Ash Rising (DEAd Series)

  A DEAd Novel

  Melissa Fox

  Published by Melissa Fox

  Copyright © 2014 by Melissa Fox

  The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 978-1499511611

  Contemporary Romance Thriller

  Manuscript Editor: Jennifer M. Barry

  Line Editor: Tiffany Nichols

  Formatting: Jennifer M. Barry

  Cover Image Photography: Licensed by Shutterstock

  Title Font: Trajanus Bricks from dafont.com

  Font Author: Sell Your Soul

  Cover Design: Melissa Fox

  Printed in the United States of America

  Asher Beaulieu had plans to meet a pretty girl.

  He ducked through the elaborate flower gardens outside his parents’ cheerfully lit Cape Cod-style house to avoid the partygoers enjoying the spectacular nighttime view of Lake Simcoe. The evening had been arranged in his honor, to celebrate his graduation from the Depot—the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy—but he could manage a few minutes away from the crowd. The full moon lit a white gazebo on the edge of the surrounding woods, and the privacy of the structure was just what he needed, as soon as he found—

  “Josie. Sweetheart.”

  He greeted the sweet little blonde with a thorough kiss, and she wrapped her arms around his neck to deepen the contact. Spearmint and warm girl filled his mouth, rolled thick and rich through his blood. He’d had a few intimate encounters with Josie, all fast, hot, fun, and with a mutual understanding of no strings attached, exactly how he liked. His fingertips skimmed her neck, and he cradled the back of her head in his palm to really kiss her.

  “Wow. Ash.” Heavy-lidded and breathless when he finally let her come up for air, she slipped a slim hand between his legs. Bright eyes narrowed appreciatively at what she found. “Jeez. Where can we go?”

  Her tongue slicked her lower lip, and a quick thrill shot across his skin at the thought of where her tongue would be very soon. Tempering the reaction, he kissed her knuckles before turning her hand over to press a warm, wet lick of his own to the center. She shivered, eyes widening, and a soft gasp whispered through the air.

  He so had her.

  “Come with me, sweetheart.” Using his deep voice to his advantage, he laced her fingers with his and led her across the lawn. “I know just the spot.”

  Thankfully, the enclosed gazebo stood a good distance from the house. Ash opened the door and slipped inside before turning to kiss the soft, feminine lips lifted to his in clear invitation. A cushioned armchair sat against the far wall, and he enjoyed the sound of Josie’s giggles as he swung her around in his arms and dropped into the seat. She stood over him, reached into her back pocket for the tiny digital music player she was rarely without, and tucked the earbuds under her hair and into her ears. He gripped her hips to tug her toward his lap for better access to her mouth and, hopefully, her breasts, but Josie wriggled out of his hold. After dropping to her knees, her nimble fingers made quick work of the buttons on his jeans. He let out an anticipatory grunt as she pulled him from his boxer briefs.

  Ash rested his head on the back of the chair, eyes drifting closed as he settled in to enjoy the blowjob. The girl deserved his full attention, considering she went to all that spectacular effort—and it would be spectacular, given their previous encounters. He enjoyed Josie, and she him. Pretty, fun, and experienced, with a bit of an exhibitionist streak, she didn’t expect anything other than giving and receiving pleasure when they were together. He tucked a golden strand of hair behind her ear, chuffed out a breath at the sensations her mouth provoked, and brushed her cheek with his thumb.

  The scrape of wood on metal penetrated his sex-induced stupor. Focusing hazily on the figure looming outside the gazebo, he recognized Daniel as he stood half in and half out the door. Daniel gaped at the girl kneeling between Ash’s sprawled legs, her head rising and falling, golden hair spread across his jean-clad thighs.

  “Uh.” Daniel’s mouth opened and closed, and he turned his back so fast Ash felt the breeze. “Um, is that…?”

  Ash scowled, but only for a second. Josie’s tongue felt too good to keep the expression on his face for long. A groan rumbled from his chest as heat and oh, God, so good shot up his spine. He lowered his gaze when pretty brown eyes peeked inquiringly at him and flashed her a reassuring smile. Josie returned the grin and went back to running her tongue along his dick, the cords of the ear buds swaying against her cheeks in rhythm with her bobbing head.

  “Holy shit, Ash.” Daniel cringed as he looked over his shoulder. “The Commissioner of the damn RCMP is on his way over here!”

  Ash ignored his friend in favor of savoring his rapidly approaching orgasm. He grasped the arms of the chair and let his head fall back once again. With a sigh, he eased his hips forward.

  “Did you hear me?” Daniel’s voice squeaked high and slightly hysterical. “Ash, her damn father is coming!”

  Ash let a grin spread across his face. “So am I.”

  Ash strolled into the house some time later, his nerve endings still buzzing with satisfaction and contentment thanks to pretty Josie. His attention sharpened on Andy’s familiar form standing near the hall holding his jacket and searching the pockets.

  “Hey, man. What’s up?”

  “Got to get Lisa out of here, and I can’t find my car keys.” Andy ran an agitated hand through his hair. “Maybe Daniel has them. I drove him and Maggie, but no idea where he went. Have you seen him?”

  “Uh, not recently. What’s wrong with Lisa?”

  “Greg’s here.” Andy gestured with his chin toward Lisa’s ex-fiancé.

  “Shit.” Ash searched the room for the bastard who had cheated on one of his best friends.

  “Yeah. And he brought Jenny.”

  Greg had some nerve crashing the party and bringing the girl he’d been screwing when Lisa walked in on him—in the bed he and Lisa had shared. No way had Greg been issued an invitation. His mom would sooner run naked across the lawn than upset Lisa, who was like a daughter to her.

  “Ah, hell.” Ash’s attention strayed from Greg’s tall figure and the girl at his side when he spotted Lisa slinking out of the room, acting nothing like his sassy, bold friend. “And you guys think I’m an asshole.”

  Andy’s gaze shot to his, eyebrows hitting his hairline.

  “I know what you all think, but I’d never screw anyone over that way.” He nodded at Lisa as she disappeared. “That’s why I avoid being with any girl who’d actually expect anything from me. Do you think I’d do that to someone I cared about?”

  Andy shook his head. “No. You wouldn’t. At least not on purpose.”

  Ash pulled his keys out of the front pocket of his jeans. “I’ll take Lisa home. I’ll take care of her tonight.”

  Andy’s hand shot out to grab his arm. Ash stared at the fingers gripping his biceps, and then at Andy. What the
hell? “I haven’t had a drink in hours.”

  “I know. That’s not it.”

  “Oh. You want to take her home?” Realization dawned. Andy had been hopelessly in love with Lisa since the eighth grade. His friend should be the one riding to her rescue. “You can take my car.”

  “No.” Andy stared at the keys and sighed. “I have been drinking. I’m not drunk, but I do have a rocking buzz going.”

  Andy would never drive impaired, his job as an officer with the Quebec Provincial Police notwithstanding. But still, Ash had to ask. “You sure?”

  “Just get her out of here, okay? Make sure she gets home safe,” Andy said gruffly, shoving at Ash’s shoulder.

  Ash nodded before following Lisa into the kitchen. The room was full of people, but no sign of her. Daniel stood with his girlfriend Maggie by the back door, and he caught part of their conversation as he approached.

  “…and the son of a bitch tucks himself back into his jeans, leans forward to give her a kiss on the forehead, and walks out to shake the Commissioner’s hand. Her father’s hand,” Daniel emphasized, just in case Maggie missed the significance.

  “Telling stories?” He didn’t miss Daniel’s suspicious once-over as he gave Maggie a hug.

  “Holy crap, Ash. How do you know Commissioner Roberts?” Maggie asked, returning the embrace under Daniel’s watchful eye. “What’d he want?”

  “He and my dad have known each other forever. Went to college and law school together. Dad went on to practice, and Roberts went on to…commission, I guess. He told me I have a meeting with Pete Davenport next week.” He’d been dying to tell his friends the news.

  Daniel whistled while Maggie glanced back and forth between them. “Who’s Pete Davenport?”

  “Head of one of the top undercover units in the RCMP. You’re going to be working for Davenport?” Daniel grinned and shook his head. “Asher Beaulieu in charge of busting cons instead of starting them. Who’d have thought we’d see the day?”

  “Don’t have the job yet.” But he would. An assignment with Davenport’s unit had been his goal since he chose his college courses, years before his training at the Depot. “By the way, have you seen Lisa?”

  “Went that way.” Daniel gestured at the back door with his chin.

  “Thanks.”

  He paused on the back porch, surveying the groups of people still hanging around, but didn’t see Lisa anywhere. He fixed a cocky, carefree grin on his face and started down the painted wood steps to begin his search.

  Usually, he didn’t mind the slaps on the back from the men, the lingering touches from the women. Chatting, flirting, and bullshitting was what he did, but he wanted to find Lisa as soon as possible and get her out of there. Expertly working his way through the clusters of party guests, he paused, hands on hips, at the edge of the crowd. Lisa was tough, but she would seek privacy to lick her wounds and deal with her ex-fiancé shoving his bimbo in her face. Where would she go to be alone?

  Ah, of course. The gazebo. Please let this be the last time I end up there tonight. No point in being quiet. He wanted to give Lisa some warning if she was inside. The door opened with a soft creak, and he searched the shadows for any sign she had taken refuge.

  A dark-haired feminine figure curled up in the thick cushions of the wicker armchair. Her face gleamed pale in the moonlight before she ducked her head and wiped her eyes.

  “What are you doing here?” Lisa asked, her voice belligerent. He didn’t reply, only closed the screen door behind him and stood quietly, waiting to see if she’d accept his presence or demand he leave. After a short silence, her body uncurled, and she sighed. Her nose wrinkled as she looked up at him. “I think somebody’s been having sex in here.”

  Well, shit. He didn’t make any response, either physically or verbally, but she narrowed her eyes and snorted.

  “What am I saying? It was probably you, wasn’t it?” She scrubbed her face. “Jesus, Ash.”

  He had no good response, so he squatted down next to her and balanced easily on the balls of his feet. “Hey, do you want to get out of here?”

  She sniffled and nodded with a jerk. His hand extended and held steady until she placed her fingers in his. Ash rose and tugged her to her feet, then brought her against his chest for a comforting hug.

  “Okay?”

  “It just sucks, you know?” She glanced up at him and grimaced. “It just…sucks.”

  “I know, sweetheart. Let’s get you home.” Ash tucked her against his side and walked out of the gazebo. He led her the long way around the house, through the backyard to the side entrance of the garage. He double-checked the driveway, but guests had parked along the long gravel drive leading to the house, so the way was clear for his car.

  After settling Lisa inside the Mustang, Ash pulled out of the driveway and onto the dark, tree-lined road. He stepped on the gas, and the car leapt forward. For many minutes, the only sound was the rumble and roar of the engine as he shifted and steered around winding turns.

  “Why do guys do it?” Lisa’s uneven voice broke the silence. “I mean, why do you do it, Ash?”

  He cast a glance at her out of the corner of his eye. “Do what?”

  “Sleep with all those women.” Her hands fisted in her lap, and a tear glinted in the moonlight as it slid down her cheek. “Why can’t you just be with one girl? Why can’t that be enough?”

  Ash squirmed in his seat. “Can’t answer for Greg, but me? I guess because I haven’t met a girl I want to be with exclusively. But until I do, I don’t make any commitments, not like Greg made to you. Doesn’t hurt anyone when I fuck around.”

  She turned to him, her face stark with pain. “If you think that, then you really are a fool.”

  Ash focused on the road, but her words ricocheted inside his head. He’d never been involved with anyone who expected more than a good time and good sex. Always up front, he made the situation clear before he started any sort of liaison with a woman. His dad taught him sexual responsibility went beyond birth control, but maybe he’d been a fool to think he’d followed his father’s wisdom.

  Lisa sighed, her shoulders slumping.

  “I’m sorry,” he finally said, apologizing for more than what she’d been through that night.

  Her laugh rang cold and hollow. “No, no. I’m the one who’s sorry. You’re nothing like the Gregs of this world. You’re a good man, Asher Beaulieu, even if you do try to hide it.”

  Lisa placed her hand on his leg for a brief pat. He covered her fingers with his before she pulled away.

  “I don’t know why I’m always attracted to the assholes. I guess if I could figure that out, I could write a self-help book and make millions.”

  “Not all guys are assholes. Some good ones are out there.” Like Andy and his long-repressed feelings.

  “Hah,” she scoffed. “I’d pay you to find me one.”

  Maybe he should present Andy to her naked or wrapped in leather. Ugh, gross. Great mental image. Besides, he’d never betray his friend’s deepest secret like that. Andy would have to muddle along like he’d been doing for the past eighteen years.

  He drove in silence until they reached the flat she rented in town. Ash found a parking spot down the block and pulled the Mustang into the space before turning off the engine. Draping his hands over the steering wheel, he turned to examine Lisa’s tearstained profile.

  “I bet you didn’t imagine you’d end tonight like this.” She gave a watery chuckle and wiped at her eyes. “With a girl that isn’t panting to get all over your dick.”

  “My dick’s just fine, thanks.” He slanted her an amused glance, but the misery on her face gentled his tone. “I don’t mind. I’d rather be here, taking care of my friend.”

  Her head snapped up, and she stared for a second. “Well, I’m sure there are other places you’d rather be, but…Thanks, Ash. Thanks for being here with me tonight.”

  He tugged on the ends of her hair. “No problem. Let’s get you upstairs, oka
y?”

  “You don’t have to stay. I appreciate you bringing me home, but you don’t have to walk me to the door. I’m not some delicate piece of fluff that can’t hold it together over something stupid like seeing my ex-fiancé with his bimbo. Just took me by surprise, that’s all.”

  Already out of the car, he came around to open her door and help her out onto the sidewalk. “You know my mama would have my ass if I didn’t see you safe to your door.”

  “Yeah.” The first hint of a smile curved her mouth. “You’re right about that.”

  She hooked his elbow with hers in a companionable gesture, regaining her usual attitude until she opened the door of her apartment. Lisa took a couple steps into the foyer and choked back a sob

  “Hey,” he murmured, rubbing her back. Like that would help, but what else could he do? “Hey.”

  “Maybe I am a piece of fluff.” She wiped her face on her sleeve. “But I don’t want to go into that damn bedroom. I can still see them in our bed. How can Greg still make me feel like shit in my own apartment?”

  Ash acted on instinct and opened his arms. Lisa collapsed against his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist. Another sob shook her, and then she cried in earnest.

  “Come on. You don’t have to face anything alone.” He bent to lift and carry her into the bedroom despite her height and muscle. She clung to him when he set her on the bed, so he settled next to her and stroked a hand over her hair.

  “Shh. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “You are, though. You’re leaving. Going away.”

  “I’ve got to go where the Force assigns me, you know that. But I’ll be back.”

  “And I’ll be stuck here, working at the hospital.”

  “Andy with the QPP, Daniel at Guelph finishing his electronics degree for the Force—they’ll still be close. And you love that job. You worked hard to get your nursing degree.”

  “I know, but it’s been the three of us since we were six years old, and Daniel since we were twelve. It’s going to be so weird without you around all the time. I’ll miss you so much.” She snorted, sniffed, and snotted. A shaky laugh burst from her as she wiped ineffectually at the damp spot on his chest.