The Ink Romance Series Read online

  The Ink Romance Series:

  The Complete Series Including Books 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  By Bridget Taylor

  © 2018

  As a big THANK YOU for your purchase with us, we would like to give you a free gift.

  A free audio version of Bridget Taylor’s Alpha Billionaire Series. If you liked 50 Shades of Grey, you will love this series!

  It is narrated by one of the best romance narrators in the world!

  We are giving it to you as a free gift as a thank you. Claim it by going here: As a big THANK YOU for your purchase with us, we would like to give you a free gift.

  A free audio version of this series. It is narrated by one of the best romance narrators in the world!

  We are giving it to you as a free gift as a thank you. Claim it by going here: https://adbl.co/2FwErVK

  It is a great companion to reading the series. The narration is fantastic!

  Enjoy reading and listening to the series!

  Make sure you claim your free gift of the audio version here before it expires: https://adbl.co/2FwErVK

  Sign Up & Join Bridget Taylor’s Mailing List. Click here!

  *EXCLUSIVE UPDATES

  *FREE BOOKS

  *NEW REALEASE ANNOUCEMENTS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE GETS THEM

  *DISCOUNTS

  *GIVEAWAYS

  FOR NOTIFACTIONS OF MY NEW RELEASES:

  Never miss my next FREE PROMO, my next NEW RELEASE or a GIVEAWAY!

  THIS SERIES INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING BOOKS:

  Ink Waves

  Ink Lies

  Ink Breaks

  Ink Trusts

  Inked Forever

  COPYRIGHT

  The Ink Romance Series: The Complete Series Including Books 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  By Bridget Taylor

  Copyright @2018 by Bridget Taylor.

  All Rights Reserved.

  This book may not be used or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without permission from the author or publisher. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons whether living or dead is entirely coincidental. This book contains mature content of sexually explicit scenes, situations for adults 18+. Every character in this book is 18+ years of age.

  All the characters in this book are fictional

  Table of Contents

  Ink Waves

  Description

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Ink Lies

  Description

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Ink Breaks

  Description

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Ink Trusts

  Description

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Inked Forever

  Description

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Ink Waves

  Description

  Leslie Benton is an independent woman who doesn’t need a man! At least, that is what she thought for years, until a black-haired, six-foot-five, annoying, self-centered, and sexy man buys the shop she has been saving up for to expand her animal shelter. It makes everything change. Nights of body-yearning dreams, arguments, and a date with the wrong guy makes Leslie realize who she seems to want is the man that took her dreams away! Refusing to give in to her body’s lust, she goes on a date with the local veterinarian Chase Jackson. He is everything Kane is not and is just what she needs – at least that’s what she tells herself. But Kane interferes, yet again. When push comes to shove and threats loom over their heads, can Leslie and Kane beat the odds? Or will Kane push her into another man’s arms?

  Chapter 1

  “What are we going to sing tonight?” Molli asks as David gives her a shot of tequila.

  “I’m feeling some Vanilla Ice,” David spouts and before he does the running man, he takes another shot.

  Just watching them take these shots makes my nose crinkle. I don’t know how they drink the stuff.

  “Better question. You’re wearing your hair curly, Leslie,” he says as he wraps his arms around Molli. When they drink, they get touchy feely. Does it lead to anything? Nope. They act like the innocent touches mean nothing. Ha! Joke’s on them. I think they’re soulmates, but what do I know?

  “David, that wasn’t a question,” I chuckle. The tequila bottle looks at me though, judging me for not joining in the pregaming festivities.

  “You’re right. It was a statement. You better wear all that mane in those natural curls you have. The guys will come running!” David says matter-of-factly as he high-fives Molli.

  “You guys need to stop ganging up on me,” I pout and turn the skull-looking tequila bottle around. The sunken eyes staring at me freak me out.

  “David’s right, Leslie. You need to let your hair down, find a smokin’ hot guy for the night, forget all your worries, get a little drunk, and have fun.” Magically, a shot of tequila finds its way into my hand. Molli the Magician.

  “Fine, but don’t get impatient when you’re waiting an hour, so I can tame this mess!” I get up from my soft microsuede couch, toss my shot back, try not to throw up, and go to my room to get ready.

  “And don’t pregame too much! I actually want to make it to karaoke this week,” I shout.

  “It wasn’t that bad last time,” Molli mutters.

  Giggling, I continue to walk towards my bedroom. This is my sanctuary. It is where I find peace when the loneliness gets to be too much. I work hard to have this house; this room. It’s my dream. I told myself when I graduated college and landed a job that I would refuse to live in something that doesn’t make me happy. I don’t tell anyone how I want to share this place with someone special though. Especially not David and Molli; they would sign me up for every dating website they could find.

  “Eight o’clock. Okay, I can be ready in an hour.” My reflection in the mirror stares back at me and the doubt forms. “Maybe.”

  Maybe not. They weren’t kidding when they said I had a mane. Since my mom was white and my dad was black, my hair is silky, but thick with spiral curls. Positive side: if I do my hair tonight, I won’t have to do it again for a few days. Win.

  Walking through my room to get to the bathroom feels like a vacation. The walls surrounding me are painted a light teal with an accent wall painted with gold glitter. When the sun shines thr
ough the window and it lands on the accent wall, it reminds me of what the ocean looks like on a beautiful, hot day. I love the ocean and I love the shimmer. It only made sense to incorporate both in my bedroom. The room is shaped like an octagon, giving it a funky appeal that mimics the inside of a kaleidoscope.

  This little two-bedroom cottage was a steal. It was a bit run down when the real estate agent showed it to me and it had been cheap! The owners wanted to get rid of it so they could travel the country without the worry of a house. It needed new plumbing, a new roof, and a lot of TLC on the inside, but it was a diamond in the rough. It shines now. It’s hidden in the woods, surrounded by flowers and fruit trees. I love waking up and picking pears and apples right off the branch. The outside of the cottage was painted red, but the paint was faded and starting to peel. I didn’t care. It was home.

  Curving left, my feet finally hit the bathroom floor. Another reason I bought this cottage? The infinity tub. It was the only thing in the house the owners seemed to have splurged on. The bathroom has a woodsy feel to it. The floor is a dark smoky-colored wood, and the vanity counter that holds the sink bowl is a tree stump with its root system at the bottom. While doing repairs, a storm came and a tree behind the house fell over. It was small, but the root system tore from the ground. I sanded it, stained it, and slathered a nice shiny coat of finish on it. The shower has grey tile with a rainforest shower head spraying from the ceiling. Peace finds me after a long day when I stand in the stall, just like I’m about to do right now.

  The water cascades over my skin, warmth cocooning me, and bringing a natural stress relief. I need another kind of relief…

  Eyeing the big vibrator in the corner that I forgot to take out of the shower from the other night, I wonder if I have time for a quickie. Heat pools in my groin and my clit pulses with need. Sighing sadly because I don’t have the time, I wash quickly and step out of the shower.

  Quenching my skin’s thirst, I lather on my favorite strawberry body lotion. Lastly, I throw a handful of coconut oil in my mane. I don’t brush my hair. You want to know what happens when people with curly hair, brush it? Google it. It isn’t pretty.

  I have giant-sized fluffy pillows that are in a variety of colors in the corner of my room. Yes, instead of a bed, I have pillows. Making myself cozy on my stack of pillows, I sit down and start blow-drying my hair with the diffuser. I always end up switching my arms every five minutes because they become sore from holding the hair dryer. Thirty minutes later, my curly hair is perfect. I throw on a little blush, mascara, and a bold wine-colored lipstick. It pairs nicely with my creamy skin and light eyes. And it might be the only tube of lipstick I own.

  Putting on black skinny jeans, an off-the-shoulder orange top, and a pair of teal high heels, I am ready for the night! And dang, a girl cleans up nice! Who would have thought I could not smell like animals?

  Ocean’s View Clinic and Animal Shelter is my life though. I wouldn’t change it for the world. If smelling like dog is my new perfume ninety percent of the time, then so be it.

  Walking towards the living room, the confidence leaves me and stays in the ocean room. I hate being the center of attention and, knowing Molli and David, that is exactly where they are going to put me tonight.

  “Oh my God! Leslie! You look beautiful!” Molli runs up to me and pulls one of my curls just to watch it spring back into place.

  She giggles, “I love doing that. There is something so satisfying about it.”

  “Okay, let’s get this show on the road,” Taking a Starburst out of my purse, I pop it in my mouth and take the wrapper off with my tongue.

  “You should do that little party trick tonight, so a guy can see how good you are with your tongue.” David’s voice is teasing as we walk out the door and get into the Uber. We might karaoke every week, but we know sometimes we drink too much and shouldn’t drive.

  “Hardy-har-har,” I mock at him. The red starburst floods my mouth with juice and a groan escapes my lips.

  David opens the door to the car. “I can’t believe you are so thin with how many pounds of those candies you put away every day.”

  I stick my tongue out at him.

  Saturn’s is the place to be on a Friday night in Long Beach. It’s just as cool as it sounds. The outside is circular with giant, glowing rings surrounding it that light up the street. The inside is better. The ceiling looks like a galaxy and the bar looks extraterrestrial with the meteorite-like finish on the countertop. It feels like it’s made from real rock. On the way there, our driver tries to flirt with Molli. David, being the possessive best friend and unappointed boyfriend, gets angry. Typical Friday night.

  “Hey, she’s with me tonight. Eyes on the road and not another word from your mouth. She isn’t interested. You might want to reconsider your next words pal, if you want a tip too.” David crosses his arms in defense.

  “Hey! You can’t speak for me. You aren’t my boyfriend. I could be interested in him for all you know!” Molli’s finger stabs David in the chest.

  “Does that mean you’re single, then?” The driver glances in the rearview mirror.

  “Dude, what did I just say?” David shouts as he hits the back of the driver’s seat.

  “You’re impossible, David! And yes, Mr. Driver, I am single. My friend here is just being protective.” Molli’s eyes narrow while plotting David’s death.

  Not really.

  Well, maybe.

  We arrive at Saturn’s and the line is so long, it wraps around Main Street. It seems Ladies’ Night and Karaoke Night are a hit. I’ll take the line over being in the car with Molli and David any day.

  “Finally! Air that hasn’t been tainted by David and Molli’s bickering! You guys breathe it in, it just might relax you.” Oh, the curls are making me sassy tonight!

  Molli blushes, but David nudges me. The bouncer looks at us, gives me a once over, and for some reason, I get shy instead of owning my confidence.

  “Hey baby, come here!” The bouncer crooks his finger towards me and I look around.

  “Leslie, are you clueless? Go!” David pushes me and my friends fall behind. For some reason, this moment feels like I’m walking the plank to get pushed into the ocean and devoured by sharks. Or whatever lurks behind these walls…

  “Um, yes?” That’s what you say when a huge, muscular bouncer calls you over, right?

  “You promise I can buy you a drink in…” He looks at his watch. “In about two hours, and I’ll open this rope to let you and your friends in.” His light brown eyes twinkle with mischief.

  Glancing over at Molli and David, I find them nodding their heads. Biting my lip, my cheeks heat and my tongue gets tied. I’m not used to attention. I mean, I know guys look, but I don’t know how to handle it.

  “Oh, aren’t you sweet. You’re shy. I can dig that, baby. Tell you what, I just want to get you a drink and maybe catch your name to go along with that beautiful face of yours.” He smiles, showing off his straight white teeth and adorable dimples. He dimpled me!

  Come on Leslie, stop being deadweight, jeez!

  “Leslie.” I eye him for a moment. He is tall, thickly built like usual bouncers, but he has a baby face surrounded by shoulder-length blonde hair. He is attractive. The heck with it! And bravely, I stick out my hand.

  “Leslie,” he says back, but in a whisper like he is trying to see what it tastes like on his tongue.

  “Logan.” Big muscular bouncer man takes my hand, shakes it, and brings it to his lips. “A beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” He kisses it. His lips are full, soft, and slightly wet from his tongue licking them.

  “Oh.” My mouth goes dry, and my groin aches a little. Why did that turn me on so much? Is this normal?

  “Hey! I’ll let you kiss my hand if it means I can cut line too!” someone yells.

  Big muscular bouncer guy – I mean, Logan, his eyes change. The passion and lust that had taken over was gone in an instant.

  “Shut your face or I’ll make y
ou stay out here even longer by moving you to the back of the line!” Logan yells.

  “Sorry ‘bout that, baby. Here, you and your friends enjoy the evening. I’ll be looking for you at eleven, okay, Leslie?” His voice is thick and raspy like he’s stopping himself from saying or doing something he shouldn’t. Logan’s eyes trail up and down my body before he unhooks the black rope to let us through.

  Finding my courage, or stupidity, I say, “I’ll be waiting for you to find me, Logan.” I walk past him and his arm brushes my waist, making my stomach turn and knot. Thank Starbursts, that’s over!

  We make our way to the bar and see that we got here way too late to sign up for karaoke. The list is a mile long and we wouldn’t go on until 3:00AM. No way am I staying out that late. But what’s great about karaoke is the drunk people that love to sing it. I order my gummy bear martini while David and Molli grab a beer.

  “Let’s toast!” I shout over the horribly sad country song about missing someone and lift the gummy bear yumminess into the air.

  “To what?” Molli yells.

  “The fact that Duncan, the owner of the land I’m leasing, is letting me put a little extra on my payment every month to buy the shop next door!” I scream with excitement.

  “Oh my God, Leslie! That’s amazing!” She clinks her glass to mine.

  “Leslie! Good for you, I’m happy for you! You’ll have all the animals now.” David hugs me.

  The night is full of fun and laughter. We sing every song that comes on and when someone raps Ice Ice Baby, David loses his mind and raps with them. Drunk people sway, the lights flash throughout the dark club, strangers kiss, and I am left feeling alone once again.

  Logan never shows. And to my surprise, I’m disappointed. This is why I stay to myself, because taking chances is useless for me.

  Chapter 2

  Waking up is always a chore. It seems pointless to set the alarm earlier than seven-forty-five in the morning, but I do every time. I always tell myself that I’ll get up earlier, make myself breakfast, have a nice cup of coffee, and walk my dog Flamingo before getting ready for work. You know what actually happens? I press snooze five times. Flamingo snores right next to my ear (and takes up all the bed since he is a pit bull/great dane mix), and when I finally wake up, the only thing I have time to do is grab a breakfast bar and throw Flamingo in the car.