My Dirty Little Secret (SAMPLE NOW ON AMAZON)

The thrilling buzzing sounds—like a vibrator but louder and more intense, whirled through my ears when the tattoo gun Velvet used on me echoed through the room. And my breathing was constantly halting—my lungs felt restricted from receiving the air I needed to breathe the longer she etched her artwork permanently onto my spine. Smiling like a mad woman, knowing she was hitting all my sensitive spots—which seemed to be my entire backside. Even though this was the most painful tattoo I'd ever gotten, excitement still grew inside me with every second that went by—eager to see the final result.

I came into the tattoo parlor, thinking Velvet marking my spine would be a piece of cake after the other areas she tattooed in the past didn't affect me. But this new artwork I had her draw up for me, from the top of my spine down to the bottom, is most definitely challenging me and my pain tolerance.

Through the mirror in front of me, I looked at the man standing beside me, watching Velvet torment my back in amazement. Theo—a beautiful, caring, loving man who befriended me on my first day in college after seeing me walk around campus, looking dazed and confused, and as he put it—off. He became the best study partner I could've ever asked for and my go-to guy whenever I needed someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone I needed by my side. He's seen me at my worst. Seen me at my best. And Theo's the only one who's enjoyed challenging me these last eight years, insisting and persuading me to be my best.

Theo's also a very attractive man. Dark hair, piercing blue eyes, perfect skin, with an innocent boyish-looking face that dresses very well—better than me, actually—who puts a lot of effort into his appearance before even thinking about stepping out the door. He's also the only guy I know that isn't ashamed to walk into a spa with me and get a manicure and pedicure.

Since Theo and I were always joined at the hip, doing everything together, one would think he and I were a hot item. And if I wasn't in love with someone else, or he wasn't gay, Theo would be the guy I'd want to have in my life.

"Just think, Desiree. The man that'll be lucky enough to boink you from behind will be in paradise when he gets to stare at the inking on your back," Theo teased, grinning, then laughing after Velvet paused her torturing session to chuckle at his remark. He looked at Velvet, then me through the mirror, proudly smiling. "Well, it's true. Whichever hole he chooses, or you allow him to satisfy, he'll be extremely turned on because the graffiti he'll be seeing on his Mona Lisa will show how much of a wild side she has. Sometimes men love women who can be wild and out of control." He winked and grinned wider while pointing at my back. "And that peach-colored gladiolus flower with the stem a quote you just had etched into your spine? 'You're always where you're supposed to be.' Shows you enjoy arousing someone's curiosity. Because you know as well as me that means more than one thing," he snickered.

As I looked at Theo, I rolled to my side, using my hip to balance myself. "Are you implying I meant the quote to be sexual?"

Theo's lips stretched wider. And he started pumping his hips back and forth, saying, "I know you and your secrets, Desiree. And I'm smart enough to know it has a hidden meaning. So don't even try lying to me about what the passage means." He winked, still moving his hips as if he was having sex. Then he started snapping his wrist like he was spanking the imaginary person, teasing, "You're right, Desiree. I'm right where I'm supposed to be. Right between your luscious thighs, filling you entirely of me. Now cum for me... all over my cock."

I hurriedly rolled back to my stomach and lowered my cheek to the bed, looking the opposite way of Theo after feeling my cheeks heat from embarrassment. "I'll have you know. The gladiolus means quite a few things. Faithfulness, strength, trustworthiness, never giving up, and more. The peach hue means serenity. And it's a color that protects you from negative emotions like sadness and disappointment since it doesn't allow you to feel them. And as for the message? That's for me to know and for you to just leave alone."