Dark (Beautiful Ashes #1)(38)

“How the hell are you explaining those injuries?”

“We were training with bow staffs.”

He had to hand it to her, she was amazing with lies. Leith was also concerned about her meltdown. “And the other thing that happened back there, you alright?”

“Couldn’t be better,” she lied once more. Her life was one deception after another. Eventually she would hang herself in the web she spun, but not that night. Survival kicked into high gear, and she told untruths best when it was in control.

They arrived and she climbed out acting as if nothing happened. Well, except she was having a hard time moving, but their story was believable. She walked into the penthouse and straight for the home gym with Leith on her heels. “Throw some sweats on so this is realistic.”

“Roger that.”

They met up in the training room. “Grab the staff and strike in the exact same spots.”

“What the fuck?! Keeley, no, I could end up breaking something.”

“The welts have to match.”

“This is crazy. Let’s just tell Tar the truth.”

She spun on him instantly, her jaw clenched tight. “Do that and I’ll make sure he knows you did this to fuck me.”

His eyes blinked several times fast. “I never…”

“It’s written all over your face. And this,” she grabbed his cock, “gives you away every time I’m around.”

He swallowed the lump in his throat. Sure he knew how to break her hold on his dick. Problem was, he didn’t want to. If he would ever have a chance with her, he had to change tactics. Be her friend. “I’ll take your secret to the grave.”

She nodded. “Let’s get this over with.”







Tar stood there in shock. How could Leith do such a thing to Keeley? He’d sparred with her like she was a man, not a petite woman. Keeley was the only reason he didn’t take him out and discuss this man-to-man. She kept whimpering for him, and he was at a loss on what to do for her. Instinct told him to just sit there and hold her hand. He marveled at their size difference. She was so tiny and he was solid muscle, taller than most men. They were both in shape, although, Keeley needed to gain a few pounds. Still, to Tar she was absolutely perfect. “So beautiful,” he whispered.

Her eyes fluttered open at the sound of his voice. “You like black and blue together?”

He chuckled softly. “Not particularly. But somehow you pull it off.”

She shook her head then winced. Fuck that hurt! “For some reason, I think you’re lying.”

Tar was aware she was hurting, but respected she tried not to show it. Instead, he placed his hand over his heart and mocked, “Lady, you wound me.”

Keeley actually laughed until it shot pain through her stomach, stealing her breath. “Shhhhhhhiiiiitttt,” she hissed.

“Fucker went too far,” Tar growled out low and menacing.

She couldn’t endanger Leith. “It was my fault. I told him to treat me like one of the guys.”

“I don’t give a shit if you offered him a million dollars. What he did is unacceptable.” He pushed back from the bed to stand.

Keeley acted fast. She latched onto his hand and yanked with all her strength, knocking him off balance. He landed hard backwards, partially on top of her. Ah, hell! She breathed through the pain as his weight was on her bruised and tender ribs. There was no denying the euphoria that came from the deep inhale and exhale. She wrapped her arm around his big shoulders, pulling his head down so she could capture his mouth with hers. His attempted protest was smothered by her tongue exploring. She licked along his lips and dove in for more. He met her thrust for thrust as her fingers snaked down his shirt and skated across his delectable pecs. The man was a work of art, but she needed more, tweaking his nipple to convince him she was all right and wanted him.

Her soft groans into his mouth lit his fire in more ways than one. He laced his fingers into her hair, pulling her closer as he began to control the kiss. Tar fucked her thoroughly mouth to mouth before releasing her swollen lips and moving his down her throat, where he nipped and sucked.

Keeley was hungry for more. “Fuck me.”

Tar raised his head and locked his boiling gaze on hers. “Dirtier.”

Her breath hitched. “I want your cum all over me, marking me, claiming what belongs to you.”

In a maneuver so quick she found herself underneath him, his hot gaze still on hers. “Say you’re mine.”

“I so fucking am.”

His hand went down her panties, fingers probing until Keeley cried out, not in desire but fear. Tar withdrew instantly. “What’s wrong, baby?”