Dark (Beautiful Ashes #1) (11 page)

But Tar had heard her loud and clear. “Say it again.”

She couldn’t deny him. “I love you, Tarius McNeil.”

“Fuck, Keeley. You’ve just made me the happiest man alive.”

He decided showing her how happy was necessary, taking her to new heights as they made love.

Chapter
Seventeen

Leith lie sprawled on the mat out cold. Tar wiped blood off the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. “You deserved worse,” he grit out before spitting in the trash can. Leith had gotten in a few good hits and Tar’s lip reflected it.

E entered his gym and hissed, “Did you kill him?”

“Should’ve.”

“What’d the fucker do?”

When Keeley came in moving stiffly and wincing, E had his answer. He nodded his approval, kneeling down to check on Leith. Meanwhile, Keeley and Tar were having a rather heated discussion.

“You had no right!” she yelled.

“The hell I didn’t,” Tar retorted. “He beat the shit out of you. That’s not a man in my book.”

E didn’t bite back the, “Pussy,” that escaped, earning him one nasty glare from his sister-in-law. “Damn, girl, that’s one mean ass look you’ve got there.” He ran his hands over his torso. “Thank fuck, you didn’t singe me.”

Keeley couldn’t fight the raise of her lips. E was a smartass, but she did love him. Most of all, she loved how much he was in love with her sister. To watch the two of them together was beautiful, absolutely breathtaking. She simply associated it with being a Strand brother because they were all like that. Loyal and fiercely protective, family was everything to them. But the way they honored and cherished their wives was awe-inspiring. Keeley thought that kind of love just wasn’t real, only existed in fairytales. However, Even and his brothers, Nik and Alex, showed her there were still good men in this world. She sighed, sneaking a sidelong glance at Tarius. He was another one. She knew it, which was why she wished he’d come to his senses and leave her. She was a fuck-up waiting to happen, destroying all in her wake. Remembering she was supposed to be pissed at both of them, she huffed, “Are you boys done playing?”

“Yes, ma’am,” E replied.

Tar stepped in behind her and coiled his arm around her waist, pulling her tight. “I know you’re mad as hell at me, Viper, but put yourself in my shoes. What would you do if he’d done that to me?”

She leaned into him, looking up to hold his gaze. “Kick his motherfucking ass.”

Laughter boomed throughout the room.

Leith came to, still a little dizzy from having his clock cleaned. “Nice to know you all care,” he groaned, rubbing his jaw.

E leveled a nasty glare at him. “You deserved it. Man up and accept it.”

Leith nodded. “That I did.” He searched the gym until he spotted Tar and Keeley embracing and talking. Tar’s gaze met his. “Sorry, man,” Leith apologized.

“Don’t fucking do it again,” Tar warned.

“Copy that,” Leith affirmed, standing. He swayed a little and Keeley walked over to help. He shot her an are-you-out-of your-mind look.

She shook her head in response, glancing over to see E and Tar talking. Keeley took advantage of their distraction and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I got exactly what I deserved.” He walked away without glancing back.
Fucking idiot
.
That woman has me wrapped around her finger and I’m not even banging her
.

*****

Keeley paced nervously waiting for Lacey. She couldn’t tell her sister what she’d done the night before any more than she could tell Tar. Leith was the only one who knew, and she wasn’t sure he’d keep his damn mouth shut. Worst part, she wanted as far away from Ms. Jones and Braxton as she could be. What the hell was she going to do?

“Uh-oh, I recognize this.” Lacey eyed her sternly. “What have you done?”

Damn! “Why would you think that?” she asked defensively.

“Hello, you are my twin sister. And I’ve known something was up since the airport.”

Alrighy then, it was time to spin another web. Sooner or later she was going to get herself caught in one of them. Visuals of a big ass spider ready to pounce filled her mind. Ick! “I already shared what I’m dealing with. Don’t ya think that’s enough to cause a teensy amount of anxiety? Shit, Lace. Cut me some slack.”

Lacey gasped, “Oh, Kee,” and embraced her tightly.

For the most part that lie had some truth to it, so why did Keeley feel bad about telling it? She contemplated that for a moment and decided to change the subject. “So, you’re going to help out with this assignment? I’m surprised E would let you.”

“Let me?” Her indignation was written all over her face. “Even is my partner in life, the man I love with all my heart, we have mutual respect for one another, love and trust. I damn sure do
not
need his permission.”

Ha! Someone might want to let E in on that. She quirked her brow at Lacey. “He wouldn’t want you in any danger.”

“And I wouldn’t want him in any either,” she threw her hands up, “but sometimes in order to catch a demon you must go into Hell.”

No truer words had been spoken. Yet the image it conjured, gave Keeley chills. She could swear that the senator was standing right beside her ready to snatch her away. “Okay, so we’re going in this afternoon to work with the dancers on a new routine?”

“Well, I’ll be working. E is going to take you down to the dungeon and show you around.”

“Ah, so I have the lay of the land if I need a quick exit.”

“Ding-ding, give that a girl a prize.”

They both began to laugh, grabbing their purses and heading over to the night club.

*****

Tar raked his hair. “I’m trying to wrap my head around this shit, E, but I just can’t seem to grasp it.”

“In your defense, when we worked on the other investigation together, you never saw this side of BDSM.”

“True that. I actually like some of it. Don’t mind kinky.” He winked.

E chuckled, clapping Tar on the back. “I
love
kinky, however, you need to understand that our definition of consenting adults having a mind-blowing experience differs from others.”

“I feel ya. And my girl would be one who associates pain with some sort of pleasure.”

“You know, there are ways to give her what she needs without taking it to the extremes she seems hellbent on doing.” E shook his head. “It’s become another addiction for her. Dammit I wish that girl would see she doesn’t need any of that shit.”

“Welcome to my mission,” Tar pointed out. “I need her healthy mentally and emotionally before there’s ever an us.”

“I’m not gonna tell you how to deal with this situation. She does need help, I agree. Plenty of people love that girl and wanna help. But you know as well as I do, until
she
wants it, we’re all spinning our wheels.”

“Yup. And doing doughnuts makes me sick.”

“Hell yes. I know you’re sleeping with her. Also know you’ve fallen in love, my friend. I believe she wants what you’re offering, but she’s not sure how. Takes a very patient man to deal with this shit.”

“Damn good thing I have plenty of it.”

E motioned with his head toward the next room. “I pray you do, Tar. For her sake and yours.”

*****

Keeley left her sister’s side once they arrived at the club. She had the password tucked safely in the front pocket of her jeans and followed the corridor to the hidden-from-plain-view elevator. She pushed the correct numbers and waited until the doors opened. To her surprise, Tar was waiting on the other side. He locked his gaze on hers, intensity building between them. If they could just stay naked and in the throes of passion constantly, they’d never have any problems. The wayward thought made her smile. “‘Sup?”

“Are you sure about this?”

She paused trying to figure out what he was referring to. Light bulb went off. “Of course I am. If I can help in any way, I want to.” She bit her lip. “I need to do this, Tarius. Please understand.”

His hand snaked out, grabbing hers in a tight grip. “I don’t question you needing or wanting to go through with this.” He pulled her against him. “I worry it’s not
only
to take down the bad guys.”

His lips were against hers before she could argue. He had every right to be concerned. She wasn’t just doing this for honorable reasons. But if she came clean, he’d insist she didn’t participate. Not going to happen. In Keeley’s mind, this was the way to keep her addiction on a leash. She would deal with the consequences. His kiss was desperate, conveying his anxiety. She fisted his shirt and held on, letting him take whatever he needed from her. The doors slid apart as E whistled, breaking their impassioned lip lock.

“Damn, I need my wife after watching that!” E drawled.

Keeley was still a tad breathless but managed to grin at her brother-in-law. “She’s working.”

“Yeah, she’s still pissed I won’t let her dance when we’re open for business.”

“I understand, but maybe she could teach more?”

“Go on, I’m listening.”

“She has the dance studio but she misses actual performances. There’s an audition for a local dance company downtown. Let her try.”

E nodded, rubbing his jaw. “I had no idea. Think it’s time my wife and I sit down and simply talk about things.”

“She’d like that too.”

E gave her a big squeeze. “Thank you, sis.”

“Anytime.”

Tar nudged E with his shoulder. “Get your hands off my woman. You have your own.”

E wagged his brows salaciously. “Hell yes, I do.”

Laugher erupted on the ride back up.

Playful banter continued as they entered E’s office. Mitch and Nik were there waiting. The mood sobered as Mitch brought everyone up to speed on their assignment. Keeley accepted her role wondering how far they would let her go to gain the trust needed to bring down this particular branch of the ring. Mitch addressed her thoughts, “Tar, if you cannot handle watching another man’s hands on Keeley, we understand. But for the love of God, don’t blow her cover.”

Tar shot him an indignant glare. “I know how to wear a game face. Not my first rodeo, Captain.”

“True. But the woman you love will be in a vulnerable position. Takes a strong man to resist the urge to protect what is his.”

E ran both hands through his hair. “Gotta tell ya, no fucking way could I do it.”

Nik chimed in, “Ditto. Anyone laid a finger on my Aimee and I’d beat the ever-loving shit outta ‘em.”

Tar stood, fists at his side. Could he do this? His slammed down a chair, making Keeley jump. He locked gazes with her. “They’re right.”

She swallowed hard and went to his side. “They’ll make sure I’m safe. You have to know that.”

He nodded before turning to Mitch. “If she’s harmed beyond what is expected, I’ll knock your fuckin’ teeth out.”

“Affirmative,” Mitch answered.

Nik and E joined Tar while Keeley went back to learn exactly what she needed to do.

“Tar, she’s going to be just fine,” Nik reassured. “I’ll personally see to it.”

“Abso-fucking-lutely she is.” E nodded. “I’m not letting any slime ball manhandle my sister-in-law.”

“Appreciate that, man. But you both know there has to be touching and handling involved for this to work,” Tar pointed out.

“There does. However, it doesn’t need to go past the necessary,” E declared.

“E would know more than any other person on this case what is and is not acceptable,” Nik affirmed.

“That I do know,” Tar said as he clapped E’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

Mitch addressed, “We ready to do this?”

E howled out, “Show time.”

Despite the tension in the room that was enough to earn a few chuckles. Keeley appreciated his sense of humor more in that moment than she ever did before. He was a good man with a beautiful heart. Nik was too. And as she gave a sidelong glance Tar’s direction, she acknowledged he was another one. She couldn’t believe her luck, surrounded by such wonderful men—men who would do anything and everything to keep her safe. Too bad they couldn’t save her from herself, she thought as they went back to the restricted dungeon.

Chapter
Eighteen

Keeley’s heart raced, keeping a tempo like a thoroughbred in the final stretch of the Kentucky Derby. Braxton could not be the man Mitch was investigating too. And how the hell did this all work with the other secret assignment her and Leith were on? He leaned in where she was hanging from the leather cuffs and purred, “Ah, my lovely, we meet again.” He inhaled deeply at her neck sending shivers of terror ricocheting throughout her nervous system. “So your Dom is ready to give you to another?”

“Yessssss,” she hissed as he bit below her ear.

“You’re afraid of me,” he gloated. “Perfect. Though I’m sad to say, things won’t be quite as acute at this club.” He struck her with the flogger along her tender ribs.

Bastard knew she was sore after what he’d done to her at the underground. She didn’t want to fucking like it. Did not want to crave the fear he heightened, but she did. So much so that she was aroused to the point he’d notice. E’s club was different. She knew they were watching as did Braxton, but not in a full-view area. This was more private and concealed. No one watched without permission from both parties. Shame and guilt filled her that her traitorous body responded this way. Her heart screamed at her to use the safeword. With the next strike along the inside of her thigh, she implored, “Please, more.”

Braxton wanted to fuck this one. He didn’t know what it was about the girl, but he fought like hell not to take her. She would fight and that was what he wanted most. He grabbed a belt next and as he struck her sweet breasts, Braxton began to comment, “If you were all mine and we were in the privacy of my home, I’d show you just what I can do to your body. Make you come without ever touching you with my dick, my fingers, or my mouth.”

Keeley groaned. He kept talking like that, with strikes to her erogenous zones, and she would. Oh, she’d hate herself for it, but it was absolute fact. He already had her so close to orgasm. She must focus. For those girls who didn’t choose this. For Mitch, Nik, and E sitting in the other room. For Tar. “Tell me, Sir, what it’s like.”

“So sweet. I should wash that mouth out with my cum for your insolence.” His next strike was right on the cusp of brutal.

Keeley cried out, earning another just like it. Fucker was aroused each time he caused enough pain she screamed, “Sir.”

“You going to use the safeword?” He struck again, hard, right over her exposed clit. Tears blurred her vision. “I’m—”

“I need to know,” she interrupted while pleading.

Braxton pulled her head back by the hair and whispered in her ear valuable information. Not enough to charge him, but it was tangible. He broke away from her, breathing heavily. “Little girl, you will be my undoing.” Holding up a hand to give a signal, the door opened. He watched as Keeley was released from her chains and called, over his shoulder, “Be here in three days, same time.”

Keeley was leaning heavily on the other woman assisting her. “Yes, Sir.” Her eyes met his and a chill traveled her spine. This man would destroy her. She knew it, but the masochist craved what he offered. In over her head, she should confess it all to Tar. Yet she wouldn’t. She’d lie to herself that it was all for a good reason, the greater good. But it was just that—a lie.

*****

“What the fuck?” Tar roared when he saw E carrying Keeley.

Nik took a protective stance between the two men. “Easy there,” he cautioned.

Mitch walked in, closing the door behind him. He gestured for Tar to take a seat. Tar couldn’t bring himself to sit. “Give her to me,” he growled at E.

Once more, Nik got right in-between them. “Back the fuck up.”

“Nikko, he’s fine,” E assured, passing Keeley to him.

Tar took his exhausted girl and sat down heavily, caressing her back as she slumped against him. “Someone start talking,” he growled.

“Contrary to how this looks, things went very well,” E explained. “She did great and he likes her, which is all good. Means we may be closer to cracking this wide open than we realized.”

Mitch nodded. “He started opening up to her. Shows he trusts her on some level.”

“Then why the hell is she so shattered?”

“He worked her over thoroughly,” Nik expounded, earning him a nasty glare from Tar.

“Is this really necessary?” he snarled at Mitch.

“‘Fraid so, Tar. She’s our ticket in.”

“Look, Tar, he never took it too far,” E chimed in. “I get she’s bruised and sore. Try to think of it as sparring.”

Now that registered with Tar more than anything else. He’d been undercover numerous times and understood how to gain the trust of the ones being investigated. To stay as safe as possible, they had to train. Sometimes that meant using weapons on one another. And anyone who did marital arts knew you’d have some marks after a good sparring round. His heartbeat began to regulate as the SEAL in him grasped the mission systematically. Keeley would hurt, but she wasn’t in imminent danger. From what he could see, none of her bruises were serious. Plus, she didn’t have any fresh lacerations. She moaned out, “I’m fine.”

He kissed her forehead. “Let’s get you into a hot bath.”

E stood, leading the way to a cavernous bathroom. “Want me to draw the bath for you?”

“No. I’ve got it,” Tar replied.

“I’ll be upstairs when you’re done.”

“Thanks.”

Tar noticed E locked the door before closing it. Gratitude filled him for his friend who understood all too well what he was feeling right now. His only mission, at the moment, was to take care of Keeley.

Tar sat on the edge of the oversized tub with Keeley nestled against his chest. He turned on the water as he soothed her. “I’m going to help you out of this robe so I can bathe you.”

“Mm-hmmm,” she hummed out.

He lifted her into the tub and quickly shucked off his boots and clothes, sliding in behind her. She leaned back relishing the feel of skin against skin. He reached over to shut off the water before it overflowed. Grabbing a sponge, he squeezed water over her tight muscles. Tar took great care to be gentle, massaging her as he went. He poured a lavender body wash onto the sponge to cleanse her. The smell of Braxton was clinging to her and he re-lathered her to rid any trace of him. Next, he poured water over her head then shampooed. Massaging her again from head to toe, not wanting to do anything more than take care of her.

Other than a few “oh’s” and “ah’s” from Keeley, she stayed silent, enjoying Tar’s tenderness. She didn’t deserve him. Girls like her did not deserve anyone’s kindness, she thought, but couldn’t bring herself to ask him to stop. She came close to confessing everything, yet stopped herself each time the words threatened to spew. He wouldn’t understand. Add that to the fact, she actually enjoyed the fear as well as the pain Braxton provided. She could live a double life. Hell, she’d done it before. Easy peasy. He’d never be the wiser as long as she didn’t get sloppy. At least she’d learned a thing or two since she was a teenager. Keeley was a pro at covering things up, especially from those she loved. Protecting them from the blackness of her soul was necessary. That kind of darkness should never be set free, destroying all in its path. If it devastated her, fine. She was fully aware it would claim her eventually.

*****

Keeley woke up in the guestroom at Lacey and E’s place. Tar was beside her with his large hand resting on her hip. She flexed, testing her body, feeling better than she should. The man lying next to her was the reason why. His miraculous massage in the hot bath did wonders. Guilt slammed her. She ran her fingers lightly through his hair. He groaned, “Morning, Beautiful.”

Of all the pet names he had for her, that one brought tears to her eyes. It simply wasn’t true, and she fought hard not to protest. “Hi, Handsome,” she cooed before placing a light kiss on his lips.

“Mmm…you sore?”

“Not like I should be.”

“Good.” He deepened the kiss as he pushed her back to the bed, hovering over her on his elbows.

“God, yes, please,” she murmured into his mouth as he eased inside her.

They made love, slow and tender, a beautiful joining of two souls. Keeley couldn’t stop the tears as she climaxed. “You okay?” Tar inquired.

“Perfect,” she replied, realizing it was the truth. Her tears weren’t from sorrow, regret, guilt, or shame. She was crying at the perfection of the moment. One she wanted to lock away and cherish forever. Keeley didn’t have many of them, but the ones she did have…meant the world to her.

He chuckled lightly. “I’m glad they are the good kind.”

“Same here.”

Their precious moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. Lacey called from the other side, “I’m sorry. Tar, Mitch called. He needs to meet with you immediately.”

“Thanks, Lacey. Tell him I’m on my way.”

“Okie dokie.”

*****

Keeley showered before finding her sister in the living room. She leaned over and grabbed the e-reader from her hands, shocked at the words. “Oh, my God. You’re reading smuuuuuuut!”

“Is not smut,” Lacey said defensively.

“Soooo is,” she sang out, teasing.

“Give it back,” Lacey held out her hand.

“Does your husband know you’re reading this?”

“Yes,” she responded with an indignant glare. “Sometimes we read it
to
each other.”

“He is a kinky bastard,” she chortled.

“And all mine,” Lacey added. “Now, may I please have it back?”

Keeley shook her head as she placed it back into her sister’s hand. “I don’t get why you two need that stuff. I mean, E is a virile man with major kink.”

Lacey grinned. “He is that. But it’s fun role playing.”

“Ah, now that makes perfect sense. Maybe I should try it with Tar.” Her brows rose with naughty thoughts dancing through her mind.

Lacey snapped her fingers. “Thinking you might like it a little too much.”

Keeley snatched a throw pillow and smacked her sister in the face. “Shut the hell up.”

Both women were giggling and having a full-blown pillow fight when E entered the room. He didn’t hesitate to jump into the fray. An all-out war was ensuing. E decided he was done playing nice and began to tickle Lacey. She squealed and squirmed underneath him, wakening his cock. The naughty glint in her eyes told him it was time to move this to a more private venue. He stood, yanking her up then over his shoulder in a fireman carry. She tried to fight but he swatted her ass, stilling her struggles. He called out, “Talk to ya later, Kee,” as he walked down the hall.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she teased, hearing the bedroom door close.

Her sister’s screams of delicious pleasure told Keeley it was time to vacate for a while. She grabbed the keys, sitting on the breakfast bar, and decided a walk would do her some good.

*****

Keeley was enjoying the sunshine and sights, trying her best not to dwell on things. She crossed the street toward a little park when she noticed Ms. Jones and Leith in a tense discussion. Oh shit. She wanted nowhere near that woman. Still unable to place her, but Keeley knew something was off. “Fine. I’ll do it!” Leith roared at Ms. Jones.

She turned with a smug look on her face, catching Keeley’s gaze. What was it about those eyes? They were familiar. Keeley attempted to make small talk. “How are you, Ms. Jones?”

“Very well. Thank you.” She glanced back at Leith, “I’ll see you later,” then walked over to a car waiting for her.

After Ms. Jones was gone, Leith grabbed Keeley’s arm. “We need to talk.” He dragged her into a bar. The smell of alcohol nearly knocked her on her ass. “What’s your poison?”

Keeley licked her lips. She could swear the taste was on the tip of her tongue.
Get it together.
“I don’t drink,” she willed the words from her mouth.

“Then I’ll have one for you.” He carried the draft beer and shot of whiskey to the furthest table in the darkest corner.

Bad things happened when people couldn’t see you. “Can’t we sit closer to the front?”

“Hell no. I don’t want anyone overhearing us.”

“‘Kay.” She nodded, following the irritated man. Something told her she wasn’t going to like what he had to say.

He downed his boilermaker before speaking. “We have to go back.”

“What? Where?”

“Where the hell do you think, Disneyland?”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, hell no!”

“Shhh, lower your voice,” he warned.

“I can’t do it. I can’t go back there.”

“Well, sweetheart, you don’t have a fucking choice.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. We are in all the damn way, and there’s no escape until my boss says so.”

“Find another girl.”

“Wish it were that simple. But
you
have been requested.”

“Noooooooo. I’m telling you, pull me from the secretive assignment.”