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

by Ellie Masters

“Prescott hated it. He refused to do as I asked, but we sorted things out.”

  “I can only imagine how that conversation went.” I huff a small laugh. Thinking about Evelyn and Prescott going at it is something I would’ve paid money to see.

  “Well, there was a lot of screaming on my part, words I wish I could take back. I wasn’t very nice and threatened to cut them out of my life if he didn’t do as I asked.”

  “Ouch.” I run my fingers through her hair. “Evidently, you sorted things out?”

  “A lot of my anger came from my grief and with trying to control me…well, he was a natural outlet. Gracie forced us to talk it out and I was able to get him to understand.”

  “They were going to be your in-laws. I suppose they see you as their daughter-in-law. It has to be hard on them too. They lost a son and then you walked out on them. I can’t imagine how hard that was for all of you.”

  “You’re right. Prescott saw me as his daughter and tried to parent me. Once we got past that, he backed off and I backed off. I understood he wasn’t the enemy and was only trying to do right by his best friend’s daughter. I was so self-absorbed, I forgot he lost not only a son, but his best friend, my father. He’ll do anything for me, and I don’t want to cut them out of my life.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t. And I’m happy you realized you didn’t lose your entire family in that crash. You still have them.”

  “I do. We’re finding our way.” She tilts her head and looks at me for several seconds. “I also found you. I thought my life stopped after the accident. My head went to some pretty dark places. I’m only just now realizing there’s so much more living left.”

  I hesitate to bring it up, but Grant’s suspicions fill my head. “Evelyn?”

  “Yes?”

  “Is there any reason to think the accident wasn’t an accident?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Just a thought, but the accident, the forest fire, and the fire tonight. It makes me wonder.”

  “You think someone is trying to hurt me?”

  Not hurt, but murder.

  “I don’t know what to think. It was Grant who actually brought it up. He’s coming by tomorrow to speak with you, but can you think of anyone who would benefit from your death? Or anyone with a grudge who would want you dead?”

  Her brows pinch together. “I never thought of that. Honestly, I figured I was cursed, but no. I can’t think of a single person who’d want to hurt me, or see me dead. And to be honest, there are no beneficiaries on the trust but me. Prescott’s been on me to fix that.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “If I die, there’s no one who the trust passes to. He wants me to designate a charity, or him, because otherwise everything goes to the government.”

  A strange feeling stirs in my gut. Is it possible Prescott has something to gain from her death?

  It doesn’t make sense. He wouldn’t kill his own son, and Evelyn says Prescott and her father were the best of friends.

  There must be someone else with a vendetta against the Thornton name, or Evelyn herself. A spurned lover?

  I want to ask, but those questions are best left for Grant to uncover. With my hand wrapped around the back of her neck, I massage the tight muscles. Her eyes close and my dick stirs.

  Her lips part on a sigh and I can’t help but lean down and take advantage. The kiss isn’t something I push. In fact, I leave it to the briefest touch. I want so much more. It’s not my fault she’s a knockout. My dick’s had about enough of my iron-willed restraint and instantly hardens beneath her buttocks.

  But it’s late and she needs rest.

  “How about we get you out of here and tucked into bed?”

  “I’d like that.”

  Before my dick changes my mind, I lift her out of my lap. We both climb to our feet and rinse off. Several minutes later, I tuck her into my bed.

  “How’s that?”

  “Dreamy,” she says. “You’re pretty amazing, Asher La Rouge. Do you know that?”

  When she says my name like that, my heart just about bursts.

  “If you say so.”

  She pats the side of the bed. “Aren’t you coming to bed?”

  “There’re a few things I need to take care of first. I’ll be back in a bit. Just close your eyes and try to get some sleep. You’re perfectly safe here.”

  There’s nothing more in the world that I want but to crawl under the covers with her, but there are chores which need to be done, like mucking out Knight’s stall and checking on our mares in the pasture.

  Evelyn’s ability to walk away from her life shows incredible force of will, an adventurous streak a mile wide, and impressive character. I’d love to follow in her footsteps, but La Rouge Vineyards requires constant attention. If it’s not harvesting the grapes, producing our next vintage, or prepping for the next crop, there’s still La Rouge Stables which requires attention.

  Our small herd of plodding mares don’t require much care, but they still need tending. Knight and I need to patrol the pasture fence, find and fix any holes that would let the mares out or the rare predator in, and make sure the feed and watering troughs are full. The work never stops.

  “I feel safe…I…” Whatever it she was going to say is lost as she snuggles into the blankets and eases into sleep.

  I head back to the living room, too wound up to sleep. I’m thinking about who might want Evelyn dead because there’s no doubt in my mind someone is going to great lengths to make sure that happens.

  My brothers sit with me while we discuss what to do. I tell them Evelyn’s story, but there’s no way to know who might want her dead. For that, I need to speak with Prescott. He’ll know more about who might have a grudge against her family, or who might benefit from her death. Although, he’s still on my list of suspects.

  “Well.” I stand and stretch, “I’m going to lock things down.” A deep yawn escapes me.

  “Want some help?” Cage places his game controller down on the coffee table.

  “I’d love help.” It keeps slipping my mind, Cage is here for the next few weeks. Too used to doing everything myself, it never occurs to me to ask for help.

  “Well shit.” Brody sets his controller beside him on the couch. “I’m not sitting around while the two of you are working.” He’ll be headed back to the city once the weekend ends. A busy man, he tries to help when he can, but usually only makes it out here one, maybe two weekends a month.

  The three of us head outside and saddle our horses. It’s late, night fell hours ago, we should be getting ready for bed ourselves. I should be in bed with Evelyn.

  Truthfully, the work can wait for daylight, but I’m restless and agitated. There’s little I can do to help Evelyn, and I’m not used to not being able to fix things.

  Not knowing how to help Evelyn, other than stand by her side, kills me. One thing is clear, however. From here on out, she’s under my protection.

  23

  Evelyn

  I wake to sunbeams spilling into Asher’s room. The man is not one to stay in bed when there’s work to be done. Not ever having worked a day in my life, his dedication is something I admire.

  Stretching in bed, my toes curl, my back arches, and my arms reach high over my head. I luxuriate in the sensation and roll to my side where I clutch his pillow and take a deep breath. His scent fills my nostrils and I can’t help but close my eyes and draw him deep into my lungs.

  Exhaustion pulled me under last night. He wanted to do more. There was no way to ignore his arousal in the shower, but he didn’t push. Instead, I found myself carried to bed and tucked in with a feather light kiss to my forehead. The only reason I know he slept in the bed at all is from the depression in the mattress and the toe curling scent of him swirling all around me. I take a moment to simply breathe him in.

  How lucky am I to have found a man like him? Frankly, I could stay in bed all day, but I feel a little guilty laying around while he’s outside working. T
here are so many questions floating around in my head about La Rouge Vineyards. The whole process of making wine fascinates me and I want to know more.

  I get up, determined to find him. As I head to the bathroom to relieve the pinching in my bladder the events of last night hit me. I stagger and press my hand against the wall to keep from tumbling to the floor.

  The flames and choking smoke. The acrid stench. I’m overwhelmed and need a minute to simply breathe.

  For the second time, I’ve lost everything.

  The third time if I count the loss of my family.

  I literally have nothing.

  That includes the clothes on my back. Asher let me borrow one of his shirts before putting me in bed last night. There’s nothing on beneath it.

  All the new credit cards, the lovely clothes and shoes Gracie and I bought, even my new phone, all went up in smoke.

  My search for Asher ends in the kitchen where he’s cooking with Brody and Cage. They turn as one, an odd sight, and I’m greet by three devilishly handsome smiles.

  “Hey, you’re up, sleepy head.” Asher hands the spatula to Brody—I think that’s Brody, it’s hard to tell Brody and Cage apart. As for Asher? I know exactly which one of the three identical brothers is mine. It’s a feeling deep in my gut and tucked inside my heart.

  “It smells wonderful.” I give a little squeak as Asher comes over and lifts me off my feet. He gives me a kiss before depositing back on the floor.

  “We’re making waffles and eggs.” Brody flips a couple eggs while Cage turns a cast iron waffle pan over the gas burner. “I hope you’re hungry.”

  “You’ve been busy.” There must be enough food to feed an army, but I have a sinking suspicion the three brothers will eat every last bite. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “Nope. Just sit back and relax. Food’s almost done.” Asher leads me to the dining table. He rocks a pair of denim jeans which hang low on his waist and hug him in all the right places. “Coffee?”

  “Yes, please.”

  With a kiss to the top of my head, he leaves me to fix a steaming mug of coffee. I greedily watch every flex of muscle and the way the denim shifts over that glorious ass.

  He returns to me with a twinkle in his eye. “A penny for your thoughts?”

  “Nothing.” I glance at Brody and Cage.

  Asher presses the tip of my nose with the pad of his finger. “I have a feeling nothing is a whole lot of something.”

  To keep from having to fess up to the dirty thoughts swirling in my head, I bring the coffee cup to my lips. One sip and I’m in heaven.

  La Rouge Vineyards is officially my favorite place on earth. Breakfast is amazing. I haven’t eaten this well in months, more used to a handful of trail mix as I break camp for the day. My offer to do the dishes is politely declined, something about guests not doing the dishes. I always thought the opposite was true, guests should clear the table and clean up.

  Not that I’ve ever done that in my life.

  My life is—or was—a life of excess. We had cooks and maids who did all that stuff for us. It didn’t matter if we were the hosts or the guests, I never once lifted a finger to help out.

  I’m not proud of that.

  With nothing to do, I head outside to take in a gorgeous morning. There’s a slight chill in the air which will be gone as soon as the sun climbs a little higher in the sky. A gentle wind stirs the dust on the ground and birds flit from bush to bush. I watch a squirrel get into a fight with the birds, chattering angrily back at them as it races around the bushes. They bring a smile to my heart.

  The coffee in my hands is getting cold. A year ago, I would’ve turned my nose up at it for not being of high enough quality. My tastes changed, however, on the trail.

  One of the creature comforts I brought backpacking is—was—a small percolator. The coffee was rough, unfinished, but some of the best coffee I ever drank.

  There’s something about doing things for yourself, a sense of accomplishment, which makes the foulest coffee turn into the best in the world. I miss my morning trail-coffee, even the tiny grounds which slipped through the filter and always seemed to get caught in my teeth.

  I’m reminded of my complete lack of earthly possessions. All I have is my robe, which is now in the trash. Asher gave me one of his La Rouge tee-shirts and I’ve already decided I’m never taking it off. His mother returned sometime during the night and dropped off a pair of her jeans, socks, and shoes. I’m a size smaller than her, but with Asher’s belt the jeans stay in place.

  There’s another shopping adventure in my near future, but this time, I’m not going to let Gracie steer me toward clothes I no longer wear. I don’t need name brand. Functional is my brand of choice and I’m going to re-kit myself out for the trail.

  A restlessness grows within me to head back into the wilderness. Not sure how long it’ll take me to hike the John Muir trail, I anticipate a couple weeks at least, but it’s exactly what I need to clear my head.

  The door behind me opens and Asher comes outside. He sits beside me.

  “How’re you holding up?”

  I place the lukewarm coffee down on the side table and smile at him. “It’s beautiful.”

  He glances out from the house and takes in the deep blue of a nearly cloudless sky. We’re smack dab in the middle of paradise.

  “You think you’re up for a ride?” Asher asks.

  “I’d love a ride.” My gaze shifts down to his crotch and the corner of my mouth curves into a smile. He’s asking about riding horses. I’m thinking about riding him.

  He follows the direction of my gaze and gives a low laugh. “Dirty girl, what am I going to do with you?” Generous to a fault, Asher is an amazing lover. We’ve officially broken in every surface in his bedroom, and are working on the walls.

  I’m new to wall sex. Raw and brutal, there’s nothing soft about getting fucked against a wall. Asher has more than enough strength for it, and stamina. The man is a glorious fucking machine. In his arms, I feel light as a feather. There’s a small bruise forming at the base of my spine, the aftereffects of Asher unglued. I love the way he unleashes his inner beast as I wrap my legs around him and simply hold on for the ride.

  Squeezing my legs together, I bite my lower lip. Thoughts of sex with Asher turn me into a needy, horny, ravenous bitch.

  “I enjoyed it very much.” I’m thinking about the one thing we haven’t really done, or rather what I haven’t done. Asher’s tasted me, but I’ve yet to return the favor. I lick my lips in anticipation of bringing him to his knees.

  Well aware that Brody and Cage are inside, my attention shifts toward the horse barn. There’s one other thing we’ve yet to do. Something else I’ve never done before, and I’m excited to explore it with Asher.

  I’m not used to the carnal aggression Asher brings to sex and I’m pretty sure his filthy, deviant mind is working on broadening my horizons.

  “Damn…” Asher shifts in his seat. He grabs at his crotch and makes an adjustment. “I don’t know what the hell just went through your head, but you have my attention.”

  “I was just thinking about a couple things.”

  “Things?”

  “Yes—things.” I look toward the barn. “What do you think of showing me a little of your rope work?”

  His head tips back and he clutches at the hardness pressing behind the zipper of his jeans.

  “Fuck, I think I’m going to come right here. You interested in getting tied up, little backpack?”

  I nibble at my lower lip. “That depends. Will I be going for a ride?” Leaning forward, I place my hand over his and give a little squeeze. He’s fully erect and squirming in his seat.

  “Oh, I’ll take you for a ride, but I’d rather put you on your knees.”

  I lean back and lick my lips. “Too bad your brothers are here.”

  “Fuck that.” Abruptly, he stands and lunges for me. I shrink back, but then give a little squeak when he lifts me out of my seat an
d slings me over his shoulder. He locks me in with an arm around my legs and heads for the barn.

  “I’m perfectly capable of walking.”

  “Oh, I don’t doubt that, but I don’t want you running off.”

  I playfully slap his back and he rewards me with a swat to my ass.

  “Stop that, little backpack.” The tonal registers of his voice shift to a low, throaty growl. “Or you’ll wind up over my knee.”

  Holy fuck, that’s sexy.

  A man on a mission to fuck, Asher marches with single-minded determination to the barn.

  I think he’s going to put me down and we’re going to have sex away from the prying eyes of his brothers. I’m not prepared for the fire in his eyes, the command in his voice, or the way I yield to his desire.

  He takes me to the back of the barn where he deposits me on my feet then presses down on my shoulders. His intent is clear.

  I fall to my knees as he flips the button of his jeans and lowers the zipper with a rasp. His eyes are hooded. Lust blows out his pupils, turning his green eyes nearly black. He frees his cock, then palms the back of my head.

  There’s no asking.

  No sexual banter.

  This is Asher in the raw, focused on one thing. Damn if I don’t find that sexy as hell.

  “Open that sexy mouth.”

  With his hand on the back of my head, it’s not like I have much choice. He practically yanks me onto his dick.

  “That’s right…swallow me whole.” His hips rock forward and I take him in.

  A needy throb lodges itself between my legs. I’m terribly turned on by this side of Asher. My place is clear and it’s all about serving Asher’s pleasure.

  Why does that excite me as much as it does? I don’t know and frankly I don’t care. My mouth opens and I do exactly as he says.

  He groans as I take him in.

  “Fuuuck, I’ve wanted this since the first time I saw you. You on your knees. Me standing over you. You taking me in and swallowing me whole.” His fingers tighten in my hair and his hips jerk forward as he tries to shove himself deeper in my mouth.

  I work to take him in, to open my mouth and drown him in sensation. I’m not sure if I’m giving him a blowjob or if he’s taking it from me. All I care about is the crazy way he makes me feel, the way I respond to his demands, and how fucking hot all of it is.