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

by A. C. Wilds

  I can’t hold back any longer. I need her. I need to feel her wrapped around me. I run my cock over her entrance, parting her lips just enough for me to slam into her.

  “Carson,” she cries out once I settle inside of her.

  “God, you’re so tight.”

  I lose my breath and grab her hips, moving inside her. My punishing rhythm sounds out as skin meets skin, urging me to go harder.

  She whips her head around and bites down on her lower lip. The look in her eyes makes me go wild. She’s so fucking perfect.

  “Carson, I’m going to—” The last word is drowned out by her cries as she clenches around me. I slow, giving her the time she needs to come down.

  Leaning down, I reach around her and find that sensitive spot at her core. My cock sinks in and out of her, and her tight pussy makes it impossible to hold on any longer.

  “Can I finish inside of you?” I ask, breathless.

  “Oh, God, yes.”When she reaches the peak again, it pushes me over the edge and I spill my seed inside her. The overwhelming sense of happiness crashes over me as I lower us to the bed.

  I tuck a strand of hair behind her head, thinking about how magnificent it will be to wake up to her every day. I have to convince her to stay. I’m not sure how she’d feel about that. There’s no way I can go back to L.A.

  “That was amazing. I didn’t think it could get better than the last time, but you sure proved me wrong.”

  Her smile is so wide that everything else goes away. For the first time, my pain isn’t so unbearable. When I’m with Bliss, it’s as if Eli is still with me, but the grief hasn’t consumed me.

  She brings me peace.

  “I aim to please.” The cheesy line earns me a smack on the shoulder. She turns and pulls the blankets up to cover us. After brushing a kiss on my forehead, she settles inside the curve of my body. It’s a perfect fit, like she was meant for that spot.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  BLISS

  I’m such a coward. Last night shook me to my core. Carson’s hands on me made me see stars. The way he caressed me when we spooned was something I’ve always wanted, but we’re not meant to be together.

  Our worlds are too different, and now that I’ve vowed to Royce that I’d go back to being the old Bliss, I can’t drag Carson into that. My family has their own issues, and I need time to heal before I can accept him.

  Giving him one last glance at the doorway to the bedroom, I leave. No note, just a clean break. He’ll hate me for a while, but he’ll continue with his life. It’s the best I can give him.

  My luggage is waiting for me in the lobby. The car that will take me to the airport is idling at the curb. I don’t bother checking out—I’ll phone the hotel tomorrow. It’s the least I can do. I can give him the day to rest.

  “It was a pleasure having you, Ms. Meyer,” the doorman says as he opens the car door for me. I hand him a tip and a tight smile.

  The air-conditioning in the car makes my skin pebble as I look out the cold glass of the limo. My insides hurt. I’m a fool for what I’ve done. But Carson deserves someone stable and healed.

  “John Wayne Airport, ma’am?” the driver asks.

  “Yes, the private jet entrance, please.”

  He nods and puts up the partition.

  I grab the phone and dial Vito, our pilot. It won’t be long until I get there, and I want to leave as soon as possible.

  “I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Please have everything squared away.”

  “Yes, Ms. Meyer. Flight plans have all been submitted and we are wheels up when you board. There is a clear sky this morning. We should be in L.A. at 4 a.m.”

  “Excellent. Thank you, Vito. Call ahead to the car service and schedule a pickup. I’ll be going to my parents’ home.”

  “Will do. See you soon.”

  “Thanks, Vito.”

  I end the call and sit back, watching through the window as the beach town disappears. The knot still rages in my stomach. Carson will get over it. It was the right thing.

  I hope.

  CARSON

  I wake up to the sun streaming through the window and the feel of the cool blankets tucked around my legs. I reach across the bed, but all I find is a pillow.

  “Bliss?” I say, sitting up in bed and letting the sheet fall down to my waist. I’m still naked from the night before, my clothes in a pile on the floor.

  No answer. Maybe she went to get breakfast? I pick up my boxers from the pile and walk into the living room. No sign of her. The bathroom is clear—a little too clear.

  None of her products are strewn about the counter. There is no luggage in the closets, no clothes on the floor. My stomach dips. Where the fuck did she go?

  I scramble to put on clothes, draping the jacket over my arm, then leave the room behind. I stride down the hall and click the elevator button one time too many.

  The elevator dings, and I get in, coming face to face with Grant. He’s carrying two coffees, his face strained with exhaustion.

  “Morning. I see you had a fun evening,” he says, smugly.

  “Why are you on the penthouse floor?” I ask, ignoring his remark.

  “I got on the wrong elevator. I’m so tired I didn’t notice the arrow was pointing up until you got in. Gwen was up all last night, high on wedding cake.”

  “Have you seen Bliss?”

  His eyebrows furrow. “No, I’d think you of all people would know where she is.”

  “When I woke up, she was gone. No luggage, no note.”

  “Damn. That’s pretty shitty of her. Want me to see if Royce knows where she is?”

  He hands me one of the coffees and gets out his phone, dialing Royce’s number. The conversation is short. He has no idea, either.

  “Fuck. She ghosted me.” The pit in my stomach widens into a cavern.

  “I’ll ask around. Maybe Desi or Emerson know what happened. Put your number in my phone.”

  I take his phone and key in my digits. The elevator dings again, and I hand him his coffee before he steps out. “Call me if you find out anything.” My voice is tight. I will not lose my shit in front of another dude.

  “Take care, Carson.” The doors close, and then I’m alone. I can’t believe she left me without saying anything. After all we shared. My heart is too shattered to be angry, but I have to find out why.

  Ashton isn’t home when I get back to the apartment. In fact, it looks like he hasn’t been here all night. I try him on his cell, but there is no answer, and I can’t remember the name of the girl he was supposed to be with last night.

  As I’m about to leave, my phone beeps. It’s Grant. I hope he has something for me. My chest aches at the thought of her leaving and my never being able to find her again.

  G: I know where she is.

  Me: Where?

  G: She flew back to L.A. early this morning on her parents’ jet. She’s gone home.

  My grip on the phone loosens before I recover and have it smack onto the floor. She went home to L.A.—the one place I said I’d never go again.

  G: You there?

  Me: Yeah, sorry. It’s just not what I expected, which is weird because she lives there. Of course, she’d go home.

  G: Royce said she’s going to some gala. His parents aren’t attending and she said she’d go to represent the family. This could be your second chance.

  Me: I don’t know if I can. L.A. is—

  I can’t finish the sentence. All the pain that I’ve smashed down inside of me comes floating to the top. It’s all too much.

  G: I get it. Sometimes the past is too hard to face in order to move forward, but think of Bliss. Is she worth it?

  I pause before answering. Silence stretches on around me for a little more than is comfortable. How can I express what she means to me after only this short amount of time?

  Me: Yeah, she is.

  Putting my phone into my pocket, I grab my keys and text Ashton on the way to my car. Seems like I’m going home.


  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CARSON

  I pull up to the gate of my childhood home and stare at the driveway. The house isn’t visible from here, but the slow curve of the road is familiar. The promise of never coming back here sticks to the back of my throat, but I think of Bliss and what she means to me.

  I press the call button.

  “Hello, who may I ask is calling?” the voice on the speaker box says.

  “Harris, it’s me.”

  I wait for shocked words or even a tsk of disappointment, but all I get is the buzzer and the grinding of the gates. Inhaling, I put my foot to the gas and drive up to the house.

  My parents are standing side by side, waiting for me when I pull up. My father’s stern face gives nothing away, but my mother’s tears and clenched hands tell me all I need to know.

  “Carson,” my mother cries out as she runs to meet me, throwing herself at me for a hug.

  Her grip is tight, her sobs loud. I place my arm around her, trying to give her the comfort she needs, but feeling nothing. My eyes are locked onto my father, but he’s too chickenshit to look me in the face. He turns to go inside.

  “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. I’m so happy you’re home.” She pulls away, wiping tears from her face with a handkerchief from her pocket.

  “I won’t be here for long. I just need to get a few things, then I’ll be out of the way. I have an event tonight.”

  “Are you talking about the Children’s Foundation Gala?” she asks, taking my hand and leading me into the house.

  Harris is on standby and gives a brief nod before realizing I have no luggage.

  “Yes. Are you and Father going?”

  “We aren’t ready to go back into society yet. It’s been less than a year since . . .”

  Her voice trails off as she clutches the handkerchief to her face, tears streaming down her cheeks. The sorrow I should feel for her isn’t there. I don’t feel any pity for the woman who chose to let my brother die.

  “If you have no need of the invitation, I’d like it.”

  “Why are you concerned about a children’s auction? It’s unlike you to want to go to something like this. Are you planning on bidding on the Pink Star diamond? I heard it’ll be part of the private sales.”

  I have no idea what she’s talking about, nor do I care to flash money around. This is for Bliss. Not for my parents, not for society.

  “Is there a buy-in for the dinner? I don’t have time to look at the catalogue.”

  “I’ve donated for the tickets already. You don’t have to bid at the auction. It would be nice if you did, though. After all, it is for the children.”

  I see a bit of red before I snap out of it. Leaving her at the end of the stairs, I rush up to my old room. I need a few things before I go. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for Bliss, and tonight I’m ready to show her that.

  If Ashton was here, he’d call me crazy. Or maybe he’d agree with me. Bliss has a way of getting under your skin and not leaving.

  My closet seems like someone else’s house. Rows of clothes hang along the walls, and there’s a couch in the center with my watch dresser, but I’m not here for any of it. I’m looking for the one thing that my grandmother gave me before she died. Something that I never would have thought I’d touch again. An heirloom that has been passed down for generations. A diamond and sapphire bracelet that will be my promise to her. A promise to always take care of her and be by her side.

  I select a tuxedo next, something appropriate for the occasion. Suddenly, I feel nervous. What if this is too soon? She could reject me, or it could be a mistake. This is a bold move, something I’m not sure will work, but it is my truth. I have to make her see that I’m all in. That this isn’t just some vacation fling.

  “Mr. Stagg?” Harris knocks on the closet door. “I have the invitation for you.”

  The small envelope sits on the dresser, its presence like a door that’s about to be opened. One that could either destroy or save me.

  BLISS

  I can’t believe Royce is making me go to this event. He should have said no. Our family doesn’t have to be at every major party. I don’t hate this dress, though. It’s a gorgeous midnight blue with layers of sheer chiffon dusting my legs. The neckline is higher than I normally wear, but the crystals on the bodice make up for it. My mother thought it would be nice for me to have something to wear, so she hand-selected this dress.

  The museum is dressed up with glitz and glamor. Everything you’d expect a Hollywood party to be. Paparazzi hound the entrance. Cameras flash with bright bulbs, making my head hurt.

  I lower the partition in the limo. “Is there a back entrance?”

  The driver turns the car and follows the road to the back of the building. We aren’t the only ones thinking this would be a good idea. By the time we get to the entrance, twenty minutes have passed.

  “Good evening, Ms. Meyer. May I see your invitation?” the woman with a clipboard asks, a bright smile on her face.

  Opening my purse, I pull out the thick card-stock and hand it over to her. She, in turn, hands me my ballot and number. The noise of the crowd takes over as I step one stilettoed foot onto the rich, plush carpet.

  Familiar faces surround me, and I try not to grimace at a few eye rolls and the judging faces. There isn’t much that these people wouldn’t know. I haven’t exactly been private about my escapades.

  “Bliss! Oh my god, I can’t believe you’re here. It’s been so long,” Marissa says, air-kissing me on both cheeks.

  Her blonde hair bounces over one slim naked shoulder. The blue dress she has on hugs all the curves her doctor gave her.

  “How are you?” I ask, faking concern. I’m going to have to try to get away from her as fast as possible.

  “Great. I just got married again. French diplomat. Totally hot and stupid rich. We even have a villa in the south of France. I mean, is there anything better than that?”

  I can think of a few things.

  “I’m so happy for you. Could you excuse me? I want to make sure I don’t miss the bidding window.”

  “Of course! But the Pink Star is mine. Marcel already promised it to me.” It takes so much for me to not roll my eyes at her.

  Picking up the hem of my black gown, I march over to the bar, the only destination that will keep me calm enough to get through this nightmare.

  “Chardonnay, please.” Taking out a twenty, I put it inside the tip jar and accept the poured wine.

  Making my way over to the doorway where the auction items are held, I pretend to be interested in things. I’m hoping no one will make an appearance and expect conversation. I just need to put my name on a few things and hope I win one.

  The Pink Star stands out amongst the other trinkets. Almost sixty carats of beautiful pink diamond set in a simple platinum setting. It’s enough to make your mouth water.

  “It’s beautiful,” a voice behind me says. My spine stiffens and the wine glass nearly slips from my grasp. This can’t be happening.

  “What are you doing here?” I say, spinning around to face Carson, but it isn’t the Carson I know. This Carson has stepped out of a GQ magazine. It’s an expensive Carson. A Carson who’s wearing a $100,000 watch.

  “I’m here for you.”

  The whole world stands still. The air is sucked out of my lungs and the room gets really small.

  “You aren’t supposed to be here. How did you even know I was going to be here?”

  “Grant. He spoke to Royce. It wasn’t the way I wanted to leave things. I don’t want to things to be done between us.”

  He takes a step toward me, and I take one back, almost knocking into the Pink Star case. All the fear I felt last night, the pain of letting him in, scoops me up and tries to get me to run away.

  “Carson.” It’s a plea for him not to break me. I can’t handle losing someone else.

  “It’s all right, Bliss. We’ll do it together, heal the rest of the way toget
her. I don’t want to have this life without you.”

  A breath rushes out of me, and all the fight leaves. All I needed was to see him again. He’s had my heart since tacos.

  “I’m scared,” I whisper.

  He takes the wine glass from my hand and places it on the top of the glass case of the Pink Star. Pulling me closer, he threads his hands through my hair and tilts my face to look up at him. All I see is love and caring and acceptance. Carson is accepting me for who I am.

  “I love you,” he says, making my toes curl in my Louboutins.

  His mouth slams onto mine. All the stress and everything I’ve been carrying around inside me evaporates. I open up to him, the connection setting my skin on fire. Everything in me lights up. If we don’t stop soon, I’m going to combust, burn until all that’s left of me is ash.

  “Carson Stagg!” Marissa’s voice penetrates through our moment. I’ve never wanted to kill someone so much.

  Carson seems confused. I see the recognition on his face, then the anger.

  “It’s been forever. How are your parents? I heard about your brother, such a shame.” She continues on, word vomit flowing out of her mouth.

  Carson stiffens beside me, and I can tell something deeper is going on. Looking between them, it connects in my mind. The reason she knows him. He’s a part of this world. The richest of the rich. Everything he claims to hate.

  “You’re a Stagg?” I ask, dropping his hand and searching his face. Everything that we shared feels like a lie. He judged me and treated me like trash in the beginning, when all along he’s been part of this world.

  “I was going to tell you. It’s why I left L.A. One of the reasons . . . Bliss, let me explain.”

  Marissa’s face is tight as she realizes that there are things going on that she can’t understand. “I think I’m going to go.”

  She twirls and heads over to a man waiting at the doorway. Carson and I are left alone with a few strangers and the gaping hole between us.

  “Let’s go somewhere private and talk.” He tries to guide me toward a side room but I pull away. The beautiful moment we just shared has been shattered by the lie he held between us.