Fire (Beautiful Ashes Series, Book 2) (14 page)

Right. A cold dip in the pool was exactly what his dick needed. He didn’t want Lisa in that way
ever
again. But he was a red-blooded male, and she was a beautiful woman. One that he knew intimately. Memories surfaced as he did his best to lock them back in a box. He dove into the deep end and focused on his nephew playing on the steps of the shallow end. His head broke the surface of the water. “Hey, come on, Buddy. Let’s swim.”

Lisa sat seething as she looked out of the window. Her plan completely backfired. Damn man and his morals. Or was it his loyalty to Keeley? Whichever it was, she needed him fucking her. That was part of the plan, and he was making it more and more difficult. It wasn’t that she was against the idea. She wanted him—had never stopped if the truth be known. Sweetened the deal in her opinion. Clark might have his plans on the McNeil brothers and the team, but she had her own agenda. Determined to live out her fantasy of having both Chase and Tar inside her body at the same time. She’d been in plenty of threesomes and knew how spectacular those two would be. They made love so differently, one soft and one hard, that combination, along with her feelings for them, would heighten the escapade. She wanted the experience back when she was engaged to Tar but didn’t know her own sexuality then. Now she understood. The whole mess with the organization didn’t really appeal to her. Sure she’d enjoyed some of the perks that came with sex slaves, Clark insisted that she sampled. His own wife so tied up in the church she was totally clueless. But Lisa could adapt to anything, anyone, in any situation. Clark once told her she was the ultimate chameleon. Her nose wrinkled, she preferred the term actress. She continued to watch the object of her lust as she once more fingered herself. Their gazes locked just as she came.

Tar jerked away from that window and dove to the bottom of the pool to retrieve Cole’s dive toy. He wanted to believe Lisa was innocent and too caught up in her own desire to realize it was him she was staring at. But something told him she was most definitely aware of who, and it was no accident. He decided, as he tossed Cole into the water with a big splash, that from now on his nephew would always be with them. Tar would not permit himself to be alone with Lisa. Not because he wanted her either, but because he wouldn’t let her get the idea she could seduce him. Still, he felt that might be a tad unfair, odds were, she simply missed her husband. It was only natural to pleasure herself since he was gone. Yeah, he was being an egotistical prick. She wouldn’t do that. Lisa loved Chase, and Tar convinced himself he was reading into something that wasn’t really there.

Cole was beginning to shiver. “I’m hungry, Uncle Tar.”

He tossed a towel around his nephew’s tiny shoulders and picked him up. “Time to raid the fridge.”

“You think there’s hot dogs?”

“Only one way to find out,” Tar announced, walking inside.

They sat at the kitchen table and dined. Cole with a couple of hot dogs smothered in ketchup, and Tar with some ham and cheese sandwiches, both drank milk. A big yawn told Tar that Cole needed a nap. He went in search of Lisa, finding her sound asleep. After tucking his nephew in next to his mom, he took a shower. Tar made sure they were both sleeping before he left. He didn’t know why but something was pulling him to that other house used by the team. If he’d learned anything as a SEAL, it was your instincts were usually spot on.

The streets of Anaheim brought back all kinds of memories. Even the smells were taking Keeley back to a once happy childhood. She could see Lacey up in the treehouse, coloring. Her mom in the garden with her flowers. Everything changed when her dad made his first million. He uprooted them and moved to a posh neighborhood where no one seemed to be into anything but what you drove, where you shopped, and who you called friends. She was miserable and began acting out. Lacey, being the good girl, locked it all away and reminded Keeley love was sacrifice. She sat there on the playground swing contemplating that. Lacey lived out her beliefs. Unlike their mother, who stifled her own opinions and pretended to be someone she was not. Their dad didn’t treat her like his partner in life, she was his property. A beautiful trophy brought out to play with when and if he felt like it. That set her stage of anger and bitterness. Darkness seeped into those cuts left in her heart and filled them with lie after lie. She got it now. Saw just how and where it all went to hell. Her sister had chosen wisely, she did not. She was desperate for the love of her parents and felt betrayed by them. Money and power came before family with their father, it didn’t take long for him to drag their mother down with him. Her own rebellion was at the root of so many things, yet she shared the same beliefs as Lacey—love, honor, sacrifice, protect. Her way of doing that was self-destructive where her sister put others first, but not to the point that Lacey lost herself. Bottom line, she was weak and Lacey was strong, though she knew her sister would argue that was backwards.

Maybe it was time to really sit down with her mom and have a heart-to-heart. Apologize for her mistakes and heal. Learn how to put forgiveness into practice. She knew deep down her mother loved her, but couldn’t help feeling abandoned by the way she chose to live her life. Thoughts of being a mom surfaced, and with that came the heartbreak of knowing she’d never have life growing inside of her. She’d never know what kind of mother she could be.
For the best
, she thought, wiping away her tears. Keeley had made too many poor decisions to be entrusted with another’s life. But what she was coming to terms with was that she either stayed in that pit of despair, or she pulled herself out. All on her. Tar deserved her trying to be a better person. She wanted to be for him. He’d never ask her to change, and that made her love him more. His love for her, just the way she was, made her want to change and be the best person she could be. No, she’d never be perfect, but no one ever could fit that bill. You did the best you could at the time, when you knew better, you did better.

Keeley got back in the car, Mitch loaned her, and decided it was time to start this new journey. Take the risk of true forgiveness. And that began with her mother.

*****

Protocol was to not get involved personally in any assignment. But damn if he could just stand by and watch a bitch like Lisa destroy his best friend. They might have grown distant through the years, but a lot of that had to do with this particular woman. Mitch had been very vocal about his thoughts and opinions regarding her. Tar didn’t take too kindly to them either. But once he was taken prisoner and tortured, the subject was off limits. It was a fucking miracle they found him and the others as fast as they did. Though they’d lost a couple of brothers in arms to those ruthless zealots. And Mitch would never apologize for killing some of them on that rescue mission. None of that came even close though to the fear he felt the night Tar almost succeeded in swallowing a bullet as he held his own weapon in his mouth. Mitch still had nightmares from that sight. Tar struggled and fought hard to take control of his demons, and in the process hurt those who only wanted to help him. Mitch forgave him long ago. He sure as hell didn’t blame the guy. War and betrayal fucked with a man. The fact his friend not only got through it but became something more in the process, was amazing. He respected the hell out of that man. And he would not let the one woman who set the whole mess in motion anywhere near him again.

Fuck no.

She was sleeping soundly in the other room with her son. Mitch took the opportunity to nose around. There had to be something, anything, he could use as proof. His gut wasn’t enough. Plus, there was this other notion toying with him that somehow Lisa was behind her husband’s disappearance. He needed irrefutable evidence on that one for it to hold up in a court of law. His search came up empty, and Mitch decided Alex Strand might be better on this investigation instead of directly involved with the cartel. He’d contact Alex and his wife Sofie just as soon as possible.

A noise caught his attention. Cole was playing quietly in another room. Where was Lisa? He eased around a corner to see her animated while speaking on a cell phone. Didn’t take long for Mitch’s trained eye to notice it wasn’t the one they had given her.
What the hell are you up to?
He attempted to get a little closer but she’d turned another direction, so he couldn’t make out what she was saying. Her body language told him she was pissed off. Why? Who was on the other end of that phone call? Mitch thought he heard the name Clark but couldn’t be certain. She came around from a different side and caught him eavesdropping. “Hear anything interesting?” she inquired with a gleam in her eyes.

Shit! And what was with that look? “I’m sorry. I was checking to make sure you were alright,” he lied.

The angle of her jaw said she didn’t buy his line for a second. Smart girl. But she wouldn’t be able to manipulate so many if she wasn’t intelligent. Mitch would give her that. Made her more dangerous, but not unstoppable. He liked a good challenge. Her demeanor shifted and her lip began to quiver. “I was simply listening to news to see if there was anything on Chase.”

Oh, she was a pro at playing the poor distraught wife card. “You coulda just asked me.”

“Yes, but I needed to know what the news was saying,” her breath caught.

And cue the waterworks. Damn woman could cry on command. Her breasts began to heave and Mitch knew that was not by accident. She was going to try this shit on him? He met her toe to toe and stroked the outline of her jaw. “Sweetheart, I’m not remotely attracted to you, but it was a nice try.”

Lisa huffed and jerked out of his reach. Bastard! She schooled her features. “My heart and body belong to my husband, Mr. Rolston.”

There was no holding back his, “bullshit.” Her surprised look said it all: he was onto her and her schemes. Mitch took the advantage he had. “I will find Chase, and I’ll uncover every hidden secret there is to do so. Have no doubts about that,” he declared.

She stood facing away from him. “That’s good.” Turning toward him, “I want the SOB’s responsible to pay dearly for this,” she said with steel in her voice.

Mitch fought the urge to clap at such a performance. Bravo! Instead he simply nodded before taking his leave. On the way down the hall he vowed to himself,
I will put her ass in jail for her role in this debacle
.

*****

The green house with white trim sat on a beautiful tree-lined street. Each yard was well-manicured. A scene that screamed families as Tar took a deep breath, enjoying the scent of flowers. He had to hand it to those who put the team together, they knew how to hide them in plain sight. Walking inside, he noticed the home was clean and tidy with a fully stocked kitchen.
Wonder who all was assigned here
. Tar was in no hurry to go back to where Lisa was staying and brewed himself some coffee. What the ever-loving hell was he going to do about his brother’s wife?

He leaned his head back and let his mind wander. So much was at stake. When Chase was rescued, he’d have to destroy him with the knowledge that Lisa attempted to seduce Tar. And if they didn’t get to his brother in time, he’d die in a horrendous way. Although, killing a public figure would bring attention the cartel wouldn’t want. A saving grace? Possibly, but still leaving their captive alive could put them all in prison. Hard to know which way they would go. The longer they held him, the more likely he wouldn’t survive.

A lone tear slipped down Tar’s cheek. He’d just gotten his brother back. They’d finally worked through their crap. He forgave him for taking Lisa away. Again, thoughts drifted back to her. Was she trying to seduce him? Were those her tactics when he was gone and Chase was with her? If so, why would she want Tar back? Then an awful thought traveled through his mind, what if she wanted both of them? God, he was going to be sick! Tar had not lived a sheltered life. He’d seen things up close and personal that were downright disgusting. Acts others did to one another for sexual pleasure and those performed for torture. He bolted up off the couch and barely made it to the toilet.

After washing his face and brushing his teeth, Tar went to lie down on the California King in the master bedroom. He kept telling himself he was wrong about Lisa, but that undeniable niggle in his gut told him something completely different. Question was, why now? He yawned and turned over as recent memories took over.

Keeley’s head thrown back in utter pleasure filled his mind as he recalled their last rendezvous. They still had a lot to work through. Incredible sex wouldn’t fix all that was broken. And despite everything, he loved her with all his heart. Wanted to marry her, knowing they could have happily-ever-after if they were willing to work for it. He moaned out her name while dreams invaded.

*****

A lot of self-encouraging on the drive to her mom’s house was met with disappointment when she found her mother wasn’t home. Keeley ended up in the last place she ever expected. An odd comfort covered her like a warm familiar blanket as she slowly walked through the cemetery. Death never frightened her. Hell, most of the time she courted it. She found herself not far from her father’s grave, noticing a woman kneeling in front of his head stone. On closer inspection, she realized it was her mother. She’d lost weight, too much, which concerned Keeley. “Hi, Mom.”

She stood but not with ease. Again, Keeley noted how frail she looked and held out her hand to assist. Her mother took it with a smile then pulled her in for a hug. “My angel.”

“Mama, we’ve had this talk. I’m no angel.”

“You are. I saw you!”

Okay, what was Mom talking about? “Where did you see me?”

“On the television. You helped that little boy,” she gasped, “and oh the light that was around you!”

Keeley stood speechless. She convinced herself that the bright light she’d encountered was the result of an adrenaline rush. Now her mom was saying she saw it on TV?

“Your guardian angel was right there helping you help that child. You precious girl,” she said in awe and hugged her again.

She held her mom close, thinking once more she was too thin and changed the subject. “How are you?”

Her mother laughed. “Anytime you don’t want to talk about something you ask questions.” She shook her head. “I suppose some things never change. And I’m fine.”

Keeley shot her mom a speculative look. They were close to the same height putting them almost eye to eye. “I couldn’t have possibly learned my tendencies from you.”

She grinned. “Whatever gave you such an idea?”

They walked arm in arm to a stone bench and sat. Keeley had never been one to beat around the bush. “Mama, are you eating?”

Her hand flew up to her mouth but she didn’t quite stifle the shocked intake of breath. Another tell she had was looking down and away. Keeley acknowledged she, too, did the same thing. She put a finger underneath her mom’s chin and lifted, surprised to see the tears brimming. “Keeley Ann, I-I…”

She knew what her mother couldn’t say and filled in the rest. “He left you in debt.”

“Well, it wasn’t like he planned to die so soon,” she huffed, searching for a tissue in her purse.

“No. But he’s the one who chose to live above his means.”

“Stop that, young lady. Your father loved you and your sister very much. He wanted the best for you.”

“Bullshit, Mama.” She stood and planned to walk away until she noticed her mother blanch. Keeley fell on her knees. “Mom, are you okay?”

Catherine Kincaid had lived a lie for so long. She’d told herself her husband was short tempered because of stress, but she knew the truth. He wasn’t a kind man, cruel even. “It is not okay to speak ill of the dead,” she muttered.

“Mama, you’re scaring me,” Keeley screeched, grabbing her tiny shoulders. “God, you’re skin and bones!”

“You knew. You always knew the truth. That’s what he hated,” the confession ripped from her on a sob.

“It doesn’t matter now,” Keeley cried, worried sick about her mom.

“But it does.” She reached forward and cupped her daughter’s face. This was the child who looked just like her, yet had her father’s personality. Except she didn’t let hatred fill her like he had. “He loved you the best he knew how.”

Keeley shook her head. “I’m sorry, Mom, but that’s not true. He loved money, power, what others thought of him. He loved Lacey,” she wailed, “but not me.”

Catherine wanted to deny that with all she had in her, yet to some extent her daughter was right. Her husband did love how much Keeley looked like her. But he couldn’t stand how much she acted like him. “You are stubborn and sassy. Everything I wished I could be.”