Blissful volume 3 (New Adult Romance) Read online

  Blissful Vol. 3

  Copyright 2013 Clarissa Wild

  Torn by a choice between love and passion

  Jack’s heart has been lost ever since that terrible night. Now that I know what happened to him, I feel like I need to help him. I want to be there for him, but I know he’ll never forget. Is love really going to be enough?

  I miss my old life. I want to sing, I want to be somebody, and now that I’m with Jack everything has been put on hold. A curvy girl like me has no chance in the music business anyway, but when an opportunity presents itself to me, it feels like a dream.

  Can I take this chance and risk losing him?

  I never believed I would fall so hard for Amy, and it’s turning me into a mess. She’s sweet, sexy, and gets me hot and bothered in no time. I get protective of her and all I can think about is holding her close. But telling her … that’s another thing.

  I think I love her, but it’s terrifying, too. I know she’ll want to pursue her career again soon. It’s only a matter of time before I lose her again. I want her to be happy, but I think it’ll kill me as well. I don’t want her to leave.

  Can I save our relationship before it’s too late?

  This is volume 3 of Blissful and contains about 26000 words.

  This story contains adult situations and foul language. Suitable for ages 17+.

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  Links to Clarissa Wild’s books

  (NEW!) FIERCE

  ~ ~ ~

  Blissful Volumes 1-3 (Boxed Set)

  Which includes:

  Blissful Vol. 1

  Blissful Vol. 2

  Blissful vol. 3

  ~ ~ ~

  The Billionaire’s Bet (Boxed Set)

  Which includes:

  (FREE!) The Billionaire’s Bet #1: A Seductive Deal

  The Billionaire’s Bet #2: A Hot Call

  The Billionaire’s Bet #3: A Risky Raise

  The Billionaire’s Bet #4: A Final Game

  ~ ~ ~

  Enflamed (Boxed Set)

  Which includes:

  (FREE!) Raveled By You (Enflamed, #1)

  Hooked By You (Enflamed, #2)

  Cling To You (Enflamed, #3)

  Cherished By You (Enflamed, #4)

  ~ ~ ~

  Doing It (Boxed Set)

  Which includes:

  Doing It Wild (Doing It, #1)

  Doing It Risqué (Doing It, #2)

  Doing It Free (Doing It, #3)

  ~ ~ ~

  Short Stories:

  First Dance With You

  One Helluva Christmas Romance

  Visit Clarissa Wild on Amazon for current titles.

  Kindle Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 1

  Jack

  The hollows of my eyes are black as night. Darkness surrounds me. No matter whether I look around or shut my eyes, there is nothing to see. Only cold emptiness accompanies me into the depths.

  My head is buzzing. Everything feels stiff and broken, as if I’ve been snapped in two like a twig. I’m vaguely aware of the metal that encases me. Water seeps into my mouth, and I can taste the bitter dredge on my tongue.

  Still, it doesn’t faze me.

  I feel like I’m out of my body, out of this world, floating toward the next. I’m weightless, and all the burdens that were on my shoulders lift off me. I feel free and at peace.

  Then a familiar voice whispers inside my head.

  “Jack… Jack. Don’t give up.”

  I recognize her voice from anywhere. The subtle high notes. Rose.

  “Rose, you’re here! Where are you? I’m coming.”

  I try to open my eyes so I can see her, but they’re glued together.

  “Jack. You have to fight it.”

  Her whispers are faint, but I focus on her as much as I can. I don’t know where she is or how I can hear her, but I need to get to her. I need to hear more. Need to see her. Need to hold her one last time.

  “Jack, Open your eyes.”

  I can’t. Something’s holding me back. I feel like I’m drowning, going deeper and deeper into an endless sleep.

  It’s not good, but somehow I feel like I deserve this.

  The calming water rocking me about is lulling me into a dreamless sleep. Maybe I can rest now. Maybe I can stop thinking about what happened to Rose and lay my head to rest.

  “No, you can’t, Jack.”

  “Stop it, Rose. I know you want me to believe you, but you know it’s true. I did this to you. I’m the reason you died. If I hadn’t started that fight with you, you wouldn’t have run off. If I hadn’t pushed you off into the storm that night, you would still be here. If I’d only gone after you sooner …”

  I hate my stubborn self.

  The string of events leading to Rose’s death drift across my mind like specks of rain on a windshield. I can see her bolting out of the house, clenching Maddy’s hand tight, as she dragged her to the car. She yelled at me, and swore she’d never come back. I can’t keep count of how many times I wished she’d never said those words, because they came true.

  It was only a fight. It should’ve never happened, but it did.

  Why did I have to be so hard on her? On Maddy? Why was I so intent on getting her to a school outside the village while you wanted to home school her? Why couldn’t I just believe in you and trust that you had the skills to teach her? Why couldn’t I just accept Maddy and let her be on our farm?

  It was only one of the problems that involved me.

  Fuck, I really loathe myself.

  The many times we argued over this small fact mounted up to Rose running away from me. Probably a last attempt at getting me to see who I was. A man who regretted being a father. A worthless asshole who got a girl pregnant and then hoped to ditch the kid at some boarding school.

  I’m a pathetic son of a bitch.

  “C’mon, Jack.”

  I hear her, but her voice keeps pulling farther away from me.

  Rose is dead, and she’s never coming back. It’s all because of me.

  Driving off in her car, she crossed the bridge, trying to get as far away from me as possible. It was the last trip she would make. I begged her not to go, but she went anyway. Through the storm and into the same water I’m lying in right now. All because that bridge gave away. No, all because of me.

  If I only did something sooner, followed her sooner, she would still be here.

  I tried to make up for everything I did. I’ve tried to redeem myself. Ever since she’s gone, I’ve been making up for all times I’ve not loved Maddy enough. I’ve showered her with affection, hoping it would do some good. Hoping it would make me feel better about myself.

  But it wouldn’t bring her back. Of course it didn’t.

  Then I see her in my mind. A bright white image of Rose with beautiful golden hair and a light robe.

  “It’s not your fault, Jack. You were
afraid.”

  “No, Rose, I was a coward. Still am.”

  “You were young. You didn’t know any better. You wanted to get your life back on track.”

  “And I hurt you in the process. I killed you.”

  “No, you didn’t. What happened was meant to be. It was fate.”

  “How can you say that? I shouldn’t have shouted those things. I should’ve loved you and Maddy more, then maybe―”

  “Don’t linger on the past.”

  “I should’ve saved you! If only I swam faster in the water through that fucking storm …”

  “No. You couldn’t have saved us from the storm. You tried your best. You saved Maddy.”

  “But I didn’t save you …”

  “It’s okay. I know you loved us. You loved us so much, you were scared not to do right. And I forgive you, Jack. I forgive you.”

  “But―”

  “No, Jack. Stop thinking about what could’ve been and start thinking about what can be.”

  “I wanted it to be you.”

  “I know you do, but you can’t go here. It’s not time yet. Maddy needs you. You can’t give up. You have to be there for her. And I want you to move on. It’s okay. I’m happy here. I’m not in pain, and I don’t want you to be in pain either.”

  In my mind I can see her vivid smile and her glowing eyes. She grabs my hand, and I can almost feel the warmth of her fingers tingle my skin. She’s here. She’s really here. I can’t believe it.

  When she presses her lips onto mine I can feel the heat flowing through them. I don’t know if I’m dreaming or if this is real, but sure looks like it. I’ve been dreaming about this day since forever.

  It rips my heart out, though, because I know it’s meant as a final goodbye.

  “I love you, Jack. I’ll always love you. I want you to be happy. Please, be happy, for Maddy. Find your peace, for me.”

  She drifts away into the corners of my mind. I reach out to grab her, but she’s gone before I get the chance.

  It doesn’t matter. She’s gone to a higher place, and I know she’s safe and well there. I’ve had the time to say goodbye and tell her that I’m sorry. I held her in my hands and felt her one last time. I feel better now, even if she’s gone. The guilt that had taken a hold of my heart and mind has evaporated. She’s set me free.

  Chapter 2

  Amy

  The flashlight I was holding drops to the ground.

  “Jack!”

  In horror, I peer over the edge at the truck disappearing into the water.

  “Maddy, call 911. You know how, right? Please tell me Jack told you,” I yell.

  She nods, her body shivering.

  “Call them. My phone’s inside my bag. And stay inside the car!”

  I rush down the ditch and don’t think twice before I dive into the water.

  The muck and dirt almost make it impossible to see anything, but the lights of the truck show me the way. Holding my breath, I swim to the botched truck and start pulling the door. I can see Jack, his eyes closed, his body lifelessly floating through the water inside.

  I slam the window, but it won’t budge. My lungs need oxygen, though.

  I go up for a quick breather and dive back down as soon as possible. The truck is sinking deeper and deeper, and the lights are giving away.

  No, no, no! I have to get him out before it’s too late.

  I jerk the door handle so hard that my wrist feels as though it’s being pulled from its socket. It doesn’t faze me. I won’t give up. I need to get to him.

  Suddenly the door gives way, and I push inside. Grabbing Jack’s listless limbs, I drag him out of the truck and make my way to the surface. It’s hard to hold onto him, because the water is pulling him down, but I won’t let go. This river won’t take him from me. I won’t let this be his end. Not like his wife died.

  When I reach the edge of the water, I gasp for air. We made it. I got him out. Thank God.

  But it isn’t over yet. Jack’s still lifeless and doesn’t seem to breathe.

  With long strokes, I swim to the shore and haul him up the bank. I put his body flat on the ground and rip his shirt open. Placing my ear near his mouth, I can hear he’s not breathing. His chest isn’t moving either.

  Shit.

  Placing my hands crossed on his chest, I start giving him CPR. In between pumps, I give him a few breaths, but it doesn’t seem to work.

  “Jack, please,” I whisper, as I continue working on him.

  I’m cold, soaked, and shivering. We’re covered in mud and dreck, but that’s the least of my concerns right now. I can’t stop trying to resuscitate him.

  “Jack. C’mon, fight!” I say, and I push his chest some more.

  Breathe and push, breathe and push. “Jack, breathe, breathe!”

  Tears start to flow down my cheeks, because I know that the longer it takes, the fewer chances he has of surviving. Was he under too long?

  How much time passed since he went in and I found him?

  God, he could’ve been in there for ages. I hope I found him in time. I don’t want him to die.

  Sniffing, I say, “No, you can’t die, Jack.”

  I don’t know if I’m talking to him, or to myself. He can’t die. Madeline needs him. I need him.

  I do the best I can to get him to breathe again. I won’t let him go. I can’t.

  Suddenly he bursts. Water spills from his mouth and he seems to be gagging on it.

  My heart is in overdrive as soon as I see him fight for life.

  I roll him onto his side so he can gurgle out the goo that’s inside his lungs. My hands are on his chest, and I can feel his heartbeat slowly coming into a steady pace again. Oh, thank God.

  In the distance sirens come closer, and I know it’s the ambulance.

  Madeline runs up to us and when she sees Jack, she makes a sprint. “Daddy!” she screams, and she slides the last inches on her knees.

  “Maddy, no!” I try to hold her back, but it’s no use anymore.

  She throws herself onto him, clamping on for dear life. Her eyes are watery and it breaks my heart that she has to see him like this. He’s wheezing, and I know that’s not good.

  When the ambulance arrives, medics jump out and hurry toward us. They ask me all sorts of questions I don’t know how to answer, like what happened to him, how long he’s been under, if he has any medical problems and his history. I wasn’t here. I only rescued him.

  They bring a stretcher and haul him to the ambulance.

  I grab my phone from Madeline’s hands and dial Ben’s number. I’m so glad Jack gave it to me a couple of days ago, in case of emergencies such as these.

  “Ben? Jack’s been in an accident.” My voice is hoarse and crackly. I know what I say sounds horrible, and I hope he doesn’t get a heart attack just from hearing this.

  “What?”

  “Can you meet us at the hospital? It’s serious.”

  “Yes, of course. What happened to him? Is he okay?”

  “He was in the water. I saved him. I don’t know.” I’m trembling, and I try not to break out into tears.

  “Oh no …” Ben says, and I can almost hear him his mind making over hours. I know what he’s thinking. He must know about Jack’s wife. He has to know where it happened, and when I say he drowned, of course he’s thinking about the exact same thing.

  “Please, come to the hospital. They’re taking him with the ambulance now. I have to go,” I say, and I hang up the phone.

  I want to be with Jack, but I can’t just leave my car here on the open road. It might be better for Madeline not to see him like that, either.

  I grab her hand as the medics put Jack in the back of the ambulance. Madeline screams for him, digging her feet into the sand, but I have to take her with me. She can’t stay with him by herself, and I have to drive to the hospital with them in my own car.

  She’s sobbing as we sit down in my car and make the long drive. It seems like hours before we finally arrive a
t a big city, and even longer before we reach our destination. I don’t even take the time to park my car properly before jumping out. Madeline’s right beside me as we run into the hospital, following the guys with the stretcher. My eyes never leave Jack, hoping I might be able to see him open his eyes.

  But they push him into an intensive care and hold us back.

  “Sorry, ma’am, but you’ll have to wait.” He holds up his hand before going inside and closing the door behind him.

  The silence the man leaves is overwhelming.

  I’m standing here with a kid that’s not mine, and she might lose her father, the only one she’s got left. I might lose Jack.

  Sniffing, I force the tears back and clutch Madeline’s hand tight. I have to be strong for her. I’m the only one she has right now, and I need to comfort her. Things like this can leave permanent scars in a little kid’s heart, and I want to stop that from happening.

  I sit down with her close to the door Jack went through and hold her tight. She’s sobbing, and her little hands grasp my shirt, as if I’m the last thing she has to cling to. Poor thing. Well, it’s not like I’m okay myself. I’m in shambles. Soaked to the bone, and I haven’t even found something to warm up with.

  A nurse comes by and hands me a blanket when she sees me dripping all over the benches. She offers me a change of clothes, but it’ll be a blue outfit then. Oh well, I don’t mind. It’s better than staying wet.

  When Ben barges in a few minutes later and sees me his brows furrow and his lips pull down. I stand up, and he pulls me in for a big squishing hug.

  “Oh, Amy,” he says.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  He grabs my shoulders. “What happened?”

  “I don’t know. I found him in the water. His truck was lying in it, and I had to drag him out. It looked completely wrecked.”

  “Oh, God …” Ben puts his hand on his mouth and shakes his head. “This is terrible.”

  I nod and hide my eyes behind my hand. I don’t want him to see me cry. More importantly, I don’t want Madeline to see me like this. Another broken person in her life is not what she needs right now.