Choosing the Hart: A Love Triangle

by René, Dani

  “Shh, babe, it’s okay.” I pulled away to see the blood on his face. I shook my head, he was hurt, and this was my fault. If he hadn’t stayed with me, he wouldn’t have been injured. My mind was moving at a million miles an hour.

  “Let me clean this?” I mumbled. He nodded.

  “Let me check on the douchebag outside.” He went to the balcony. I went into the bathroom and found the first aid kit. I went to the bed and sat down. Bash walked back in. “He’s out cold.” Sitting opposite me, he smiled. “Ouch!” he winced. His lip was split. I pulled out a cotton swab and soaked it in antiseptic. I dabbed at his lip, cleaning his wounds, then dabbed at his eyebrow, and he winced again.

  His eyes watched me intently as I worked. “You’re so pretty.” His voice was low, almost a whisper. My heart thudded. I knew I was blushing, and I shouldn’t be.

  “Bash—” He leaned in, and I felt his lips on mine. My eyes closed. It was a soft, chaste kiss, warming me after the cold I felt. His right hand stroked my cheek gently. He didn’t do anything more. Just our lips touching was more than I could take right now. I opened my eyes in shock.

  I stood up, shocked at my actions. “Bash, don’t!” The buzzer went, saving me from something I shouldn’t have been doing in the first place. I ran to open the door, and the world crashed down with the noise of medics and police.

  The rest of the evening was a blur until Triston got home.

  * * *

  The silence was deafening. It was three a.m., and I hadn’t slept. Every time I closed my eyes, I would see Blake, the gun, and Bash. The fear would envelop me, and then it was Triston with the gun shooting Bash. It played in my mind, over and over until I couldn’t take it anymore. I got up and walked into the kitchen. I turned on the kettle, made a mug of coffee, and settled on the sofa. Unlocking my phone, I noticed a message from Bash.

  Sebastian: I am sorry. I didn’t mean to overstep, but I definitely don’t regret it. B

  It happened in the heat of the moment. It didn’t mean anything. I kept repeating that in my head, hoping that would make it easier to forget. It happened, but it would never happen again. I couldn't do that to Triston. I couldn’t do that to me. I didn’t want to lose Triston over something stupid. Yes, Bash saved my life, and I would be eternally grateful. But he wasn’t going to get me as a reward.

  “A penny for your thoughts, Miss Reid?” I jumped at Triston’s voice. “Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” His expression was apologetic as he flopped onto the sofa next to me.

  “It’s okay, I was just a million miles away. I couldn’t sleep.” I explained why I was sitting on the sofa at three a.m. in the dark. Triston’s hand stroked my leg slowly.

  “I know.” His voice was calm and relaxed. “I’m taking a few days off with you. We’re leaving tomorrow; I have a plane on standby.”

  “What? Why?”

  “You need to get over this, and frankly so do I. We need time off, Emily.” He got up and walked into the kitchen. “I want you out of this apartment for a while. We can fly to Miami. Go shopping, swimming, whatever you want.”

  “Miami? We have so much work to do here, Triston,” I protested, but I knew I would never win this one. He had made up his mind. He was right; I needed to get away.

  “I know, but we can take two days. When we get back on Thursday evening, you’ll feel a bit better, and Friday is our meeting with Mr. Jacobson.” He made a strong case. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.

  “If you’re sure, okay.” Triston smiled and nodded. It sounded like fun. Maybe it would be good to get away. Also, it would give me space from Bash before we started the events for Tribal Fuel.

  “I think it would be good.”

  “Good, now can we go to bed?” Triston scooped me up and carried me to the guest bedroom.

  * * *

  The car pulled up to a private airfield. Triston wasn’t joking when he said he had a plane on standby. We hadn’t pack anything. Apparently, it was a shopping spree vacation. I thought he just wanted to take my mind off everything that happened. He had James and his team fixing and securing the apartment. There was a new security system being installed as well.

  I didn’t reply to Bash’s text, and I didn’t plan on it until my phone rang before we took off. I knew it would be him. I hit the answer button.

  “Hello, Bash.” I stepped into the belly of the plane and slid into a seat.

  “Emily, I just wanted to check in. You know, see how you’re doing. I, um—”

  “Bash, I am fine. And you?” I didn’t want to prolong this conversation. I looked at Triston. He was watching me with a steely gaze.

  “I am good; the pain is gone.”

  “Good. Listen, Bash, I can’t talk right now. We’re about to take off.” Triston winked and got up to get us drinks from the bar.

  “Why? Where are you going?”

  “We’re flying to Miami for a couple of days.” I looked out the window. I needed this to end because I wasn’t ready to talk to Bash.

  “Oh. Please let me know when you’re back?”

  “Sure, I will.”

  I hung up before he could say anything else. “Everything okay?” Triston slid into the seat opposite me, placing a drink in front of me. I nodded. “Yeah, Bash was just checking in. You know.” He gave a stiff nod and buckled himself in.

  “You know, if Bash wasn’t there last night, I—”

  “Emily, you don’t need to tell me about what would have happened if my brother wasn’t there. I know. I trusted you last night, and I trust you now.” He smiled. My heart sank at his words, and I suddenly felt sick. I wanted to tell him about the kiss, but after what he had just said I knew it would hurt him beyond words. It was at that moment I decided not to mention anything about the kiss. I grabbed the glass and downed the liquor in one gulp. I leaned back and closed my eyes, needing to get some sleep.

  * * *

  “Emily.” Triston gently shook me awake. I opened my eyes and realized we had landed. “Wow, I slept right through that.” I smiled up at Triston.

  “Yes, but it’s good. You got some rest.” He grabbed my hand, and we made our way off the plane. It was a clear day, and I was excited to be spending time with Triston away from everything that happened over the last few weeks. It had been a crazy rollercoaster, and I wanted to get off. There was a car waiting to take us to our hotel. I watched the beautiful blue ocean speed past us as our driver made his way from the airport. “This is so beautiful, Triston, thank you,” mentioning as I turned to him. He leaned down and kissed my cheek.

  “Only for you, angel.” His warm fingers traced circles on my thigh. I felt my body respond to him in the way it only knew how, the need for him almost crippling. I couldn’t believe I would want someone as much as I wanted Triston. I leaned my head on his shoulder, inhaling his scent.

  “You are amazing.” I looked up at him, getting lost in his deep blue eyes.

  “So are you. Don’t you ever forget that, okay?” I nodded.

  The driver pulled up to the beautiful Acqualina hotel. Located on Sunny Isles Beach, and I was sure Triston booked a sea-view room. The thought of the balcony facing the ocean made me smile. I couldn’t wait to get our short holiday started. “Angel?” Triston was staring at me; I was lost in my thoughts. Grabbing his hand, we made our way to the reception desk.

  * * *

  I was right; our room had an ocean view. Furnished in light colors, the beautiful room gave a feel of being on an island. The pastel palette was calming, and I needed calm. I dropped onto the large king-sized bed, and the tension in my muscles eased. I looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. Sitting up, I caught Triston watching me with amusement on his face. I stood and walked over to the large glass doors. We had our own private terrace with a lovely two-seater bench, a small breakfast table, and two chairs. “This view is amazing!”

  Triston pulled off his T-shirt and walked up behind me, the heat of his body radiating on my back. He leaned in and reste
d his chin on my shoulder. “It is. I have a few ideas of what we can do while looking at that amazing view,” he teased. His tongue snaked its way behind my ear. I closed my eyes, savoring the sensation. His teeth began to bite my sensitive earlobe, and electric currents shot down my body, gathering at the furnace between my legs.

  He pulled my tank up and over my head. Unclasping my bra, he dropped it on the floor, where it joined my top. Biting my shoulder and licking the tender skin, he moved his hands down my arms. I felt my nipples harden as his hands traveled back up my stomach and cupped my breasts. He tweaked and pulled at the hard buds, causing a small moan to escape my lips. I could feel his hardness pressing against my ass. I pushed back against his groin, and I heard the low growl escape his lips.

  His caress moved back down my stomach and found its way into the drawstring sweats I was wearing. His right hand slid into the waistband of my panties, and I felt his soft, warm fingers. “Triston,” I moaned out loud. I placed my hands behind me, between us, and I stroked his erection through his jeans. His fingers played with my wet entrance, causing my body to ignite with wanton lust. He groaned as I stroked him. A smile curved my lips; I loved effecting him that way.

  “Shh, angel . . . No noise.” His voice was so deep and low. His teeth bit my neck, sucking the sensitive skin into his hot mouth. I was slowly losing control. Opening my eyes, I looked out at the ocean, watching the waves crash onto the shore as my lust burned. He plunged his fingers deeper inside me, hooking them as he massaged my sweet spot. His left hand tweaked my rock-hard nipples. Electricity shot through me; my nerves were tingling. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could last. I moved my hands to the window, holding on as my knees started to buckle. “Give it to me!” He growled the order in my ear, deep and scratchy, causing my orgasm to rip through me with ferocity.

  His assault was relentless as he continued to plunge into my sopping entrance. I couldn’t take another one. My knees felt weak, and I couldn’t hold myself up. “I want every bit of your pleasure,” he whispered. With his left hand, he pulled down my sweats and panties. They fell at my feet as he pulled away his right hand. “Turn around.” I did as he said. My eyes locked on his midnight blue ones. He licked his index finger, then the middle. The sight caused me to shiver with lust. “I love the way you taste.” His devilish smirk was haunting.

  My eyes took in the bare chest of the man I loved, every inch of his perfectly sculpted body on show in front of me. He lifted me, carrying me to the bed. Laying me down, he unzipped his jeans. I laid back, watching him move over me. Kissing me hard, his tongue invaded my mouth, fighting for control, and I submitted to him. He ran his mouth over my neck, down to my stomach. He reached my thighs, kissing and blowing lightly on my skin. His beard felt scratchy against the sensitive skin of my inner thighs. Lifting my head, I watched his mouth on my entrance, his tongue flat against my hot, slick sex, lapping at me like I was his only nourishment. “Triston!” His teeth bit down on my clit, causing my hips to buck into his mouth.

  “I said you need to be quiet!” he growled, continuing his assault on my pussy. I needed him, ached for him, and I wanted him to fill me right at that moment. As if reading my thoughts, he sat up, licking his lips slowly while watching me writhe on the bed. “On your knees! Now!” Obeying him, I got up and kneeled in front of him. Still shaky from my orgasm, I held onto the bed. “Do you need a spanking, dirty girl?” I nodded quickly.

  A hard swat landed on my right ass cheek. I yelped, and I knew there would be more where that came from. The sound was loud in the silence of the bedroom except for my moans. Another slap, two, three, four, every part of me on fire. Suddenly, he slammed into me, causing me to scream out. I knew I was dripping wet by now. My mind completely lost. I couldn’t think of anything else but the feel of him sliding in and out of me. Gripping my ponytail hard, he pulled me back against him as he filled me deeper than he ever had. “You’re my bad girl, aren't you?”

  “Yes” was all I could say.

  “You like my hard cock inside you, angel?” His voice was dripping with desire.

  “Yes,” I breathed.

  “You were made for me.” He slammed into me over and over. I was teetering on the edge of a cliff, and Triston was going to push me over. “Come for me, hard!” His words were my undoing as I felt my release wash over me. My body shook with the pleasure only Triston could give me. He slammed into me again, grabbing my neck with his other hand holding me in place as he took me, making me his. His body went rigid and spasmed, and I felt him come undone inside me.

  Chapter Fourteen

  We laid on the bed until the sun was low on the horizon, the orange glow over the blue ocean. “Are you hungry, angel?” Triston lightly stroked my arm resting on his chest. I ran my fingers over the lines of his abdomen. The soft white sheet covered his hips.

  “Yeah, I could eat.” I giggled as I turned and met his amused expression.

  “Good. Let’s put some clothes on and get some dinner. We can go to Il Mulino; they have good wine.” He got up, and I took in his beautifully naked body as he crossed the room to pick up his clothes. He pulled on his briefs and turned to look at me. “Enjoying the view?” he asked, amused.

  I nodded. “Always.” I got up and slipped on my underwear. “What am I meant to wear?”

  “There should be a dress in the closet. I called Jessie to arrange to have some things delivered.” I walked over to the closet and opened the door. There were two hangers. One with a beautiful chiffon, halter-neck, red dress, and one with a pair of black slacks and shirt. There was also a pair of black heels for me. Jessie seriously was amazing.

  I slipped the dress off the hanger. Stepping into it, I slid it up my body until the thin string was able to tie behind my neck. It fit perfectly, but I didn’t doubt it would for a second. The shoes were a perfect fit and match for the dress. I left my hair loose down my back and tidied up my makeup while Triston got dressed.

  Ten minutes later, we were walking down to the restaurant. The setting was perfect. “Wow, this place is amazing!” Our table was a booth on the patio of the restaurant, overlooking the beach. Triston slid in next to me as the waitress placed our menus and wine list on the table. I noticed her staring at Triston, as most women did when he was around. She gave him a bright smile. “Hi there, I’m Candice. I’ll be your waitress tonight. What can I get you to drink?”

  “We will have a bottle of your Merlot, the house blend, and a bottle of sparkling water. Glasses with ice and lemon. We need a few more minutes with the food order.” She scurried off smiling, flushing from Triston smiling at her.

  “Do you realize what you do to women?” I asked him seriously.

  His frown answered my question. “What do you mean?” He picked up the menu.

  “Just as I thought. Completely oblivious.” I giggled. Leaning toward him, I whispered, “You drive every woman you meet crazy.”

  “Miss Reid, there is only one woman I want to drive crazy.” His voice was low, and his hand slid up my thigh. I jumped at his brazen move, lucky for tablecloths. I slapped his hand and squeezed my thighs together around his hand. “You see, I know you’re aching for me to touch you,” he growled.

  The waitress came back with our drinks; I was thankful for the distraction. “Would you like me to pour it for you, sir?” She gave Triston another megawatt smile.

  “Sure, thank you. Can you please bring us the vegetarian platter for two?” She nodded, opening the bottle and pouring a small taster for Triston. Taking a sip of the wine, he nodded, and she proceeded to fill both glasses. Leaving the bottle on the table, she disappeared.

  I picked up my wine, taking a sip. It was full-bodied and had an aftertaste of strawberries. I looked out at the ocean. The patio was lit up by the candles on the tables. Triston’s hand rested on my thigh. I was aware that the dress I had on was short and the material was soft. His fingers played with the hem, and I knew what his intentions were. He was going to tease me into submission. “It’s
beautiful here.” I tried changing the subject. Meeting Triston’s gaze, he was staring at me. “What?” He gave me a boyish smile and shook his head, turning to look at the ocean.

  “Nothing, I was just thinking.”

  “Oh, you were? What were you thinking about?”

  He leaned toward me, his hot breath on my neck. “About how I would like to take you and bend you over the table. Then I would lift this tiny dress and fuck you.” His voice was low and hoarse. Squeezing my thighs together, I squirmed in my seat. I felt the fire ignite low in my belly. “Then I want to make you come around me,” he continued, and I felt the knot tighten in my stomach. “Until you feel me come inside you while I spank you hard . . .” His words trailed off, leaving me aching. The heat between my legs was unbearable. I squeezed my thighs tighter, hoping to sate the need inside me, knowing he could feel the effect he had on me. His eyes locked on mine, and I knew my pupils dilated with lust.

  His smirk was devilish. The dark, bad boy beneath the cool exterior was teasing me, and he was enjoying every minute of me squirming in my seat. I took a large gulp of wine, knowing this was going to be a long dinner. I watched his hand play with the stem of the glass, his beautiful fingers tracing lines up and down the crystal. “Do you enjoy staring at me?” he asked with an amused expression.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.” I leaned toward him, wanting to rattle that calm exterior of his. As my teeth grazed his neck, I whispered, “I would love to feel those fingers of yours inside me. You do realize I am soaking wet right now?” My breath was warm on his bare neck, and I could see goosebumps rise on his skin. I sat back, pleased with the reaction from my words.

  “Miss Reid, you are good. I give you that, but I can play this game much better than you.” He turned to face me. His eyes creased as he gave me a naughty smile. I took that as a challenge, sliding my hand up his thigh, stopping just short of his crotch. I sipped my wine, his eyes darkening as he stared at me. His gaze flickered with that all-too-familiar lust as I licked the wine from my bottom lip. “We’ll just have to see, won’t we, Mr. Hart?”