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108. Gallery (Luke POV)

Author: Eden Moon
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Swinging my legs out of the truck, my boots hit the concrete with more force than I had intended. The withdrawal was deep this time, each moment a battle, but I welcomed it. The pain and the struggle were necessary to get to the other side.

For the first time, I felt an absolute resolve to quit. I sensed the bottom approaching, and I was terrified of hitting it. I hoped, desperately, that she'd keep me afloat long enough for me to find my footing in this new, terrifyingly sober world.

Lexi grabbed my hand, pulling me upright. I made a show of it, pretending she helped more than she did. Emotionally, she was the strongest person I knew. Physically, though, her small frame sometimes worried me, especially when she put herself between me and what she perceived as danger.

As we walked to the gallery, her arm around my waist, Clay trailed behind, his gaze sharp and protective. It killed me to see him so wary around me with Lexi. I hated that my actions had caused this, that he felt he n
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    Luke's awe was clear as Clay finished my tattoo, his skilled hands bringing to life the intricate design we'd agreed upon. It was more than ink on skin; it was a symbol of our intertwined lives, our shared journey. The art was so quintessentially us, capturing the essence of our bond in bold, swirling lines and shaded crescents.As Clay began working on Luke's tattoo, situating it on the curve of his calf muscle, I pulled Luke closer, letting his head rest in my lap. The intimacy of the moment, the proximity to Luke while Clay etched a matching symbol into his skin, felt surreal. There was a playful banter in the air, light and teasing, as I ran my fingers through Luke's hair."Ow, easy there, Clay," Luke joked, wincing slightly as the needle buzzed against his skin.I couldn't help but chuckle. "You're not exactly the tough guy you pretend to be, are you?" I teased, watching his expression shift between discomfort and pride.Clay, focused yet part of our playful exchange, handed me a

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