Free Defying Fate by Heidi Lis Page A

draws out a moan from his very luscious lips.
    “Iz.” My name escapes his soft lips gingerly.
    His other arm is sporting a dragon that wraps down his arm. It’s just as intricate as the rest. I return my gaze to his stomach, and my insides flutter with excitement. Hot damn alive, the design that outlines his taut muscles is incredible. I do notice upon closer inspection he has a name above his heart.
    Lightly tracing it a smile spreads across my face. The letters are scripted and in the eagle’s wing, right above his heart.
    “Eve, I can see it here. If you didn’t look closely, you would never see it. It’s beautiful Braxton.” I never let my eyes wander; they are entranced in his daughter’s name.
    Softly, he replies, “Yeah, she is my heart. It seemed only right to have her mark on me. Do you really like it?”
    “Hmm, I love it. What a beautiful thing to do. Mine are not as beautiful as yours.” I accidently let this slip.
    That seems to get his attention.
    “You got tats sweetheart? Damn, how the hell did I not notice them?” He is trying to peer at my body half naked that is still half covered by the blanket.
    Slightly embarrassed, I only nod. I know he is going to ask me where and I will have to show him. Shit should have kept my mouth shut.
    “Oh Izzy, don’t hold out on me now. It’s only fair, you licked mine; I should get to return the favor.” Smiling, he gives me the look of the devil.
    Shit. Damn. Oh My God.
    “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I give him my best glare before I blurt out with a laugh.
    “Bet your ass, now fess up Sparkplug.” He says, slapping my thigh.
    My new found nickname is pretty funny, but Braxton calling me it makes it sweet. Braxton giving me a nickname is downright amazingly, hot as sin.
    I give him a serious look now because, what I’ve got to say is not funny in any way. “I got my first one several years back and then just kept adding some here and there. Some I wanted and some not so much.” I get quieter as I mention them to him without him knowing what I mean by ‘marks’ on my body. My mistake. He was never supposed to find out about my sordid past. Great Izzy, open mouth and insert foot.
    Sitting up some, Braxton gives me a look of ‘what the hell does that mean?’
    “Izzy, what the hell do you mean ‘some not so much’? Don’t tell me you let some dick mark you when you didn’t want it?” His sweet voice and body language is now a little frightening.
    Rolling my eyes with a shake of my head, I am now pissed at myself for saying anything. Seriously Izzy, what the hell? Major buzz kill.
    I sigh with regret. “Doesn’t matter now, does it? What happened to me was then, not now. Someday I want to have a few of my marks covered up.”
    He pauses and shakes his head as if he did not just hear me right. His nostrils flare with anger. “Sparkplug, spill it now. Not fuckin’ liking what is coming out of your mouth.”
    Shit. “Braxton, leave it alone. If you’re nice, I will show you my butterflies.” Wanting to distract his anger I try to plaster a fake ass smile on my face. This is not a can of worms I want to be opened.
    His glare is seeking entrance into my soul. Or maybe just trying to figure me out, either way he is searching.
    He relaxes a bit. “Yeah babe, show me some skin. First the butterflies then I want to see the others. It’s Showtime, baby doll.” He just cracks me up, but underneath his smile, I can see his nervousness as well. He can’t hide it from me.
    Turning around, I go to stand. “Here, see how the butterflies span my entire back.” I showcase my back by the moonlight coming in the window. Turning slightly to my side so he can see how my butterflies span up my side. It’s quite beautiful. This is my only piece that is truly me. Life imitates art and all.
    Braxton instantly sits up and turns on the nightstand light to get a better look. The moon shining through the window did not give him enough light, I guess. Hey,