Choosing the Hart: A Love Triangle

by René, Dani

  I stepped into the apartment I walked out of last week. I didn’t think I would ever be back after that night, but so much had changed. Triston and I were together, officially, and it felt good. “Make yourself at home. I’m going to put the suitcases in the bedroom.”

  I walked to the large patio doors. The whole wall was made of glass, as the city was sprawled out in front of me. I smiled, remembering the last time I stood looking out over a city with Triston behind me. My body tingled at the memory. “We can play on the balcony later if you want?” His voice low and lust-filled, it was as if he was reading my mind. I giggled.

  “Mr. Hart, what would your neighbors think?” I turned to face him.

  His eyes darkened. “I don’t have neighbors. My apartment doesn’t have any prying eyes. We can make as much noise as we want.” He winked with a devilish smirk, and my body responded in the only way Triston could make me feel.

  He leaned down, and as his lips touched mine, his phone rang, interrupting us. “Fuck it!” he cursed loudly. I giggled at his frustration. He pulled his phone out of his pocket. “I have to take this. Get some wine in the refrigerator and decide what you want for dinner.” He walked toward the office. “James, thank you for calling me back.” The rest of his sentence disappeared with him as he closed the office door.

  I walked into the modern stainless steel and granite kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, I was shocked at the number of ready-made meals in Tupperware. He must have had a personal chef. I noticed there was a small compartment of white wine, and I decided on a crisp Chenin Blanc. Closing the door, I rummaged through drawers, looking for a bottle opener. Everything was packed perfectly in neat compartments. I finally found it in the third drawer and started opening the bottle. I heard Triston opening a door. He padded into the kitchen, and my breath caught. He had changed, wearing only his ripped blue jeans. I couldn’t help but stare at his perfectly toned body. My hand slipped, and I felt the sting of the cut from the corkscrew. “Angel!” He ran to my side, grabbing the kitchen towel and wrapping my hand in it.

  “It’s okay. I’m okay, just—”

  “We need to rinse it. Come here.” He pulled me toward the sink and opened the tap. As the blood washed down the drain, I noticed the cut was tiny. It always seemed the smallest cuts were the bloodiest. “It’s okay, Triston. I am okay. I am just clumsy.” I blushed, remembering it was my own fault. I was too busy staring at Triston to notice the corkscrew wasn’t secured in the cork. He kissed my hand, the skin between the index finger and the thumb sensitive to his attention. I melted into him. My body constantly wanted him, needed him. How was that even possible? I wanted to know about his phone call, though.

  “What did James say?” My eyes locked on his face.

  “Nothing you need to worry yourself with. He knows what he’s doing. It will sort out soon enough.” His voice was serious, and I knew not to push him. “Did you decide what you wanted for dinner?” I shook my head, indicating the bottle on the counter. “I was still trying to open the wine, when—” I cut myself off and giggled.

  “I can’t leave you alone for a second!” He smiled. I watched his eyes crease with amusement. I loved the crinkle in his nose when he smiled.

  “I’m so glad I amuse you so much, Mr. Hart, but I could have died, you know!” I teased and stuck my tongue out at him.

  “Miss Reid, do you know that sticking your tongue out is rude? Someone once told me that.” His eyes darkened, and I knew we may not make it to dinner if I kept this up.

  “It is? Well, what are you going to do about it?” I challenged him, my eyes unblinking, watching a look cross his face. He grabbed my hips, pulling me into him.

  “Do you really want to do this now? In the kitchen?” I nodded. His face was so close to mine I forgot to breathe. Opening my mouth slowly, I leaned closer to his ear and brushed my lips over the soft skin.

  “I do, Mr. Hart. More than you know,” I breathed.

  His grip tightened on my hips. “Good, because I am going to take you now!” He hissed in my ear, biting my earlobe. I moaned loudly at his words. “But first.” He took a step back and walked to the breakfast bar, opening the bottle of wine. Grabbing two glasses, he poured the clear liquid in each. He handed me mine and took a sip of his. “Now, Miss Reid, I think it’s time I showed you why it’s rude to stick out your tongue. Sit!” He pulled out a barstool and pointed at it. I sat down, watching him. He circled it without restriction.

  His eyes were dark blue, like the midnight sky, twinkling like there were stars in them. He pulled my top over my head and unclasped my bra, tossing them both on the floor as his mouth devoured me. He teased my hardened nipples, then he grabbed my wrists and held them behind my back. My body trembled as he kissed his way down to my bellybutton. “Stand up!” I obeyed. He unbuttoned my shorts and pulled them down with my panties. My body shivered at being naked in front of him. “Sit back and hold onto the counter behind you.” I sat and leaned back against the edge of the cold marble. Triston kneeled in front of me, opening my legs wide. I watched his mouth slowly tease its way down my stomach. Flicking his tongue on my bellybutton, it took all my strength not to grab him.

  His stubble on my inner thighs made me moan even louder. He kissed every inch of my skin, slowly licking and nibbling down to my ankles. I knew I was dripping wet for him; I needed him. “I can smell you, Miss Reid. You smell good enough to eat,” he growled, pulling my barstool so I was leaning back even more. He took his wine glass and poured some between my breasts. Goosebumps rose on my skin at the cold liquid as it dripped down my stomach and between my legs. His tongue slowly licked its way from my breasts down to my belly button. He followed the trail of wine but stopped at my slick entrance. I wanted his tongue on me, but he was teasing me; I knew he was. My whole body was on fire. “Triston,” I moaned.

  He repeated the action again. The third time, his tongue licked at my pussy. “Triston, please?” I begged him as I needed him inside me. “Do you know why it’s rude to stick your tongue out Miss Reid?” he asked in a scratchy voice. He put the wine glass on the floor as he kneeled between my thighs. His thumbs stroked me while his tongue slid into me. My breathing quickened, and my pulse was erratic. The rough feel of his stubble on my inner thighs caused my body to ignite from every nerve ending. My hips bucked against his mouth. His tongue plunged inside me. “Jesus, Triston, please, I need you!” I cried out as I came undone on his tongue. I was still shaking when he slid two fingers inside me, hooking my sweet spot, sending another orgasm ripping through me. I gripped onto the counter like my life depended on it.

  Triston stood up, licking his lips. It was the most erotic thing I had ever seen. “You taste like honey, Miss Reid.” He leaned down to kiss me, and I tasted myself on his lips. I was so turned on I was sure I would explode again. He stepped back. “Stand and face the counter.” I obeyed him. Standing up, my legs wobbled, and I leaned onto the counter. I felt his hands move over my back. He pushed my feet apart with his. I heard his zipper, and anticipation shot through my body. He slid into me, slow and steady — the exquisite torture was sending my body into a spiral — inch by inch until he was buried to the hilt inside me. He pulled out again, and I felt empty.

  “Triston, please. I need you,” I begged him. He plunged into me suddenly, causing me to scream out as he filled me. He pulled me back onto him as I gripped the counter. He reached forward and gripped my neck, pulling me up till my back was against his rock-hard chest. “I love being inside you, Miss Reid,” he hissed in my ear. His hand tightened on my neck as he rammed into me. His other hand traveled down my stomach then down between my thighs, teasing my clit. His five o’clock shadow rough on my cheek. The intensity of him electrified my nerves. I was teetering on edge with my pussy clenched around him. “That’s my girl. Come for me.” His words pushed me over the edge, and I came hard. “My turn. I am going to come inside you!” His voice cracked as he came undone and filled me with his own release.

  * * *
<
br />   Rolling over in soft white sheets, I looked up at Triston’s sleeping face. He looked ethereal sleeping next to me. I could get used to this, waking up next to him every morning. I was jumping ahead of myself. I was only here so that nothing happened to me. I knew Triston cared for me, but deep down, I wasn’t sure if he felt what I wanted him to. Could he ever love me?

  “Good morning, beautiful.” His voice pulled me out of my dark thoughts.

  I smiled up at him. “Good morning, handsome.” He rolled over and wrapped his arm around me.

  “You do realize that waking up next to you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me?” His words made my heart race.

  “Nope, I really don’t think so. You have a multitude of amazing things in your life. Like your company, apartment, your cars.”

  Triston lifted himself against the pillows, sitting up, pulling me up against his chest. “Em, look at me.” His voice was soft. I turned and faced him, my arm around his waist. “Yes, I have what everyone thinks is a perfect life, but” — he took a deep breath — “I have never really been with anyone. I . . .” He closed his eyes. He seemed to be struggling with what he wanted to say. I was so eager to know, but I didn’t want to force him to say anything he wasn't ready to say.

  “Triston, it’s okay. You don’t have to—"

  “No, Emily, listen to me? I have never been with anyone I have cared this much about. The thought of someone hurting you.” He closed his eyes again, and I felt the anger radiating through him. “For the first time, I feel really happy. Just don’t run again, please?”

  I nodded, understanding. I wished I could tell him how I felt, but it was way too soon. We had known each other for three months. Dating, if you could call it that, for a just over a week. “I won’t run, Triston, I promise.” I looked into his eyes. I wanted to keep my promise to him. I just hoped nothing would make me break it.

  His phone rang right at that moment. “What the fuck is wrong with this phone?” He reached over and picked it up. I saw James’s name flashing on the screen. He answered immediately. “James?” He got out of bed, and I wrapped the sheet around me. I watched his body tense. “What? I want everything in that room! Do you understand me? Thanks!” He hung up and turned to face me. I looked at him expectantly. Shaking his head, I knew he wasn't going to tell me. “It’s going to be okay. I just need to relax. Let’s shower?” Not waiting for me, he walked into the bathroom. The lousy mood evaporated as quickly as it started. I got up and followed him into the en suite.

  I stepped into the shower and wrapped my arms around him, placing kisses on his back. He turned in my arms and I kissed his chest. Then moved down his body till I reached his hardening cock. It was beautiful to look at, and I wanted to please him the way he pleased me last night. “Emily.” Ignoring him, I licked the tip of his arousal, loving the taste of him. Taking him into my mouth, I swirled my tongue over him. The velvety feel of his erection caused an intense shiver to wash over me. His eyes blazed with desire as he watched me. I felt him at the back of my throat. I sucked hard. “Jesus, Emily, you need to stop. You’re going to make me come.” His fingers gripped my wet hair, and I pulled my mouth off him. Licking him from base to tip, I tasted his saltiness on my tongue. Taking him in my mouth again, I stroked his length, sucking the head of his erection. I wanted to make him lose control. It turned me on watching his face as he climbed higher.

  Taking him all the way to my throat, I sucked harder, my head bobbing back and forth. A growl vibrated through his chest. It was one of the sexiest and most erotic sounds I’d ever heard. Moving faster on him now, I felt him tense. “Emily, I am going to come in your mouth.” His warning spurred me on, and I sucked him harder and deeper. My throat tightened around the tip, and I heard him growl as his release shook through him. I tasted the warm salty-sweetness of his release, swallowing every drop. I pulled my mouth off him slow and steadily, flicking my tongue over the tip as he softened in my hand. I stood up and smiled at him. “You are a fucking goddess!”

  * * *

  It felt exciting walking into the office next to Triston. We turned heads. Everyone stopped what they were doing as we walked in like we were this invincible duo. We were both dressed in black and white, and I had my red Chanel bag Triston had given me that morning. It was a gift he bought when he had decided on giving me a promotion. He was wearing a black Calvin Klein suit, white dress shirt, and red silk tie. His hair was loose on his shoulders, and he looked breathtaking. I was nervous, and at the same time, it felt like I was on cloud nine. There was a lot of work that needed to be done, but I was definitely up for the challenge. We stopped at my desk. Triston leaned in and gave me a chaste kiss. “Later, angel.” He walked into his office. I watched him for a few seconds, in awe of the man that was mine. I slid into my chair and powered on my MacBook. Jessie appeared from around the corner. “Oh my god, I missed you!” she shouted, and I knew Triston would have heard that. I giggled and stood up.

  Hugging her, I smiled. I didn’t have a friend in New York and having someone to talk to would definitely be fun. “I missed you too! It’s been an insane few days.”

  She looked at me and winked. “Oh, I am sure it has. Spill!” I laughed as I glanced in Triston’s direction. He was on a call, so I had a few minutes. “Well, I have a promotion. I have a boyfriend, and I am so happy! Maybe we should talk some more at lunch?” I asked, looking at Triston’s office again. He had left his door open, and I noticed he had finished his call. She nodded.

  “Jessie! Emily! Get in here!” We looked at each other, and she shrugged. I grabbed my iPad, figuring I would have to take notes. We both walked into the office, and I closed the office door. Before I had a chance to sit down, Triston started. “Jessie, what the fuck is this?” He handed her a folder. I looked at him, and I knew something was wrong. I took a seat next to her, watching his reaction. It must be huge; he seemed really angry.

  “Triston. Mr. Hart, I mean. It’s a new client. I thought you would be happy we landed these events?” She looked up unsure. He got up and walked around to the front of his desk. He sat on the edge, holding onto the dark wood. I noticed his grip tightening on the side in frustration as his veins bulged. I knew he was not happy at all.

  “Do you realize that Emily will be doing these events? Do you know who owns that company?” He gestured to the folder. I was so confused. Why would a new client be such a bad thing, and why would me handling those events cause such a problem? Jessie looked down. “Yes, the owner is . . .” She rummaged through the file and looked up, meeting Triston’s intense gaze. “Oh!” I saw her flush a bright shade of red.

  “Okay, guys, what is going on?” I couldn’t take the suspense anymore; I needed to know. I reached over and grabbed the folder from Jessie. Opening it, I chewed my bottom lip. Now I knew why Triston was so unhappy.

  “Triston, I can handle this. Come on, it’s a client. A working relationship.” The gaze that fell on me knocked me breathless. The steel-blue was shimmering in the ray of sunlight on his face. He was exquisite. I shrugged, hoping he would calm down.

  “I would rather you not have any relationship with my brother! Since you feel okay with it, then we can run their events. I do not want you alone with him. Is that understood?” That was not a question, but I nodded. I closed the folder. Getting up, I placed it on Triston’s desk.

  “Great, because we have a meeting with him in thirty minutes,” Jessie said as she looked at me. I smiled, but my stomach flip-flopped. I hadn’t seen Bash since he left my apartment, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

  “Okay, can I go and get ready for my meeting?” I looked at Triston. His expression was calmer now, but I could tell he was still seething. Jessie got up and walked to the door.

  “See you in there, Em.” I waited for Jessie to leave. When she closed the door, I turned to face Triston. “Triston, please relax? It’s only a meeting. It’s work; nothing more.” I walked around to him still perched on the front of his desk. Leaning over,
I kissed him on the cheek. He pulled me into a tight embrace and held me. His breathing was slow, and I felt his pulse return to normal. “You are mine; I just want you safe.” His words sent a feeling of calm over me. He was claiming me, and it made my pulse quicken. His voice was low and husky. I nodded, and I locked my gaze on his.

  “I know.” Kissing his soft, warm lips again, I left him in his office.

  * * *

  Twenty minutes later, I grabbed my laptop and looked up at Triston. He was on a call. He gave me a small smile and nodded. It was time for my meeting. Walking toward the conference room, I felt nervous again. I opened the door and noticed Jessie wasn’t there yet, but Bash was. He stood up as I entered. “Emily, I—”

  “Mr. Hart, how are you today? Welcome to Je Te Veux Events.” I set my laptop down and smiled at him. He looked good, handsome, dressed in a charcoal suit and black dress shirt. He sat back down and nodded. “We can wait for Jessie unless you want to start. I have all the documents here.” I indicated the file on the table.

  “You’re in charge, Emily. I don’t mind.” His hazel eyes burned into me, and I felt self-conscious. His smile was distracting, and I needed to get this over with. I could be professional; I needed to be. I couldn’t let Triston or Jessie down.

  “Right. Okay, I noticed you have five events over the next eight months. What we can do is set up a theme to run through all. Alternatively, we can have event-specific themes. The first thing I noticed is that you mentioned different locations for these. You would need an onsite team to assist with all setup and break down.” I looked up. “What do you think, Mr. Hart?”

  “I do need a team, and I want you on that team. You are my prerequisite.” He remembered the conversation we had in my kitchen. My pulse quickened. I smiled. “I requested you handle all events, and I want you on location. And I prefer Bash. My brother is Mr. Hart. I would also prefer it if you heard me out?” His voice was deep and his gaze molten lava, which causes me to shiver.