Fire (Beautiful Ashes Series, Book 2)

by Ann, Lora

  Keeley shook her head.

  “Talk to me?!”

  She mouthed, “I can’t.”

  “You lost your voice?”

  Another nod.

  “Keeley, you’re seriously freaking me out.” Shelby backed away like she stood in the presence of a ghost.

  Keeley reached for her. She turned on a scream, dragging her bad leg in an attempt to run. She made it out of the warehouse before colliding with what felt like a brick wall. On her ass, she glanced up to see a hand reach for her.

  “Sorry about that. You okay?”

  The deep voice of something decadent quickened her breath. “Y-y-yes,” she stuttered.

  “Here, let me help you.” A sweet female put her arms underneath Shelby’s and helped her get back to her feet.

  She turned and looked into the kind blue eyes of an older woman. “Thank you.”

  “Of course.”

  “Are you Shelby Corbet?”

  She studied the man, whose voice did odd things to her insides, and replied, “Who’s asking?”

  “I served with Tarius McNeil. Name’s Mitch Rolston.”

  “Awww…another SEAL.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “What do you want?” Shelby cut straight through the pleasantries.

  Mitch admired her straightforwardness and the sassy angle of her head. “I’d rather not say out here on the street.”

  The older woman politely introduced herself, “Dr. Pamela Sheffield,” and held out her hand. Shelby shook it as she continued, “Things aren’t safe to say where there are ears.”

  “Understand. Please follow me.” Shelby led them back inside but across the large space from Keeley. She wasn’t sure all parties should meet at that particular moment. Plus, she really didn’t want to be anywhere near Keeley. Something had happened, and Shelby wasn’t sure if it was good or bad. Best for everyone if she played it safe.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Tar sat at the small table making a list of what all he knew to be fact. He also wrote down priorities. Top of that was rescue Chase. Yet he found himself scribbling out K-e-e-l-e-y on more than one occasion. Shit. He needed his head in the game, not his dick. Though that wasn’t quite right. Keeley was so much more than a fuck. Tar loved her with all he was and missed her to the core of his being. He felt he owed her a proper apology and needed to ask for her forgiveness. The feeling that the longer that was put on hold the less likely she would take him back was clouding his judgement. Not good. He knew that, but more importantly his family’s safety rested on his shoulders. The SEAL wouldn’t accept failure. Duty first.

  “Uncle Tar?” Cole climbed up on his lap.

  “What’s up, Partner?” He set the pen down to ruffle his nephew’s hair. Amazed again that he’d taken to him so quickly. The fact it was reciprocated only sweetened the deal.

  “Mommy’s sad.”

  “I know, Buddy.”

  “She misses Daddy.”

  “Yeah, she does. How about we try to make her smile?”

  He sat up straight. “We could get her flowers.”

  Tar chuckled. “And we can make her breakfast in bed.”

  An excited clap met his ears. Cole was precious in his sincere desire to make his mom happy. He hopped off Tar’s lap and ran for the door. “Let’s goooooooo,” he sang.

  Tar grabbed his shirt as he joined Cole. “Shhhh,” he put his finger to his mouth as they stealthily left the little house.

  *****

  Lisa couldn’t believe her eyes when she woke up to fresh picked daisies and pancakes. What really caught her attention was how attentive Tar was being. For the hundredth time, she questioned her decision on which McNeil brother she married. Chase did not deserve what was happening to him, but part of her remained bitter that work always came before her and Cole. She’d once thought that was what Tarius suffered from, but now she found herself realizing he was an in the moment kind of man. Wherever or whoever he was with got his full undivided attention. Then, there was his thoughtfulness to detail when he was present and accounted for. His mind always at work, yet never leaving a person feeling left out or neglected. Lisa acknowledged she wouldn’t have had the lifestyle she’d grown used to with Tar. But this showed her what life with him would be like. She wanted him back. Chase safe of course, but she deserved a man’s full devotion. Though she couldn’t deny her desire to have both brothers at her beck and call. First, she needed Tar to forget about Keeley. She leaned into him sitting on the edge of the bed and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for taking care of me and Cole.”

  He flashed a smile. “You’re my family. I’ll keep you safe until my brother is rescued.”

  Cole latched on to his thick neck. “I don’t want you to go, Uncle Tar.”

  “Hey, Buddy. You don’t worry about it. I’ll always be your uncle and around when you need me.” But he watched his nephew’s face fall and tears slip down his cheeks. He hugged the little boy tight. What had his brother done? Or better question would be, not done to make his wife and son so desperate for love? For attention? Yet Tar was pretty sure he already knew that answer. Chase provided for his family, no doubt about it. But he failed to see there wasn’t quality time without putting in the quantity time. A lot like their father. A good man, hardworking, but work always came first.

  The demon seized those thoughts. “You’re no different. When you’re at work you’re only there. No thoughts of anyone or anything else.”

  Tar countered that with the whole: if I hesitated or didn’t keep my mind on the mission, people would die. Although he couldn’t deny that he was being a hypocrite. Really? What kind of life could he give Keeley? Darkness began to creep through his mind, reminding him of all he’d done in the name of duty, and outside of it. He sure wasn’t one to talk about his brother’s sins. He’d made some critical errors. Lives were lost. And, he’d done things he was more than ashamed of. Definitely not husband material. Lisa had chosen right. Chase was better suited for that role. Cole was curled up next to him sound asleep. He stroked his little back thinking how blessed his brother was. Tar stood up. He couldn’t just sit around on guard duty. Chase needed to be home with his beautiful family.

  “Where are you going?”

  “To find my brother.”

  “But, aren’t you supposed to take care of us?” Lisa was now following him through the house.

  “I won’t leave you unprotected,” he vowed.

  “No one knows where we are!” Her voice raised in hysterics.

  “Hey,” he grabbed a hold of her and pulled her close, “you let me worry about the details.”

  “I j-just can’t,” she sobbed, “k-k-keep doing this.”

  They sat down with his arm around her shoulders. “Lisa, I’m losing my fucking mind here. Chase needs me.”

  She took the window he just provided and crawled on his lap like a little girl, burying her head against his chest. “I need you more.”

  Tar inhaled sharply. Those were her words before he’d left on his last assignment. That was when she decided she couldn’t live with the danger and the not knowing. He realized she was now in that exact positon again. Compassion and empathy tugged on his heart as he held her close and let her cry. “I’m so sorry, Lisa. For ever putting you in a position where you felt you had no choice.”

  She looked up at him. “I never stopped loving you. You have to know that.”

  “I think I’ve always known.” He kissed the top of her head but she tilted back wanting more. Tar recognized the tables had turned. This must have been how she and Chase slid down that oh-so slippery slope. Difference was, he would never betray his brother. Nor would he let Keeley down. He loved her more than he’d ever loved Lisa. “I’m in love with another woman,” he confessed. “And you are a married woman. I know you love Chase. I’m sure being around me has just stirred old emotions. But you don’t want to do this anymore so than I do.” He patted her between her shoulder blades in a brotherly way.

  D
amn. Damn. Damn the man and his morals! She schooled her features and played the good girl. “You’re right,” she lied. “I never meant to hurt you.” Well, at least that was part truth. She meant to seduce Chase just like she was meaning to seduce Tar. Again Lisa let the tears fall. “Please forgive me,” she wheedled and kissed the corner of his mouth, gauging how far she could go.

  Tar gently scooted her off his lap and walked across the room. “I already have,” he admitted before stepping into the bathroom. He stood with his arms braced on the vanity. His problem was clear, he still cared for Lisa, and her vulnerability was making her desirable. Fuck. Would be so much easier if he knew where he stood with Keeley. Somehow he needed to make contact with her. And he needed out of that house. He didn’t blame Lisa, but knew they shouldn’t be left alone. Yes, he could control himself and not give in. But in her frame of mind, he wasn’t sure she could. Tar needed to protect her from herself for his brother, for Cole. Easy enough, he wasn’t in love with her. Keeley owned his heart whether she wanted it or not.

  *****

  The familiar voice from across the warehouse brought Keeley running. She didn’t know why she couldn’t speak, but it didn’t stop her from embracing Mitch, hard. “Hey, girl. You look a little pale.”

  Dr. Sheffield spoke up when she noticed Keeley wasn’t talking. “What’s wrong with your throat?”

  She shrugged and shook her head.

  Mitch turned to Shelby noticing she shifted from side to side. Why was she so nervous? “Can you fill in the blanks, Mrs. Corbet?”

  “Shelby. And you wouldn’t believe me if I could even find the words to explain.”

  He folded his arms. “Try me.”

  She shot a wayward glance toward Dr. Sheffield. “What kind of doctor are you?”

  “Psychiatrist and sex therapist,” the why went unspoken, but Shelby heard it loud and clear.

  “Shit.” Shelby stepped away, however, her leg didn’t cooperate and she went down with no warning.

  Mitch reached forward to help her. A kiss of awareness feathered his fingers where they met hers. Her eyes widened and her pulse quickened. He watched in fascination. Mitch didn’t have a lot of experience with women, but he wasn’t stupid. She was attracted to him as much as he was to her. He’d been playing it off until that moment. Leaning down, he whispered, “How long have you been lame?”

  Her gaze darted around. How did he put that together so fast? God, he was so handsome. She fought the urge to smooth her hair, her clothes. Crap. When was her last shower at the shelter? Averting her glance to the wall behind him, she paused to remember what he asked. Ah yes, now she remembered. “About eighteen months, give or take.”

  “Must have been a nasty accident.”

  She swallowed, “That’s an understatement.”

  “May I?” he reached forward as she nodded consent. Mitch ignored what she was doing to his body and began to feel around. He’d seen injuries like this in combat. His curiosity got the best of him. “Why didn’t they put pins in?”

  “I refused,” came the hollow admission.

  Now why in the hell would a beautiful woman like her with so much life to live make such a choice? The question sat on the tip of his tongue but the enigmatic woman would consider it prying. That much he could read in the set of her shoulders and the angle of her chin. Respect filled him. She didn’t want pity. A warrior through and through. “You must have had a very good reason for that decision.”

  Her gaze locked on his. “I think so,” she murmured.

  He pushed down on a pressure point. “See if you can move it easier while I hold this spot.”

  Shelby doubted anything he did would help but decided she’d humor him. To her complete shock she could move what she thought was a useless leg. “Oh my God,” she gasped as tears sprang without her willing them to.

  “That’s what I thought. I can help you if you’ll let me.”

  “I-I,” her inner voice screamed, Noooooooo, this is your penance for surviving. But Shelby could not deny how much she wanted to walk and answered, “Okay.”

  “I’ll need to check a few more things out before I give you an exercise plan to follow. And I highly recommend you have surgery, but let’s cross that bridge later.” He winked to ease her instant discomfort with the suggestion.

  Dr. Sheffield grinned at the two of them. She knew there was an undeniable attraction between them. But she needed to know what was wrong with Keeley too. “I promise nothing you say will sound weird. Please, fill us in so we can help her.” She motioned toward Keeley.

  Shelby leveled a look on the tiny woman, wringing her hands, wondering if it was a good idea to tell them everything. After a moment, she made her decision. “There was some kind of freak natural phenomena like lightning striking. She hasn’t been able to speak above a hoarse whisper since.”

  “Huh, when did this happen?” Mitch inquired.

  Both Shelby and Keeley shrugged in response.

  Dr. Sheffield pointed out, “It hasn’t been raining and the sky is clear.”

  Mitch looked at both women, studying. His head angled at Shelby. “I’m used to her lying. But you don’t strike me as the type. Care to elaborate?”

  Shelby shook her head and broke eye contact.

  Dr. Sheffield could feel the tension and knew it was not the way to earn trust. She changed the subject. “Keeley, that little boy is going to live because of you.”

  Keeley’s eyes brightened with tears as she held her hand over her mouth.

  Mitch smiled. “You’re quite a hero.”

  Shelby glanced over at her. “You didn’t tell me you saved a kid’s life.”

  Keeley turned and walked away.

  Mitch followed her into the next room, grateful to have her alone. “Hey, Keeley. You did a wonderful thing. And actually I’m here specifically for you.”

  She turned toward him, curiosity in her eyes.

  “Tar needs you.”

  She bit her lip and didn’t respond right away. God, just hearing his name brought butterflies to her stomach. She locked her gaze on Mitch’s and rasped, “I’ve seen him.”

  “Thank fuck. He went off the grid. So you two have kissed and made up?”

  Keeley shook her head and began to pace. Mitch noticed a limp. “Keeley what did you do?” Then he recalled she’d been limping on that footage they’d seen of her leaving the scene of the rescue. She waved her hand to dismiss the question. He stilled it. “You hurt yourself.” Not only was it a statement but there was no judgement in his voice, just sadness.

  Her down and away look broke his heart. Mitch cared for this woman like a brother cares for his sister. Add that to the fact, she was the love of his best friend’s life. He wanted to help her. Help her and Tar reunite. He realized in that instant they were good for each other in ways he’d never considered before. She finally glanced back at him and mouthed, “I did.”

  “Can I take a look?”

  Keeley sat down and let Mitch examine her. He seemed satisfied and sat next to her. “Will you show me where Tar is?”

  She nodded.

  He blew out a heavy breath. “Was he alone?”

  Keeley began to pick at the bandage on her leg. Mitch pulled her fingers away from the wound. She answered him with tears sliding down her cheeks. “He’s with a woman and child.”

  “Not ‘with,’ Keeley,” came the growled response. “He’s been ordered to protect them.” Mitch decided to tell her everything. She couldn’t help if she didn’t understand. Her agitation increased with each piece of information he gave until she was up on her feet, tugging him. “No. Not tonight. It’s safer in the morning.” He could see the protest in every line of her face. “Trust me on this, Keeley. We’ll go as soon as the sun rises.”

  She was angry but, at the same time, knew they needed Shelby to guide the way. Keeley wanted to throw something, anything. Lisa was dangerous. She knew it when she saw her with Tar. Now, Mitch confirmed her suspicions. Rage boiled in her b
lood as she lay there in the dark. Her mind providing all sorts of naughty that could be going on in that house.

  The demon hissed, “Go now. You can find your way. None of them will ever know.” He knew if she would leave the safe haven she was in, he could have her killed. His dark angel was so close to being in Hell with him for all eternity. To seal her fate he flashed a wicked scene before her. Tar’s face buried in Lisa’s pussy as he spoke every word he’d ever said to Keeley. It worked. She bolted off the floor and took off without a look back.

  The demon slunk around the corner to the murderer, who was jonesing for his next kill, and enticed him with visions of taking a young woman’s life. The feel of her body locking down as he raped her, and the look of horror as she breathed her last breath. Yes, he had him salivating for a victim before he returned to his soon to be queen.

  “This way, Keeley,” the demon crooned to her down the deserted, filthy back alley.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Careful not to wake the sleeping child or his mother, Tar eased the door shut. There were several traps set, if the house was invaded, to alert Lisa. He silenced the part of him that chastised for leaving them while they were under his protection. The justification came in one word: reconnaissance. Information was needed on who had Chase and where, along with making contact with Mitch, who knew damn well how to reach Keeley. He couldn’t go another day without at least speaking to her. Though the apology should be done face-to-face and body to body if she’d let him touch her. He’d understand if she wouldn’t let him put one finger on her, knowing it would take time to rebuild trust for both of them. Tar only wanted the opportunity to lay that firm foundation. And he would do whatever it took to show her he wasn’t leaving again, that love meant working through the tough shit.

  Tar decided on his way to where he’d last known the team’s headquarters to be that he’d stop in and check on a particular angel. He knew she needed off the streets, but Shelby was strong-willed and would take some serious convincing. Mitch could help him out with that. Tar had brought him up to speed on the nurse before everything went to hell. Call it, McNeil! Before he fucked it all up with Keeley, and his brother ended up in the hands of perverts. Damn. How would Chase ever get back to normal after what he was enduring? At that moment was still being tortured? He couldn’t let his mind go there. One step at a time. He’d help his brother get through this. The Strand brothers taught him family always stuck together.