Cursed Love: Cursed Love (Cursed, #1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

goose bumps covered my arms and my legs. I looked down to my right forearm as Cricket asked me to place it on the table.
    It was happening; I was really going to do it. I swallowed hard as Cricket brought out a wipe and began to clean the skin of my forearm. He pulled out a razor and started to shave away the hairs on my arm.
    I watched as he carefully cleaned away the remaining hairs and wiped my arm down, ensuring that there was nothing that would stand in the way of the needle and my bare flesh.
    He turned in his chair and reached for the transfer paper that contained the art of the tiger. Bringing it toward me, he placed it onto my forearm in just the right spot.
    It all became very real when he removed the paper and in front of me was the creature staring back at me with fearless eyes. I was nervous, excited, and anxious all at the same time. I had no idea what I was about to get myself into.
    Cricket reached around the table for the ink and the tattoo gun.
    My palms started to sweat and I could feel my heart rate pick up a few beats. I was scared as hell, and I knew the moment the needle hit my skin there would be no turning back.
    I bring my head up from the palm of my hands and glance down at the tattoos on my arms. I’ve gotten at least a few dozen more since that day in Cricket's chair.
    Besides Daulton, Cricket has been the only other artist to ink my skin. The day we decided to buy the shop from him was the last day he stepped foot into Cursed Magic.
    Stupid fucker died four months later of prostate cancer. I didn’t even know he was sick; he kept it all from us ‘til it was too late.
    The world lost a good man the day Cricket died.
    He was more of a father to me in the short years I knew him that my own bastard of a dad.
    He taught me a lot about who I am and the things I really wanted in life. I’ll never forget the things he did for me or the man he helped me to become.
    The sound of footsteps grabs my attention as I look across the room to find Daulton standing in the doorway.
    He’s leaning against the doorframe with one hand in his pocket and the other holding a can of Red Bull.
    Bringing the can to his mouth, he takes a long drink and lets out a loud burp.
    I shake my head at him and turn to face the computer screen.
    Daulton clears his throat and I can see him walking to the desk out the corner of my eye.
    Taking a seat in front of me, he slams the Red Bull can down on the oak top and begins to drum his fingers on the desk.
    “When’s the first appointment for the day?” he asks.
    “I’ll let you know as soon as I pull up the calendar,” I say with a smirk.
    Grabbing for the mouse, I check the schedule and see that we’re pretty much booked.
    “We’ve got a ton of clients coming in and I have Cliff on walk-ins. It should make the day go by pretty damn fast. Trenton is coming in to finish his right sleeve, so I’ll be busy most of the afternoon.”
    “Sounds good, man,” he says, rubbing his hands over his face. “I could use a light day today after the night I had. You should’ve come out with us. Those chicks were one hell of a good time.”
    “I’m sure they were, and I can guarantee you took care of them just fine all by yourself,” I reply without turning to look in his direction.
    “Dude, what the fuck is your problem? You need to pull yourself out of whatever funk you’re in and let loose.”
    I stand from my chair and shove it under the desk, causing the can of Red Bull to tip over and spill on Dault’s lap.
    “Mother fucker!” he shouts.
    “That’s what you get for pissing me off. Go get your shit ready for today and leave me the fuck alone with this shit.”
    Storming past him, I walk out toward the reception area as Jo enters the building.
    “Hey, Linc baby,” she purrs.
    “Afternoon, Jo, we have a tight schedule today so I’ll be back in my room if you need me. Just send Trenton back when he gets here.”
    She bats her thick lashes over her bright green eyes and