CHAPTER 4
RILEY
I walk into Ink & Iron for the last time this week. Midnight again. The neon sign glows pink and blue above me. I feel bold tonight. My short red dress hugs my body tight. No bra. No panties. Heels click on the pavement. I push the door open without knocking.
Dante looks up from the front counter. His eyes go dark instantly. He wears a black hoodie tonight, sleeves pushed up, tattoos on full display. He doesn’t smile. He just stares.
“Last healing check,” I say, voice steady even though my heart pounds.
He walks straight to the door, locks it firm. Then flips off the main lights. Only the neon stays on, bathing everything in pink and blue glow.
No words. He grabs my waist, lifts me onto the front counter like I weigh nothing. Glass top cold against my thighs.
“Spread
