Fire (Beautiful Ashes Series, Book 2)

by Ann, Lora

She fought to silence him but as her hand felt along the wall, she suddenly felt something sticky. The smell gave it away as she sniffed, blood. Was it hers? She flexed her fingers, made a fist, there was no pain, no sting. Either Keeley had grown too accustomed to agony or it belonged to someone else. An answer presented itself when she fell over something, or rather, someone. “Oh my God!” Scrambling to see if the person was alive. No! Not an adult, a child.

  “Hello. Are you okay?” She tried desperately to find a pulse but only felt stickier residue. Her fingers finally reached a face where she traced along the neck in search of the carotid artery. A faint thump could be felt. Next Keeley laid her face against the child’s mouth, feeling for breath. There was none. She closed her eyes and tried to remember the steps of rescue breathing. Keeley drew a blank. Did she even know how to do it?

  A dim light appeared ahead. Wasn’t much but enough that she could make out a few things. For one the little boy was injured, his leg broken along with his arm. Obvious with protruding bones. And she noticed a tiny amount of water around his head. Was that it? Water was trapped in his lungs? Another voice, Keeley still wasn’t very familiar with, began to give her instructions. She moved him to a flat-ish space on his back and again checked for breathing. Still not there. Then she placed the heel of her hand on his tiny breast bone, praying she didn’t break him further, and gave thirty compressions. Again, she opened his airway. “Come on, buddy, breathe for me!” The helicopter was getting closer, and she knew help was needed. But that still, firm voice gave her more to do. She covered the boy’s mouth with hers while pinching his nose closed and gave two breaths. He began to cough and she barely got out of the way as water erupted from him. Keeley knew she had to go flag that rescue crew and turned to get help.

  For whatever reason, she turned back and realized with him vomiting like that he could choke. So she moved him to his side and scurried back to the outside. She climbed on top of a huge boulder and waved her arms as the spotlight caught her. Everything after that was a blur. She crawled back in to stay with the child and could see a distinct light around him. Noticing darkness was attempting to break through but more light would appear. These hallucinations of hers were getting downright creepy. As if an answer to that was given, she could make out figures and they were locked in a battle. The little boy’s eyes were open but she wasn’t sure if he could see what she did. Hoping she didn’t lose her head in the process, she crept over to him as the most surreal feeling enveloped them. “Can you tell me your name?” she asked gently, stroking his little face.

  He blinked several times and reached forward. “Angels.”

  “Your name is Angel?”

  He shook his head no. “Right there,” he pointed.

  She honestly didn’t know what she’d seen, but wasn’t convinced they were angels. The boy’s eyes widened when he looked right at her. “Devil,” he screamed just as another bright light hit their faces.

  Help arrived and Keeley slowly moved out of their way, taking the opportunity to sneak out of sight while the men and women did their job to help that precious boy. But she couldn’t shake what he last said, “Devil,” while his gaze locked on hers. Yeah, tell her something she didn’t know. He haunted her constantly. What the hell was she doing? Even if she found Tar, some sins just couldn’t be forgiven. Keeley sagged against a tree further down from all the commotion.

  “You’re right, my pet,” the demon whispered. “Let me give you what you need.”

  The sharp rock bit into her upper thigh. Keeley watched in a detached sort of way as her own hand controlled the movements. But as the blood began to trickle, she found that peace she’d been searching for. The control she needed. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a lighted figure, one that stared at her and willed her to focus on him. She dropped the rock and looked down at the mess she made of herself. Tearing off the bottom portion of her shorts, she wrapped the wound with a sudden tenacity. “You can’t have me,” she spat out toward the demon and stood. Keeley looked back at the other man and he nodded his approval. She locked in to her determination and began the climb back up to the top. The helicopter left but she knew they’d come looking for her again.

  “If they find you,” the demon hissed, “they’ll put you away in a mental intuition and throw away the key.”

  She spun around and bellowed, “Fuck you and the horse you rode in on.”

  *****

  “What do you mean, ‘she’s gone’?” Mitch grit out while staring at Pamela.

  “Took off. Left. Do you need me to spell it out for you?” she huffed, incensed.

  “I fucking told you she was a runner,” he nearly spat the words at her.

  “And I was watching her closely,” she fired back. “But in case you didn’t realize, this is an actual mental health facility and we had an emergency.”

  “And because she was here of her own free will…”

  “No one was contacted,” she finished.

  “Fuckin’ A. What the hell am I to tell her family?”

  “If I’d had that information, I would’ve informed them.”

  He exhaled heavily. “I thought Even Strand was on the paperwork to contact in case of emergency.”

  “No. There’s not a name listed there.”

  Something didn’t sit right. “Show me, please.”

  Sure enough, as Mitch pored over the admittance papers for Keeley, several pieces of pertinent information was missing. “I smell a rat.”

  Pamela was leaning over Mitch reading. Her head shot up. “Thompson!”

  “Who?”

  But Dr. Sheffield was already out of the office. Mitch caught up with her. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “I’ve been suspicious of her since she arrived. I highly doubt the bitch’s name is Carla Thompson. She’s definitely a doctor, but I should’ve trusted my instincts. Or at least Keeley’s,” she answered in disgust.

  For Keeley, herself, or both, Mitch wondered as they searched high and low for this Dr. Thompson. From the looks of things, Keeley wasn’t the only one skilled in disappearing without a trace. “Dammit!” Mitch roared.

  “Keeley didn’t trust that woman. Neither did I. But I gave her the benefit of the doubt. Stupid on my part.” Then she gasped and turned horror-stricken eyes to his. “You don’t think Keeley was kidnapped, do you?”

  “Again? God I hope not! How do you survive that more than once?”

  Pamela shook her head. “I’m not sure you would.”

  Mitch was on his smart phone as he paced. He couldn’t tell Keeley’s family he lost her. Good Lord up above, give me something else to tell them, he thought frantically. Pamela pulled him from his disturbing musings. “Oh my! Look at this!” She grabbed him by the shoulder and shoved her tablet in his face.

  The news feed was showing a rescue of a little boy, but that wasn’t what had caught her attention or Mitch’s. It was the camera doing a sweep of the surrounding area and catching a small woman in the woods. She was limping, he noticed. Pamela was reading the story scrolling along the bottom.

  Mystery woman rescues six-year-old Joseph Bailey from near death. Joey, as he’s known to his family, was separated from them on a hike along the trails. He’s recovering with a compound fracture to his leg and arm. Crews on the scene said that, “He would’ve drowned if this hero hadn’t come along when she did.” The family would like to thank this woman in person that Joey calls Angel.

  By that time both Mitch and Pamela tuned out, focusing on where Keeley could’ve gone. He became a fury of motion. “If we saw this, odds are, so did the people after her.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “I don’t have time for you to grab your things,” he growled.

  She stopped, hands on her hips. “I may be older. And a woman. But don’t assume I’m unable to take care of myself. Are we clear on that, Captain?”

  He couldn’t stop the raise of his lips. “Affirmative, Ma’am.”

  *****


  “You weren’t going to tell me?!” Lacey cried out in absolute fury.

  “Sweetness, please, see this from my perspective.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “Hey. You have every right to be pissed off, but let me finish,” E pleaded with his wife.

  “It is in your best interest to stop talking.” Her hands were shaking and he noticed she was fighting back the tears.

  God he loved her. And he wasn’t going to lose her over this. E pulled over along the tree line and turned in his seat. “I will not. You need to hear me out.”

  “NO!” she roared and opened the door.

  Before he could stop her, Lacey was marching into forest. Fuck a duck! With her damn luck, she’d find a cliff and go over. E wasn’t necessarily happy that he thought that, but recently his beloved wife had some nasty bad luck. He did what any good husband would do and went after her. Didn’t take long to locate her, crying on a fallen tree. “Are you hurt, baby?”

  “Not physically,” she hiccupped.

  Ouch! Talk about a verbal slap to the face. “I’m sorry.”

  “That you were forced to tell me? Yeah, I figured that out.”

  “Okay, I deserved that.” He moved closer to her and watched as she recoiled. That sight brought him to his knees in front of her. “Sweetness, I love you so damn much it hurts. I only wanted to protect you.”

  She sighed. “I know. But don’t you understand how wrong it was?”

  “I do now, yes,” he confessed, bringing her gaze to his. She searched his soul for several heart skipping moments. Lacey finally nodded her head.

  E seized that window of opportunity and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I never meant to hurt you. God…damn, Lacey, I’d cut off my balls before intentionally harming you, physically, mentally, or emotionally.”

  Fresh tears slid down her cheeks, pooling along her lips. “Please don’t. I’m rather partial to them.”

  There she was, his very own sex goddess. He leaned into her and licked the saltiness off her mouth. Her lips parted and he took the invitation, devouring. But E needed to worship her and moved down her body.

  Thank fuck she wore a dress.

  With each nip of his teeth along her delicate skin, he undid another button until it gaped open to his desire drenched gaze. Lacey watched him taste and pay homage to each breast, sucking harshly on the tips through the thin satin. “God, E, do that to my pussy.”

  His gaze shot up to hers. “That was naughty,” he approved. “Make me eat your pussy, Sweetness.”

  Lacey ran her greedy fingers through his long hair while moving her hips up toward his face, then she pushed his head down. Her pussy made direct contact with his hungry open mouth. She held him in place and ground herself all over his face. His growls of approval sent shivers up her spine. E ate his wife with a ravenous appetite. The wetter she got, the more sounds she made, the closer to losing all control she came, made him take without mercy. She was close, oh-so close to falling over that edge, and E wanted every last drop. He reached up and pinched a nipple at the same time he put one finger inside her hot silk, rubbing her g-spot while putting another finger in her ass. She broke apart when he raked her clit with his teeth. Lacey was still drunk from passion as his head rose from between her legs, chin glistening. He licked his lips slowly. “The sweetest of desserts. Fuck, I could go for another round,” he growled before taking her mouth with his, making sure she tasted herself with each thrust of his tongue.

  Lacey wanted his cock in her mouth and reached between them, stroking. He pulled away and gave a rasped, “Suck me off in the car.”

  She nodded eagerly and began to button her dress, never taking her eyes off his. “Hurry,” she urged, taking his hand and rushing back toward the highway.

  She had his dick free of its confines before he ever pulled back onto the road. “Greedy little bitch,” he whispered.

  Lacey ran her fingers over his sensitive, wet slit and kissed the side of his mouth. “You forgot kinky.”

  But Even never answered. He was fighting to keep the car on the road, wanting nothing more than to watch his wife’s head bob up and down on his cock. “Fuuuuuuuuuuck,” he growled, enjoying the spectacular blow job. He came sooner than he wanted and when she licked the side of his mouth, he tasted himself on her. “Later, I’m tying you up and spanking your fine ass as I fuck you senseless.”

  “Hmm, I love your promises.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because you always follow through.”

  “Oh Sweetness, what I’m going to do to you later.”

  Her breath hitched at the naughtiness caught in such a declaration. God, she loved her husband more and more each and every day. Sure, he had his very human, very male moments, but deep down she knew it was always done for all the right reasons. He loved and treasured her, only wanted to protect her. Though she was still a little upset over his lie, she understood him. Flaws and all, Lacey knew she could count on him. There wasn’t enough money in the world to buy that. True love.

  Chapter Eleven

  The bed of a pickup truck wasn’t exactly Keeley’s first choice in transportation, but a ride was a ride. At least the old man didn’t ogle her. She looked down her body. What was it that lured men in? All she saw was a body more suited for a sixteen-year-old girl, not a woman in her early twenties. There was one exception, her boobs. They appeared to be huge due to her tiny frame and she figured that must be the answer to her question. Keeley gave them a squeeze wondering why it was that men were so damn fascinated with them. In her opinion it was similar to a ball sac. She enjoyed the feel of one, especially slapping her ass with hard thrusts, still she wasn’t the type to gawk at a man’s crotch. Of course she’d be lying to herself if she didn’t admit to catching rather impressive cocks concealed away. Damn she was horny.

  A knock on the window drew her attention behind her. The man driving slid it open as he slowed down. “This is my exit, Miss.”

  She nodded and scooched toward the tailgate. The truck came to a stop and Keeley hopped out and walked to the driver’s side. “Thank you again for the lift.”

  “Anytime. You shouldn’t have any trouble catching another ride.” He pulled off, leaving her standing there for a moment. She only ended up walking about a mile before a fancy sports car pulled up. Keeley braced herself for some lude comment, but was surprised by, “Honey, you really shouldn’t be walking out here by yourself.”

  The pleasant female voice brought her toward the car. “Didn’t have much of a choice.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “L.A.”

  “Hop in. I’m on my way to the airport.”

  That was when Keeley noticed the suitcases and uniform hanging in the back. “Are you a flight attendant?”

  A gleeful laugh tickled her ears. “Everyone thinks that. No, I’m a pilot.”

  “Shut the fuck up!”

  “Oh my God. This is going to be a fun drive,” she said as Keeley closed the door. “Buckle up, honey. I’m running late.” She sped down the road easily going ninety-five on a road that clearly demanded fifty-five. “Name’s Stacey, by the way.”

  “Heavens, Stacey, please don’t kill us.”

  “Go ahead and close your eyes.” She smiled. “I’ll wake you when we get there.”

  Not a bad idea. If she couldn’t see the speedometer, maybe the fear would subside. “I’m Keeley,” she replied, settling down into the bucket seat.

  She woke up to her name and a soft shake of her shoulder. Keeley looked around and realized she was at LAX. “Damn, did you fly this car here?”

  Stacey giggled. “I like you. But this is where my chariot stays.”

  “This is perfect,” while crawling out Keeley added, “thank you again.” She shook hands with Stacey and parted ways. Keeley knew exactly who she was looking for and where to begin her search. She hoped like hell the woman she needed hadn’t changed locations since her last time in Los Angeles. A strange sensation hit as s
he began walking, it was the city of angels hopefully they were more than willing to assist her in finding this one in particular.

  *****

  Tar kept a close watch as he eased around the corner with Lisa and Cole behind him. He turned with his hand up. “I need you to stay here. I’ll be back as fast as possible.”

  “No. Wait!”

  “Shhh, lower your voice, Lisa,” he demanded, first looking around then at Cole. “Don’t worry, Buddy. Uncle Tar will be right back for you.”

  “I keep mommy safe.”

  “Good job, little man.” Tar noticed Cole lean into his mom with a reassuring pat on her back. His mind wandered for a second on what that sight would look like with his and Keeley’s son. Reality struck with a hard bite, he’d never know. A hard shake of his head brought him back to the present as he ghosted into the warehouse. His search for an angel came up empty. “Where the hell are you, Shelby?”

  “You rang,” the soft female voice made him smile.

  “I did, my lady.”

  “Why are you here, Tar? Did you lose your princess again?”

  “Yes. But that’s not why I’m here.”

  Her brow quirked with interest. “I’m listening, SEAL.”

  “I need your help hiding my family.”

  “You’re married?” Her demeanor shifted instantly.

  “Whoa. Where the hell did you get that idea?”

  “Define family,” she demanded.

  “It’s my brother’s family, actually.” Not wanting to give her too many details that could get her killed if she were questioned by the bad guys. “The security they were given failed.” He eyed her closely to see if she was tracking him.

  Her eyes widened, telling him at least part of it just registered. She nodded and inquired, “Children?”

  “Child.”

  “Very young?”

  “Kindergartner.”

  “Follow me, Knight.”

  He chuckled. “Why that name this time?”

  “Because you’re a warrior,” she said matter-of-factly.

  Tar couldn’t argue with her. He always had been one. But he couldn’t leave Lisa and Cole behind to follow Shelby. “They’re with me now.”