Just as I'm about to make my move, Aiden comes up behind me, brushing my hair behind my ear, pressing his body against mine. I pull my shoulder up to meet my ear, uncomfortable with him touching me, so he backs away without a word.

Two beers later and one shot of Jack in, the game is almost over and it's down to just the eight ball for him. I stand here staring at the eight ball as if I can control where it goes. Do I want him to make it? I can't tell just yet. He's been giving me flirty little smiles all night and I have a feeling, I might let him just for the fun of it.

Kade's been staring at us most the night, giving us dirty looks. I can't tell if he's mad I'm with someone else other than him or someone else other than Kellan. I don't get him, but if he wants to keep making me feel like crap, then why not. I've got quite the buzz going on anyways. The first time I've been slightly happy in over two weeks.

"Steady," I tease. "You're going to miss that. Your arm is shaking."

Aiden turns away from the table to look at me. "That's because I've been wanting to kiss you all night."

I feel my stomach knot up hearing the words actually come from his mouth. I used to love those soft lips. Maybe I could again if I just try. I shake my head to myself. Nah, there's no way. I try to convince myself, but with each drink of beer, he becomes more and more tempting.

"Then take your shot," I dare. "I'll let you, only if you make this shot. This might just be your only chance." I smile at him.

Taking a swig of his beer, he smiles back and prepares for the shot. It seems to go in slow motion as the eight ball slowly sinks into the left corner pocket.

Like a man on a mission, he sets the cue stick down and runs his tongue over his lips, wetting them. He moves closer to me, reaches out to grab my hips but then stops.

Okay. Well that's a little strange. "What's the problem, Aiden? Am I suddenly not kissable," I ask teasingly. "I promise not to bite . . ."

I feel the heat of someone's body behind me, causing me to stiffen. Then my eyes close and my breath hitches as I feel warm breath on the side of my neck. The smell. Oh God, that smell. Whoever smells just like Kellan can just take me now. I swear, I'll keep my eyes closed. I'm buzzed enough to pretend. I think.

An arm wraps around my waist, resting a hand on my stomach before I feel lips just under my ear. I feel the coolness of metal rubbing against my flesh and my sex clenches with no effort at all. "You are very kissable." Soft lips crush my neck and I gasp. "You are so fucking beautiful I can't go a day without looking at you and the only one you'll be biting is me."

My body trembles under his touch and my legs almost give out on me. This cannot be happening. It has to be the shot. It's the shot. Am I that drunk?

I feel the lips again as a hand tightens around my waist, pulling me against a body. My heart flutters. I'm definitely not drunk. Those lips would sober me up enough even if I were in a drunken coma.

"Kellan," I whisper.

A set of firm hands spin me around and my breasts smash into a firm chest as a hand slides up the side of my face before tugging my hair passionately. "I've missed you so damn much, baby." His thumb rubs circles over my cheek as I stare in awe.

How is it possible he has gotten more beautiful than the last time I saw him? His hair is wind-blown and messy from him running his fingers through it and his jaw is lined with the perfect five o'clock shadow. Everything about him from his worn out fitted jeans, snug white shirt with piercings pressed against the fabric and old Converse shoes turn me on. He's a walking fucking orgasm and I hate him for it. I want to scream at him for hurting me and making me want him all over again.

"What are you doing here?" I find myself pulling away even though I want nothing more than to be in his arms. "Do you think I'm just supposed to forget everything you did to me?"

Aiden takes a step closer to me and places a hand on my arm, protectively. Too bad for him, protecting me from Kellan is the last thing he'll be able to do. "You want me to take you home? We can leave now."

Kellan's hand grabs my waist, pulling me against his body as his other hand presses against Aiden's chest, separating us. "Listen here, Aiden. Put your hands on my fucking woman again and I will kill you. Never touch what is mine. Understood?"

I look back and forth as the boys square off, looking each other dead in the eyes. At least, Kellan is looking Aiden in the eyes. Aiden keeps losing contact, looking a bit nervous. I feel bad for him, but so turned on by Kellan at the same time. Is that bad? Man, this is confusing.

I get so lost in them, it takes me a second to realize he called me his. Wait! What? He takes off leaving me alone, but I'm his. That makes no sense.

I pull Kellan's hand away from Aiden's chest and back away from his grip. He's only going to hurt me again. I know it. I can't let that happen. I won't.

"I'm not yours, Kellan. You left. Remember?" I hate myself for the words that keep spilling from my mouth, but I'm mad and hurt. I told him I loved him and he left. He just left as if what we had meant nothing to him. "You had your chance and now . . . it's too late."

I grab my purse and walk closer to Aiden, grabbing his shirt to pull him along. "Let's go!" I yell. "I can't be here right now. I need to get out of here."

"You can't leave with him!" Kellan runs up beside me and cups my face in his hands, forcing me to look him in the eyes. "I need you to stay with me. Please, don't go. I should have begged you before; I didn't, but I am now. I can't lose you, Phoenix. Please give me one more chance." His eyes soften and I find myself falling to my knees in front of him, his pleas making me weak. I can't do this. I can't fight against the one person I love with all my heart. I just can't. I've seen how my life is without him. I'm miserable.

He drops down on his knees in front of me and scoots closer to me so our bodies are touching and his hands are caressing my face. "I don't want to go another day without holding you. I can't fucking do it and I won't." He swallows hard and dips his head, looking at me through wet lashes. "I have never wanted to spend more than one day with a woman, but I have spent every day wanting to spend one more day with you." He licks his lips, wetting them and my heart stops dead in my chest. "I fucking love you, Phoenix. I love you so much it hurts. Just the thought of breathing is too much for me to take on if it doesn't involve you by my side. From now on, every breath, every beat of my heart and every tear I'll ever shed will be for you. I want to give you everything. You own me. My heart and soul is yours. I can't imagine a world without me being yours. I only left because I thought I was protecting you. I realized being gone that I can only truly protect you being by your side." He smiles and looks down at his jeans. "Besides, I already told you, you'd be the only one to take my clothes off. I sort of really need you now."

We both smile into each other's arms before he leans closer, brushing his lip ring over my bottom lip. My head is still reeling from him confessing his love that I can barely even think straight. "Now tell me, Phoenix. Are you mine now? I won't give up until you are. That, I can promise you." He grabs my chin, looking straight into my eyes, our foreheads touching.

I nod my head, tears streaming down my face, knowing that this man will always be able to break me. I love this man so much it hurts. His grip tightens on my face and he smiles. "I love you too, Kellan. God, I love you so much. Don't ever leave me again. Please! I barely pulled myself out of the depression I was in. I won't be able to next time."

His lips desperately crush mine, as he grabs me, pulling me up to my feet. Holding me firmly against his body, he runs his hand up the back of my neck before tangling his fingers through the bottom of my hair. His kiss deepens and I welcome it with a moan. In this moment it is just the two of us; not Kade, Jen, Aiden and us. It's just us and I can stay like this forever.

His tongue hungrily tangles with mine, tasting every inch of my mouth as if he can't stand the thought of never tasting me again. The feel of his eager tongue turns me on so badly, I have to fight the urge between my legs to orgasm right here in the bar.

Then it doesn't help when I feel his erection pressing against my belly. Oh shit, I need this man; it's been too long. Everything about him is everything I've ever needed.

He pulls away, sucking in his bottom lip while smiling down at me. "Mmm, you taste too damn good. I almost can't control myself right now." He presses on his jeans and adjusts them with a smirk that soaks my panties. "I. Love. You," he says in my ear. "I love you, I fucking love you and I'm never leaving you again. Never. Do you understand that?"

Nodding my head, I smile at him and he pulls me in for a hug, kissing the top of my head.

"Oh my goodness, y'all!" Jen's voice squeaks next to us. "That was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." I look up at her and she wipes at her face. "I'm crying. Look at me." She begins fanning her cheeks.

Kellan leans over and kisses her on the cheek. "Thank you for always being there for my girl. You're the best friend anyone could ever ask for." She smiles and her bottom lip quivers. "I can see why Tyler is so worked up over you. You're special."

Jen straightens up and clears her throat as if she was never crying. "He is?" Kellan nods and Jen's face turns red. "I um . . . I should get back to work."

I can't help but to smile as Jen hurries off embarrassed that we noticed she has feelings for the guy. I almost forgot Aiden is standing behind me until I hear him reach for his keys and huff.

"I'm taking off." He nods at Kellan and then turns back to me with a weak smile. "Thanks for dinner and pool. Friends, right?"

I smile back and squeeze his shoulder. "Yeah, friends."

I notice Kellan's jaw stiffen as Aiden leans in to kiss me on the cheek, but out of respect he doesn't interrupt our goodbye. I think he has a feeling Aiden could never come close to comparing to him even if he tried. He knows my heart has been his since the first day I laid eyes on him. Even his brother couldn't take me away. I know for sure my heart is his forever.

"I'm taking you home; to our home." He grabs my hand intertwining his fingers with mine. "Let's go."

I follow beside him, my heart pounding heavily as I watch Kade stare us down the whole way out the door. He almost looks sad; like something is bothering him. I don't let it get to me though. Right now, I am right where I want to be; next to the man I love.

The ride back to Kellan's house seems to be taking forever. All I want to do is be next to him. Being in his truck just doesn't allow the closeness I crave. It's driving me insane.

"You smell so damn good, baby. Do you know how hard it is for me to not take you right here while I'm driving? I want to put you on my lap, pull your skirt up and bury myself deep between those thighs." He grabs my hand and pulls it into his lap, pressing it to his erection. "Feel what you do to me. Only you do this to me. This is all yours."

I feel my breath escape me as my fingers dig into his jeans, stroking his stiffness through the fabric. I'm desperate now. This man; oh how I love that he can be both sweet and dirty at the same time. It turns me on like nothing else in this world. "I would let you take me right here if you wanted," I admit.

He turns his head to me while still trying to watch the road. "Yeah?" He rubs my hand harder, making me squeeze his cock. "I kind of imagined our first night back together being a bit more romantic than me pounding you in the driver seat of my truck." He smiles a deadly, sexy smile and I lose it. I have to have him and I can't think of anything sexier than having Kellan inside me while he's driving.

I smile seductively, while slipping my panties down my legs and tossing them in the backseat. "With you, right now, I want it rough. You do something to me that brings out the animal in me. We have all night to be sweet. I want you." I lean into his ear and run my tongue up it, playfully. "Right here." I suck his ear into my mouth and nibble. "Now."

Before I can even process his movements, the truck comes to a halt and I'm being pulled into Kellan's lap. He guides my hands down to his jeans and says huskily, "Take what is yours, baby."

The zipper of his jeans makes a loud noise as I pull it down and try my best to pull his erection out without causing an accident. He's taking some side streets that no one else seems to be on so truly, I'm not too worried. I just want him inside me and the thought of him controlling this huge truck while inside me turns me on so much I feel my sex already clenching. He lifts slightly so I can work his pants down enough for skin to skin contact.

Placing each knee on the seat next to his hips, I grab his shaft in my hand greedily. Pressing the head to my wet entrance, I rub it back and forth to spread the wetness onto him. We both moan as I guide his cock just beyond the entrance and ease down onto it. "Damn, I've missed the way your pussy feels clamped around my dick." I go slowly at first, allowing my walls to stretch enough for him to fit. Kellan is bigger than what I was used to with Aiden and I don't want to hurt myself. I can feel it hit against my cervix in this position.

One hand grips the steering wheel as his other hand grips my waist, guiding me up and down on his cock; it stretching me and filling me with intense pleasure. I have no idea how he's still driving, but he's managing. He is good with his hands, after all.

His muscles flex as he turns the wheel, causing me to bend down and bite into his arm. Holy shit, this is so hot. "Damn, baby. You bite me again and I'm going to lose control. I want to come inside of you, but not yet."

His grip tightens as his hips thrust up to meet my bounce, each stroke going in deep and long. I feel his fingers digging into my hip before he brings his thumb up to his mouth, sucking it and moving down to my thighs, spreading them more and then finally finding my clit. He rubs his saliva coated thumb up and down my sweet spot while biting down on my neck. The sensation is driving me wild. I begin rocking back and forth as he continues to rub my clit. I can feel his dick hitting against my G-spot. "Oh shit, Kellan!" I whimper. "It's coming. I feel it."

He rubs faster, while slowing his thrusts and my whole body shakes on top of his, causing him to growl.

"Mmm, baby. I love feeling you clamp around my dick." He rests his head on my shoulder so he can see what's in front of him. I bring my eyes up to meet the street and it's still just us. This must be a way he takes when he wants to be alone.

"Okay, baby. I'm going to rock you faster and harder now. I'm going to have to pull off to the side for this one." He smirks against my neck before pulling the truck over and switching the gear into park.

He pushes the seat back as far as it goes and grabs my hips with both hands. He grinds his hips back and forth inside me before pulling out and thrusting hard and deep. His thrusts continue to be hard, making me scream. I want this so much. I want this every day. He places his palm against my stomach, rubbing my clit again. The multiple feelings has me completely on edge.

His hand digs into my hips as he moans against my neck. "I'm going to come so deep inside you, it's never going to find its way out. I want me deep inside you. I want to give you all of me. You're mine." He thrust into me. "This sexy body is mine and I fucking love you, baby. Okay?"

I nod my head and bite my lip as he thrust in one more time, his dick pulsating inside me. I cry out in pleasure as I feel myself clamp around him again. It's the first time I've gotten a clitoral orgasm and a G-spot orgasm simultaneously. I can't even begin to explain the feeling. I dig my fingers into his shoulder as it takes over my body. "Hot damn baby, I've never felt you cum all over my dick like that."

In this moment, I feel as if nothing can touch us. Yes, we have problems to work out, but not tonight. We'll talk in the morning when we're both exhausted from sex all night and can't move. Right now, I just want to love him and let him love me.

Chapter Twenty-Five.

Kellan The time I spent away from Phoenix fucking killed me. Literally, I wanted to die from the pain in my chest cavity. I knew as soon as I walked out that door that even if it meant me dying, I'd be back to claim her. I spent two weeks in a hotel in Chicago, going crazy, missing her. There was no way in hell, I was going to spend the rest of my days running from the people I love the most. I'd rather have a little bit of time left living fully than to live a long life alone. I've already seen that tear someone down and it's the last thing I want for her. I stalked around that tiny hotel room, unable to think, eat or sleep. Not a second went by that she didn't consume every part of my world. The truth is, my world no longer exists without her. She is it for me now. I can't go back to the way it was before she walked into that tattoo shop.

With that in mind, I made a decision. A crazy ass one, but it has me here, in my bed, next to the person I want to spend the rest of my days with. I haven't got all the details put together yet, but I swear with everything in me, I will fight to the end to be with my woman. This is where I belong; next to her.

I already made a promise to myself that I'm going to come clean about everything. As much as it scares me that Phoenix might look at me differently, I have no choice if I want a shot at keeping her. I refuse to give her up to another man and I know for a fact that if she leaves me again, she'll end up with that Aiden guy or my asshole brother. Nah, fuck that; over my dead body. They will have to pry her from my cold, lifeless fingers.

Slipping out from under Phoenix's peaceful body, I dash into the kitchen to cook my beautiful woman some breakfast. I noticed as soon as I laid eyes on her from across the bar that she hadn't been eating well since I'd left. Shit, it took everything in me not to break out in tears. No matter what I do, I'm a fuck-up. There are risks if I leave as well as if I stay. I hate seeing her not put together because of me. She didn't deserve to get hurt because of my idiotic mistakes.

I have a lot of making up to do and later tonight, I plan to make her a home cooked meal by candlelight followed by a romantic massage in the hot tub. Then I want her to curl up in my arms while we talk the whole night, making up for lost time. Call me a pussy, but I don't care. After years of wasting my energy fucking the brains out of every attractive woman throwing themselves on me, it's kind of refreshing to have what me and Phoenix have. She is well worth it and more. She's the only thing that matters. I could care less about myself.

I walk back into the bedroom to find Phoenix standing by the dresser in one of my shirts. It's huge on her, hitting the middle of her thighs. Holy damn, she looks hot in my clothes. As much as I want to bend her over my bed right now and slip inside of her, I want to show her how much I love her more. She needs to know. We've lost too much time already. I won't lose anymore. I've learned time is precious.

Sneaking up behind her, I hold the tray aside with one hand while sliding the other around her waist. I will never get used to the way her body feels against mine. I fist the front of her shirt and growl into her ear. "It's a shame you have to be so sexy. I want to be romantic, but you make me want to remove every stitch of clothing with my bare teeth, tasting every inch of you along the way. How am I supposed to control myself around you?" I run my tongue over her neck, teasing her with the flicking motion of my barbell, knowing how much it drives her crazy. "Still tastes like cupcakes. Damn I missed that taste. You do know that's now my favorite food don't you? I need a sugar rush and I know exactly where to get it." I run my finger around to her backside and down the crack of her ass before I stop on the location of all the sweet filling I know is there. Just like always my girl is ready for me.

She squirms in my arms and laughs while I hold her in place, nipping at her neck. "Usually, my desert doesn't fight back. I can usually enjoy it any way I please."

"Kellan, stop it!" she squeals while flipping in my arms to face me and placing her hands on my chest. "Why must you tease me? You know I have to be at work soon. I can't be late, even if I'm with the owner's son."

I nod at the bed and smile. "Get in bed," I demand.

"Kellan, we don't have time." She puts on a pouty face.

"Oh trust me, I would make time, but . . . that's not it. I made you breakfast and I'm not letting you leave this house or bed until you eat."

Smiling, she walks backwards teasing me with her eyes, until her legs meet the bed and she takes a seat. "You didn't have to cook me breakfast, Kellan." She looks at the tray of food eagerly as I set it in her lap. "I have to eat pretty quickly though so I can still have time to shower. Don't be disappointed if I can't finish this huge plate. This is a crap ton of hash browns and bacon. Where do you think I'm supposed to put all of this?" She laughs as I shove a piece of bacon in my mouth.

"Mmm, it's damn delicious too. Now eat, baby. Okay? Let me take care of you."

She looks up from eating her breakfast, giving me a worried look. I hate seeing her look that way. "You do know we need to talk about things later, right? I need to know the whole truth. I promise whatever it is, cannot be bad enough to make me stop loving you."

Deep in my heart, I know she's right. We belong to each other; we always have. She just knew it before I did. She's always had a soft spot for me in her heart. She may take the truth hard, but in the end, I know she'll still be in my arms. I'll make sure of that. "I know; not tonight. I want one more night just to enjoy each other without any bad. Then I promise you I'll explain everything, tomorrow."

She nods her head in agreement and starts back on her breakfast.

Tomorrow is the day I tell her about Cape, Echo and the douchebags; about Adric and Kade. She deserves to know the truth. Tomorrow is also the day I need to figure out how to handle them before they realize I'm back and try to do something stupid.

Shit . . .

Sitting here, watching her in that tight little red dress as she sets up the bar has me so turned on and happy as shit to know she is mine. It still pisses me off knowing my brother has had his hands on her and I'm afraid I might blow up when I find out just how far they have gone. I plan to have a private little chat with him as soon as I can. It's been a long time coming.

I love Kade and when everything is all said and done, he is still my brother. I'll always have his back; just not when it comes to the woman I love. When it comes to her, he can back the fuck off of. I will hurt anyone over her.

She looks at me from behind the bar, peeking up from wiping down the coolers. "You don't have to hang around being bored while I set up. I probably won't even have any customers for at least another hour." She holds the towel up and laughs. "I'll be working with one of these for most of the morning."

This woman must be crazy if she thinks I'm leaving her alone. Hell no. Until I get a handle on things, she's not leaving my side. I can't protect her if I'm not around.

"I'm staying. Watching you is all I need to be happy. I'm not leaving my woman's side until I have to and I don't have any clients since I'm not back at the shop yet officially." I take a seat in a stool and shoot her a playful grin. "How about a beer, beautiful. I'll give you a big tip later."

She raises an eyebrow, grabs a beer and walks over to stand in front of me. "Is this tip going to be the biggest I've ever had?" She holds the beer at a distance, teasing me.

Looking her in the eyes, I grab the beer and bring it to my lips. "Absofuckinlutely." I take a quick swig and smile before licking the taste off my mouth.

Setting my beer down, I lean over the bar and brush my bottom lip over hers, not wanting her to forget for one moment what I do to her. "I could give you that tip right now; bent over that desk in the back."

She smiles against my lips and gets ready to back away, but I stop her by sucking her bottom lip into my mouth, taking her mouth hostage. Her eyes close as a moan escapes her lips, clearly enjoying being held captive. "Mmm . . . very tempting. You've always been hard to resist."

The phone rings, breaking our little moment. Stupid piece of crap. "Wait," I mumble, as she pulls her lip away.

"I have to get that. It might be Dale." She tries to go get it, but I wrap my fingers in her hair and smash my lips against hers, getting a taste first.

I suck her lip in one last time before freeing her. "Now you can get it."

She walks away blushing as I sip on my beer, watching her make her way over to grab the phone. She's so damn beautiful; she blows my mind.

"Hello," she says with a giggle. She looks confused for a second as she listens to what the person on the phone is saying. "Wait, Nancy. What's wrong? Why do you sound like that? Where are you?"

Sensing her panic, I jump from the stool and rush behind the bar.