by Rye Hart
I looked over at the clock, appalled to see that it was after two in the morning.
“What did you do?” I sighed. “This time.”
“I'll explain everything when you get here,” he said. “I just can't be here another minute, Vanessa. Think about what it'll do to your father's campaign.”
“Oh? So now you're worried about my dad's campaign?” I said. “I'm not going to come down there and bail your ass out, Carter.”
Of course, I knew full well that I would go bail his ass out. I slipped out of bed and pulled on a pair of jeans and a shirt. It wasn't the first time I'd had to get up at some ungodly hour to save my stepbrother's ass. And though I hated to admit it, the son of a bitch had a point; him sitting in jail wouldn't be good PR for my dad. Especially not now that the scrutiny was going to be even higher given his Senate run.
Not that Carter actually cared. Him throwing that out there was just a trick to manipulate me into coming down there and bailing him out. But even knowing that, being the good daughter I was, I knew what I had to do. The longer he sat in jail, the more the time the press would twist the story. I could see the headlines now: Congressman Mitch Elliott Promotes Family Values Except When It Comes to Stepson, Who Rots Behind Bars.
“Well, the douchebag deserved it,” Carter said. “He had it coming.”
They always deserved it according to Carter. Rolling my eyes, I didn't bother to ask him who deserved it this time. I'd be seeing him in a few minutes anyway and would get more answers at the jail.
“On my way.”
“Thanks, Vanessa,” he said, his voice soft. It almost sounded like he felt bad. Almost. “Listen, I'm sorry about earlier – ”
I hung up before he could even mention what happened at the press conference. I was so tired of hearing his excuses. Tears burned in my eyes as I grabbed my purse and headed down to my car. Carter wasn't a stupid man, yet he continued to do stupid shit. It was almost like he enjoyed tormenting my father. Or maybe Amy was right, maybe he was doing this to torment me. It almost felt like it sometimes.
And hell, maybe I deserved some of it for everything that had happened between us. But that was a logn time ago and this bullshit had gone on for far too long.
ooo000ooo
“You hit a member of the press with a beer bottle?” I asked. “Are you fucking kidding me, Carter?”
If I wasn't mad before, this pushed me straight over the edge. Any crime would come back to bite us in the ass, but the fact that this was caught on film just made thing worse. This was going to be a PR nightmare for my father and a goddamn headache that was going to plague him for his entire campaign.
“Calling that asshole a member of the press is way being too generous,” Carter said as he climbed into my car. “Max Sheppard is a parasite. Scum of the earth. You know how these fucking paparazzi are, Vanessa. They delight in catching us at our worst. In fact, their paycheck depends on it.”
“And looks like you gave him one hell of a story,” I said, sitting down in the driver's side seat. “This couldn't possibly get any worse, Carter. You've really screwed up this time. And I don't know how I'm going to fix this.”
“Yeah, I know,” he said. “But he was on me. And he just kept picking and picking and picking. I just couldn't take it anymore.”
“Because it's always about you, isn't it? You never stop to think how your actions might affect others around you,” I said.
“Now you're sounding like your father,” he snapped.
He should be grateful I was driving, otherwise I would have smacked him upside the face for being such an ungrateful little jerk. I didn't even get a thank you for bailing him out – again. Not that I should have been surprised, but there was absolutely no appreciation for the fact that I'd gotten up in the middle of the night to save his ass one more time.
I let out an exasperated laugh, one of pure frustration and disbelief. “I can't believe you, Carter. You just keep pushing people away. First my dad, then your mom, and now me. Is that what you want? To be completely alone?”
He didn't answer me. Instead, he just continued staring at the road ahead of us as if he hadn't heard me. In the dim lights from the street, he looked so tired. His eyes were heavy, his hair was tousled , and he looked more bedraggled than usual. He didn't look anything like the Carter I knew and cared about so much once upon a time. He was headed down a dark, dangerous path and it killed me to see him like that. I so badly wanted to help him, but he just kept pushing me further and further away.
“Answer me,” I said through clenched teeth. “Is that what you want? Do you want to be alone in this world?”
“No, of course not,” he said, shifting in his seat. “You know that's the last thing I want. I only stay away because that's what you want – isn't it?”
A knot formed in my throat and I had to swallow hard to get it down. When our parents announced that they were getting married, I told Carter that we had to end our relationship. No more spending countless hours enjoying one another’s bodies, no more late-night talks. No more anything that could be deemed remotely inappropriate. At the time, ending it with Carter seemed like the best thing to do in our situation. Especially considering the fact that we were becoming family. Not to mention the fact that my dad was running for a Congressional seat and was putting pressure on me to stay out of trouble and keep my nose clean. He was so focused on his image and I had to do everything in my power to make sure mine remained squeaky clean.
We pulled up to Carter's condo and I was preparing to let him out when he surprised me by scooting closer to me; close enough I smelled the alcohol still heavy on his breath. He kissed my neck as his hand moved between my legs. I felt his fingers pressing against me and I didn't push him away – not at first. Not until he turned my head and kissed me on the lips, holding my face in his hands.
Finally, I pulled away and shouted at him. “What in the hell do you think you're doing?”
I couldn't deny that having his hands and lips on me again had felt good. But I couldn't let him know that. I couldn't encourage such behavior.
“What? You used to love when I kissed your neck,” he said, leaning in for another kiss. “And if I remember correctly, you loved it even more when I fingered you.”
“Stop,” I said, grabbing his hand and pulling it away from my crotch. “We can't do this, Carter. I'm not doing this with you.”
“Why not? Because you're a prissy little good girl now?” he seethed. “It doesn't change the past, Vanessa. I know how dirty you are.”
I slapped him before he could continue reminding me of the past. He stared at me, a mixture of hurt and rage in his eyes. For a brief moment, I feared him. I feared what he'd become. I no longer knew this Carter. For all I knew, he could hit me back. Or worse. Instead, he just glared at me with that look of hurt and anger, and it broke my heart.
But worrying about my heart was a luxury I couldn't afford at the moment. Not with the bombshell that was about to be dropped on my father's campaign. I needed to get home and start figuring out how to navigate the waters ahead. It wasn't my fault, but I knew my father was going to be pissed – and somehow, some way, it would turn into my fault somewhere along the line.
“Get out of my car, now,” I said. “Before I call the cops and have them haul your ass back to jail.”
Carter opened the car door, got out and slammed it shut. I watched as he walked inside, tears stinging my eyes as I rubbed my hand where I'd slapped him. I couldn't believe I'd done that..
Damn you, Carter. Why do you make me feel this way?
His touch, his kiss – even as brief as it had been – made me a horny mess. I wanted him, I couldn't deny that to myself. But there was no way I could ever admit that to him. Dammit, how dare he continue to taunt me like that? How dare he make me feel the way I did?
I drove home, and only when I was comfortably in my bed did I let my mind wander. I thought about what would have happened if I hadn't stopped him. I wondered what would hav
e happened if I'd let him kiss me, to press her fingers into me.
The fires burning hot and bright between my thighs, I ran my hand down my body and touched myself as I fantasized about letting Carter take me in the car, right there in the parking lot of his building. It would have been just like old times when we used sneak out and have sex in his car.
Back then, I'd straddled him in the front seat so I could look into his eyes as I rode him. I remember having his cock filling me up and satisfying me in ways my own hand never could. He knew where to kiss me to drive me utterly insane, and he could make me climax within minutes. I thought back, remembering the way that he'd sucked on my nipples while I bounced on his cock. God, what I wouldn't have given to experience that again.
Closing my eyes, I shoved my fingers inside of me, pretending it was my stepbrother's cock, driving them in and out hard and fast. I summoned memories of the times we'd fucked, the hot nights we'd spent together, banging everywhere we could. The pictures in my mind made me hot and wet, the fire between my thighs growing into an inferno.
And while it took me a while, I finally managed to bring myself to orgasm, crying out “Carter... yes, Carter...” as I finally brought some relief to my body.
I fell asleep, crying and wishing I could go back in time. Things had been so much simpler back then. Back when we were young and dumb and the most we had to worry about was whether or not we'd get caught fucking in the pool house.
CHAPTER FOUR - CARTER
It was way too early for my phone to be ringing, and I almost didn't answer. I hated to be bothered so damn early in the morning, especially after the night I'd had. And when I picked up the phone and saw that it was my mom on the display screen, I wanted to put the phone back down and go back to sleep. But knowing her like I did, I knew she'd keep on calling until I picked up, so I decided to bite the bullet and answer just to get it over with.
Except, of course, it wasn't that easy. Not that I thought it would be after last night. But, after talking to her I ended up getting out of bed, got dressed, and drove over to my mom and stepdad's mansion. All before nine in the morning, which I thought might have been a personal best for me. But, I was still half asleep when I walked into the house.
Javier, my family's butler looked at me, when I stepped through the doorway, his face grim. It looked like he was about to tell me that somebody had died. I tried to give him a smile, but he wasn't having it.
“They're in the family room,” was all he said.
“Who's they?” I asked.
I was under the impression I was meeting my mom for breakfast. She'd told me Mitch was out for the day, she was bored, and wanted some company. I should have known better, but I hadn't been thinking very clearly when I talked to her.
“Your mom, Mr. Elliott, and Vanessa,” Javier said. “They've been waiting for you.”
Wonderful. The last thing I wanted was to face all of them that early in the morning. I hadn't had time to get myself good and prepared to see them – meaning, I hadn't had the time to power down a few shots or smoke a joint. I knew exactly what this was and I was in no mood for it. I turned to leave, but Javier stopped me, stepping in my way to block my path to the door. Javier was a slight man compared to me, so I didn't know why he thought he'd be able to stop me if I wanted to leave. I could have easily picked him up and moved him to the side if I wanted to go and he wouldn't have been able to do a damn thing about it. “They told me not to let you leave,” he said.
“Yeah, well, you can't force me to stay – ”
My words died in my throat when one of my stepdad's security guards – a mountain of a man – walked into the foyer, putting himself between me and the door.
“No, I can't,” Javier said, pointing to the giant brute of a man. “But he can.”
“Shit,” I said, looking at Chuck, the bodyguard.
I was trapped with nowhere to go. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.
“Right this way, Mr. Prescott. Your family is waiting,” Javier said, leading the way.
Chuck stepped right behind us, following me closely, apparently just in case I got any ideas about escaping.
“Carter, there you are!” my mom cried out as we entered the formal living room.
She rushed over to me and kissed me on the cheek.
My gaze fell on Vanessa who refused to meet my eyes. She wouldn't even look at me. She was the one behind this, she had to be. I knew that she'd told our parents what had happened last night and together, they'd arranged this little intervention. Damn her. I sighed. I wanted to be angry at her, but I couldn't stop staring at her cleavage in the sundress she was wearing. It was almost like she'd chosen that dress on purpose to either distract me or to entice me. Either one was wrong because I couldn't have her and she knew it. The doors to the room closed behind me with the sound of finality, letting me know that I was truly trapped now. I had no way to escape unless I hurled myself through a window, which I wasn't completely taking off the table. But Chuck was still in the room and I wasn't sure if I could get to the window before he got to me. “What's this about?” I asked.
I motioned toward the three of them sitting together on the sofa like a picture perfect, All-American family. There was a lone chair for me in the room facing them, which seemed pretty fucking apt considering it really was them against me.
“We wanted to talk to you, Carter. Your father and I are worried about you,” my mother said.
“He's not my father,” I said, exasperated that I had to keep pointing this out. “He's never treated me like a son. He's not the sperm donor who knocked you up, Mom. In other words, he's not my dad, so let's just stop pretending that he is.”
“Well, of course he's not your biological father, Carter, but your real father wanted nothing to do with you,” my mom reminded me as gently as possible. “And Mitch does care for you. Very much so.”
“Yeah, whatever you say,” I muttered.
“Have a seat,” my mom said, pointing to the lone chair.
“No thanks, I'd rather stand while you guys berate me for everything I've ever done wrong,” I said. “And point out all of my failings, shortcomings, and list off the multitude of ways I've disappointed you.”
“Carter, it's not – ”
But Mitch stepped in this time, trying his best to keep a calm expression on his face. He stood up and put his arm around my mom, as if by holding on to her, he thought he could keep his temper in check.
“Listen, Carter,” he said. “I'm trying to remain as patient as possible throughout all of this. I know you have problems, but we're here to help. We're here to get you whatever help you might need.”
“Ah, great, so I get your political persona today,” I scoffed. “Until I piss you off, then we'll get to see the real you.”
“Carter, you do know where your trust fund comes from, right? You know, the trust fund you use to live the lavish, drug, booze, and bimbo-fueled lifestyle you're so comfortable living?”
That jab was from Vanessa. I looked past my mother and Mitch, staring at her, but she looked away, the expression on her face looking almost like she wished she hadn't said anything. I let the weight of my gaze fall upon her though as I soaked in her beauty and let myself revel in it for a moment.
She was wearing a pretty floral sundress that brought out the blue in her eyes, while also showing off her amazing figure and still somehow, managing to remain modest. I thought back fondly to the girl who liked wearing shorts and crop tops. Still, it was a shame to hide such a gorgeous figure and I was practically salivating as I stared at her ample cleavage peeking out from the feminine dress.
“Carter, are you listening to me?”
It was Mitch. Truthfully, I wasn't. I was too busy picturing myself ripping that dress off his daughter, giving me a view of that gorgeously exquisite body underneath. But I couldn't let him know that. Not if I wanted to get the hell out of there at some point in the very near future. I had to play the part for now, apologize and promise
to be better; even if I had no intention of changing my ways.
“Oh, yes, sir,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “I heard every word you said. And I really, really, really appreciate how much you care about me. It makes me feel all warm and tingly inside and I'm ever-so-grateful.”
So much for playing my role – I'd never been very good at that, actually. Mitch's face was turning bright red and he looked on the verge of exploding. He didn't believe me, and I couldn't blame him. What I was saying was a crock of shit. He knew it. I knew it. Only my mother, who smiled blithely at me, seemed to buy it. I simply smiled back at him, just to piss him off even more.
“Well just in case I wasn't clear,” Mitch said. “Since I am the one funding your lifestyle, if you continue to make a mockery of this family, you will be cut off. Completely. You will not get another dime from me. Do you understand what that means?”
Now, he had my attention. At the mention of revoking my trust fund, I heard him loud and clear.
“It's not all your money, Mitch,” I argued. “My mom had a career and her own money long before you came into the picture.”
I turned to my mom, who looked away, refusing to meet my gaze.
“Mom?”
“I agree with Mitch, Carter,” she said softly. “If this is what we have to do for you to take this serious and get the help you need--”
I stared at her with my eyes wide and my mouth hanging open. I couldn't fucking believe it. With my fists balled up at my sides, my head was pounding and a dark, abiding rage was welling up within me. I just wanted to punch someone. As if Chuck could see or maybe smell that my emotions were running high, he stepped closer to Mitch, protecting the person I'd most likely lash out against. I was so angry though, I felt like I could even take on a leviathan like Mitch – I might get a beat down, but I was going to get some licks in, that was for sure.
Vanessa stood up and joined our family's side. “This is the best thing for you, Carter,” she said. “You're a danger to yourself, and we're worried about you.”