Choosing the Hart: A Love Triangle

by René, Dani

  “Bash? How do you know Triston?” He stared at me. I could see turmoil in his expression. I folded my arms across my chest to keep from shaking. What on earth? How would he even know who Triston was?

  “He’s my brother, Emily.”

  I stared at him, my mouth agape. A cold shiver rushed down my spine, and words failed me. What the fuck had I gotten myself into? I didn’t think they looked anything alike. My memory played back, flashes of their smiles, the way their eyes creased when they laughed. It all started to meld together in one massive Hart collage. My brain hurt. I suddenly felt sick. What the fuck was I doing? I couldn’t date Bash; this was a little too close to home.

  “Em, you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Bash looked at me, concern written all over his handsome features. He reached out to me, and his touch felt like ice on my skin. Closing my mouth, I tried to find the words to answer him.

  “Yes, I think I may have.”

  I turned back to the stove, adding the pasta to the pot that was now boiling. My hands were trembling; I had kissed both brothers. I didn’t know, of course and I wouldn’t have done it if I had known. I closed my eyes for a moment and saw Triston’s handsome face. If he found out about this . . . I didn’t want to think about it. I knew what he was like. I couldn’t imagine what he would say. Or do, for that matter.

  Bash’s arms wrapped around me, and I jumped. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He turned me around and lifted my chin. My eyes met his beautiful hazel ones. “What’s wrong?” He searched my face for the answer. I felt numb. I was falling for Triston, and now I was standing in his brother’s arms. “Nothing. I just didn’t realize you were . . . He was . . .” I was at a loss for words.

  He pulled me into him and hugged me. “Shhh, it’s okay.”

  No, it wasn’t, I wanted to shout, but I knew I couldn’t. There was no way I could tell him what happened between Triston and me. Nothing was ever going to happen again anyway. Triston made that very clear. So why did it feel like I was cheating on them both?

  * * *

  We were sitting on the sofa after dinner watching the new Fast & Furious movie. Bash was loving the fast cars, and I was guessing the girls in bikinis too. His strong arm draped around my shoulders. He commented on Vin Diesel’s car, “Now that is a beast!” I giggled at him, the tension from earlier gone. My landline rang. That was weird. I hadn’t given anyone that number. I got up and grabbed the cordless phone from the wall charger. “Hello?” Bash was too engrossed in the movie to notice my face when I heard the voice on the other end of the line.

  “Miss Reid, I need to talk with you. I am on my way to your place now.” He sounded like he was walking or had been walking. He hung up before I could reply. Shit!

  Sebastian looked at me. I looked up at him. “Gorgeous? You okay?” Concern etched in his voice. I shook my head and hung the phone back in the cradle.

  “Your brother is on his way over. Now.” His face flickered, and I could see irritation etched on his rugged features.

  “I better go.” He got up and grabbed his jacket, walking into the kitchen. He leaned down and kissed my lips lightly. I didn’t want him to go. I was finally at ease about this situation.

  “No, don’t go? Stay please?” I asked. Touching his arm, I felt the tension radiating from him. There was something between the brothers, something terrible, and the thought of them fighting pulled at me.

  “It’s not a good idea I see my brother.”

  What happened between them? It must have been something serious. “Okay, then wait in my room? He wouldn’t stay long; I am sure its just to drop off more work.”

  He stared at me for a moment, considering my words. A knock at the door startled us both. “You don’t have a choice now,” I whispered. He finally nodded in resignation and went into the bedroom. My nerves were shot. I had one brother in my bedroom, and the other was at my door. I could do this; I just need to stay calm.

  Taking a deep breath, I walked to the apartment door and pulled it open. My breath hitched, and I blushed. Triston was wearing a white tank top with a pair of gray track pants. He had his gym shoes on. The sweat glistened on his beautifully sculpted arms. It looked like he had been jogging. I took in his toned biceps. His forearms and hands were pulsing with thick veins that pulled at my core. His hair was tied back into a bun, and I could see his toned neck and shoulders.

  I licked my lips. He was glistening, and I wanted to devour him right there. I felt heat surge through me, making its way down, collecting in a tight knot between my legs. “You going to just stand there staring at me, or invite me in?” he asked, amused at my blatant gaze drinking him in.

  I nodded, gulping air into my lungs. “Yes, yes sure. Um . . . Come in?” I stepped aside. Aware of the fact that Bash was eavesdropping on everything being said. “What . . . I mean . . . Why are you here?” Triston’s eyes fell on the roses. I saw his muscles tense, and his jaw clenched when he turned to me. He leaned against the kitchen counter, with his arms crossed over his chest. His stance only accentuated his muscles.

  “I wanted to check on you. We leave tomorrow morning at nine a.m. Make sure you’re ready. Have you packed?”

  I nodded. “Yes, I will be. My suitcase is out and ready to be packed. I’ll do it later tonight, Triston.”

  He nodded. “Maybe bring along a swimsuit, you may want to go to the beach while we’re there. We also will be having an exclusive dinner with Mr. Jacobson. I have bought you a dress for that. It will be delivered to the hotel in LA.” His eyes glistened and roamed over me.

  I nodded. “Okay. You could have told me that over the phone.”

  He smiled, nodded, and straightened up. “I know. I just wanted to see you. Goodnight, Miss Reid. Enjoy your date.” He walked passed me, opened the apartment door, and left. I stood in shock. What just happened? My bedroom door opened slowly. I turned to Bash and shrugged. “He’s gone.” He smirked, walking toward me.

  “Sounds like Mr. Ice Cold is crushing on you in a major way.” He dropped his jacket on the back of the sofa. I could tell Bash was not happy about the situation.

  “What? How do you know?” I shoved my hands in the pocket of my shorts and looked at him quizzically.

  “I know my brother, Em. When he is that determined on someone or something, nothing stands in his way. I definitely don’t want to be in the way.” He lifted his hands in surrender.

  “You’re not in the way. We are just coworkers, boss, and employee. I am nothing more to him. He has made it clear.” I knew my words let on that there was something more, but I couldn’t change it now. Bash would have found out at some point anyway.

  He looked at me. I could see the concern in his eyes. He was clearly worried about this. “Did you and my brother . . . ?” He didn’t need to finish his sentence for me to know what he meant. “God no! We . . . We kissed.” He closed his eyes like he was in pain, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Jesus, Em, he is going to fucking lose it. It is so obvious that he likes you. He doesn’t just go around kissing girls!”

  “I do not care what he wants. He made it painfully clear we have a working relationship, nothing more. Would you please stop worrying?” I walked up to him and wrapped my arms around his tight torso. My hands roamed his back and fell to his tight ass, and he was built just like his brother, from what I could feel.

  His big hands grabbed my face, and he kissed me softly. Teasing my lips open with his tongue, I sucked his tongue into my mouth, and he groaned. His kiss became more urgent as his hands trailed down my arms to my hips. Lifting me by my ass, he made me wrap my legs around him while he growled, “I want you, Em.” I heard the engines rumbling on the TV, but the movie was forgotten. He walked us over to the sofa and laid me down supporting his weight on his right arm, trailed my body with his left arm, causing me to shiver. His body on mine was warm, solid, and I felt his arousal poking into my hip.

  He found the bottom of my tee and lifted it, pulling it up and over my head. I felt his b
ig, rough fingers on my hot skin. I raised my body, and he unhooked my bra. Lifting it, he found my rock-hard nipples, twisting and tweaking them between his fingers. Electric currents shot through my body, all collecting in one heated spot between my legs.

  I moaned against him, my hips lifting toward his. He moved away. With one hand, he pulled his tee over his head. His body was solid, his abs deliciously defined. He had a prominent V-shape that disappeared into his tight jeans. I sat up and unbuttoned his Levis. He smiled down at me. “You’re so fucking beautiful. No wonder my brother wants you. But I get you first.” He pulled my shorts off in one swift movement and smiled at my black panties.

  He was standing in my living room wearing nothing other than his tight briefs now. I noticed they were about to explode from the large, rigid erection straining them. I sat up and reached out, pulling him toward me. I kissed either side of the V-line slowly and softly. His body shook. “Fucking hell, Em, you’re going to kill me.” I ignored him and slowly trailed my tongue down the ridges. Pulling his briefs down, I gasped at the size of him.

  I looked up into his eyes. They were dark with wanton lust as I took him in my mouth. His head fell back, and he moaned my name. His left hand grabbing my hair, holding me in place, not moving, I sucked and licked him. “Stop, please, I want to be inside you.” I laid back on the sofa. He picked up his jeans and pulled out a condom from the front pocket. Ripping the foil, he slid it over his rigid hardness. Supporting his weight over me on his right arm, his left hand found the moist entrance between my legs. He teased my slick entrance, sending shivers over my body while sliding two fingers into me easily, moving in and out steadily. “Mmm, nice and wet for me already. Good!”

  I moaned out loud, my hips lifting into his hand. The friction was rubbing against my clit, and I climbed higher and higher. Suddenly, he pulled his fingers out and brought them to his mouth. His tongue was licking my arousal from his fingers. “So sweet, Emily.” He smiled.

  Without warning, he plunged into me, deep and hard in one stroke. “Bash!” I cried out. I had never felt so full before, completely and utterly his at that moment. He slid almost all the way out, teasing me and then plunging back in. I closed my eyes and saw steel-blue eyes staring back at me. I opened my eyes quickly. How could I be so stupid? I was in complete ecstasy with a hot man, but I was fantasizing about his brother. What was wrong with me? I grabbed Bash’s face in my hands and kissed him. He slammed in and out of me, causing me to moan.

  My body was trembling. I felt a fire inside my groin, and I knew I was close to the edge. “You feel so good around me, Emily. So fucking good.” He slammed into me, harder and deeper, pinning me to the sofa. I dug my nails into his back as I felt my orgasm rise. “I want you to come for me, Emily. I need you to let go!” he growled, and I felt myself explode around him. His body went completely rigid, and I knew he had found his release.

  As I came, the only person I saw in my mind’s eye was Triston.

  * * *

  “Em, you awake, babe?” I opened my eyes to hazel ones staring down at me. I smiled, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee hit me. “Hello.” His lips brushed against mine. “You need to get up and pack. My brother is going to be here in an hour, and I need to go.”

  I sat up looking at the time; it was seven forty-five. I had more than enough time. “I don’t need that long to get ready.” It doesn’t take me hours to do my makeup. I laughed. Bash pulled the sheet down and placed a kiss between my breasts. I moaned as I felt my nipples harden. “But I do have to get up!” I giggled when he kissed my belly.

  He stood up, and I rolled out of bed. Wrapping my dressing gown around me, I walked over to Bash. My arms wrapped around him. “Mmm, you’re so warm.” He smiled and kissed my forehead.

  “I need to jump in the shower, and then I need to go. My day is jam-packed with meetings.” I handed him a towel and left him to it. He went into the en suite, and I heard the shower start. As I picked up my coffee, his phone beeped on the dresser. Curiosity got the better of me, and I looked at the screen. There was a preview of a message from “Shantay.” I couldn’t see the whole message, but what I could see made my blood run cold.

  Shantay: Brazil was amazing, see you later…

  I was sure there was an explanation for that; there had to be. I placed his phone back on the dresser and went into the kitchen for a refill of coffee. I decided to ask him about it when he got out of the shower because I needed to know what was going on. Walking into the bedroom, I pulled out my suitcase and started packing. I pulled out a few work outfits, and I found my black bikini. I was looking forward to going to LA. I was definitely going to the beach. Maybe I could get Triston in the ocean. My thoughts always seemed to wander to him. He haunted my waking moments and my dreams.

  “Babe?” I turned to face him. Bash was fully dressed, but his brown spikey hair was still wet. I watched him slide his phone into the pocket of his jeans, and I decided to test the water.

  “What did you do in Brazil again?” I smiled, sipping my coffee. Give me the right answer Bash; this is your chance, I thought.

  He frowned. “Work. I went to visit some coffee farms. Why?” There it was, no mention of anything other than work. I felt the distrust build in my heart, and I felt sick.

  I smiled. “No reason.” His lie was so obvious; it was written all over his face. Something was bugging me about the way his expression changed when I asked. I didn’t like this feeling.

  I walked with him to the door, and he kissed me again before he left, but it left me cold.

  I had to finish packing and get ready. I grabbed some jeans and two tees. I didn’t think I needed much else; it was only three days. My phone beeped from the bedside table. It was Triston.

  Triston: On my way. See you soon, Miss Reid.

  Chapter Six

  Triston and I were seated in business class, waiting to take off. His mood was better than it had been the past few days. He turned to smile at me as the flight attendant went through the final checks. I was happy to have a window seat; at least it would distract me from Triston. The excitement of being away for a few days was tangible. Soon, Triston and I were giggling about shapes in the clouds. As relaxed as we both were, the sexual tension was still thick in the air between us. Having wanted to go to LA since I was a teenager, another one of my dreams was realized, thanks to Triston. The flight attendant brought us each a glass of champagne. I sipped mine slowly as I had skipped breakfast. I was too nervous at the thought of seeing Triston again. He made me feel like a teenager in love for the first time. The magnetic pull of his body next to mine was distracting. He was wearing a casual pair of black slacks and a silver-blue shirt. The first four buttons were undone, and I got a glimpse of his tattoo. I yearned to run my fingers over it. I was still so confused about Bash’s lie about working while in Brazil. I gave him a chance to tell me something, and he didn’t. I was angry. I knew I needed to concentrate on work these next few days. I wanted to show Triston we make a good team.

  I took a gulp of champagne. The bubbles went straight to my head and made me feel dizzy. I needed to take it slow. Triston turned toward me. “A toast. To our first official business trip.” He smiled sincerely, and I clinked his glass. Taking another sip, I was starting to feel the effects of the champagne. I needed something to eat.

  As if reading my mind, Triston called the flight attendant over. “Can I get you anything, Mr. Hart?” She fluttered her eyelashes. Jealousy boiled inside me with such ferocity it shocked me. He smiled confidently. He knew the effect he had on women, and he enjoyed the control it gave him. “My girlfriend would like a sandwich, and one for myself, please? Vegetarian, vegan if you’ve got.” Her face fell at the mention of the word girlfriend. She walked off with a sour look on her face.

  “Girlfriend?” I stared at him in disbelief. He smiled and nodded.

  “I needed to get her off my back. She was annoying me.” He shrugged and carried on typing his email as if he had just said the mos
t natural thing in the world. I stared at him for a few moments before starting with my interrogation. “Triston, you mentioned you had a brother?”

  He stopped typing but didn’t look at me. “Yes?” he said cautiously.

  “Well, I was wondering—” I played with the stem of my glass. I didn’t know what I wanted to ask or how even to question it.

  He turned cutting me off. “Are you going to ask if I know you’re fucking my brother?” My mouth fell open at his blatant honesty. I wasn’t sure if I nodded in response, but he carried on.

  “I do realize that, Miss Reid. I am not happy about it. You need to stay away from him.”

  I frowned at him. “What do you mean? Why?” He closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he looked at me directly, the blue of his eyes intense in the dim light of the plane. There was something he wasn’t saying. It played across his handsome face. “If I show you something, I want you to take it and decide for yourself. I can’t tell you to stay away from him. You are stubborn; that much is clear. So, I am giving you the proof you need to make up your own mind. I would never hurt you in any way if we were too . . . Anyway, if you want to be with him, I will wait until he fucks up, and then I will be here to put you back together.”

  I stared at him. How did he know Bash would hurt me? He couldn’t know about the text message. They were brothers. Maybe Bash had done that before, and Triston knew. “What makes you think your brother would hurt me?”

  He put his finger to his lips. “Miss Reid, keep your voice down.” He gave me the softest and sweetest smile I had ever seen on his beautiful face. “This is what makes me think he will hurt you.” He turned the laptop toward me. There was a photo of Bash in a Brazilian restaurant sitting next to a girl wearing next to nothing. I stared at the photo then looked at Triston. “How did you find this?” He closed his eyes. A serious expression burdened his beautiful features. “I looked into my brother because I knew you were dating him. I knew from the first night you went to the bar in Brooklyn. He’s done this in the past, and I didn’t want you to be another one of his fuck toys!” Anger flashed in his eyes, and I shivered. I had never seen him so angry.