Page 88 of The Coldest: Stay Dangerous Part 2

I don’t know when I doze, but when I wake, Rico’s face is now inches from mine, now carefully blank.

His fingertip runs down my eyebrow.

“I love your freckles,” he whispers. “They’re my favorite constellation.”

My cheeks heat at his compliment. He’s said it before, years ago, when I lamented about how much I hated them.

Before I can respond, the moment is over. He sits up, then holds out his hand for me.

“It’s time to go back.”

Our afternoon delight should have disarmed me enough for what the fuck Rico planned, but it did not. I’m keyed the hell up, my wrist hurting from where my new palm tree is, my side aching from where a tie stylized as an infinity sign is newly etched on my rib cage.

My knees are fucking locked as I gawk at Rico sitting face down in the tattoo chair. Miele grips my upper arm with both hands, squealing every five seconds. She’s been cheesing since we came back, but now she’s absolutely ecstatic.

Reno’s grinning, taking videos. He slid NiNi a hundred dollar bill before the tattoo session started.

And even NiNi is smiling, nodding proudly every so often.

Rico’s sitting there, barely moving as his cousin puts the finishing touches and final shading on his new piece.

It covers his upper back, from shoulder blade to shoulder blade.

WYNTER

This nigga is ill.

“Are you gonna get his name, too?” Miele whispers.

“Hell no,” I whisper back, cutting my eyes at her. “Never get these niggas’ names, Miele. Matching tatt is cool. Symbol is even better. Name?! No.”

“She’s right,” NiNi says, scowling at his little sister.

And I thought I was doing something with my little soul tie tatt. Rico kissed me and all, before it was his turn.

“Okay, I’m done. Come look, Wynter.”

I’m startled into shuffling over, in awe.

Talk about branding.

Rico leans up, trying to look over his shoulder. “How does it look?”

One corner of my mouth lifts, before the other. All thirty-two teeth are showing when I meet his gaze.

“You are out of your mind.”

He winks, and damn if I don’t want to jump him right there in the shop.

The sun is beginning to set by the time we make it back, and sure enough, our bags are packed and by the door. Nan tsks at our new tattoos, though she winks at me when Rico shows her my name. Miele cries for real as NiNi and Reno load up the car, and all the older cousins pass Nan and Mars around for hugs and goodbye kisses.

NiNi drives us to the airstrip, and he and Reno load up the plane while Rico walks off to call Auty. I decline to speak to her, opting to comfort Miele instead.

“I’m serious; soon as I get settled, I’ma drop this album, and then I’m sending for you. Even if it’s just for a week. I want you to experience the city without having to think about hospitals.”

Miele just nods, her smile brittle as she fails to keep her tears in check.

“I’m so glad you’re nicer than the blogs said.” We giggle, before hugging once more.