Merche focused on carefully ing Billy's back, both whispering to fill the silence. Billy seemed calm about these matters, ag as though it was only natural for her to melt for him. But Merche wasn’t a novice—she had been through her share of desperate parties and charming suitors who blurred together. None, however, were as strong as Billy, who enveloped her in warmth and love.

  -We could eat something prepared by my cook. She makes the best homemade meals for me. I’d like to get to know you better, have some wine… you tell me your story as a tattoo artist.– Billy suggested.

  Merche exuded the aura of an exceptional woman, her gentleness smoothirokes and giving her charms a serene and harmonious touch.

  -I’d like that… just give me your address, and I’ll e by after I close the shop.– Merche replied.

  -My driver pick you up if you’d prefer.– Billy added, rexing. Merche carefully covered his back with pstic . Meanwhile, Pau’s partner, Aiden, whose hands were tattooed almost up to his neck, watched them with curiosity.

  They tried to listen, but the whispers were too quiet. The fact that Billy was itoo shop at all was hard to believe. Just then, one of Billy’s songs, Seven Nation Army, began to py—a powerful anthem, his voice resonating like a battle cry. It was just one of the many hits cirg throughout the UK after hhe toursthe British Isles. A rock star who stirred emotions with his fresh, youthful style, Billy quickly wohe UK’s rounity after his certs.

  -I ’t believe Billy Carson is here.– Aiden murmured to Pau.

  -He’s with Merche, and I’m grateful for her gift of versation.– Pau replied.

  Billy stood up, and Pau couldn’t help but notice his sculpted physique. Even on holidays, he never skipped his boxing workouts, a form of rexation for him.

  -So, who’s getting the tattoo?– Merche asked as she finished with Billy. Her slender figure stood out in bck mid-rise pants that revealed the edges of fishights, paired with a fitted white shirt that hugged her frame.

  Her body was striking, her lips small yet inviting like a flower bud, her hair colored and styled to frame her face. Her tattoos adorned her body, but she remained charming in her unique way, wearing a small gold neckce with a blue topaz pendant.

  Oliver raised his hand but hesitated for a moment. She smiled and handed him a book full of tattoo designs, while Aideo retrieve vinyl records from his house five blocks away, hoping for Billy’s signature.

  -What’s with you guys?– Billy asked as he adjusted his shirt.

  -Nothing, we just thiing a tattoo is a bit bold.– James replied, though he too was tempted to get one. Robert shook his head in refusal, but group pressure eventually led him to choose a small design on the upper back, just below the iny circuit with two dice. Meanwhile, Oliver decided on a star for his ankle, and James picked a bck lihat stretched across his leg.

  -I’ll cover it.– Billy said, winking at them.

  -Thanks for sp our bad decisions.– Oliver joked.

  -Hey, it’s only fair to do what your parents would disapprove of. But seriously, I afford it. Warner’s been footing most of my travel expeely, marking them as operational costs.– Billy expined, opening a bck tainer filled with chi, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese—his lunch.

  I hought I’d see Billy Carson carrying a lunchbox.– Pau teased. To her, that was a task for ordinary people.

  -I o eat healthy, at least enough to stay in shape. I’m pretty sure there’s a paparazzo outside somewhere.– Billy remarked. Despite his oversized clothes and a beanie, he’d still been reized. Luckily, the shop offered three hours of privacy for his appoi with Merche.

  -That must get exhausting.– Merche ented nervously, while Pau started tattooing Robert, and Merche began w on Oliver. James, sitting nearby, teased his brother for choosing a star.

  -What’s , a heart– James ughed.

  …

  Aideurned with three vinyl records, two old and one newly bought, grinning as he asked Billy to sign them. He blushed as Billy obliged.

  -I suppose you didn’t tell anyone I’m here?– Billy asked as he sighe first record. Aiden’s eyes sparkled as he shook his head. Merche and Pau had insisted on privacy, determined not to let rumors tarnish their reputation. After five years as tattoo artists, they’d transformed Pau’s mother’s old sewing room into a tattoo parlor near tral London. It had been a struggle at first, but over time, es from ventions and courses earhem reition.

  -I wouldn’t dare! I’ve kept it pletely quiet.– Aiden assured him.

  -Good to hear. Want one more autograph? I only do two per person.– Billy offered, carefully limiting his signatures, knowing their market value would rise in the ing years.

  -Oh my God, I ’t believe this! You know, Pau and I traveled three hours to Wembley and waited almost a day just to see you oreet. You have no idea how much this means to me.– Aiden said, his admiration clear.

  Billy signed a white shirt—Pau’s, ironically—and posed for some photos, sharing a few stories about his time in juvie.

  -Those were wild kids. I think I got into more fights there than anyone does in a lifetime—two or three a day sometimes. I sang for them in the yard where we pyed basketball. But holy, I had some good times.– Billy recalled.

  -Damn, you are the punk everyone says you are. Is it true you got sent there for spitting on a cop?– Aiden asked. Billy smiled, shaking his head but shrugging pyfully.

  -I didn’t know about that.– James remarked.

  -It’s part of the story. I used to skate with some friends, tagging walls. One day, we got caught after skipping school for five months. I was drinking beer, a a store that had cameras. They called the cops. My friend’s Bd they pinned him to the ground hard. I jumped on one of their necks and tried to bite him, but he was bigger and stronger. I was only thirteen. They punched me in the eyebrow; I saw stars. Stupid cops.– Billy reted, rolling his eyes.

  -I hope I never end up in a fight with you.– James joked.

  -We could make it happen, James, if you’re up for it.– Billy teased.

  ...