Currents: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World)

by A. C. Wilds

  Our pain is matched in death.

  I shake my head slightly. “The day my brother died was the worst day of my life. I left home right after. Came to Bordentown to get away from everything and start over. I’ve been trying to live without him, but most days it’s impossible.”

  “I know the feeling. It’s like she’s always there in my mind. The last moments of her death play on repeat. The only way I can stop thinking about her is if I’m drinking.”

  The pieces finally click into place, and I realize that perhaps she’s not the party girl I thought she was. She’s suffering like me. We’re both trying to hide our true selves.

  “Is that why you don’t want to be around your family?”

  “My sister’s cancer was treatable with a drug that wasn’t approved in the US. My parents decided to stick with a doctor from their country club. The guy is a rich asshole who is associated with Big Pharma. He convinced them he was the better choice, that his experimental drug was better. She died two weeks later.”

  “Fuck. That’s . . . I’m sorry you went through that. My brother died because my parents called his abductors’ bluff. They killed him when my parents refused to pay them. They didn’t want to spend the money. I can never forgive them.”

  She takes a sip of her water, studying her hands intently. “It’s not easy being around them, so I get it. This is going to sound selfish, but I’m dependent on my parents. I’m too broken to adult. And I know that’s a poor excuse and that I should probably get my shit together, but this is easier.”

  Tears fall from her eyes as she takes another sip of water before putting the glass on the table. I get up from my chair and kneel in front of her, wiping away the tears on her cheeks with my thumbs. I pull her closer to me until our noses touch.

  I place a chaste kiss to her lips. She grips my shoulders and slides down on the floor with me. We kneel, facing each other. I wrap her in a hug. She lets out a sigh of relief, and the next moment she breaks down.

  She doesn’t hold back, and I feel the wetness of her tears through my t-shirt. All of what she’s been feeling comes out. The pain and fear are torn from her with a scream. She wraps her arms around me and digs her nails into my back.

  I grit my teeth against the pain, but I don’t move. I give her what she needs.

  Pulling her closer, I sit on the floor, leaning against the balcony window. Bliss climbs onto my lap, straddling me, and buries her head in the crook of my neck, sobs still thrumming through her.

  Rubbing her back, I make shushing noises until she becomes weightless in my arms and her crying subsides. I feel the exact moment when she slips into sleep, her exhaustion taking over, but still I don’t move. I cradle her to my chest and lean my head on hers.

  BLISS

  I wake up in Carson’s arms. At first, I don’t move. I inhale his scent, burrowing my head into the crook of his neck for a little longer, relishing the feel of his hands on my back drawing small circles. I can’t even remember the last time someone held me like this.

  My body is one tight ball. It felt good to let go of my pain for a moment. And even if I don’t know him, I find comfort in our shared connection.

  “Are you awake?” he asks softly.

  I rise from my paradise and grab his cheeks between my hands. I lean down and kiss him. Softly at first, but then he lets me in and all the heat I’ve been feeling for him flares to life.

  His strong arms wrap around my back, one hand traveling up to the nape of my neck. His grasp is possessive, and I can’t stop from moaning. I have to stop this before it goes too far. I don’t want things to be like this with him; I want to go slow. Savor him.

  “Thank you,” I murmur against his lips. My forehead is pressed against his. I close my eyes for the briefest of moments, memorizing everything about him.

  “We all need to be taken care of. I want to do that for you, Bliss. Yesterday made me realize how important you are to me. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make you happy.”

  My breath catches in my throat as I try to stop myself from crying again. Exhaling, I pull myself upright and stare into his face.

  I see something there. Something true and real.

  “If I don’t get off you now, I’m going to end up doing something very rash, and I’d rather our first time be special.”

  He chuckles as I untangle myself from his body. “I have to pee, anyway. You’ve been sleeping for an hour.”

  It’s my turn to laugh as I watch him get to his feet. He walks toward the bathroom, and I inch my way to the table. Sitting down, I wonder how the hell I’m going to keep him. Bordentown is a long way from L.A.

  “Do you want to hang out for a bit? I took the day off. We could go for a walk and then get dinner later?” he asks once he returns, hands in the pockets of his jeans.

  I shift in my chair, pulling my t-shirt down. “I’d love that. Let me get changed first.”

  I pop up and go to the bedroom. Pulling out a yellow sundress and strappy wedge sandals, I change much quicker than usual. I don’t want to be away from him for even a moment.

  I add some gold bangles and a pair of dangling earrings. My hair is already a mess, so I throw it up in a messy bun, put on some mascara and a swipe of tinted lip gloss.

  “Ready.” I say, meeting him in the living area.

  “You look amazing. It’s going to be really hard to convince me to leave this room.”

  I try not to blush, but I know I am—I can see it in his smile. “Thank you, but you promised me a walk and dinner.”

  “Hmm . . . we can always order in.”

  He grabs me around my waist, pulling me flush against him. His words have heated my body, but I’m still not ready. I want to appreciate this bubble we’re in before it gets too intense.

  I place a quick kiss on his lips and head to the door. “Come on, surfer boy. You have a town to show me.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  CARSON

  Spending time with Bliss is easy and comfortable. I didn’t think I’d ever have a connection with a woman like I do with Bliss. Now that her walls are down and I see the true Bliss, I can’t imagine being with anyone else.

  She gets out of the car. “This is the place?”

  We’re standing in front of one of the best Mexican restaurants in Santa Ana. Ashton brought me here when I first moved in with him. I come back every month to get my taco fix.

  “Trust me, it’s going to be amazing.” I grab her hand and pull her through the open door.

  The scent of quality, authentic Mexican food flood my senses. A rush of excitement goes through me at the thought of sharing this with Bliss.

  “Table for two?” the hostess asks as she pulls menus out from behind her podium.

  “Yes, please,” I respond and follow her into the restaurant.

  We’re seated at a small table in the back. The air-conditioner hums above us, the soft sound of Mexican music sounding throughout the space.

  Bliss looks around. “This is adorable.”

  “I love it here. Ashton actually found this place. I’ve adopted it. We try to come at least every month.”

  “If the food is as good as it smells, then I’d come here every month as well.” She grins at me as she picks up her napkin and smooths it out in her lap. The thought of having her here with me every month makes something stir inside me that I’m not used to. I think I’m falling for this girl.

  I clear my throat to dispel the thought from my mind as the waiter puts two glasses of ice water down on the table and beams at us. “Hola, I’m Carlos. I’ll be your waiter today. Would you like to hear the specials?”

  Bliss looks to me for guidance.

  “Actually, Bliss, would you mind if I order for us?”

  She shrugs. Perfect.

  “We’ll have two of each of the tacos. A margarita for the lady, and I’ll have a Modelo.”

  “Excellent. I’ll get that right out to you,” he says, taking the menus from us and turning toward the kitchen.


  “You sure do know how to treat a lady,” she teases. “I’m addicted to tacos. After pizza. Then comes ice cream.”

  “Prepare to have your mind blown. My favorite is the Volcano Taco. It’s spicy and hot. It’s like your mouth is going to burn up. It’s so good.”

  The waiter sets our drinks on the table, and I grab my beer, taking a swig. The cold, sour hops slide down my throat, and I yearn for food. I only drink Modelo when I’m having tacos. They go well together.

  “I can’t imagine a burning mouth will feel good. I hope you ordered ones that are less dangerous.”

  When she licks the salt off her margarita glass, I almost choke on my beer. God, that was fucking hot.

  “Umm, yeah. I ordered twenty-four tacos, so you’ll find your favorite.”

  “Twenty-four? What, are you nuts? I can’t eat twelve tacos!”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll take the rest home to Ashton. He’ll be happy.”

  “Ashton . . .” Concern settles on her face.

  I purse my lips. We haven’t yet had the talk about my roommate.

  “This is a little backward, but things with Ashton . . . they’re platonic, right? I mean, he told me he didn’t sleep with you.”

  Suddenly, I’m worried. What if she has feelings for Ashton? I don’t think I could bear losing her to my roommate. That pain would tear me apart.

  “Yes. We kissed and immediately realized there was nothing there. He’s a terrible flirt, but that’s all it is. He’s a great guy. I hope he finds his penguin.” She straightens her silverware on the table and fidgets in her chair.

  Relief rushes through me. I’m a little too happy about Ashton striking out and smile at the thought.

  “Penguin?”

  “Yeah, penguins mate for life. They choose one partner and stay with them forever. I hope Ashton can find that. He deserves to be happy.”

  The food arrives moments later. Two waiters bring the dishes over and place them in front of us. I rub my hands together in anticipation. It’s been too long.

  “These look amazing,” she says as she picks up a taco from the dish closest to her.

  “That’s the carne asada. It’s really tasty. It’s my fifth favorite.”

  “You’re fifth favorite? I don’t even want to know the list. It’s way too weird that you memorized all the tacos on the menu.”

  I shrug. “After dinner, you can tell me all about the plan for the next time we’re coming here. Prepare to become addicted.”

  Her face lights up and she stares me in the eye. “I already am.”

  All the blood flows out of my head and straight to my cock. The way she’s watching me, like I’m the best thing in this restaurant, is making me second-guess having dinner.

  “Try the tacos before I march you into the bathroom and have my way with you,” I whisper.

  She gasps, but a sly smile plays on her lips.

  A challenge, then.

  I signal the waiter. “We’ll take these to go.”

  BLISS

  We practically run out of the restaurant, clutching bags of food. Carson pops the trunk and puts the food away before joining me in the car.

  “How fast do you think you can get back to the hotel?” My voice is breathless, filled with need.

  I’ve imagined having Carson every way possible since the first time I saw him. It feels like a lifetime ago. I couldn’t stop this even if I wanted to, and I don’t.

  “Twenty minutes.”

  “Good, then we have some time to play before we get there. How good of a driver are you when distracted?”

  Starting the car, he turns to me. I lick my lips, biting my lower lip. Carson sucks in a breath and pulls me to him. His hands fist in my hair as he devours me. This isn’t a kiss for a sweet romance. This is a kiss to consume. I’m loving every moment of it.

  There’s a devilish grin on his face as he breaks the kiss and pulls into traffic. I don’t waste time. Putting my hand on his thigh, I draw slow circles. The intimate touch has him shifting closer to me.

  “What are you doing?” he asks, that naughty grin still on his face.

  “Pay attention to the road. Don’t mind me.”

  I move my hand up his thigh until I’m at the juncture of no return. His hardness strains against his jeans. I can’t wait to taste him.

  My red-tipped nails are bright against his jeans as I unbutton his pants and slowly pull the zipper down. I glance up. His jaw is clenched, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles are white.

  “Bliss . . .” he hisses as I slide my hand over his boxers. His cock twitches when I touch the sensitive tip. I stroke up and down the material, causing friction. When he tenses, I feel a renewed sense of confidence.

  I slip my seatbelt over my head and move toward him. The center console separates us, but I lean over it, and my head is in the exact spot I want it to be.

  I graze my teeth over the opening of his boxers, flicking the button with my tongue. When I open the flap and let his cock spring free, I hear Carson suck in a breath. I lick the top of his head, making him groan above me.

  “Eyes on the road. Don’t crash the car.”

  “Easy for you to say.”

  I chuckle and take as much of him into my mouth as I can. He’s thicker than I’m used to, but I relax my jaw and slowly slide down until he’s almost all the way in. I hum in appreciation as I fist the base of his cock.

  I begin to work him, moving my hand up and down as my tongue relishes his flavor. He growls and hits the steering wheel as I quicken my pace. I feel his entire body tense, and with a pop, I let him slip from my mouth. I lick his thick length, swirling my tongue over his sensitive head.

  “You’re going to make me come.” The words are a low growl.

  I lift my head, but continue to stroke and pump with my hand. His cock is wet and glistening. I rub my thumb over the crown and he shudders at my touch.

  “Do you want to come?” My voice is sultry. He nods, and I lean over and kiss his neck, before whispering in his ear. “In my mouth?”

  He closes his eyes for a brief second before nodding again. I hum in appreciation and take him inside my mouth again.

  This time I don’t hold back. I want to hear him scream my name as he releases into my mouth.

  I’m relentless, taking almost all of him inside my mouth. He threads a hand into my hair. Moaning my name, he pushes me down one last time before he grunts out his release.

  The salty taste of him slides down my throat, and I suck until I’ve caught every single drop. Rising, I smile at him.

  “That was fucking incredible. I can’t wait to return the favor.”

  “Neither can I,” I say, adjusting my seatbelt. I’m feeling quite proud of myself.

  I roll down the window, letting the cool night air in as we zoom past the houses and cars. All is quiet tonight, and I can’t help think things are changing. This moment is a new start to something, I just don’t know what.

  Ten minutes later, we’re rushing to the elevators, food in hand. A few people stop and stare at the enticing scents floating through the lobby.

  I tap my foot in annoyance. How long does it take for the elevator to get here?

  The lift behind us dings and we almost crash into the old couple that walk at a tortoise pace out of the elevator. I growl in frustration, making Carson chuckle beside me.

  As soon as the walker clears the way, I push forward and slam my hand on the button for my floor. I punch the close-door button twenty more times than is normal. Just as the door is about to close, someone yells for us to hold the elevator.

  Fingers moving at breakneck speed, my tapping continues. We’ve waited long enough. The guy rushes up to the elevator as the door closes. Carson mouths a sorry, but I’m not.

  I drop the bag on the floor. Putting my hands on his chest, I push Carson to the corner of the elevator. I might not have the strength or height advantage, but when I want something, I make it mine. And right now, a
ll I want is Carson.

  His lips crash onto mine, his own bag forgotten on the floor. The kiss is rushed and full of need. Teeth and tongues clash, and a moan works it way out of my throat. The thought of having him all to myself makes my core heat in anticipation.

  He spins me around, my back hitting the wall. A leg moves between mine, urging them further apart as he presses into me. I can feel his hardness through his jeans against my stomach. I slip a hand between us and reach down, rubbing up and down.

  He breaks the kiss, teeth nipping at my neck and all the way to my ear. His groan sends vibrations through my chest. It’s a wild thing—like darkness and silk.

  My panties ignite, and heat pools between my thighs. I need this man inside of me now.

  The elevator bounces, signaling that we’ve reached my floor. The doors open, and before I know what’s happening, Carson has both bags of tacos and my keycard in hand.

  My breathing is ragged and struggling. I can’t seem to calm down. My brain is addled from wanting this man. If I don’t satisfy that want and need, I’m sure going to explode.

  The door clicks and the ice-cold, air-conditioned room opens up to us. The glow from the moon is the only light that’s needed. In the next instant, the bags are dropped on the floor, and he’s picking me up and slamming me into the far wall. Instinctively, my legs wrap around his waist as he thrusts his hips into my core.

  “Too many clothes,” I breathe out between desperate kisses.

  He sets me down, ripping his shirt over his head in one swift movement. The muscles I knew were hiding beneath that shirt comes out to play. My lady parts sigh in content. God, this man is gorgeous.

  I mirror his actions, throwing my sundress up and over my head.

  “You seriously had to go with white?” he asks, roaming his hands all over me like I’m a statue of a Greek goddess.

  “I like the purity of it. Black is sexy, but white is dangerous.”

  He drops his mouth to my breast, biting my nipple through the sheer lace of my bra. The delicious sensations of both teeth and material make me arch my back. I grab his hair, pulling him closer to me.

  I want to feel like this every day.