Light (Beautiful Ashes #3)

by Lora Ann

  E hugged her. “You’re amazing. Does Tar know you can do that?”

  She smiled, wiping sweat from her brow. “Not yet.”

  “Phew! That’s gonna lead to some serious fun.”

  “E! I swear you only think with your dick.”

  Both men threw their heads back and laughed.

  “Kee,” E pointed out, “all men think with their dick.”

  She glanced over at Shelby. “Having a vagina is way better.”

  “Hear, hear, sister.” Shelby added, “They can take a pounding and still make any dick happy.”

  The whole room filled with more belly laughs. Felt good to cut loose. They’d all been under tremendous stress. They made their way to the conference table and began to look at strategy. Mitch had to give it to Keeley, she knew her shit.

  E wrapped his arm around Lacey, “Let’s go bring our boy home.”

  Keeley wanted to go so bad but knew she and Mitch must go back to the underground club. Tar was in good hands, but that wasn’t what bothered her. She wanted to welcome him back properly, make long sweet love to him. A reunion that would have to be put on hold. Hopefully not for too long.

  *****

  Her strength was failing and her hands would not cooperate. She turned to Clark, “You’ll need to do this while I instruct.”

  He glanced over at her feeling something like remorse, not for torturing her as much as for damaging the doctor who helped put everyone back together. “Are you going to live?”

  She sneered, “If only to spite you.”

  He nodded. “That is why I keep you, but,” he warned, “it is also why you forced me to discipline you.”

  “To discipline would mean you cared. No, you tortured me and put me in grave danger of serious infection and disfigurement to show you control me,” she scoffed, keeping the as if to herself.

  “I should’ve ripped that fucking tongue out,” he growled.

  She knew when to speak and stood there silent for a moment. Taunting a madman was not in her best interest, and she was planning retribution. Vengeance was a powerful drug. “Well, it’s a good thing you didn’t or she,” swiping her hand over his wife, “would die.”

  “Fair point, Dr. Thompson.”

  They worked together in an unholy alliance. Mrs. Williams would be damn lucky to pull through this ordeal. She was a frail woman, and Carla began to see why he kept her hidden for the most part. Her instincts kicking in, she inquired, “How long has she battled depression?”

  He sighed, “Too many years to count.”

  “And that’s why you got involved in the sex slave trade?” He was willing to talk and she needed to know his weak spots.

  “I owed Caleb her life. He’d saved her from successfully killing herself at a party she and I were hosting for him. Once you were indebted to him, there was no turning back.”

  Her feelings toward this particular madman were softening. Not unlike her, after all. Pulled into a horrific life because one man insisted on control. He had been a soulless monster, and she didn’t have one regret of removing him from the face of the earth. Even her drive to eliminate Keeley was changing. She realized why that was with sudden clarity. Chase gave her back her heart. It pumped wildly with that fascination and of him. “Definitely got what he deserved.”

  His head cocked to the side, studying her, not for what she said but how she said it. She held a secret. Interesting. “You know something.” It wasn’t a question. His keen eyes on her now watching for signs he was accurate.

  She knew when to hold her cards close and gave nothing away. But in the turmoil and being on her guard, she was feeling rather sick. Her clammy hand grabbed a hold of his. “I’m going to…”

  Shit! She fainted. He went to lift her off the floor. His hands pulled back, she was burning up. His mocking laugh toward his wife lying there. “We needed her. Not sure she’ll survive what I did, Sarah. And you’ve wanted to die for so long now. Perhaps you’ll get your wish. I have no way to continue.” He left Carla on the floor, nudging her out of his way with his foot, then proceeded to stitch his wife up. “Let’s hope you don’t bleed out.” His eyes shot down to the woman lying in a heap. “She dies, so do you, Dr. Thompson.”

  *****

  Keeley yanked on the chain attached to Mitch in various locations. He shot her a warning glance. For shits and giggles she tugged it again with a wry grin. His breathing accelerated, not from arousal but barely leashed hostility. She was deliberately pissing the hell out of him and had been since they’d arrived on the scene. “What gives, Mistress?” His tone gave him away.

  She leaned toward him and whispered, “Keep up the attitude and I’ll punish your taut ass.” Her gaze dropped directly to his backside where the assless chaps showed off his finely toned glutes.

  He met her teasing gaze with anger in his. “I wonder how a certain man would feel about that.”

  Low blow bringing Tar into this. Fine, she could play. “About as happy as a certain woman would about this.” She pulled that chain again in a different spot, lifting his balls until he cringed.

  He growled low in her ear, “You’re a real bitch, you know that?”

  “Hmm, you haven’t seen my inner bitch. Yet.” She threw a casual wave of her hand and left him seething.

  Mitch wasn’t exactly pissed at Keeley. He knew she was playing a role. The fight she’d won fair and square, so that wasn’t it either. No, his aggression was toward a certain woman who was bound and determined to drive him batshit crazy with her love-me-don’t-touch-me routine. Shelby was under his skin, and every taste he had made him crave her more. But he made it clear, he would wait until she begged for it before making love to her. And she was pushing him to limits he wasn’t sure he could handle. “I’m taking out my frustrations on you. Sorry.”

  “I know. Now, play your part and come,” she ordered while pulling his leash.

  All right, Rolston, get into the game here. People were counting on them to pull this charade off. He distanced himself from his emotions and got right into character. “Yes, Mistress.”

  “Dogs don’t speak,” she corrected. “On your knees.”

  His eyes rolled at her before he could contain them. The riding crop hit the cheek of his ass with hard snap. “Again,” he groaned for show.

  She obliged with another to his sensitive crack. “One more,” she announced before hitting just under his sac, acknowledging it was harsh and hurt like hell. But it couldn’t be helped, they had an audience. She hoped he saw them too.

  His moan was out of pain and he worked it for those watching. Inwardly he applauded her quick thinking. And it appeared to have paid off as he saw the gleaming white teeth of Zak’s.

  “Lexi, bring our friends to the elite room.” Zak nodded his approval at Keeley.

  Mitch didn’t miss the lust in the actor’s eyes. Fuck. That look spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e for her. The protector in him growling low. He vowed to keep her safe, and that douche bag wasn’t going to lay a fucking finger on his best friend’s woman. Not on his watch. Not ever.

  Lexi petted his head. “Good doggie. Bite the bad man right in the ass.”

  Mitch shot a worried glance at Keeley.

  She gave the command, “Stay,” with reassurance she wouldn’t let anyone take control of him.

  He bowed his head in gratitude and respect. She might not have taken the same vows to protect and sacrifice for her country, but she had the heart of a warrior. He didn’t doubt this queen would die for her king. His job was to make sure she didn’t have to. “Mistress.” He kept a step behind her, letting her lead him.

  Keeley fought the gasp threatening to give away her shock. Alex and Sofie were seated with six other couples. Bidding paddles were in their hands. Her eyes darted toward the wall where four slaves were chained, spread-eagled and naked. The memory of her captivity chose that moment to flood her. Her emotions on a razor’s edge as the scene from her past reeled out. The screams so real she fought not to cover her ears
. Mitch stepped right up behind her. “Breathe through it,” he muttered low and deep. His voice became her lifeline.

  Lexi’s sharp tone rang out. “Mistress, you and your pet will play with each slave so our bidders can see them in action.”

  Keeley gulped. She could not violate anyone. It did not matter that three of them were high and horny, evidence was right there for all to see. Her gaze locked on the innocent one. Poor girl was trembling. Crop in one hand and Mitch’s leash in the other, she tugged him forward. God, she hoped he would forgive her for what she was about to make him do. “Sniff, doggie.” His shocked sidelong glance was noticed by her. Silently she tried to convey, just trust me.

  Mitch channeled his dog from childhood and followed Keeley’s lead. Nips, jumping up, wagging his “tail”, licks on shoulders, she never made him bite or do anything degrading. He angled a look at the poor girl, who was completely out of her element, then caught Alex’s tight nod.

  His knowing gaze went to Keeley’s. She inclined her head in response. If the girl looked eager, she would draw the attention off herself. How could she do that and help preserve the girl’s dignity? She was the hottest commodity as her fear shone bright. Many wanted the pleasure of a virgin. Survival was key. She needed the girl to find that deep within herself. Keeley rubbed up against her breasts on breasts and slowly kissed her neck. She moaned, gaining a few turned-on spectators, and the effect was what Keeley was after.

  Mitch caught on and, watching where he touched her, ever-so-cautiously he joined the party as they gave the onlookers quite a show. Keeley was extra careful, not wanting to give the scared young woman the wrong idea. And whether she knew it or not, her response lowered the interest of the bidders. Alex mouthed a, “thank you,” when they finished.

  Alex and Sofie ended up with the girl thanks to Keeley’s quick thinking. And Zak surprised them with an announcement. “Grab your slaves as we take you all to our compound to do as you please, for as long as you want.”

  Holy fucking shit! This was the opportunity they all wanted. But could they keep the charade going? And would they be able to handle what lie ahead? These questions and more bounced around in each of their heads like unsecured cargo in a tractor trailer, as they were led out to waiting limousines. No chance to reevaluate or run ideas by the other. From here on out they had to go with the strategy laid out beforehand, hoping they could handle what came their way.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Lisa eased out of bed, stumbling a little from the pain. Braxton went too far. She would make damn sure he rotted in jail for what he did. On her trek to Tar’s room, she realized that she’d be a patient for a couple of days before her strength was back. A wall as her support, she stopped to catch her breath. Her ribs weren’t broken just bruised. Her private parts were so sore she thought for sure he ruptured something, but she’d been reassured that was not the case. After an agonizing slow walk, she stepped into his room and saw her baby curled up in his defined, tattooed arms. Her tears were not from the physical pain, but the emotional. A sight that screamed family, and she was the outsider.

  Her approach was noted by Tar. He needed her trust in order to trick her into self-incrimination, and pretending he still loved her was a sure-fire way of doing just that. His heart protested vehemently, but he mentally calmed it down. Keeley would understand why. He wouldn’t do anything that crossed the lines, vowing that to himself, as he reached for her hand. “Lisa,” he smiled.

  “You remember me?”

  “Yes, baby.”

  Her wide eyes told him she thought he didn’t remember Keeley. “And you have my son with you, why?”

  Forcing himself to keep going with what he started, he lied, “Our son.”

  She gasped, “Oh.” Damn, if she told him the truth, he’d be furious over her betrayal. Not to mention she wondered how his memory was intact at all after what she’d done to him. “He looks just like you.”

  Tar prayed Cole stayed asleep while he planted this little seed in her. “That he does.” His pride coming through, even though he was aware that Chase and him looked a lot alike. He noticed how gingerly she shifted and the swelling visible even in the darkened room. “What happened to you?”

  “I was attacked in the parking lot.” At least that part was true.

  “You filed a report?”

  The officer, who had run to the restroom, entered and inquired, “Do you know this person, Mr. McNeil?”

  “Yes. She’s family.” That earned him a quirked brow from Lisa. He followed it up, “She’s his mother,” stroking Cole’s soft wavy hair.

  “Didn’t mean to interrupt, sir.” He closed the door behind him.

  Tar watched as Lisa kept herself angled away from the door. She was hiding from the police. Why? “Are you okay?”

  “Just some bruises. I’ll be fine,” she lied again. As if the truth would win her any brownie points. Tar would not understand the intricate weaving of power and money in the political arena. Everyone screwed with each other. Something Chase abhorred and vowed to never be part of. Stupid man had to be taught a lesson.

  He knew she was hiding things and telling a lot of untruths, which meant she knew her attacker. Could she also know where Chase was? Or worse, be in cahoots with who took him? Rage began to build, and as it did, his head began to throb. Oh, hell no. He wasn’t going to lose any part of his memory again. Mentally calming his shit down, he said, “Would it hurt to hug you?”

  She smiled. “Probably. But I can do this instead.” She leaned over and kissed him.

  The need to vomit hit him fast and furious. He managed to turn his head right before he spewed. Her, “Oh my, God,” ringing in his ears as he reached for the button to call for assistance.

  The nurse hustled through the door. “That damn antibiotic does this to everyone.”

  Lisa inquired, “Why is he on it?”

  She was busy helping Tar and couldn’t help but wonder why the woman wasn’t at least holding the child next to him. “He has a nasty staph infection, so the medication he’s on is strong.”

  Lisa realized, at that angle, Cole would fall off the bed. She winced as she went to stand beside him. His little eyes popping open as he yelled, “Mommy.”

  Tar heard the fear in Cole’s voice even as his stomach continued to empty its contents.

  Lisa covered, “Hi, sweetie, you must’ve had a nightmare.”

  His little eyes searched the room, and when he saw his uncle throwing up, he lost it too. Lisa stood there dripping in vomit unable to move.

  The nurse swore before she called for more help. Lisa was eased into a wheelchair and returned to her room. Cole was taken back to the room Dr. Barnes had given him with a bogus diagnosis. And Tar’s stomach decided it could go a few more rounds. They switched out his antibiotic and gave him something to stop the vomiting. Problem was, it knocked him the hell out. He slipped into the dark with the fear of not remembering anything when he woke up, paralyzing him.

  “Ah, there’s our sleeping prince,” E announced.

  Tar rubbed his eyes. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Good morning to you, too, sunshine.”

  “God, E, tone it down. I feel like shit.”

  Lacey stood next to her husband. “We heard you had a rough night. I’m so sorry.”

  He smiled a little at her. “Not your fault, Lace. But thanks.”

  “Oh, so you’ll speak nicely to her but not me,” E said in a mocking tone.

  “She’s cuter.”

  E growled, “She’s taken.”

  “Pipe down, big guy. I happen to have my own woman. Who looks remarkably like yours.” He winked at Lacey.

  She grinned. “Glad that medicine didn’t take away your sense of humor.”

  “Nah. But it’s your man there known for his wise cracks.”

  “Yes, he is.” She wrapped her arm around E. “One of the reasons why I love him so much.”

  E pulled her onto his lap and held her close. “
So, we’re here to break you out.”

  Tar sat up and drank a little water, unsure if it would stay down. His stomach didn’t protest so he drank more, deciding it was best to let someone know his plan. “About that. I need to stay put.”

  E’s gaze angled at his. “What are you up to?”

  Tar glanced at the closed door and whispered, “Trying to catch a snake.”

  “Who do you think is behind this?” E motioned toward Tar’s head.

  “Lisa.” His voice low so no one overheard.

  Lacey covered her gasp with her hand. She swallowed hard and inquired, “She put that thing in your wound?”

  Tar nodded and put his finger over his mouth. “So you see, I’m here until the infection clears.” His voice boomed as the door opened.

  Cole ran in. “Uncle Tar,” he shouted. On his heels was a doctor.

  “How are you feeling, Mr. McNeil?”

  “Like I puked my guts up.”

  “Sorry about that. We’re trying to kill the infection, but unfortunately the stomach lining pays the price.”

  “I learned that the hard way.”

  “You’ll be happy to know this one is a little kinder,” Dr. Barnes said as he went to check Tar’s head. “Lean forward for me.”

  Lacey reached for Cole’s hand. He took it with a big smile on his face. “How are you doing, Cole?”

  “Good.” His little head cocked to the side. “Are you my family too?”

  Lacey grinned. “Yes.”

  He hugged her tight. “I’m glad.”

  “Me, too.”

  E couldn’t stop his grin while trying to listen to the doctor.

  “Well, Mr. McNeil, the infection is still there, but it’s looking better. You’re healing fairly well, considering. I’d say those stitches can be removed in about ten days,” Dr. Barnes said as he tossed the rubber gloves away and washed his hands. “You’re going to have to stay here until we get that infection under control.”

  “How long?”

  “Depends. Once we find the right antibiotic, I can give you a timeframe.”