Free Fire (Beautiful Ashes Series, Book 2) by Lora Ann Page A

back into and covered her up. “How’s the head?” She whispered while kissing Lacey’s cheek.
    “Better. I didn’t expect you to come along, but I’m so glad you did,” Lacey squeezed her hand.
    “We’re family,” Sofie reassured.
    “Where’s our girl Keeley?” Nik queried.
    E locked his gaze with his brother’s. “Safe for now.”
    Alex nodded with understanding. “Guess that means this is the base of operation until further notice.”
    Lacey couldn’t hold back the tear that slipped down her cheek. This family was amazing and she felt so blessed to be part of it. E didn’t miss a thing and rubbed the wetness off with the pad of his thumb as he answered, “Yes. She needs us close by.”
    “Well then,” Aimee piped up, “let’s get our beauty, here, released from this place.”
     
    *****
    Decision made, Mitch did what was second nature and drove north to Carmel. Seemed Keeley was tucked away in a rather posh facility. He couldn’t help but approve of Even Strand. Too bad the man wasn’t trained properly, he’d be a valuable asset. But the more he thought about that, the more Mitch realized he could absolutely use his ally. E had helped the team more than once and would most likely be willing again, especially with Tar involved. The two men were good friends, something McNeil wasn’t known for. Although with E and his brothers, all normalcy went out the window with each life they touched. Those brothers were unique and, bound together, they formed a formidable weapon against any and all who tried to harm one of theirs, or anyone they had taken in as family. Family was something Mitch didn’t let himself think on much. Sort of went with the position he accepted, however, after spending time with the Strand brothers, he was rethinking that.
    He pulled into the driveway of a smaller home sitting on top of the cliff and surrounded by trees. The view was breathtaking and deadly he realized as he strolled to the edge. Mitch took a moment to gather his thoughts on how the hell he would convince this family that Keeley wasn’t just needed to the extent of jeopardizing her treatment, but she was vital in saving Tar’s life. From the outside looking in, no one would understand how a woman seducing a man could be deadly. But his gut knew, along with his head and heart, if Lisa got her hooks into Tarius McNeil again, he would not survive a second time. Plus, for all intents and purposes, Chase McNeil could very well be gone already, making this a time sensitive operation. Tar was vulnerable on all sides and his demons would rise to take advantage, unless Keeley could help him fight. God, he prayed Tar could forgive her and that she was up for the battle.
    On his way to the front door, Mitch couldn’t ignore what he was about to ask of this family. He also acknowledged that Tar and Keeley might not survive. Yet, every time he replayed the scenario through his head, he couldn’t come up with a better solution. Then it clicked. He wasn’t alone in this. E and his family would offer support and wisdom to this clusterfuck. And after discovering what a weasel Clark was, Mitch was willing to break the rules.
    The consequences could go fuck themselves.
    “Mitch. What the hell happened?” E leveled a don’t-pull-any-punches look at him as he opened the door.
    Yeah, he liked E. A good guy through and through. “Hello to you too,” he greeted while motioned inside.
    “It’s like that , is it?”
    He barked out a chuckle. “Sorta, yeah.”
    Nik and Alex rose to meet them. E nodded his head toward an office. The men sat down and got right to business. Mitch brought them up to speed on fact and his hunch regarding it all. Everyone sat quiet for a moment letting the info dump process. E was the first to stand and pace as he spoke, “Are you sure it’s a good idea to hinder Keeley’s treatment?”
    Mitch couldn’t help but notice he didn’t question if Keeley could help Tar, he knew she could. Respect