Dark (Beautiful Ashes #1)(41)
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?”