Fire (Beautiful Ashes Series, Book 2)

by Ann, Lora

  On his way to the front door, Mitch couldn’t ignore what he was about to ask of this family. He also acknowledged that Tar and Keeley might not survive. Yet, every time he replayed the scenario through his head, he couldn’t come up with a better solution. Then it clicked. He wasn’t alone in this. E and his family would offer support and wisdom to this clusterfuck. And after discovering what a weasel Clark was, Mitch was willing to break the rules.

  The consequences could go fuck themselves.

  “Mitch. What the hell happened?” E leveled a don’t-pull-any-punches look at him as he opened the door.

  Yeah, he liked E. A good guy through and through. “Hello to you too,” he greeted while motioned inside.

  “It’s like that, is it?”

  He barked out a chuckle. “Sorta, yeah.”

  Nik and Alex rose to meet them. E nodded his head toward an office. The men sat down and got right to business. Mitch brought them up to speed on fact and his hunch regarding it all. Everyone sat quiet for a moment letting the info dump process. E was the first to stand and pace as he spoke, “Are you sure it’s a good idea to hinder Keeley’s treatment?”

  Mitch couldn’t help but notice he didn’t question if Keeley could help Tar, he knew she could. Respect filled him that her brother-in-law was most concerned for her well-being and was asking for a strictly medical point of view. “I’m not going to lie. It could set her back.”

  “Could she lose the will to get the help she needs?” Nik chimed in.

  “Possibly.”

  “But it could also go the other way and help her lock in more,” Alex added.

  “Affirmative.” Mitch admired each brother for their strength, love and loyalty when it came to their little sister. He knew that was how they saw Keeley. Blood wasn’t what formed the bonds with these men.

  “Tar deserves our help, too,” E pointed out. “The thought that anyone would deliberately set out to harm him pisses me off.” For emphasis, E’s fist came down hard on the desk.

  “Maybe,” Alex added, “Lisa doesn’t realize what that kind of thing could do to him.”

  “Fuck that,” Nik fired back.

  “Manipulation seems to be what she knows best. Rest assured, she’s fully aware of the damage it can cause,” Mitch asserted.

  E spun around, “She wants them both.”

  Mitch’s gaze met his. “What did you say?”

  “It’s obvious. She loves both Chase and Tar.”

  “Ah, the whole brother against brother over the same woman.” Alex shook his head. “Age old, that one.”

  “Now how the hell did I miss that?” Mitch was on his feet, pacing. “That makes perfect sense.”

  “Regardless of whether she’s aware of it or not, you’re right, Mitch, Tar needs out of her reach,” E declared.

  “Okay, but what about the cartel? I mean, let’s not underestimate the reach, power and money involved with who is holding Chase,” Alex affirmed.

  “Well, that’s the other reason I need Keeley,” Mitch hedged.

  “Oh, fuck no,” E roared.

  “What’d I miss?” Nik inquired.

  “He wants Keeley back in undercover,” Alex filled in the blanks.

  “Have you lost your ever-lovin’ mind?!” Nik growled just as angry as E.

  Mitch held his hands up. “She’s good. Damn good at what she does.”

  “And possibly the only hope Chase McNeil has,” Alex expounded further.

  “I can’t tell Lacey this. She’ll go ballistic,” E confirmed.

  Nik blew out a long breath. “I don’t recommend you hide shit from your wife.”

  “Especially concerning her twin sister,” Alex added.

  “What choice do I have?” E asked the question to no one in particular.

  Nik and Alex cautioned again, “Tell her.”

  Even Mitch wasn’t onboard with lying to Lacey. “For the love of God, let her be part of this, Even.”

  “Look, while I appreciate where you all are coming from, my first priority is to protect my wife.” He turned and poured a glass of vodka, gulping. They were right, but so was he. Lacey would refuse to let Keeley get involved. Or worse, she would insist on helping too. And that was what made up Even’s mind. He couldn’t let his beloved wife enter into danger for the sake of her sister again. She’d done that one too many times and he couldn’t lose her.

  She finds out you lied to her you’ll lose her anyway.

  God damn this was fucked up six ways to Sunday.

  Chapter Nine

  Keeley sat in the chair, knees drawn up to her chest as her chin rested on top of them. Dr. Sheffield tried again, “If you don’t talk, Miss Kincaid, this won’t go anywhere.”

  Her gaze lifted to the pretty blue one attempting to get her to talk about what happened with Senator Caleb Reynolds. Keeley didn’t want to go back there, but she knew it was imperative for her to heal. Every time she attempted to utter a word though, she could feel his icy stare on her. Or was that Dr. Thompson’s, who sat in the room with them. The woman made her uncomfortable, as if she already knew her story and would find a way to torment her further with that information. How could that be? She didn’t know her, yet there was no shaking the red flags popping up when she glanced her way. She unfolded herself from the chair and walked toward the attractive red head. “What is it about you I don’t trust?” she boldly asked.

  The doctor’s brow raised. “I can’t help you there, Keeley.”

  In her name she heard a hint of an accent. One that raised the hairs on the back of her neck as she stared at the woman closer. Ms. Jones and Viviane came to mind. Could they be the same person? Was she now in a room with the woman who needed her dead? Keeley’s hands shook violently and Dr. Sheffield didn’t miss the signals. She turned to the other doctor and ordered, “Carla, I think it’s best you leave. Now.”

  “If you hold her, I can give her something to take off the edge,” she pulled out a syringe and Keeley screamed.

  The room was suddenly crowded. Dr. Sheffield stood with her hands up in a stopping gesture. “She’s fine.” She reached over and pulled Keeley by the arm. “Come on, let’s go for a walk.”

  Keeley let her lead as they walked outside. She glanced back to see Dr. Thompson glaring at her. Not knowing what else to do, she tugged on the hand holding her arm. “She’s not who she says she is.”

  “I need you to stay calm and walk.”

  “Who are you, really?”

  “Not now, Keeley.”

  They were down a path along the trees before she stopped abruptly and turned. “I am legitimately a psychiatrist.”

  “But?”

  “You are a smart girl. I’m with the good guys, that’s all you need to know.”

  “Who is that woman?”

  “We’re not sure yet.”

  “So this is all a setup? You’re not here to help me get better?” Keeley heard the sadness in her own voice.

  “Oh, that’s not true.” She grabbed her by the shoulders. “I’ve been specifically chosen to help you because I too am a survivor.”

  Keeley blinked several times. “You’ve been an addict? You were held captive as a sex slave?”

  “Yes and yes. My captors hooked me on the drugs as they used my body.”

  Tears slid down Keeley’s face. “You really do know,” she gasped out and hit her knees.

  “I really do, Keeley. And I also understand your needs are very real.”

  Her eyes shot up. “You’re a masochist too?”

  “In the simplest of terms, yes.”

  “You have a sadist for a Dom.” Not a question, Keeley nailed it.

  “I have a husband who loves me and provides what I need. But that’s a two-way street, Keeley.”

  “Doctor…”

  “Please call me Pamela.”

  “Okay, Pamela. You can teach me?” Keeley stood at the excitement pumping through her veins.

  “I can. Once we get you to the place you need to be, fir
st,” she assured.

  “I’ll do what it takes,” Keeley answered eagerly.

  “Tell you what,” Pamela checked her watch, “I’ll meet you here after dinner and we can talk more.”

  “Alright. But I can’t be with Dr. Thompson,” Keeley implored her to listen to the very real danger that woman posed.

  “I agree. There will be someone with the two of you at all times. In the meantime, relax. Walk the grounds. Clear your head.”

  “I’d really like a nap,” Keeley admitted.

  Pamela looped her arm with Keeley’s. “Perfect. We’ll meet later.”

  Keeley crawled onto the bed and noticed an envelope sitting there. She opened it and covered her mouth as she read it.

  No matter what happens, I want you to FIGHT.

  I love you, Tar.

  She didn’t know when he wrote it, but flashes from her most recent stay in the hospital played through her memory. Keeley had to find him. If he’d had the note delivered but still didn’t contact her, then he was in trouble. She’d always known that. On a visceral level she knew he needed her. Keeley crept out along the hallway and outside without being noticed. The path she was on earlier with Pamela led down toward the ocean. Would make it easier to hide down there, she decided as once more, Keeley ran away. But this time, she did it for all the right reasons.

  *****

  Tar was sleeping on the couch with his nephew across his broad chest. Lisa stared down at him remembering the feel of that magnificent body moving against hers. She loved her husband. But he never seemed to have time for her. And while he was in great shape, he wasn’t the masterpiece his brother was. Chase was a good man and a good father. She didn’t want any harm to come to him. He needed to come home from this safe and sound. No matter how wrong it was, though, she couldn’t deny that Tar always held a piece of her heart. Seeing him like this, his sweet side shining through, made her realize just how much she still cared for the man. Naughty thoughts of what it’d be like to have both brothers making love to her made her turn and leave. But not before she heard, “Keeley, hold on. I’m coming for you.”

  Lisa knew there had to be someone after all this time. She leaned over to kiss her son’s head, but without any forethought brushed her lips against Tar’s. She’d thought he would lock onto her and deepen the kiss. Instead, he turned his head away with a, “I love you, Tigress.” Deciding to play along a little, she tried again and was shocked when angry green eyes flashed at hers. “The hell?” he growled.

  “I’m so sorry. I was kissing Cole when you had a dream.” She played the blameless card so well she almost convinced herself.

  He sat up holding the child close. “Shit. It’s me that should apologize.”

  Lisa gave him a soft smile. “No harm done.”

  Cole began to stir and she lifted her little boy into her arms. “Sleep well, Tarius.” She felt his gaze on her backside as she left. If Lisa had learned anything from seducing Chase, it was how to act the part of innocence. A wicked grin appeared as she began to plot on how to win Tar’s heart and yes, his amazing cock back to her. This Keeley he mentioned didn’t stand a chance.

  *****

  Tar scrubbed his face. What the hell was that all about? He watched her walk away, dumbfounded. Did he mistake Lisa for Keeley in his dream? Searching his memory bank to see if there was evidence to prove that theory, he came up empty. Thank God! Problem was, he’d been fantasying about Keeley and, now more than ever before, he wanted to go to her. Explain himself. Apologize for his role in this disaster. Being around Lisa helped him recognize the difference in the situations. He wasn’t excusing Keeley’s actions. But he could forgive her. Would like to try again. Wanted to sink into her delectable body and show her how much he missed her. How much he loved her. Vow with each powerful thrust, he’d never give up on her again. His erection was downright painful as he stood, grabbing the cell phone they’d assigned him. On the second ring, he heard, “Rolston.”

  “Mitch, get me the fuck out of here.”

  “Have you finally seen the light?”

  “What the hell? Look, I have no clue what you’re talking about,” he began to pace, “but I need to get to Keeley.”

  “Whoa there, big guy. You’re on assignment.”

  “Take me off,” Tar growled. “Matter of fact, consider this my resignation.”

  “Got a feeling you’re gonna change your tune after you hear me out.”

  The sudden scream brought Tar to high alert as he bolted toward the back bedroom, dropping his cell phone in the process. Lisa was deathly pale he noticed, taking in the room and trying to figure out why she was so upset. Didn’t take him long to put two and two together. A video was playing, and what was on it turned Tar’s stomach. Chase was locked down to some kind of specialized table with several women all over him. His voice garbled because one of them sat on his face. Another was riding him. Though all of that would’ve been disturbing, what had Tar’s body tensed in battle ready formation was the man underneath that table. It had an opening and Chase was being sodomized. His brother’s terror etched in his eyes sent a chair hurling through the air. The television fell over. Everything inside him wanted to rage and tear those responsible for raping his brother apart limb by limb. “Fucking hell,” he ground out.

  Lisa sat rocking herself. She couldn’t believe that her sweet husband was in the midst of an orgy. “He wasn’t enjoying that, was he?”

  “Oh my fucking God…Lisa!” Tar’s jaw clenched tight with his next words, “Chase was the victim. They were raping him.”

  She nodded vigorously with an attempt to convince herself Tar was right. But she couldn’t help that image of those women on his body in the throes of pleasure. “I-I don’t know what to say.”

  His growl was low and menacing. “There’s nothing to say. Get up.”

  “What?”

  “We’re leaving. You have five minutes,” he left the room to grab Cole.

  One thing was very clear, whoever had Chase knew where his family was. Tar had no choice but to go off the grid until he knew who he could trust.

  *****

  Where the hell did Tar go? Mitch had that niggling sensation that all hell broke loose. Right. He needed to get to Keeley and back to Los Angeles before he lost all control of this fucked-up operation. First he’d let the Strand brothers in on where he was heading. They seemed to be his only allies at the moment.

  Mitch motioned for E to meet him in the kitchen. “Here’s where I want you, Nik, and Alex to meet me.” He fixed a hard stare on Even. “And I want you to bring your wife.”

  “Hell no.” E stood stubbornly ignoring the command in Mitch’s voice.

  “Wanna play that way? Yeah, let me show you who the Dom is. Lacey, would you come in here please.”

  Even went after his throat, but Mitch’s training blocked the move. He found himself pinned underneath the SEAL with his airway blocked. Lacey came in and gasped. “What are you doing to him?!”

  “Now then, you gonna play nice,” Mitch asked before E lost consciousness.

  “Yesssss,” he hissed.

  By the time E was on his feet, Nik and Alex were also there. Good. Made it easier for Mitch to hand out orders. “Even and Lacey, I need the two of you to go to this location and wait for further instructions. Lacey, your husband will explain everything on your drive south.” He spun around. “Nik, I need your contacts. Not the above the law ones. You feel me?”

  “Copy that,” Nik replied, eyeing his little brother.

  An unspoken, “I’m fine,” didn’t go unnoticed as Mitch turned to Alex. “I need you to work with the law. Here’s your contact in San Diego. Either take your wife and daughter with you, or find a safe place for them.”

  Aimee walked in and was in Nik’s arms within a few seconds. “What do you want me to do?”

  Nik looked over his shoulder at Mitch. “Can she come with me?”

  “Your call, my man.”

  He turned back to his precious
wife. “Little one, I want you to stay with Franco and Gina.”

  “No, Nikko. I need to be with you,” she pleaded.

  His voice softened but there was steel in his gaze. “I have to know,” his hand stroking over her swollen tummy, “you’re both safe.”

  Aimee didn’t like this one bit, but she knew in her condition it was best. “You better come home to me.”

  “I promise, Lille.”

  Alex and Sofie decided it was best if Ari went with Aimee. They moved like a well-oiled machine and left Carmel within the hour. All of them worried for each other, and all vowing to stay safe and return as a family. Mitch admired each of them for their willingness to help another, but most of all for their love and loyalty. He couldn’t help but hope that this mission didn’t harm any of these people he now considered friends.

  Help me keep them protected, he silently prayed.

  Chapter Ten

  Keeley walked along the water’s edge using the large rock formations as cover. Her numerous experiences with disappearing acts would serve her well. The facility she’d been in was voluntary, so she didn’t expect search and rescue to show up on the scene. Shock filled her when that was exactly what happened. She eased herself between the boulders and found a small cave to hide in and wait for dark. Only bad thing for her would be the tide. She continued to travel further inside, hoping to either find high ground or a way out. The darkness encompassed her along with her ever-present demon. “Yes, my dear, find the perfect spot to leave this life and join me.”