Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend Chapter 56

Chapter 56: He Is So Handsome

Brianna

Callan just nodded at me before proceeding to one of the private rooms. That was rude, I stayed at the register and made change for a customer who was paying. Eventually, I heard Josephine call out for me, asking if I could grab her something.

When I entered the room, I almost passed out. On the tattooing chair was Callan leaning back shirtless. It was the first time I saw him without shirt on, his whole upper body was bare to me and I couldn't help but stare. I knew he was fit, but this was beyond that. He is defined in every sense of the word. Thick shaped arms, a taut chest and a slate of abs. His happy trails were prominent with the cut V he had and I couldn't look away. On top of being carved out of fine stone, I could also finally see where his tattoos were. He had one full arm sleeve made up of black ink. On his left arm, he had a tattoo on his inner forearm and right now he is getting words tattooed across a portion of his ribs. His arm flexed with the way he had it behind his head, propping it up.

“You can leave that right there.” Josephine couldn't hide the amusement on her face when she noticed me openly staring at her client.

The smooth flesh was so touchable, every inch of him is so dang touchable. I swallowed hard and had to actively try and turn away from him so I could give Josephine what she asked for. I should have walked out, but instead I came beside him and asked.

“What are you getting done?”

Josephine's hands were in the way as she worked, so I couldn't immediately see it. Callan first removed his arm from behind his head and extended that right arm out to show me what was on it.

“The theme of this full sleeve is about Homer and Odyssey novels. Do you know what that is?” He asked, I nodded yes and took his arm in my hand to view all the intertwining images.

It was sort of like the book illustration with fighting trojan and all that ancient stuff. It was super cool looking, it finished off at the start of his shoulder. Men with spears and shields and even the bust of Homer's head himself. A few words were written, through the illustration.

'For a friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother.’

“Your brother and our whole platoon got those words tattooed on us overseas.” He said when I brushed my fingers over it.

Josephine kept glancing at us, but she was focused on her work. He showed his other arm and this amazing illustration of an angel of death was tattooed there. It was hauntingly beautiful.

“And the words?” I asked, I finally got a glimpse of his ribs and he was getting a few lines done.

“It all reads, the gods envy us. They envy us because we are mortal, because any moment may be our last. Everything is more beautiful because we are doomed. You will never be lovelier than you are now. We will never be here again.

“It is from the movie, but it isn't in the book. I like it though, it has its own meaning for me.” He shrugged, his voice could always sound serious and disinterested somehow.

“Why those books?” I continued to inquire.

“They had them on base, when I was bored as all hell, I ended up picking them up. It sort of marked a certain point in my life.” I found that fascinating, but I couldn't pry without pissing him off right now. I really like it, though.

“Need a break?” Josephine asked, he shook his head no and took it like a champ.

“Isn't it painful?” I scrunch my nose at the sight of the needles continuously poking through the skin.

“Define pain?” He shrugged.

When the phone rang, I had to excuse myself. Although I didn't want to, Callan Harold without shirt on is my new favorite view. He is a masterpiece, a work of art.

It was nearing closing time and most of the clients were gone, so I started cleaning up. Callan re-entered the space with his shirt back on and his jacket draped over his arm.

“You know the deal on at home care.” Josephine waved him off.

He came to the register to pay which meant I had to stop what I was doing for a second.

“Do you need a ride back home?” He asked, I glanced at the cock.

“I am still here for at least another half hour.” I muttered.

“Everything seems to be in order.” He glanced around, insinuating I was no longer needed here.

“Would you let your employees cut out early?” I arched my brow at him, I knew he wouldn't. Sure enough, he shook his head no.

“Then?” I looked at him pointedly, letting him know if would be staying.

I lost track of him as I continued with my cleaning but walking out of the private room, I was surprised to see him still standing there.

“No sense in me leaving and her calling for a ride when we were going to the same place.” I heard him telling Zaveri.

He glanced back at me and then at Callan whose expression was stone and intimidating.

“Umm, I guess you can just go, Brianna.” He said.

“It is fine,” I waved him off.

Callan stood in the middle of the room with his hands in his pocket and his legs in that wide stance he does. The sexy bossman stance.

“Let's go,” he ordered, I sighed and gathered my things.

“Thank you, Zaveri.” I was sure to acknowledge that he was doing me the favor of letting me out earlier than I was meant to.

“No problem, have a good night.” He approached me and gave me a hug like he usually does.

I was practically yanked away when Callan grabbed me by the arm and pulled us apart. Zaveri almost seemed taken back, but Callan didn't stay long enough to even acknowledge that.

“Bye guys,” I said from over my shoulder, so I wouldn't leave things awkward.

As soon as we fit outside and down past a few stores, he stopped me against the wall and caged me in.

“Why did he hug you?” He asked in a venomous tone, I gaped at him.

“Because we always do.” I got defensive.

“Does he do that with all his employees?” He seemed to be accusing me of something.

“I have no idea, I don't even pay attention.” I got feistier.

“You seriously think you have the right to tell me what to do?” I shook my head at him.

From this close proximity, my mind always went a little hazy. I blame the thickening air which lacks oxygen around me and therefore my brain. His palms were on either side of me, his forehead pressed against my flesh and there was only a small gasp between his chest and mine.

“I already told you, you have a right to do as you please but my reaction to those choices are on you.” He said, I crossed my arms which almost didn't fit between us.

“No, sir. That is your choice and your fault. Don't pin this on me.” I stood my ground.