved, and that leads to too many variables."

"Your momma sounds like a wise woman." He shoves his hands into his jeans pockets, kicking the sidewalk with the toe of his black boot. "I kept myself out of this thing to try and preserve a professional space within Ink Factor. Kyla needs at least one of us to turn to if things go sour."

"And you want that person to be you?"

He nods, then shrugs his broad shoulders. "I did. But I'm conflicted because the more time goes on, the less confidence I have that it will make any difference."

"And you're regretting not having a chance to be with her?"

Carl shakes his head as though he's disappointed with himself. "When she walked in the door, I knew she was the kind of girl who would get under my skin. When I offered her the job, I was disappointed that I wouldn't get a chance to ask her out on a date. Now, I'm going to be the only one who doesn't know what it's like. Am I cutting off my nose to spite my face?"

"Maybe," I say. "But you're doing it for a good reason. You're doing it for Kyla."

"But she'll never know that. All she'll know is that I didn't put a piece of paper in the bowl. She must think I rejected her."

I glance at my watch, conscious that I have limited time to get ready. "I have no idea what she thinks," I admit, "But I can find out later if you like."

Carl turns, staring down the road as if he's searching for answers on the horizon. When he turns back, there’s a brightness to his eyes that I haven't seen for a while. "Find out," he says. "Maybe it's not too late to change my mind."