Choosing the Hart: A Love Triangle

by René, Dani

  I got up, grabbing a notepad and pen. Walking up to his office, I stopped at the door. “Please close the door?” I stepped inside, turned, and shut the door. “I do like the use of the word boyfriend.” He looked at me amused.

  “You were listening?” I gasped at him. “You are seriously driving me insane! Do you have to spy on everything I do? And I can handle your brother.” He shook his head slowly.

  “I wasn’t spying. I heard you from here. My office door was open, Emily. I also hope that you will not be handling my brother in any way.” He gave me a serious look. “I need you to set up our flight schedule for next month. We have a couple of weeks, but I would like everything confirmed as soon as possible.”

  I nodded. “Sure. We will be flying to Europe first, and we’ll then come back for the last few events.” He nodded and made a few notes. I slid into my usual seat opposite his desk. “Bash wants me here for his first event.” I trailed off when Triston’s head shot up at the mention of his brother’s name. “Look, I’m running the event. I need to be there; I don’t have a choice, Triston.”

  He put the silver Parker pen down and stared at me. “Fine. Then I will be there too.” I knew that was not up for discussion. I could only imagine how that was going to go down. Triston and Bash in the same room for more than five minutes; we may need a referee because I was not going to be one.

  “Okay, but you need to let me do my job when you’re there. No hovering!” I smiled, sitting back in the chair. He picked up his pen and made a few more notes before he got up and walked around his desk, handing the page to me. I saw he had written down the dates we were flying and the times he preferred.

  “Those I want to be booked this afternoon before you go off gallivanting with my brother.” He narrowed his eyes watching me, and I smiled.

  “Yes, Mr. Hart. Anything to please you.” I stood, and he smirked.

  “Oh really? I want you to keep that in mind for when you get home after dinner. I have a way you can please me.”

  I walked to the door. Opening it, I turned around and looked into those beautiful steel-blue eyes and smiled. “Mr. Hart, you are such a tease. I was just thinking about this morning’s breakfast.” I licked my lips. “It was delectable.” I winked and walked out of his office, closing the door. I left him to simmer in the heat of our exchange.

  * * *

  Amelia at reception called at six p.m. to tell me Bash’s driver was waiting, so I packed up and grabbed my bag. I walked into Triston’s office. “Bye, babe. I’m off. I’ll be home about nine.” He smiled and nodded, then stood up to kiss me. “I’m meeting James now. I’ll pick you up from the restaurant. Don’t leave without me.” His eyes filled with concern. I knew he was still worried about Blake trying to hurt me.

  “I won’t, I promise.” He didn’t have to worry; I would be in a crowded place. At least I knew I would be safe with Bash.

  I met the driver at reception. He walked me down to the car. It seemed both brothers had terrific taste in vehicles. A charcoal Mercedes SUV with blacked out windows was parked outside the offices. Traffic had died down slightly as we made our way to the restaurant. My phone beeped with a text from Triston.

  Triston: I do hope you enjoy dinner, missing you already. T xo

  I smiled and hit reply.

  Em: Thank you, handsome, I will see you soon. Miss you too xo

  The driver pulled up outside the restaurant. He got out and came around to open my door. “Thank you.” I smiled, and he nodded. I walked into the restaurant, and it was beautiful inside — an intimate, low-key venue with amazing art on the walls. “I’m meeting Sebastian Hart,” I stated, grinning at the young man who was welcoming guests.

  He smiled and nodded. “Follow me.”

  The table was in a private area at the back of the restaurant, with soft lighting making everything feel almost ethereal. Bash was dressed in black slacks and a white shirt. His spikey hair was pointing in all directions, a just-got-out-of-bed look, which suited him. “Emily!” He stood when he saw me. Leaning down, he gave me a peck on the cheek. I felt goosebumps rise on my skin. I didn’t like that he still affected me.

  “Sebastian, how are you?” I smiled, sitting opposite him at the booth in the plush chair. “It’s beautiful in here. I didn’t realize how big it is. Looks a lot smaller from outside.” I suddenly felt nervous. I wondered where Jessie was. Maybe she was running late.

  “I love it here. It’s my favorite restaurant. Would you like a glass of wine?” He smiled, holding up the bottle of white wine.

  “Yes please, that would be lovely.”

  Our waiter appeared. “Good evening, folks. I‘ll be your waiter this evening. My name is Duncan.” He smiled at Bash and me.

  “Thanks, Duncan, we need a few more minutes. You can bring the starter I arranged in the meantime.” Duncan nodded and disappeared into the throng of people who were arriving. “I wonder where Jessie is?” I said softly as I felt his eyes on me.

  “Oh, you didn’t know? She couldn’t make it this evening. I thought she would have told you.” Bash smiled, filling my glass. My heart raced at the thought of being here alone with him all night. Triston was going to freak out. At least we were in a busy restaurant.

  “No, she didn’t mention it. I actually haven’t seen her today, It’s been busy,” I said, taking a sip of wine. His eyes never left me, and I felt myself flush. I knew this was going to be a long dinner. Duncan returned with our appetizer, an amazing seafood platter with various dips, olives, and French bread. “Wow, Bash, this looks amazing!”

  He smiled. “I had to thank you somehow for taking on my events. I did invite Jessie; she couldn’t make it. I hope you believe me?”

  “Yes, of course, I believe you. Why wouldn’t I?” I stared at him. His face changed between anxiousness to happiness.

  “I just figured you and Triston would think I was trying to come between you. My brother and I don't have the easiest relationship. I’m not sure if he told you?” I nodded. “Well, since we’re here alone, I would like to tell you my side of the story. Then you can decide for yourself.” He looked at me expectantly.

  “Okay, Bash, what’s your side of the story?” I sat back and picked up my wine. He looked determined. I knew he wasn’t here to make a play for me. He was here to try to win me back, no matter what. I took a large gulp of wine, hoping to steady my nerves.

  “When we were growing up, my brother was always the outgoing one. When he wanted something, he would go for it. He ended up with the wrong crowd in college. He didn’t want to listen to our advice. I was dating a girl not long after Triston moved out. We were together for about six months when Triston came back, asking for a place to stay. He was in a bad way, and I said okay.” He took a sip of his beer, fidgeting with the glass as he set it down again.

  “I tried helping him until the day I came back from a job interview and found him fucking her, my girlfriend.” His eyes met mine, and I could see the pain that was so evident. This all sounded like what he did to Triston, so that was an act of revenge. “I loved her, Emily. I was going to propose to her that night, but Triston and I had a fight, an ugly one, and I walked out.”

  He took a deep breath and sat back. Why didn’t Triston tell me? Why did he hide this bit of the story? I always knew there was more, but this is a lot more. “I came back the next day to find Triston on the floor. He had overdosed, and I tried saving him. I took him to the hospital. That didn’t go down very well . . .”

  I nodded. “He told me the part about your dad.” Bash nodded, taking a swig of beer. He called the waiter over. “Please bring me a Glenfiddich twelve year old, neat.” Duncan nodded and skittered off.

  “I did get something from my father. My gambling problem. I did do things I’m not proud of . . .” He trailed off, his voice barely audible. “I miss my brother, Emily.” When his eyes met mine, I knew he was serious. “But he is determined not to have me in his life, and that’s okay. I just want you to be happy.”


  “What about Krista? What happened to her?” I saw the recognition on his face. “And why would you say that you got me first, Bash? Do you remember the words you used that night we fucked?” I used the word crudely. I felt angry suddenly beneath the calm exterior, and he could see it. “Did Triston walking in on you and Krista make you feel better? Was that the revenge you needed?” I finished the wine in my glass, hoping it would calm me down.

  “Emily, I—” He shook his head.

  “Don’t Bash, just leave it. Let me call Triston, and he can pick me up.” I pulled my phone out of my bag.

  “No, wait! I will tell you about Krista. I’ll tell you anything you want to know. Just don’t leave?”

  I sat staring at Triston’s number for a moment. I needed to hear this, whatever it was. Locking my phone, I looked at Bash. “Fine. Tell me. Then I need to leave. I want all the sordid details about you and your revenge on Triston, and I want it now.”

  He nodded. “Okay.” He picked up the bread on the platter and broke a piece. Dipping it in one of the bowls, he held it up. “Try this first?” I looked at him skeptically. “Trust me, please?” I leaned forward and took a bite.

  “What the fuck is this?” I choked on the bread in my mouth as I looked up into cold blue eyes. “Emily, we’re leaving! NOW!” Triston’s arctic gaze fell on his brother, and I shivered.

  I grabbed my phone and bag, looking over at Bash. “I have to go.” Triston grabbed my arm, and half pulled me out of the restaurant.

  “Triston, what the hell was that?” I slid into the back seat of the SUV. Triston was radiating anger. He closed his eyes as if concentrating on the words that were about to come out of his mouth. “Emily . . .”

  I turned to him, needing to calm him down. “Babe, please, it was just dinner. Nothing happened. We didn’t even have dinner.” I reached out to him, and I felt his hand shaking. “Triston, you need to calm down,” I spoke softly, hoping he would realize that I was okay, and I was with him.

  He turned to me suddenly. “I’m not angry you were eating with him. I just found out why Blake is here!” He spat the name out like it left a sour taste in his mouth.

  “Why? What happened?”

  He pulled me closer, holding me in his arms. “Emily, my brother and Blake are partners in his company. Blake bought forty-five percent shares in Tribal Fuel.”

  I sat up, opening my mouth to say something, and closing it again. I was speechless.

  “He contacted Blake about two weeks ago. They met last week when we were in LA. Blake found out you were with me and flew out as well. James found an apartment where Blake has been staying. It’s not pretty.” He pulled me into him and held me for the rest of the way home.

  Our driver pulled into the garage of Soho Grand. Charlie got out and came around to open my door. I stepped out, and Triston held onto me like I was a piece of China. “I can stand, Triston.” But as soon as he let me go, I felt wobbly. My knees gave way, and he scooped me up. “Charles, can you call James and finalize details for tomorrow?” I saw Charlie nod, and Triston turned to make his way into the building.

  When we got to the elevator, Triston set me down. His arm wrapped around my waist, holding me against him. “He didn’t even say anything!” I finally found my voice. “I mean, he must know who Blake is?” I turned to Triston; his face was hard with emotion.

  “Emily, let’s just get into the apartment, please?” The doors opened, and we stepped out into the hallway. Triston unlocked the door and scooped me up, carrying me into the apartment. “I’m putting you in bed.” He walked straight to the bedroom and set me on the bed. “Did you want a glass of wine?” He looked at me, giving me a small smile. I nodded and laid back on the pillows.

  I was so confused. Why would Bash do this? It didn’t make sense. Surely he knew that Blake was my ex? Unless Blake wasn’t completely honest with him. I got up and grabbed my phone from my bag. Unlocking the screen, I had a message from Bash.

  Sebastian: Not sure what happened, I hope you’re okay. Please give me a chance to finish my story? B

  I hit reply.

  Em: I am okay. I have questions for you, and I want complete honesty! Talk tomorrow.

  Locking my phone, I set it next to me. I needed to see Bash and get the story from him. I hoped he would be honest with me. Triston walked back into the bedroom holding two wine glasses. “Angel, I don’t want you near my brother. I don’t know what he’s up to.”

  “Look, Triston, I want to talk to Bash. I need to hear it from him. I know you don’t approve, but this involves me.” I looked at him, and I could tell he was not happy about it.

  “No, Emily, let James and I sort this out. I don’t want you near him, and that’s final!” Triston was angry again, but I needed to hear it for myself. I decided to talk to him about what Bash had said earlier. “Bash told me about the time you lived with him. He told me about his girlfriend that you slept with.” He nodded slowly, and his eyes met mine.

  “Emily, I made mistakes. I told you this.” I nodded. I knew he did, and I wasn’t judging him; I just wanted to understand.

  “He misses you, Triston. He told me that himself, and I know he wasn’t lying.” I reached out and held onto his hand. Triston closed his eyes. I knew he was fighting with a lot of emotion right now, and my heart ached to make it all okay.

  “No, Emily, he is playing on your emotions for him, and I can see he got to you. If he missed me so much, then he would talk to me.” His voice filled with emotion, and I knew he missed his brother. Why were they both so stubborn? They both frustrated me so much.

  “Why don’t you take the first step?” I asked softly.

  “Did he put you up to this?” He stood up and walked over to the window. “Emily, if you want him in your life, then you don’t get me. I’m sorry, but I can’t do this again.” I stared at him in shock. Was he giving me an ultimatum? He knew I would choose him any day. Why would he even say that? Unless he thought I would cheat on him.

  “Do what, Triston? Do you think I am your ex? You think I am going to go and fuck your brother?” My anger was at boiling point. I stood up and stared at his back.

  He spun around, his eyes on fire. “I didn’t say that, Emily!” His hands clenched with anger.

  “Then what, Triston? I can’t talk to other males because you said so? Get over yourself!” I made my way to the bedroom door when Triston grabbed my shoulders, spinning me around to face him. “Let me go, Triston!” I warned in a low voice.

  “No! I don’t want you leaving. It’s not safe! Stay here!”

  I shrugged out of his grasp. “Just let me go! You clearly don’t trust me, and I can’t be with someone who doesn’t trust me!” I took a step back, staring at him, willing him to stop me. He dropped his hands at his sides. “I figured. I have to go!” I spun around and walked out of the bedroom. Grabbing my jacket, I shrugged it on.

  “Emily.” Triston followed me to the living room. He looked so sad, but I couldn’t be with someone who couldn’t believe me. I turned and slipped on my ballet flats. “Emily, look at me, for god’s sake!” I spun on my heel. I was so angry I felt tears spilling from my eyes.

  “What, Triston? You have made it very clear where we stand! I’ll go to my apartment; you can have your fucking space!” I walked toward him now, my anger giving me the confidence to be honest with him. “I never wanted anyone but you since that first day in my interview. Every fucking moment of being near you is like nothing I ever felt before! You fix me. You make me feel whole. You make me feel loved! But that’s not what you do, is it? No! It’s not! Do you even know what that feels like? To fucking let someone in?” I realized I was screaming at him. My face was wet, and he looked blurry through the tears. He grabbed my shoulders and shook me as he screamed in response to me.

  “Yes, I fucking do! Because I am falling in love with you!” His voice boomed through the expanse of the open-plan living room and kitchen, his whole body shaking. I stopped. My mouth agape. What? My heart thud
ded through my ribcage. He loved me?

  Chapter Twelve

  Triston sat on the sofa, his head in his hands. I was speechless. I stood in front of him, unsure how to react. I wanted to tell him I loved him, but he seemed so angry when he said it.

  “I’m sorry, Emily; I didn’t want to say it like that.” He looked up, staring at me with those intense, blue eyes. He loved me. He was falling in love with me. It crashed over me like a wave. I flopped onto the sofa next to him.

  “Triston . . .” Reaching out, I put my hand on his shoulder. It was tense. “Please look at me?” When he turned his head, the emotion was evident in his eyes. He was serious about this.

  “I . . .” I looked at the vulnerability of this amazing man who had swept me off my feet. “I love you too,” I whispered. “Well, I mean . . . You know . . .” I trailed off again. What was I even doing? How could I be mumbling when this is what I wanted to tell him days ago.

  “You are adorable when you’re speechless, but you don’t have to say it back.” He smiled.

  “No, Triston, I’m not just saying it. I mean it. I do love you. I mean, I’m falling for you too,” I rambled on, noticing the amusement in his eyes. “What?”

  “You’ve just made me the happiest man alive, do you know that?” He pulled me into his arms. His kiss was soft and slow. His lips moved across my neck, sending a shiver over my body. “I want you, outside.” He stood up, pulling me to my feet. “Take off your shoes.” He gestured at my flats, and I kicked them off immediately. I shivered from the cold, hard tiles below my feet. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the balcony. “Hold on to the railing!” His voice was deeper now, and I knew he was turned on.

  “Triston—”

  “Miss Reid, I need you to be quiet. Unless you ask me to stop, I do not want to hear another word. Do you understand me?” I nodded. He had me at his mercy. I wanted him so much. I smiled as I watched the city lights twinkle below us. Slowly he unzipped my dress; It was agonizing. As he pushed the sleeves over my shoulders, his lips brushed my skin in feather-light kisses. Goosebumps rose on my body, and I trembled. “You, Miss Reid, are amazingly beautiful. I love you.”