Carver: Past Lies (Adair Empire Book 5) Read online

  I don’t know what it is, but this woman has held me captive with her quiet beauty and unwavering support from the first time she stepped into this room. Her dedication to keeping me sane and Daniel comfortable should have had me more grateful.

  “Fuck!” My fist hits the plaster in the wall and pain reverberates up my arm.

  The sound of machines going haywire lights up the ICU floor, and it isn’t until nurses and doctors come rushing in that I realize it’s Daniel’s machines.

  “What’s happening?” I panic.

  I’ve never been a good man. I tried so fucking hard, but it’s not in me. Daniel had become a light that I didn’t expect. Seeing him hurt isn’t easy.

  “Crash cart!” one person calls out.

  “What?” I try pushing my way through the crowd, but they won’t let me in. The charging of the defibrillator reminds of a time when I let Ariel be hurt.

  “Clear!”

  I see his body bow off the bed.

  Beeping continues.

  Another charge.

  “Clear!”

  Another bow.

  This is my fucking penance for all the bad shit in my life.

  The beeping slows to a steady hum, and all lines are flat. Everyone takes a step back and looks at me. Remorse mars their features.

  “You can’t fucking stop!” I scream at them room. “Bring him the fuck back!”

  Danny-boy.

  The End.

  Fuck, that hurt.

  Stay tuned…

  Sneak Peek

  Grasping For Air

  Coming July 24, 2018

  Unedited/Subject to change

  Chapter One

  Dimitri

  It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I was the good guy. Too good. When I was sent undercover, I never imagined I’d get twisted around.

  My co-workers used to joke I was Mr. America. My allegiance and conviction was so strong for the justice system. I was always firmly planted in the world of black and white. There were no grey areas for me.

  When the Justice Department asked me to go undercover, they said a few months at most, then it was a few years quickly turning into ten. Timothy McCray is the worst type of human being on earth.

  There were many times I wanted to kill him. It’s because of him I learned that I had a darkness lurking inside of me and right now I wish I didn’t.

  I wish I could fucking move on and be done with this shit. Start a new life somewhere new. Gain a fresh perspective.

  Fucking King Adair won’t let me.

  As much distrust and hate they held for me at first, they’ve come to rely on my expertise and opinion. They say I’m part of the family and won’t tolerate me moving on.

  Now, we’re sitting in the hospital, the same fucking one my life was shattered in and Lil is in labor. Only she’s having complications. King’s going crazy, Luther is demanding better specialists be brought in, and the maternity ward looks more like a mafia meeting than a celebratory room.

  “If she cries out once more, he’s going to kill that doctor.” Talia worries in Cas’ lap across from me.

  All of ‘em, these women, strongest I’ve ever seen, are fucking knocked up and likely scared shitless.

  Meadow stands, the only one who isn’t knocked up, not for lack of trying on Carver’s part either, and comforts her friend, “she’ll be fine, Talia. All of you will be.”

  Unable to stand the sight before me, I have to get out of here. All this fucking worry and sickening love has lead in my gut. Stepping into the hall, a door swings open and I catch a glimpse of King leaning against the wall, head in his hands, more broken then anyone would have witnessed before.

  Slipping past the closing doors I stand beside him. I don’t say anything at first because I know he’ll not only brush me off but won’t believe me.

  “They’re trying to turn the baby in her belly.” He finally says, standing taller. “So she can give birth naturally instead of a c-section.”

  “That’s good right?”

  “The doctor has half his fucking arm up in her.” His growl is half whimper–because that sounds painful as fuck–and half death because another man is touching his woman.

  “Mother fucker!” Is screamed from inside the room Lilith is in and King slams his hands against the wall next to the door.

  “If I go in there, I’ll fucking kill him.” His words are harsh.

  Stepping around him, I enter the room without word. “Dimitri?” Fuck she looks bad. Pale, sweaty, pain lines her face. “Is he okay?” She breaths harshly as someone moves a wand around her stomach.

  “He will be.” I’m not sure that’s true. “How you doing gorgeous?” Grabbing her hand as I stand beside her, I see the fear in her gaze and I know she needs King. “You almost done doc?” I snap at the man.

  “Yes, just a little more.” He answers without looking up at me.

  “Good,” I stare at one of the nurses, “go find a female doctor.” She stands dumbly. “Now!”

  “Listen, I’ve put up with enough of you guys and your bullying attitudes,” the doctor tries to argue.

  “Yeah, I’m sure you have, but unless you want to actually die, you won’t be here when she’s ready to give birth because if her man sees you, he’ll rip your fucking head off for having your arm not only in her but causing her so much pain.” He pales, but nods to the nurse.

  “Oh God!” Lilith cries and squeezes my hand hard enough to make me cringe. Woman’s got the strength of any man. Fuck.

  “Here we go Mrs. Adair, just one last turn.” Tears run like a river down her face as he manipulates her body further.

  “King!” She screams loud enough I’m shocked the windows don’t shatter. The man comes storming in the room and everyone freezes as he goes straight to her, his eyes don’t look anywhere but at her face.

  “Doc you got about fifteen seconds.” I warn, because I can see he’s about to blow a gasket.

  “Done. You’re ready Mrs. Adair.” The man stands triumphantly until King glares at him and he scurries away as a woman doctor comes in.

  “Are you ready to push?” The woman smiles, ignoring the tension surrounding her.

  “No.” Lilith whimpers and that’s when King turns into the softy we only see when it comes to her.

  “Help me out D,” he waves to Lil, motioning for me to lift her forward. As soon as she’s up he slides in behind her, cradling her to his chest.

  “Just wait Lil, wait till you hear his cry, that first sign of life. Hold him in your arms, cuddle him to your chest. We’re right there my queen, all you have to do is push. Just a little more and I ain’t fucking leaving.” Damn. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the ruthless man so soft before as he whispered in her ear.

  “Okay, King.” She smiles up at him tiredly. “I’m ready.”

  About the Author

  Krystal is a proud Canadian girl, hailing from Sherwood Park, Alberta. She has a strong dislike for the winter, and a love for spring. Married to her husband Steve, for 13 years, they have 4 beautiful red headed spawns ranging in ages 6-13. She has a strong love of coffee, sarcasm, and wine. (Not necessarily in that order either.)

  Krystal loves to write about instalove between couples looking for love. She has a passion for contemporary romance and springs into menage as often as she can.

  For in the moment updates you can join her reader group – KL’S FIGHTERS.

  Also by KL Donn

  The Protectors Series

  Keeley’s Fight

  Emily’s Protectors

  Kennedy’s Redemption

  The Possessed Series

  OWNED by Dominic

  One Dance for Case

  Lost & Found

  Love Letters Series

  Dear Killian

  Dear Gage

  Dear Maverick

  Dear Desmond

  Love Letters boxed set

  Dear Steele (Coming Soon)

  Hogan Brother’s

  One Cha
nce

  One Choice

  Unchained

  What Happens When Series

  Anonymous Bride (Kindle World Novella)

  Tainted Love (Coming Soon)

  Adair Empire

  King: 13 Little Lies

  Luther: 2 Truths and a Lie

  Castiel: With Lies

  Atticus: Secret Lies

  Carver: Past Lies

  Grasping For Air (Coming July 24, 2018)

  Safe, in His Arms (Coming August 21,2018)

  Daniels Family

  Until Arsen (Kindle World Novella)

  With Kol (Coming September 2018)

  Before Noah (Coming December 2018)

  Brantley’s Way

  Task Force 779

  Missing in Action (Coming soon)