Chapter 77

No—it’s time for a new strategy.

Time to bring out the heavy artillery. And as far as he’s concerned, that means Cass.

He heads back to the twenty-sixth floor, tells Lauren he’s taking the day off, and drives to Venice Beach.

He hasn’t been to Totally Tattoo before, but he has no trouble finding it. He parks on the street and goes inside, where he’s greeted by a woman with short, spiky hair, at least a dozen piercings, and a wide, dazzling smile.

“Hi, I’m Joy. First time at Totally Tattoo?”

“Yeah.”

“Here for a tattoo? A piercing? An eyebrow would be very sexy on you, you know. It would be killer with that scar.”

“Actually, I’m looking for Cass. Is she here?”

“Oh, sure.” She takes a breath and then yells, “Cass! Someone’s here to see you!”

Marcus keeps his lips tight, trying to contain a smile. As soon as Cass appears, he loses it.

“The girl up front thinks I’d have a shot if I get a piercing,” he says as he follows Cass to