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

it about you I don’t trust?” she boldly asked.
    The doctor’s brow raised. “I can’t help you there, Keeley.”
    In her name she heard a hint of an accent. One that raised the hairs on the back of her neck as she stared at the woman closer. Ms. Jones and Viviane came to mind. Could they be the same person? Was she now in a room with the woman who needed her dead? Keeley’s hands shook violently and Dr. Sheffield didn’t miss the signals. She turned to the other doctor and ordered, “Carla, I think it’s best you leave. Now.”
    “If you hold her, I can give her something to take off the edge,” she pulled out a syringe and Keeley screamed.
    The room was suddenly crowded. Dr. Sheffield stood with her hands up in a stopping gesture. “She’s fine.” She reached over and pulled Keeley by the arm. “Come on, let’s go for a walk.”
    Keeley let her lead as they walked outside. She glanced back to see Dr. Thompson glaring at her. Not knowing what else to do, she tugged on the hand holding her arm. “She’s not who she says she is.”
    “I need you to stay calm and walk.”
    “Who are you, really?”
    “Not now, Keeley.”
    They were down a path along the trees before she stopped abruptly and turned. “I am legitimately a psychiatrist.”
    “But?”
    “You are a smart girl. I’m with the good guys, that’s all you need to know.”
    “Who is that woman?”
    “We’re not sure yet.”
    “So this is all a setup? You’re not here to help me get better?” Keeley heard the sadness in her own voice.
    “Oh, that’s not true.” She grabbed her by the shoulders. “I’ve been specifically chosen to help you because I too am a survivor.”
    Keeley blinked several times. “You’ve been an addict? You were held captive as a sex slave?”
    “Yes and yes. My captors hooked me on the drugs as they used my body.”
    Tears slid down Keeley’s face. “You really do know,” she gasped out and hit her knees.
    “I really do, Keeley. And I also understand your needs are very real.”
    Her eyes shot up. “You’re a masochist too?”
    “In the simplest of terms, yes.”
    “You have a sadist for a Dom.” Not a question, Keeley nailed it.
    “I have a husband who loves me and provides what I need. But that’s a two-way street, Keeley.”
    “Doctor…”
    “Please call me Pamela.”
    “Okay, Pamela. You can teach me?” Keeley stood at the excitement pumping through her veins.
    “I can. Once we get you to the place you need to be, first,” she assured.
    “I’ll do what it takes,” Keeley answered eagerly.
    “Tell you what,” Pamela checked her watch, “I’ll meet you here after dinner and we can talk more.”
    “Alright. But I can’t be with Dr. Thompson,” Keeley implored her to listen to the very real danger that woman posed.
    “I agree. There will be someone with the two of you at all times. In the meantime, relax. Walk the grounds. Clear your head.”
    “I’d really like a nap,” Keeley admitted.
    Pamela looped her arm with Keeley’s. “Perfect. We’ll meet later.”
     
    Keeley crawled onto the bed and noticed an envelope sitting there. She opened it and covered her mouth as she read it.
    No matter what happens, I want you to FIGHT.
    I love you, Tar.
    She didn’t know when he wrote it, but flashes from her most recent stay in the hospital played through her memory. Keeley had to find him. If he’d had the note delivered but still didn’t contact her, then he was in trouble. She’d always known that. On a visceral level she knew he needed her. Keeley crept out along the hallway and outside without being noticed. The path she was on earlier with Pamela led down toward the ocean. Would make it easier to hide down there, she decided as once more, Keeley ran away. But this time, she did it for all the right reasons.
     
    *****
    Tar was sleeping on the couch with his nephew across his broad chest. Lisa stared down at him remembering the feel of that magnificent body moving against