Chapter 2

Mia’s pov

The afternoon air felt warm against my skin as I made my way to the converted warehouse on the edge of downtown.

With every step, my heartbeat grew louder, a mix of nerves and excitement twisting in my stomach.

When I finally reached the door, I took a steadying breath before pushing it open.

“Wow this place is quieter than I thought it would be,” I said softly to myself as I stepped into Jax’s Ink, feeling my heart hammer hard in my chest.

The dark walls with framed art and soft lighting made everything feel professional and calm with that faint smell of antiseptic and...