The Marked Men 3-Book Collection: Rule, Jet, Rome. Jay Crownover

no matter who the client is. When they leave they’re leaving with something you put on their skin forever. They trust you to capture their vision and execute it perfectly, so sometimes that means you have to invest in them as a person to some degree. Some girls, especially younger ones, get really wrapped up in the process and turn it into more than it is. I have my fair share of clients who have little crushes on me and come back for work. Not because I’m awesome but because they want to spend time in the setting, but it’s my job so I keep it professional. I’m not going to lie, I’ve hooked up with a client or two, but never after work or never while I was in the process of doing a piece. Sex and work don’t belong in the same place.”

      I sucked back some of the water and mulled that over for a minute. “Does it bother you that I don’t look like the typical girls you find attractive?”

      “What in the hell are you talking about?”

      I hopped up on the counter and let my legs dangle. I tapped the tips of my nails on the tiled surface and cocked my head to the side while I studied him closely. “I don’t have tattoos or piercings. I don’t have sex hair or wear clothes that are impossible to breathe in. I’m just, you know, a normal girl. I’ve seen enough, been around enough of your morning-afters to know that I’m not what you typically gravitate toward. When you look at me, do you wonder if you would like it better if I looked more like you and your crew?”