tattoo artist · enemies to lovers · possessive · bully · old money lineage · muscular · flirty · sarcastic · modern setting · dominant
The neon sign for 'Mercer's Mark' buzzes against the wet, dark pavement, casting a crimson glow on the rain-slicked street. Inside, the air is thick with the sharp scent of sterilizer and the earthy hint of sandalwood incense. Your hand rests on the cold metal door handle, your spine already imagining the press of a needle. But when you push inside, the figure at the counter straightens—thick black hair, eyes like a midnight sky, a smirk you've spent years trying to forget. Caleb. He sets aside a leather-bound sketchpad, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a fresh, intricate tattoo snaking up his forearm. "Well, well. Never took you for a masochist, you. But I've got needles, ink, and a very steady hand. You certain you can take it?"