Dark (Beautiful Ashes #1) Read Free

with authority. “You can’t love me.”
    He shook his head. “The heart doesn’t control who it falls in love with.”
    “Then you’re a fool. Force it.”
    Again, there was sadness laced in his disbelieving, low laugh. “If only…”
    Better to get this over with now then spend any more time with him. She attempted to rise until her lower regions protested with a vengeance. She cried out, “What the hell did you do?!”
    “Shhh…lie back, Keeley. You’ll only do more damage to yourself.”
    Her hands locked tight around his shirt as she yanked him forward. Nose to nose, she commanded, “Tell. Me.”
    “Later,” he promised, but she didn’t miss the moisture in the corners of his eyes.
    What would make Tar cry? “Now!”
    They were interrupted by a burly man, short in stature but built like a Mack Truck. She instantly knew he, too, was a SEAL. “I’ve asked him not to upset you. So the info you’re seeking will wait.” He shot her a pointed look. “Doctor’s orders.”
    What the ever-loving hell! It must be bad if no one wanted to tell her. Didn’t they understand? The not knowing was the worst part. She began to explain just that when horrific cramps brought an earsplitting scream from her. Tar and the doctor quickly moved into action as she felt the narcotics pulling her into a bliss her mind had never forgotten.
     
    *****
     
    “Mitch, man, we can’t keep this from her. She needs to know,” Tar implored with acknowledgement that keeping things from Keeley spelled disaster. She had some major issues with that, rightfully so. Most would after being duped by someone they felt trustworthy. Hell, a boyfriend—pastor’s son at that—should’ve protected her, not expose a teenager to sex, drugs, and alcohol. He still couldn’t fathom someone doing the unspeakable, deliberately hooking another onto a drug known for its addictive and mental aftereffects. All for the purpose of having sex and sharing that drug induced body with many.
    Fucker should have his dick cut off and shoved down his throat for that .
    But monsters were monsters, or as his mother once said, “The devil’s tools.” How could anyone make such choices? Though a part of him knew better as his mind insisted on revisiting a chunk of his life he never wanted to transverse again.
    “Listen, Tar. I’m not suggesting we should keep it from her for a long time. She needs to know so she can process, grieve, and, God willing, heal.” He placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “However, she just had surgery. Strong emotions will send her over the damn edge. As in mental break. We’re showing mercy.”
    Even he had to agree it was merciful, but concern filled him that the longer they postponed the inevitable, the worse it would be for Keeley. That ripped him apart. She’d been through enough.
    If anyone deserved happily-ever-after, it was her.
    He ran his fingers through her hair before leaving the room. “I’m grabbing a shower while she’s out.”
    Mitch called, “A nap wouldn’t kill you.”
    “Whatever,” Tar grumbled as he walked down the hallway.
    Mitch had to chuckle at that. The recollection of their last tour together reminding him just what Tar was really made of. He was a damn machine in his need to protect any and all under his watch. And Mitch was fully aware what happened when his protection wasn’t enough. The low groan brought his attention to the young woman Tar called Keeley. He crooned, “You’re fine. Rest. Tar will be back soon.” Attempting to calm her in the drug induced sleep, but those five words seemed to have an opposite effect.
    What the hell was their story?
    She began to thrash around as if someone was killing her, forcing him to restrain her. Damn, he hadn’t seen that since he was out in the desert. And yeah, Mitch had no inclination of inviting those ghosts—not now or ever. Even tied down like she was, his patient fought hard. Mitch could’ve sworn there was someone else in the room