Choosing the Hart: A Love Triangle

by René, Dani

  He pulled up into a parking spot at the bottom of the main hill. He got out and came around to open my door. Triston had his Aviators on, hiding his beautiful blue eyes. The view was already breathtaking. You could see most of the city below. As we got higher, the view opened before us. “I wanted to bring you here a couple of days ago. I thought you might appreciate the view.” It was a clear morning, and the sky was ice-blue without a cloud in sight.

  “This is really amazing, Triston, thank you!” We finally got up the hill, and I saw why he wanted to bring me here. We were at the back of the Hollywood sign. I had dreamed of standing in this exact spot so many times when I was younger. It was one of those teenage dreams you’re never sure you would get to experience. “This . . .” Words failed me. I was so overwhelmed that tears were threatening to spill. I pushed my sunglasses up to take in the view without restriction. Triston turned toward me. “Oh no, I didn’t mean to make you cry!” His arms wrapped around me tightly, and I smiled.

  “It’s tears of joy, Triston, really. I am just overwhelmed. I promise.” He leaned down and kissed me. When he pulled away, he stared at me.

  “I never want to hurt you.” His voice was sincere. “Emily, you know what type of man I am. You know I’m into things that aren’t exactly ‘vanilla.’ If ever we’re doing anything you’re not comfortable with, tell me okay? Promise me you will!”

  My heart leaped into my throat, and I nodded. “I promise.” I knew he meant when his darker side came out.

  His phone started ringing then, interrupting the moment. “Shit!” Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he answered the call in a gruff voice. “Jessie?” He listened for a few moments. His eyes met mine, and he nodded. “Yes, get him in the office. I’m back tomorrow, and I’ll brief him. I need this done ASAP.” He listened to her reply. Turning away from me, I heard him whisper, “He comes near her or my company, there will be hell to pay!”

  I watched him hang up, and he slid his phone into the pocket of his pants. “Triston? What’s wrong?” My hand on his arm, I could feel the tension radiating through him.

  His eyes met mine, and he gave me a small smile. “Nothing. Let’s take in the view. We still have somewhere to go.” Lacing his fingers in mine, he pulled me toward the large white letters. The view was spectacular, exactly what I had always thought it would be. I couldn’t believe I was standing up here. Finally, and with the most amazing man I could ever ask for.

  As we made our way back down the hill to the car, something was bothering Triston. I could see it, but he didn’t want to tell me what. I pulled out my phone and unlocked it. Opening the messages, I hit reply to Jessie.

  Em: Okay, you need to tell me what’s going on. Why is T so angry?

  I didn’t need to wait long for a reply.

  Jessie: It’s better that he tells you. Just enjoy your last day there and deal with it when you’re back. Please?

  This was so frustrating. Why wouldn’t anyone tell me what was going on?

  “She won’t tell you Em. I asked her not to. I want you to enjoy your day. So, would you please respect my wishes and stop asking?” He glanced over at me, and I nodded quickly. There was nothing I could do. I knew when Triston set his mind to something, nothing could change it. When we got into the car, I noticed the time was only ten thirty. It was already so hot that I wouldn’t mind a dip in the ocean. Triston pulled onto the I-10 toward Santa Monica moments later. “I am sorry, Triston. You just look worried. I don’t like that look on you. I’m concerned.” I felt the need to say something. The tension was not helping me enjoy my day.

  “I know, angel. I’ll be fine. Just let it go, okay? Trust me?” He put his hand on my thigh and the electric current that his touch always brought shot through me.

  “I do trust you. I just don’t want you upset.” I looked at him and saw his smile creasing the edges of his eyes.

  “Okay, I’ll smile more. Does that help?” He flashed me a beautiful, flawless smile, and I giggled. He stuck out his tongue, and I immediately wanted to kiss him. “Don’t stick out your tongue, Mr. Hart; it’s rude!” I admonished him.

  He laughed out loud. “You weren’t complaining this morning when it was tracing lines down your neck.” His words trailed off as we neared the Santa Monica Pier. The memory was fresh in my mind. The feel of his tongue made me tingle, licking the softest and most sensitive spot behind my ear. “Well, Mr. Hart, if you’re going to stick your tongue out, at least put it to good use!” I teased him, running my hand up his thigh, and I felt him tense.

  “Miss Reid, I’m driving! Please refrain from distracting me.” I giggled at him.

  “But, Mr. Hart, I do love keeping you distracted.” I held onto his toned thigh as he pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine.

  He turned to look at me and smiled. “Now, Miss Reid, did you like distracting me?”

  I smiled, winking at him. I turned to open my door. “Miss Reid, stop.” His demand was low, deep and sexy. My stomach flip-flopped as I turned to face him. He grabbed my face in his hands and kissed me, hard. His tongue pushed into my mouth, eliciting a moan from me. Pulling away slowly, I noticed his eyes had tiny flecks of dark blue. It was almost as if there were two of him hidden in that amazing body. “Let’s go, angel or I might just fuck you right here in the car.” He got out, ran around the hood, and opened my door.

  We joined the crowds walking along the pier. Triston grabbed my hand as we stopped at the end of the boardwalk. “Emily, I wanted to speak to you about something.” His tone was suddenly so serious, and it felt like something terrible was coming. My heart constricted, and my breath stopped. I knew we were headed back to work tomorrow, and maybe this whirlwind romance was coming to an end. Of course, it was, who was I kidding? He was my boss after all. I suppose he didn’t want to be dating his staff. I steeled myself for the blow. This was going to crush me. I knew I was falling for him or had already fallen for him.

  I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Yeah sure, what’s up?” I tried to sound calm, but a storm brewed inside me.

  “We go back to New York tomorrow, and I have made some decisions.” His voice trailed off, and he looked out at the waves crashing below us. I didn’t want to hear this. I couldn’t hear that he was leaving me. I felt a physical pain in my chest, and I needed to get away.

  “Triston, stop! Please? Don’t.” I pulled my hand out of his and ran up the boardwalk. My legs felt like lead, but I forced myself forward.

  “Emily!” I heard him shout after me, but I didn’t stop. I ran as fast as I could.

  I passed a few small stores and ran into a small alleyway. I needed to catch my breath. Silence surrounded me, and I didn’t hear him anymore. Maybe he had given up. I leaned against the wall. Wiping my face with my hand, I noticed it was wet. I was crying. I must look like a mess. I rested my head against the wall, and as I closed my eyes, I saw Triston’s face. His somber expression and those incredible blue eyes. I knew he was breaking up with me, and I ran. How was I going to face him after this? I couldn’t do this; I would need to find another job.

  I startled when my phone started ringing in my pocket. I forgot I had it. Pulling it out, I saw Triston’s name flashing across the screen. My hands were shaking. I unlocked the screen. “Hello?” My voice was a hoarse whisper. My throat burned, and so did my eyes. Tears spilled over my cheeks.

  “Miss Reid, where the fuck are you?” His voice was harsh and bit into me. “Where the hell did you run to? Tell me where you are now!” Flinching, I could hear the noise around him. He must be about two blocks away. “Emily! So help me . . . !”

  “I am here . . .” I stepped out of the alleyway. As I looked up into his cobalt eyes, I could tell he was angry, rightfully so. He stared at me for a while before grabbing me and pulling me into him. “Jesus, Emily, don’t you ever do that to me again!” His words muffled as he kissed the top of my head. I felt my breath leave my body as he squeezed me.

  “Triston . . . can’t . . . b
reathe . . .” He released his grip and held my face in his hands.

  “Do. Not. Ever. Run. Again.” He enunciated each word with his gaze locked on mine. I nodded slowly. His look was fierce like he was about to kill someone he was so angry.

  “I just . . . I didn’t . . . I know what you want to say.” I looked down, not wanting to meet his gaze. I toyed with my phone in my hands to keep myself distracted. The tears burned my eyes, and I needed to get away from him. His hands felt hot on my face.

  “No, you don’t, Emily. You have no idea what I was about to say. You jumped to conclusions, and I can only imagine what it was.” He leaned down. “Look at me.” Lifting my head, he kissed me softly. He dropped his hands and laced his fingers through mine. He pulled me along the boardwalk. “Come on, we’re going to talk without you running away this time.” We walked in silence down to the beach. There was no one along this stretch. When we got far enough from the crowds, he stopped and turned to me. “Look, Emily, we are going back, but I don’t want you to feel awkward with me being your boss. So, we have made a shuffle within the department.”

  “What do you mean? What shuffle?” Confusion was evident on my face. I frowned, waiting for an explanation.

  “Uhm . . . Well, I promoted Jessie. She will be heading up the Sales and Accounts department. This is something she has been working toward, and I think the time has come.” That sounded great, but why was he so nervous? The thought hit me all at once. He was firing me! Of course!

  “Emily? Are you listening?” I shook my head, as I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t hear him. “I said you’re going to be head of the Marketing and Events department and my personal assistant.”

  It took a while to sink in. “Wait, what?” A promotion? Me? Shit! That was amazing! I jumped up, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Oh my god, Triston! Thank you!” His hands on my ass held me up as I wrapped my legs around his waist. My face was in his shoulder as he spun me around. I started giggling, and his laugh vibrated through his chest.

  “It’s only my pleasure, angel. You are amazing, and I want you with me at all times!”

  * * *

  The plane had just taken off, and while climbing to cruising altitude, my mind was reeling at how much work I needed to do. The prospect of my promotion has me excited. Once the seatbelt lights were turned off, I took my laptop out. Triston was sleeping next to me. We were up most of the night talking, deciding on how to best introduce “us” to the staff. Since we were going to be traveling together so much, I was setting up our itinerary. We had a busy few months ahead of us. “You working?” he mumbled beside me. I turned to see his sleepy expression. It was adorable, and my heart filled with emotion.

  “Yes. You do realize my boss is a demanding slave-driver, don’t you?” A devilish smirk spread across his handsome features.

  “Yes, he is, but that’s not all you can do to keep him satisfied, you know?” He stroked my thigh, and I knew what he was thinking. My body responded, but I needed to work. He was going to distract me the whole time, and I couldn’t even hide in my office. “I am working, Mr. Hart!”

  “I have something more important for you to work on. Two minutes. I will wait for you.” He got up and walked toward the restrooms. Business class was empty this time of the morning. I looked around, and the few people who were there were asleep. I closed my laptop and slid out of my seat, following the path Triston had just taken.

  I tapped on the door, hoping it was him on the other side. I heard the lock click, and the door opened. He pulled me inside. Locking it behind me, he pinned me to the door. His kiss was forceful, his tongue dancing with mine. He tasted of green tea and peaches.

  His right hand slid into the front of my shorts, and I moaned. “Shh . . .,” he hushed me. He stroked my thin panties. “You’re so fucking wet for me, I love it,” he hissed. He unzipped my shorts and pulled them down along with my panties. Standing back up, he unzipped his jeans. I looked down as he freed himself, hard and pulsing. I ached for him to fill me. He lifted me onto the small counter. “Hold on,” he breathed. Opening my legs, his eyes darkened. He slid into me, and I gripped the edge of the counter. Leaning back against the mirror I felt him hit my sweet spot, sending shivers over my body.

  He pounded me, rough, hard, and fast. “I love fucking you, angel.” His voice dripped with pure lust. I was about to come undone at the danger of it all. We could get caught! He slammed into me, and I felt myself clench. My body started shaking, and my pulse quickened. I leaned forward, grabbing him. He lifted me and pinned me against the wall. I watched his ass flex in the mirror as he slammed into me. “Come for me, angel.” His words sent me into delirium. To keep from screaming out, I bit into his shoulder hard, and I felt his release fill me. “Fuck,” he groaned, his curse muffled by my hair.

  As we relaxed, he let me down and helped me slide my shorts back on. We made our way back to our seats separately. I slipped back into mine and opened my laptop as the flight attendant came around. “Are you okay, miss? Would you like some water? You look a bit flushed.” She smiled sweetly.

  I nodded. “Yes, I’m okay. Thank you. Water would be great. I think it’s just a little too warm here.” Triston was walking back and heard our exchange. Coughing at my comment, he tried to hide his amusement. She smiled and handed me the bottled water. I couldn’t believe I had just joined the mile-high club with my boss. Triston slid into his seat, and I giggled. I knew I was blushing furiously. He leaned over and whispered, “Now, that is how you enjoy a flight.”

  Chapter Ten

  I unlocked my apartment door, stepping inside. Triston carried my suitcase in as I closed the door behind him. “Let’s make some tea. Can you please put the kettle on?” I asked him as I walked to my bedroom.

  “Sure, angel.” He nodded. Leaving my luggage in the living room, he walked over to the kitchen, and I heard him fill the kettle, turning it on. It was strange hearing him do such normal, domestic things. He always looked so far removed from it.

  Carrying the mail that was left at the door, I scanned the envelopes. Most were bills, apart from one that was a plain white envelope with no return address, with my name scrawled on the front. I didn’t recognize the handwriting. Ripping it open, I found a photo from my wedding. My blood ran cold. There was a thick, black X drawn over my face with a marker. I froze. Who the hell would do this? “Angel, I—” Triston walked up behind me, grabbing the photo out of my hand. “What the fuck is this?” His voice seethed anger.

  “I . . . I don’t know. It came in the mail.” Triston was visibly shaking. He walked back into the living room, grabbing his phone. I followed him, watching him in silence. He found the contact and dialed. Turning to look at me, he gave me a reassuring smile.

  “James,” he spoke into the phone. “I need your help with something urgent.” He listened for a few seconds before replying, “Yes, it’s a matter I know only you can handle for me. My girlfriend” — his eyes met mine as he said it, and my heart skipped a few beats — “has received a threat, and I need you to sort it out.” He turned away and walked out onto the balcony. I went into the kitchen and waited, but I could still hear him. “The fucker needs to be taught a lesson, and I want it to hurt! Okay, call me when you’re free tonight.”

  He walked back into the apartment. “Angel, I want you to pack a bag.” I spun to look at him. I knew it wasn’t a request but an order.

  “What? Why?” I frowned at him.

  “You’re staying with me until James can sort this out. I don’t want you here alone. That is not a request. You’re not safe here alone.” I folded my arms across my chest, staring at his steel blue eyes. “And if I want to stay? I have security.” Closing his eyes, I knew he was about to lose it.

  “You are not staying here alone. I will put you over my shoulder if I have to.” I smiled and walked toward him. I wanted to distract him. It was mainly to get my mind off what happened, but, of course, I did enjoy our little game as well. “Miss Reid, you do know what
happens when you defy me.” His smirk was devilish.

  I nodded and smiled, licking my lips slowly. His eyes darkened, and I turned, walking into the kitchen. “But I do enjoy the consequences so much.” I filled teacups with boiling water. A growl emanated from his chest, and I knew I had gotten to him. I picked up the tea and handed him a cup. I sat at the breakfast bar watching him. “I will pack after tea, and we can go to your place.” I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. I was scared, but I had faith that Triston wouldn’t let anything happen to me.

  “Good. Then I’m going to show you a few consequences I have in mind.” My body trembled in anticipation of what he was planning. I couldn’t wait. He winked and walked back out onto the balcony. I could see this had shaken him. I wasn’t sure why Blake was doing this, but I knew he wouldn’t stop until he ruined my life.

  * * *

  Triston pulled into the garage of his apartment complex and parked the car. He turned to look at me. “I’m glad you’re here. I want you safe. I will find him, and he will regret coming into my life, I promise you that.” His eyes blazed with anger, and I shivered. “I know, Triston. Thank you, for . . .” I didn’t know what to thank him for. A job, keeping me safe, making me feel like love is possible?

  “Don’t, not here.” He got out of the car and walked around to open my door. He pulled my bag and his suitcase from the trunk, grabbing both bags in one hand. He laced his fingers through mine with his free hand as we made our way up to the penthouse apartment.

  He unlocked the large steel grey door. “Welcome home.” He ushered me inside.