Dark (Beautiful Ashes #1)(50)

He glanced down and away. “We were hoping you could tell us.”

Lacey lightly touched Keeley’s bandaged arm. “You sliced your wrist open.”

Keeley’s brow scrunched hard. No, that couldn’t be true, could it? Then, her breathing accelerated as she remembered the horrible corpse coercing her into that very act. Not a soul would believe her if she told the truth. The fact didn’t sit well and Keeley became a fountain, spewing the water she just drank. Everyone raced to help. But the more they fussed and spoke nicely to her, the more violently she erupted. Her body was trying to purge the evil attempting to make a home inside her. She clawed frantically at her skin and screamed, “Get him out. Get him out of me!”

Tar locked his gaze hard with hers as his hands made a firm purchase on hers, stilling them. “I’ve. Got. You.”

Keeley latched onto the lifeline he just threw, holding onto his words with everything she had in her. She let him pull her to safety with his tender yet fierce words. “No one. Nothing. Will get to you. Do you hear me?” She nodded. “Listen carefully. I’m not letting anyone harm you.”

She leaned forward and buried her face in his chest, breathing him in—sandalwood. Inhale. Exhale. Tar released her hands and cupped her face, raising it to his. Against her mouth he whispered, “Let me in. Let me help you fight him.”

He knew! Tar completely understood. She kissed him viciously and he returned with his own fiery promise—you are not alone.

E’s cough broke the moment.

Lacey stood, arms crossed, staring at her sister. She wanted to help, but the truth was right there before her. This was no longer her job to do. Tar stepped into the role she’d carried for many years. As if E sensed his beloved wife was in turmoil, he coiled around her tightly and whispered, “Let him help her.” Lacey turned into her husband’s arms, nodding emphatically. She acknowledged it was for the best, but couldn’t quite help the sadness of letting go.

Tar helped Keeley with more water as the emotions pinging off the walls began to calm. E chimed in, “Well, that was one hell of a rollercoaster ride,” bringing some much needed humor into the situation.

Lacey kissed the corner of his mouth. “I love you.”

He rumbled back, “Show me.”

Lacey strategically rubbed right up against his erection as she turned and said, “I’ll be back in a little while to check on you, Kee.”

Keeley gave a knowing wink, “I’ll be here,” as she watched the two lovebirds exit, playfully. She was smiling as her gaze caught Tar’s.

There was a flame in those emeralds, melting her insides, and she shifted to ease the ache between her legs. He backed up until his hand met the lock on the door. Her eyes widened as he eased his shirt over his head. “You are sin incarnate,” she confessed, admiring how his muscles flexed and did arousing things to his tattoos. Across his chest in beautiful script read: For God and Country. The one over his shoulder was an anchor surrounded by tribal like markings. On the other side an American Bald Eagle. But the one drawing her eyes, as her pink tongue traced her bottom lip, was the gothic one peeking out of the waistband of his jeans…Seize the Moment.

Holy hell. The man was beyond sexy.

He stalked toward her. “I can’t do what I really need to as you’re recovering,” he affirmed, tugging the sheet off her body. “But I can’t stay away from you a moment longer,” the panged confession licked her clit. His hands traveled up her legs until reaching her panties. With a quick yank he removed them, lying down between her spread thighs. Tar blew along the glistening flesh of her sex. “Yes. I agree. Nothing wrong with kissing.” He lifted, so her knees draped over his shoulders, and met her lips with his, softly coaxing her to open for him. His tongue spread each petal as her honey began to flow. He lapped every drop, circling her hardening button. Speaking directly along her most sensitive location, he looked up her body and locked gazes with hers. “Would you like me to French this?”

A clever flick across her pleasure point sent ripples along Keeley. “Yessssss,” she hissed out as he toyed with her.

“Make me,” he demanded.

She grabbed his hair and raised her hips, putting her womanhood directly against his mouth. Keeley began to rub herself on his chin, catching her oh-so-hot spot right on the tip of his nose. His tongue invaded her core, bringing a deep moan from her. She was unashamed as she rode his face, still seeking desperately for his mouth on just the right place. She yanked him harder against her while grinding. He obeyed her unspoken command and licked her clit before sucking it deeply into his mouth, teeth scraping. She came so beautifully. Perfectly. All for him. “Do it again,” he growled, coaxing yet another spectacular orgasm from her.