My eyes land on his and this time he doesn't pull them away. He rolls closer so we're face to face. Then his hand reaches out, his fingertips brushing mine as he grabs my shirt out of my hand and tosses it behind him on the glass display, his eyes never leaving mine. "That works for me. Usually I don't have to ask." He pulls some kind of lever on the chair so it's lying flat like a bed now. "Lie down and roll over on your side."

He's getting awfully demanding now, almost making me feel as if he really thinks that he's about to pop my cherry. Who is this guy? "You're pretty demanding for not even knowing me," I grumble.

He looks down at me as if he knows something I don't. That look like he can see through my soul. It makes my heartbeat quicken and I can't seem to stop my eyes from searching his whole body, trying to figure him out. From the way his chest is moving against his tight shirt, his heart has to be beating just as fast as mine.

The more that I study him, the more he feels so familiar. Those beautiful eyes, gorgeous full lips, perfectly arched eyebrows and deep set dimples. I know them all, each one. I used to study them by day and dream about them by night. I can't be wrong.

I scoot forward on the edge of the chair so our faces are almost touching. I can feel his heavy breathing on my face as he looks me dead in the eye. That's when I notice the scar on his face. It wasn't there before, but still somehow, I know that my body can't be lying to me. "Wait a minute, I know you." I reach up and run my finger over the scar through his eyebrow, unable to fight the need to touch him, to see if maybe my mind is just deceiving me. "No. It can't be," I whisper mostly to myself while studying him. "Is it really you?"

His nose flares and he stands up and takes a step back, but doesn't say a word to confirm my suspicion.

I stand up as well and we both must be in a daze, because we both stand there, not moving until I hear Kade's voice from behind me causing me to turn.

"Hey, looks like I made it in . . . "

His words trail off as his eyes land on me and then the man that seems to be taking my breath away at the moment. He walks forward, his jaw clenching and before I can see it coming, he swings out and punches the guy in the jaw, his fist connecting hard.

"What the fuck, Kade!" I scream in utter shock.

The guy just stands there, his eyes darken, never leaving Kade's. He clenches his jaw and tightens his fist by his side. His voice comes out tight. "It's nice to see you too little brother."

Holy shit . . . it is him.

Chapter Six.

Kellan The world is spinning around me and pain is coursing through my jaw, but the only thing I can seem to think of is the look in my baby brother's eyes when he noticed who the hell I was. The pain I have put on him is more than any brother should have to handle and I don't even deserve to be in the same room with him. I can honestly say I deserved that punch.

Seeing him for the first time in eight years is exactly what I imagined, maybe worse. He's standing there straight and tall and pissed off as all hell. Looking into those baby blues, cold as ice and full of hatred, it hurts to see how different he is and that I have missed so much over the years. He's no longer that scrawny little seventeen year old kid with the unruly blond curls that were too powerful for his tiny head, or skinny little twig legs I used to make fun of. Now he's almost as big as I am, standing six foot one, with eyes so intense it looks as if he can rip a whole army apart. Who knows, maybe he thinks he can. He looks like a man and it saddens me I didn't help him to get there.

When I first saw Phoenix walk in, I wasn't positive it was her, but one look into those eyes and I knew it had to be. I'd know those eyes anywhere, they were just like Adric's. My heart stopped at the thought, but after seeing the confirmation on her I.D, my whole world just crumbled at my feet. The whole past came rushing to me in a flood of emotions and I felt as if I was fighting to breathe underwater. Even worse though, was seeing my baby brother walk in, sporting that short lived smile on his face and damn, I think I just died a little.

I have been back for six months. Six whole fucking months and I haven't even been able to get up enough courage to see my family. Seeing them like this was the last thing on my list of shit to do. It's been eight long years since I have set eyes on either one of them and seeing them now is like ripping open an old wound.

As much as I have missed my baby brother, it's her that I can't tear my eyes away from. She's standing there, staring off as in pain or shock. Similar to receiving news that someone close died.

I always knew she was going to be beautiful, but damn, she blows my mind. She's no longer that sweet, lanky fifteen year old girl I used to protect. No, now she's blossomed into a full grown woman, taking my breath away. She's standing opposite of me about five foot five, petite, but with curves sexy enough to make a man's mouth water and wish he could taste every last bit of her skin against his tongue. Her wavy brown hair falls against her smooth skin, barely brushing her breast. Those big gray eyes, lined with long thick lashes could pierce your soul. I follow down that perfect little nose until my eyes stop on those plump, pink lips, causing me to swallow. She's standing there in those low riding jeans and a black lacy bra. Fuck, what a beautiful set of breasts. I can almost see the tops of her nipples and all I can think about is running my tongue across them, getting a taste. She has a belly button ring and the perfect round bottom I want to squeeze and to top it off, long slender legs that would look more amazing wrapped around me. All I can imagine is what it would be like to have her naked body rubbing against mine as I pound into her, releasing some of this built up aggression. Still, my eyes look back to those big gray eyes, full of hurt, not to mention she's Adric's little sister. The girl I always promised to protect. I shouldn't be having these thoughts about her. I'm a fucked up man. She definitely needs protecting, protection from me.

I take a step back as Phoenix speaks, breaking the silence of this hell we've entered. "Kellan," she chokes out, her pained voice barely a whisper. She lets out a breath and her legs slightly tremble. "I can't believe it's actually you. After all of this time, it can't be." Placing her hands to her face, she slowly turns away from my view and mumbles under her breath. "This is really happening . . ."

I try to focus on her words, but Kade breaks my concentration by shoving me backwards and into the station.

I catch myself and try to reason with him. "Kade. I'm sorry."

He shoves me again and I get up just to be shoved for a third time.

"Dammit, Kade, stop. You're fucking pushing it now," I bite out, fighting with everything in me to keep my cool.

"Fuck!" He rubs his hand up the side of his face before pulling his hair, then he leans over the tattoo chair and grips the edge until his knuckles turn white. "You have a lot of nerve showing up so close to home and without any word that you're back." He squeezes the chair tighter. "What the fuck, Kellan," he growls, his veins popping out of his arms and neck. "You could've been dead for all of these years. We didn't know shit. You kept us in the dark." He sucks in a burst of air before releasing the chair and grabbing his face. "Your family, Kellan, you're not supposed to shut out family. The ones that have loved you and looked up to you." His voice breaks, almost as if holding back tears, as he looks up at me. "How could you just walk away?"

Seeing him this way is waking an anger inside of me I've tried to keep repressed for a while and all I want to do is break something, but I know I have to stay calm.

Taking a step forward, I reach out to grab his shoulder. "Kade. I-"

He jerks his shoulder away, avoiding my touch. "Don't touch me. I can't be that close to you. I don't even know what to say right now." He stumbles on his words while standing back up and taking a few steps back. "This is beyond fucked up."

"It's a long story, Kade; you will never understand, and I don't expect you to." I swallow hard and look up to see Tyler enter the room.

"What the fuck's going on in here? What did I miss?" He looks around at everybody, eyes suspicious as they land back on me. "Is everything cool, man?

The hard look on his face tells me he has my back if needed and as much as I appreciate it, it still lights a fire inside of me to even think about him hurting my family. Tyler's been the closest thing to me since I've returned six months ago, but he doesn't know about my past and I want to keep it that way. This is my mess to fix.

"Just give us a minute." My words come out harsher than intended, but with Tyler being as close as we are, I know he understands the importance.

"Yeah, okay then." His eyes scan the room once more before he turns and heads for the door. He pauses and looks back one last time. "I'll be outside if you need me." With that, he opens the door and walks out, leaving the three of us alone again.

Kade's eyes are still burning a hole through me and it almost looks as if he's fighting the urge to punch me again. He definitely gets his temper from me and hopefully his will power as well.

A sniffle comes from Phoenix's direction, and instinctively, my hand reaches out to comfort her. Something I have done numerous times in the past when Adric wasn't around to take care of her.

"Phoenix." The word barely pushes past my lips, as I strain not to reach out and touch her. "Look at me."

My hand gets pushed away from its hovering spot as Kade steps in between us. "Don't touch her, Kellan, you've done enough damage. While you were only thinking of yourself, I was here picking up the pieces you left behind."

I take a step back and rub both of my hands over my face. "I'm aware that I messed up, but I can't take it back now and I had a good reason to leave. Trust me, Kade, it was for everyone's own good, but explaining it would make no sense. I can't undo the past, so would you cut me a little fucking slack." I close my eyes and exhale. "You can hate me all you want, but what's done is done, dammit. Can we please move on now?"

Phoenix finally makes a move, reaching for her pink tank top. She looks in my direction, her hands shaking, but it's hard to make out if she's looking at me or looking past me. "I need to go. I just." Her breathing comes out in short, quick bursts as if she's about to have a panic attack. "I just have to get out of here." She throws her shirt on and pulls her fingers through her hair. "This cannot be happening. Do you know how many years I have waited for this moment; how many times I have dreamt of it and imagined being able to see you?" She takes a step forward. "To touch you." Her hand reaches out, but stops right before it can touch my face. "I needed you," she whispers. My heart sinks as a tear rolls down her red and blotchy face.

Kade flinches as he tilts his head up to the ceiling and mutters a string of curse words before wiping sweat off his forehead. "We're leaving. I've had enough of this shit."

He reaches over and grabs for Phoenix's purse, shoving it into her arms and I can't help but to wonder what their relationship is. He'd always had a crush on her when they were younger, but every time he would attempt to hook up with her, she would just laugh in his face and say she had another man in mind. Maybe the chase is finally over; although he would never be enough for her.

"You don't have to leave," I sigh, somewhat wishing they would stay even though I know it's a horrible idea.

"No thanks, we're good." He gives me a dirty look and reaches for Phoenix's arm. "Don't even bother with coming to see us. You're not welcome there anymore."

The words sting, but I know he's right. I left at the hardest time in their lives. Just vanished without so much as a goodbye. I made sure no one would be able to find me. I had to, though, it was the only option.

"You think I wanted to leave?" I slam my hands into the station in front of me before swinging my arm across it, knocking everything to the floor. "If that's what you believe then maybe you're right. I should just stay away."

Phoenix flares her nostrils, looking as if she has something to say, as another tear rolls down her cheek. A tear that I wish I could just reach over and wipe away like old times.

Instead, I lower my head to my hands and lean against the station. "I'm sorry," I say defeated.

"Bye, Kellan," Phoenix whispers. "I just. I just have to go. I can't stay here any longer."

By the time I look up again, they are already out the door, walking over to a silver truck.

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" I reach for Adric's binder and sling it across the room into the glass display. Grabbing the drawer full of ink and equipment, I throw it across the room towards Tyler's station against the wall, causing ink to splatter. Still full of anger, I turn and punch the mirror above my station, shattering it to the floor.

Tyler walks in wide eyed and throws his hands on the top of his head. "What the hell, Kellan?"

Ignoring him, I reach for my leather jacket and run out the door for my motorcycle: my only escape.

I pull my bike into the driveway and push down the stand. Throwing my leg over the bike, I pull my helmet off and sling it down onto the blacktop. The hurt and anger that is burning through me right now is almost enough to set the world on fire and leave it in a pile of ashes.

How the hell did they just come out of nowhere and mess everything up? Things were going fine. I was getting by fine all by myself. They just had to walk through that door and kill the little bit of me that was left, leaving my world in shambles.

Reaching in my pocket, I push the button on the garage door, watching as it slowly opens, wishing with everything in me I could just turn back time and make everything right. That won't happen though, because that would make me a dreamer, hoping for the impossible.

Knowing there's no use in going back, I get ready to step inside the garage, but am surprised when I see two shadows approaching from the side of the house. Even though I know it's impossible that Kade and Phoenix have found me, I still can't help that little part of me that wished it were true.

"Hey guys. . . "

My words trail off as two ugly as shit men round the corner, one holding a chained wallet in his hand and the other licking the spit from off his crusted lips. I would recognize those assholes from anywhere. How could you miss a six foot five beast with long, black stringy hair and so many scars you can barely recognize a human face under all that shit? Not to mention his little sidekick, a short, fat fuck with his stomach hanging so low to the ground you would think his knees would get stuck in his gut when he walks. I always knew it would only be a matter of time before they found out I was back. Again, I just didn't expect it. I guess today is just full of surprises.

"What do you two sorry fuckers want?"

I stand up straight as they both launch at me, the short fat one fighting to keep his pants up.

"Whoa now boys." I throw my arms up in surrender as they corner me inside of the garage. "I didn't realize you missed me that bad."

I can smell the heavy stench of Whiskey and weed that linger from their dirty clothing and I know they're not in any kind of mood to take my crap.

Larry, the giant, grabs for shrimp dick Kenny's wallet and wraps the chain around my neck as Kenny holds my arms back, pulling tightly.

"What are you doing back, huh?" Spit flies in my face as he leans in close and pulls the chain. It's hard to breathe, but I'm not letting these two jerk offs leave happy. "You know you're not allowed anywhere near here. You didn't think we wouldn't find out, did you?" Thank fucks sake that damn tattoo shop is so close to our new favorite bar. "Guess we're pretty damn lucky, right?"

They both laugh as I cough, gasping for air. "Fuck you," I choke out.

I must've pissed them off more because Kenny twists my arms into an uncomfortable position before kicking my legs out so I'm down on my knees now, my head being forced backwards by Kenny's elbow. "Cape sends a message."

A fist connects hard against my right eye sending me backwards, the chain digging even deeper into my neck, before a knee slams into my abdomen, causing me to spit out a little blood. It hurts like hell, but I won't give them the pleasure of knowing.

"Would anyone else like to take a swing at me today? I don't think I've had enough," I choke out as the chain unwraps from my neck, causing Larry to push me to the ground so I'm lying flat on my back, the heel of my boots digging into my spine.

He leans in close and smiles, revealing his blackened teeth and I flinch at the foul smell that lingers on his breath. "You have three weeks to leave or you'll be getting another visit and next time you won't be so lucky. You're lucky you're even getting that and that's only because Cape wants to see you suffer for a little bit. You know how that brings him pleasure." He winks and gives me one last shove, before turning to leave. "Enjoy your time, mother fucker."

I roll over, cough a few times and spit as they hold the wallet up, and laugh to each other. "Anything else that bastard wants to say that he couldn't come say himself?" I growl out, pushing myself back to my feet and spitting out more blood.

Larry laughs sadistically, turns back around, grabs me by the jacket and slams me against the wall. "You think this shit is funny, don't ya, you stupid fuck?" He turns around as if he's about to walk away, but then stops when Kenny pushes his elbow into my neck, holding me against the wall. "Oh. He has plenty more to say." He spins around and swings his fist, connecting it hard against my jaw. The same damn spot that Kade packed a good punch at just about twenty minutes ago.

Fuck! I'm going to be sore tomorrow.

"Come on Kenny. Let's get the hell out of here before we kill this shit head."

"Next time you're going to wish you had." I bend over, my hands to my knees and spit a few times from the blood pooling in my mouth. I watch the assholes walk down the street and hop into a tiny Mazda, beat to hell and back.

Seeing them two is a sure sign I'm going to get my ass killed. I should've been smarter and stayed away like I promised. A promise made before the two most important people waltzed back into my life. How can I leave now? I can't, not after seeing her and as selfish as it may be, I won't. At least not yet.

I have barely been inside long enough to strip down to my briefs and get an ice pack, when the doorbell rings, causing Rayne, my chocolate colored beauty, to growl. She's standing at full alert, her pink lips back, exposing her sharp canines and staring over at the door.

"Down, girl. Shh, take it easy."

I pull the icepack from my face and stand up, placing my hand on Rayne's collar. "It's okay, girl. Stay here and let me see who our visitor is."

She lets out a whimper and plops back down to the ground while watching my every movement. She's had my back since I found her two years ago, injured. Someone abused her and left her to die. She's really protective, but I have trained her well enough for her to know her place. Most people take one look at this well-muscled Pitt and make a run for it. Deep inside, though, she's a softy, just a big ol' teddy bear.

Running my hand over my chest and stretching, I look through the shades to see Maxine standing there in a long black jacket and a pair of red heels, looking seductive and ready to pounce.

Usually, I would welcome a little surprise visit like this, especially after the day I've just had, but right now, I'm just not feeling it. Even sex can't fix this disastrous day. Even if it could, after getting a look at Phoenix only half naked, I knew Maxine wouldn't compare. I'm in deep shit after seeing her that way.

Exhaling, I reach for the door and pull it open, my eyes landing on her breast that are popping out of the top of her jacket. "I see you remembered where I live," I say calmly.

Twirling one of her red curls, she leans into the doorframe while unbuttoning the top buttons of her jacket, exposing more of her plump breasts. "How could I forget?" Her head turns up, her eyes meet my bruised face, and she suddenly looks terrified. "Holy shit! What happened?" She takes a step forward and reaches for my face. "Was it Nathan? Did he-"

I push her hand away and huff, while placing the icepack back to my face. This girl is crazy if she thinks that pussy could have caused this kind of damage. "No sweetheart, it would take more than that scared little pussy to throw me around," I say sarcastically.

I turn and walk through the house with Maxine's heels echoing off the hardwood floor behind me. Rayne gets ready to stand up and growl, but I place my hand up, stopping her as I plop back down onto the leather couch and throw my icepack on the coffee table.

Maxine stops dead in her tracks when she notices Rayne for the first time. "Whoa, is your dog going to bite me?" She takes a step back, almost tripping over her own shoes.

"No, she's fine." I snap my fingers and point down the hallway. "Go lay down, Rayne."

Rayne scrambles to her feet, panting, before taking off down the hallway and turning right into her bedroom.

Pain is shooting through my face again and throbbing almost as if I can feel the bruise spreading over my eye and its beginning to swell shut. It hurts like hell. I just want to take some painkillers and go to sleep, but now I have to deal with this shit.

Maxine is standing here in front of me practically naked as she gets down on her knees in front of me, but all I can think about is what Phoenix and Kade are doing.

"It looks like it hurts." She runs her hands up my thighs slowly, kneading as she goes. She leans in to run her tongue over my abs, her warm breath causing my dick to get hard. "Let me make it feel better."

Something inside of me wants to push her away, but yet, for some reason I don't. There's no denying the fact that my cock could use some play time and as she said, she wants to make it feel better. So why not let her?