Dark (Beautiful Ashes #1)(53)
His growl was territorial as he swatted her ass, hard. “You’ve got five minutes,” he declared with a hint of warning.
Phew! That man was sex on a stick. “Don’t let me stop you from a little afternoon delight,” Keeley affirmed before she chugged the shake in her hand. She gave her sister a little shoulder bump, strolling past toward the bathroom. “Go get some nookie.”
Lacey gasped, “Oh. My. God.”
“Puh-leeze, Lace. We all know that’s what’s about to happen.” She winked at her sister still standing there with a shocked expression.
Lacey hollered out, “You’re such a brat, Kee!”
The, “Takes one to know one,” reply came from behind a door, while another very male, very horny one called out, “Lacey, I need you. Now.”
Lacey couldn’t fight the smile at hearing how much her husband wanted her, adding a little extra sway as she beelined toward their bedroom.
Tar needed some outside help with his gut feeling. E was working too close with the operation. He couldn’t trust his brother, Chase, any further than he could throw him. Besides, going to that asshole was out of the question. So Tar decided Nik might be able to assist him. He hoped that wouldn’t endanger him or his lovely wife, Aimee. Maybe, Nik could give him someone trustworthy so he wouldn’t be directly involved. Tar felt better with that option, especially with their baby on the way.
Nik was busy at his desk as Tar stepped in. His head shot up and he motioned toward the chair in front of him. Tar sat down and waited patiently, which wasn’t long at all. “How can I help?” Nik inquired.
Tar leaned forward, elbows on his knees, “I think I’m being deceived by several people. But the one that’s really raised my suspicion is Keeley.”
Nik whistled before steepling his fingers in front of his mouth. “You aren’t gonna like what I hafta say.”
A tight nod from Tar acknowledged that fact.
“She is lying. But to herself as much if not more than to you.”
He exhaled heavily. Nik absolutely nailed it. “Where does truth come into play?”
Nik shook his head. “Fuck if I know, man. I mean until she can at least see it for herself just a smidge—”
“I’m screwed six ways to Sunday.”
“‘Fraid so,” Nik sighed.
“Can’t say I didn’t see this coming.” Tar scrubbed his face, regaining some composure. “Okay. What about the others?”
“You think someone’s helping her lie?”
“Hell yes, I do. And I’d give my left nut it’s Leith.”
“Hmm…no damn secret he has a thing for her from what I’ve seen,” Nik admitted.
Tar scoffed, “Ya think? But there’s something missing to it all.”
Nik’s fingers drummed on the desk until his gaze locked on Tar’s. “Mitch is keeping something quiet.”
And that confirmed his other hunch. Mitch was first and foremost the commanding officer of his team. His friendship with Tar took the backseat. Nothing Tar didn’t know or understand, but this time, it was too fucking personal. “I need to find out exactly what’s going on.”
“Agreed. Let me make some calls. I’ll have something for you in about an hour or so.”
“Thanks, Nik. I owe you one.”
“The hell you do.” Nik shook his head. “I’ve had my own troubles with Aimee. You’ve become family. Family sticks together. And Keeley is my little sister, she needs our help.”
Tar was once again amazed by the loyalty in each Strand brother. Something he admired. Plus, they all understood why he couldn’t just walk away from the woman he loved. Felt good to be with those who were like-minded: fight for those you love. He shook hands with Nik before leaving. On the elevator ride down, he made a promise to himself—no matter what he learned he would not give up on Keeley.
The flat of Keeley’s hand slammed down hard. Not the smartest move considering her injury. She winced, but not from pain as much as the pleasure it brought her. Good God, she was seriously in danger if she didn’t find a way to get this under control. Regulating her breathing while she shot a nasty glare at Leith across from her. Dickhead knew she enjoyed the burn in her arm that little stunt just caused. “Wipe the fucking smirk off your face.”
His brows rose. “Excuse me.”
“You heard me,” she said with not a little indignation. “We’re working together on this, but that’s all it is. You’re not my friend. Oh sure, you want my pussy, but that’s not the same thing, now is it?” Her gaze dared him to contradict what she just said.