Page 62 of Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists

He carried himself with the swagger of a man who thought he was in control, with an attitude that was dripping cockiness. The self-satisfied expression on his face made it clear Klaus believed he held all the cards.

A thick tension settled over the room. His entrance was calculated, a brazen challenge. It seemed the snake had finally come out of his lair. He put his hands on his hips and stood with a wide stance, the body language of a man pleased with himself.

“You motherfucker!” The words exploded out of my mouth as I flew from my chair, eager to punch the prick’s face in.

But a hand around my upper arm stopped me in my tracks. I turned to see James behind me.

“Don’t give him the satisfaction,” he said, his tone low. “Last thing we need is an assault and battery charge.”

My anger boiled, but James was right—laying into Klaus like that would’ve only created more trouble. Not to mention that the Devils would no doubt return the favor ten-fold. And, as if on cue, the roar of motorcycle engines filled the air. A squad of a half-dozen Devils pulled to a stop in front of the shop, letting us know that Klaus’s presence was backed with the threat of violence. He held up his hand, the Devils hanging back, waiting for his next command.

“There you go, Kai” Klaus said to me. “Hang back before you get all riled up, sink your teeth into something you can’t chew.”

“What the fuck do you want?” I shot out.

He chuckled. "Just wanted to stop by and wish you a pleasant evening, gentlemen," he drawled, his eyes sweeping over the devastated space. "Gol-ly! This place has seen better days, huh?”

James clenched his fists, his restraint evident. "Say what you came to say and get the fuck out.”

Klaus smirked, looking all too happy.

"I thought I'd pay you all a little visit, discuss some… business." He paused, his gaze settling on me. "Maybe some décor tips, too. Lord knows this place could use a little touching up.”

James flashed me another look that seemed to say,he’s trying to bait you, don’t fall for it.

Biting back the anger boiling inside me, I responded. "Cut the shit, Klaus. Why are you here?"

His grin widened, revealing a row of yellowing teeth.

"Well, since you asked so nicely," he began, producing a phone from his pocket. My heart lurched in my chest as the screen came to life.

The video began, and my breath hitched.

Julia.

Bound. Gagged. It was like a fist to the solar plexus. My hands tightened into fists, the whites of my knuckles standing in stark contrast against my tanned skin. Rage boiled within me, hot and fast, but it was quickly overshadowed by a sinking feeling of guilt. I'd been so dismissive earlier, and now she was in a horrible and dangerous predicament.

A muscle in my jaw twitched uncontrollably. How could I have let my guard down? Every fiber of my being was screaming to fix this, to get her out. I swallowed hard, fighting to keep my emotions in check, but my eyes betrayed me, filled with a tempest of pain, anger, and determination.

"You bastard!" Andrew growled, taking a menacing step forward. James gave him the same treatment as me, putting his hand on his shoulder and sending a wordless message.

Klaus chuckled, pausing the video. "Such a fiery spirit she has, this one. Oh, and did I mention? She's pregnant. Went through her purse, found these.”

He reached into his inner jacket pocket and withdrew three white plastic sticks, tossing them onto the ground with a clatter.

Pregnancy tests.

“A pity if something were to happen to her and the little one."

Finn's face paled, his voice barely above a whisper. "What have you done?"

I wanted nothing more than to rip Klaus apart, piece by piece.

Klaus shrugged nonchalantly. "She's safe. For now. But that could change."

He leaned against a ruined tattoo chair, looking right at home. "Here's the deal, gentlemen. I want this studio. Hand it over, and maybe your little plaything and her unborn child remain unharmed."

Every instinct in me screamed to charge at him, to tear him apart with my bare hands. But with Julia's life in the balance, the risk was too great.

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