“You were on one dangerous assignment in a country known for people disappearing without a trace. Neither of us wanted to keep it from you,” Chase admitted.
Tar scrubbed his face. He might not agree with what happened years past, but he did understand. “Alright, I get your point of view. But I’m never gonna agree with it.”
“That’s all I can ask for,” Chase sighed in relief. “Understanding doesn’t equal agreement.” He rubbed his hands together, thinking out loud, “Let me investigate just who has put this entire assignment together. Hopefully we can reason with them.”
“You actually think that’s even a possibility?” Tar inquired, befuddled. Didn’t really match the modus operandi of the people he once worked for, but was willing to try any avenue possible. If he could not only save Keeley from the monster feeding off her but would be able to make happily-ever-after a reality, hell, he would do anything. Keeping his soul was a bonus.
“No harm in learning all we can,” Chase declared offering his hand.
Tar shook it and added, “Nice to be on the same side.”
“Yeah, it is.” He looked down at his phone. “I need to go. I’ll be in touch.”
As he walked away, Tar called out, “Hey, Chase.” His brother glanced over his shoulder. “Thanks.”
“We’re family. Don’t ever forget that.”
Tar sat looking out at the vast Pacific Ocean. A part of him just wanted to carry Keeley off into the sunset and never be seen again. But he couldn’t separate her from Lacey. He wouldn’t want to. She needed her sister. Tar wasn’t a fool; he knew the real work would begin once Keeley was free from “helping.” Her addiction had grown stronger, and his real battle was the demon she now carried with her. Fuck. Could they really have happily ever after? His brother said it best ‘only one way to find out.’
Mitch paced restlessly in the hidden room just left of the dungeon. The two-way mirror making it easy to watch what was meant to stay behind closed doors. He didn’t like this, one bit. His hair raised every time he glanced at the setup required from Braxton. E was unreachable, which didn’t feel right either. Albeit the decision to keep Tar from witnessing these rendezvouses was his, Mitch decided it was time he changed his mind. Backup was a necessity and he could trust McNeal wouldn’t blow their cover. As for how Tar would handle the woman he loved with another man, well, that could be explosive. Mitch would reason with him, besides nothing sexual ever happened between Braxton and Keeley. The man wasn’t into sexual favors. At least that was what his file said, but Mitch questioned it each time he saw the beast of lust rearing its head. Something about Keeley stirred it like no one else. Maybe it was the need to protect her? Her vulnerability? Hell if he could figure it out, but denying it was much more dangerous.
Mitch: Tar need you at E’s club. B has insisted K meet him here.
Tar: FUCK. On my way.
Mitch tried one more time to reach E, all to no avail. Where was he?
E sat in Nik’s office pissed at himself for forgetting his damn cell phone. He was equally furious at Nik for finding that funny. Nik guffawed louder at each, “Fuck,” E said. “I’m so glad I could give you something to laugh at today,” he growled in frustration.
Nik shook his head. “Damn brother, so you forgot a phone. Lighten up.”
E paused and cocked his head, Nik made a fair point. “Not like me to be this distracted.”
Nik sobered. “What’s up?”
“This thing with Keeley,” he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, “she’s in over her fucking head.”
“I’ve noticed. But how the hell can we help her?”
“First thing, she’s needs pulled from the investigation.”
“Agreed, brother.”
“After that,” E raked his hands through his hair, “then the real work begins.”
“Tar strong enough for this shit?” Nik inquired with legitimate concern.
“Sure as hell hope so. For his sake and hers.”
Aimee stepped through the open door. “She’ll never be free of her masochistic ways.”
E reached forward and held his sister-in-law’s hand. “No. But that’s not really my concern if she’s taught how to channel it correctly.”
Aimee gasped, rubbing her protruding belly. “Wow! Nice kick, pumpkin,” she marveled.
E didn’t ask as he placed his hand right by hers and felt his little nephew or niece nudge him. “So amazing.”
Nik stood and went to his wife, wrapping his arms around her and cradling their baby growing inside her. “Yeah, it is,” he said with tears in his eyes.