Brothers Ink Tattoo (Complete Box Set #1-4)

by Nicole James

Will you try?

  She smiled and gave him a saucy look. If I can.

  He chuckled, then his grin faded as he studied her. Why aren’t you allowed to go anywhere?

  Malee sobered and looked away for a moment before typing her answer. My father is strict. It’s for my own safety. He thinks it’s better if I stay close.

  Is it because you can’t hear?

  She nodded, and could feel Max studying her as if he wanted to say more, but in the end, he stayed silent. She glanced at the clock on the dashboard. It was getting late and she needed to get inside before her parents came upstairs from the restaurant to the apartment above and found her missing. Her older sister would probably cover for her, but she didn’t want to risk it. I should go now.

  Max looked to the back door of the restaurant and gestured toward it. Will you get in trouble?

  Not if I can sneak in. She waggled her eyebrows at him, and he grinned.

  She undid her seatbelt and reached for the door handle, but he laid a hand on her arm, stopping her. He searched her eyes, and then slowly signed with his hand. Can I kiss you goodnight?

  She couldn’t stop her eyes as they dropped to his lips in the shadowy truck. She thought about the way it felt when he’d pulled her up against him, and she’d fit like she’d belonged there. Her hand dropped from the handle, and she nodded once.

  His warm palm reached up and cupped her cheek as he tilted his head and touched their mouths together. It started out as just a soft, gentle press of his lips to hers, before he pulled back an inch, their eyes connecting. Then he went in for another kiss, this time his lips parting, his tongue seeking entry. She opened her mouth, and his tongue slid in to stroke along hers. Her hand crept up, sliding up and around his neck. He took that as encouragement and the hand that cupped her face, slipped around to cradle her head and pull her body closer.

  Malee had never been kissed like this before. There had been a few boys in high school, but none kissed like this, and none had ever gone farther than a kiss. They had been boys; Max was a man, and she was finding there was a big difference. She was completely out of her depth here. And it felt wonderful. She didn’t want it to end.

  As soon as that thought crossed her mind, he pulled back, his breathing heavy. He typed on his phone, his thumb moving with maddening speed. Then held it up to her. I don’t want to stop, but you’re a sweet girl, and I like you. I want to treat you right. So we better stop.

  Okay, she signed.

  I want to see you again. Say you’ll come next week.

  She read his message, then nodded and spoke the words, “I’ll come.”

  He glanced out the windshield. It’s still raining. Can I roll the truck up closer?

  She shook her head. He didn’t look too happy with her answer.

  You’ll get wet.

  I’ll be okay.

  His hand closed over the black fleece, and he pressed it toward her. Take my jacket. Cover your head to keep the rain off.

  She looked down at the fabric and then back at him. “You’re sure?”

  He nodded with a look that told her she was taking the jacket, no arguments.

  She took his phone and typed, I’ll bring it to you next week.

  He grinned. Deal. Goodbye, Malee.

  “Goodbye, Max.” She said his name, like she’d practiced in her room late at night. By the sparkle in his eye, she could tell he liked it.

  He leaned toward her for one last kiss. Then she climbed reluctantly out of the truck and dashed through the rain toward the restaurant, holding his jacket over her head. She paused at the back door and looked back. He was still there, watching to make sure she got in safely. He’d turned the wipers back on, but not the lights yet. She could faintly see him through the windshield. She waved and saw his hand lift from the steering wheel at her, returning her gesture. A feeling of euphoria rushed through her as she quietly crept inside and up the back staircase.

  ***

  Max watched her go. He already felt bereft without her, the empty truck feeling suddenly colder. Jesus Christ, you barely know her.

  Didn’t make a difference. Didn’t matter one bit. He was sunk. One kiss, one sweet touch of her lips, and he was done for.

  He’d known he was in trouble when he’d positioned her in front of the punching bag earlier tonight and touched her hips to get her stance correct. Hell, his big hands had almost circled her tiny waist. Standing so close behind her, he’d breathed in the scent of her long dark hair that hung in a glossy sheet to her waist. It smelled like fresh blooming honeysuckle. When he’d kissed her a few moments ago, and she’d slid her hand to his neck, he was sure she could feel his pulse beating a mile a minute beneath her gentle touch. It spurred him on to thread his fingers into that silky hair, finally touching it, like he’d longed to do since the moment he’d laid eyes on her. If she were any other woman, he’d probably have fisted it in his hand, urging her for more, and taken much more than a kiss. But she wasn’t any other woman. She was like no one he’d ever met before—sweet, a little shy, but with a spine of steel. He’d seen that at the gym as he’d thrown down that challenge, and her delicate chin had come up, her determination and maybe a touch of stubbornness shining through. He had a feeling she’d been beaten down in life a time or two, but he bet she always got back on her feet, always willing to give her best shot. He liked that. He liked all of that.

  But he had to face the fact that she came from a different culture. Her family obviously was very close-knit and protective of her. He could tell that much just from the few tidbits she’d shared with him tonight. Duty, responsibility… he knew about those. But he had a feeling it went deeper with her. He had a feeling she didn’t ever want to disrespect, disobey, or shame her family. He’d have to be very careful if this relationship proceeded as he hoped it would. He’d have to treat her with the utmost respect. And another thing he’d have to do was take it slow. He could sense an innocence about her. It was in her eyes, in her body language, and especially in her kiss. That innocence drew him like honey. And he realized he wanted to be the one to change that someday.

  He couldn’t wait to see her again next week. Suddenly his Mondays were looking a whole lot brighter. He grinned as he flipped his lights on and put the truck in gear, pulling out onto the street and heading home to the farm he shared with his brothers. It was good to have something to look forward to. It had been a long time since he’d felt this kind of joy and excitement.

  Chapter Five

  Malee slipped off her shoes and crept up the back staircase to the second floor apartment. Her father owned the building, and the place was quite spacious. There was a small kitchen at the back, a dining room, and a large living room that looked out over Main Street. There were three bedrooms, one for her parents on one side of the living area, one for her brother in the back next to the kitchen, and one she shared with her older sister.

  She crept through the quiet apartment. Her sister was in the living room. The TV was on, but Lawan wasn’t watching it. She looked up from a magazine when Malee came into the room. She signed, Where were you? Did you follow Kiet to that smelly gym again?

  Yes.

  He came home a while ago. Where have you been?

  Does he know I wasn’t here?

  No, he went to his room. I told him you were sleeping.

  Mother and Father?

  They haven’t come up yet. You’re lucky, Malee. You know I can’t keep covering for you. Why do you want to sneak down there anyway? Do you want to take the class Kiet is taking?

  She shook her head. I just like to watch. I get bored sitting at home all the time. Why are Father and Mother afraid for me to go anywhere? It’s not fair.

  Her sister patted the couch next to her.

  Malee sat down, and Lawan pulled her into her arms, tucking her feet under her. She rubbed Malee’s arm and signed with the other hand. I know, baby. They are just trying to protect you.

  I don’t need to be protected. I’m twenty years old.


  Lawan’s hand stroked her upper arm and hugged her. What do you want to do? You’re not happy working at the restaurant, that’s obvious.

  Father will leave the restaurant to Kiet someday. Not me and not you. You know that. He won’t even take any of the suggestions I make. I can’t wait tables in the dining room, like you. I don’t like to cook. What is there for me? I bus tables and wash dishes the rest of my life?

  I think father wants you to marry.

  So I can be someone else’s responsibility.

  You know that’s not it. He wants you to be happy. But, Malee, he’s a traditional man. He wants us both married. He thinks if we were wives and mothers it would make us happy.

  Would that make you happy?

  Her sister seemed uncomfortable with the question. She signed. I overheard them talking. Father is bringing some boys from Thailand, supposedly to help with the restaurant. But I don’t think that’s why.

  What do you mean?

  I think he’s trying to arrange a marriage for me.

  Malee sat up straight. What? No.

  Lawan nodded. I think he is.

  But you’ve been dating that paramedic. What about him?

  Lawan shrugged. He’s not Thai.

  So?

  Jake and I have been having problems. I think he cheated on me. I don’t think he’s the one. And besides, you know Father wants us to marry a nice Thai boy.

  And you’re going to go along with that? Marry some boy he picks for you?

  I haven’t even met him yet. Maybe I’ll like him. Mother showed me a picture. He’s very attractive. Mother says Father might leave him the restaurant, if I marry him and if Kiet doesn’t want it.

  Kiet doesn’t want it? This was news to her. She’d always assumed…

  I think he wants to go to college. He’s brilliant, Malee. He wants to be an engineer. Maybe even work for NASA.

  Our brother, the rocket scientist? Malee grinned.

  Don’t laugh, Malee. He’s serious. He doesn’t want the restaurant.

  There’s no money for college. Father says so.

  Kiet thinks he can get a scholarship.

  If he did, Malee would be happy for him. She didn’t begrudge her brother that. She herself had wanted to go to art school, but there was no money for it. So, you marry this Thai boy…

  His name’s Kai.

  So you marry Kai, and the two of you run the restaurant?

  Maybe. Someday. She shrugged. I don’t know.

  Tears formed in Malee’s eyes. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. There had to be more to life than letting someone else plan out her life for her. And suddenly Malee longed to be free of it all—the restaurant, her father’s expectations, a future that held no joy for her…

  It’s not just Kai, Malee.

  What do you mean?

  Father has plans for you, too.

  Me?

  There’s a boy. Mother says his name is San’ya…

  Malee looked at her sister. She knew Lawan felt the same pressure to please their parents as she did, to not disappoint them, to not shame them, but that wasn’t the life she wanted. She had always confided in Lawan, so she told her about Max.

  I met someone.

  Lawan’s face lit up in a surprised but bright smile. You did? A boy?

  Malee couldn’t hold back the giggle that bubbled up as she nodded.

  Tell me. Lawan was almost ecstatic.

  I met him when I delivered food to the place he works.

  You took a delivery? I didn’t know that. When?

  A couple of weeks ago. I just grabbed the bag and ran out. I couldn’t take being in that kitchen one more minute.

  Tell me about him.

  He’s very tall with big muscles, but he’s very kind, very considerate. And guess what?

  What?

  He didn’t know how to sign when I delivered his food. But when I saw him again today, he had learned the alphabet. Just for me.

  Lawan smiled. That’s so sweet. Then she frowned. Wait, you saw him today? How? Did you deliver food again?

  Malee shook her head. No. He was at the gym where Kiet takes his class.

  Lawan’s chin came up, and she gave her a knowing smile. Aha. That’s why you want to go there.

  Malee blushed and admitted, Maybe.

  Is that where you made the food delivery? Is that where he works, the gym?

  Malee looked down, plucking at a thread. No.

  Where does he work?

  She stared into her sister’s eyes. He’s very nice.

  You said that already. Why won’t you tell me?

  Father won’t approve.

  Lawan frowned. Why not?

  Malee straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. You know the place a block down and on the other side of the street? He works there. Brothers Ink.

  Lawan signed in a jerky motion, a stunned expression on her face. The tattoo place?

  Yes.

  The place where all those bikers go? Malee, what are you thinking?

  I like him.

  Is that why you’ve been gone so long tonight? You were with him?

  He was at the gym. I talked to him a little, that’s all. Then he drove me home.

  You went in his car? Malee, that could be dangerous. You hardly know him.

  He’d never hurt me.

  How do you know?

  I just know, Malee signed angrily, her motions abrupt.

  He dropped you off here?

  Malee shook her head. At the end of the alley so no one would see.

  Malee, you need to be careful. Sometimes men want to take advantage.

  She rolled her eyes. I know! But he’s not like that! He held the door for me and gave me his jacket and everything. She held up the folded black garment that was clutched in her arms.

  Lawan frowned. He gave you his jacket?

  Malee stroked the fabric lovingly. So I would be warm. So I wouldn’t get wet in the rain. See how sweet he is?

  Malee, are you going to see him again?

  Maybe. Okay, yes. I promised him I’d come to the gym next week.

  Baby sister, please be careful.

  I will. I’m not a child anymore, you know.

  I know. Lawan touched her cheek. Father will never approve, Malee.

  We’re just talking.

  Is that all?

  Well, he kissed me goodnight.

  Lawan held her tongue, but Malee could tell she was worried. This time she made no foreboding statements, instead she asked, How was it?

  Malee couldn’t help but smile. It was amazing.

  At that admission, her sister grinned. My little sister is growing up.

  I’m already grown up!

  I know. But you’ll always be my baby sister. And I’ll always worry about you.

  I know.

  I love you.

  I love you, too.

  Just please promise me you’ll be careful.

  I will.

  They hugged.

  I’m going to bed. Malee stood.

  Lawan nodded. Goodnight, Pumpkin.

  Malee walked into her room. It was in the front corner of the apartment with a turret window that overlooked the intersection of Main and Fourth Streets. It was the largest room and had the best view. That was compensation for having to share it with her sister, not that she didn’t love Lawan, but it would be nice to have her own space. At least her sister had allowed her to have the bed next to the window.

  Malee went into the connecting bathroom and changed into a sleep set with a spaghetti-strap tank and matching short bottoms. Then she washed her face, brushed her teeth, and climbed into bed. She grabbed Max’s jacket that she’d laid on her bed and pulled it under the comforter with her, hugging it to her chest and breathing in the scent of him that still lingered on the fabric.

  She gazed out the window at the lights of town. A vehicle moved up the street, its tires kicking up a wet spray, its wipers moving back and forth. She looked into the
distance and could barely see the old-fashioned gooseneck light that hung over the door to Fourth Street Gym. Usually that light was out this time of night, but Max must have forgotten to turn it off as they ran out the door into the rain.

  She thought of how he’d hidden her in the closet, of how he’d taken the time to show her how to punch the bag, and of the ride home he’d given her in his pretty black truck. But especially she thought about that kiss. Pressing her fingertips to her lips, she swore she could still feel the sensation. He had a beard, and she’d been surprised at its softness when he’d leaned in that first time to gently brush her lips with his. And then the second time, when his tongue had sought entry to her mouth, and the way he’d pulled her closer. She hadn’t wanted it to stop, but he knew they shouldn’t go too far. He’d been respectful. He’d called her a sweet girl and said he wanted to treat her right.

  She believed him. Every word.

  But Lawan was right. Her father would never approve of him. And it wasn’t even the fact that he wasn’t Thai. Her father would never approve of him because of what he did for a living, of who he was and who his family was. He would look at Max and see only the ink that covered his body.

  Malee knew well that her father hated Brothers Ink. He hated the bikers and other clientele it brought to Main Street. He thought they were nothing but trouble, and not a respectable business. He’d even been one of the downtown businesses that had fought hard to get rid of them. He said those O’Rourke brothers were no good, had never been any good, and had never been anything but trouble to this town.

  He’d even gotten some other business owners to agree with him, and they’d tried to see that the shop’s business license be revoked. That had all changed when Max’s older brother had become famous. Now he was the darling of the town, and her father knew he would never be able to get rid of that shop.

  Sometimes Malee would see her father sweeping up on the street in front of the restaurant late at night when some motorcycles would ride past, headed to Brothers Ink, and she would see him shake his fist and mutter angrily.

  No, her father would never approve of Max. So, she just wouldn’t tell him.

  Lawan was right, she needed to be careful, and not just about Max, but about making sure her parents didn’t find out. Malee knew this wasn’t the proper behavior expected of her, but as much as she tried to squelch it, she had a rebellious streak. Most days, the only thing holding it in check were the responsibilities of being part of a family business, the expectations of her parents, and a ton of guilt that she’d never measure up to those expectations.