The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone

by D H Sidebottom

  His reply was not what I was expecting.

  MASON

  No it’s fine Ava, enjoy your brunch. Rebecca’s coming round to do it.

  His words were like a punch in my guts and I was shocked at my reaction.

  Courtney grabbed my phone when she saw my face and scowled. “What a bastard. Does he think that’s funny? Who’s Rebecca anyway?” she asked, fuming.

  “Apparently ‘they just fuck.’” I told her, doing the air quotes.

  “Well, let him ‘just fuck,’ you don’t need to play mind games like that.”

  She was mortified for me and I decided not to text him back.

  I couldn’t fathom my reaction to this, I had never felt jealousy before and it made my mind up to quit all personal rapport with Mason, leaving it strictly business between us.

  * * *

  I was still reeling Sunday morning as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, nervousness has settled on me like a lead weight about seeing Mason Monday and I was starting to think it might be better if I quit and found a different job. Mason had got under my skin like nobody else and I couldn’t give in to it.

  He texted me Sunday afternoon, asking me to bring in a few items of shopping on Monday, but I didn’t reply, not wanting to get into another text conversation with him.

  He texted me again a little later asking if I was okay but I still didn’t reply, figuring I would just tell him I had left my phone at Courtney’s when he quizzed me Monday.

  CHAPTER 8

  MONDAY MORNING FINALLY rolled round after a restless night and I crept in again, knowing it was the usual Monday morning business meeting.

  Preparing the coffee and muffins I had baked yesterday I placed them on a tray, drew my shoulders back, knocked and entered, refusing to look at Mason.

  “Good morning, gentlemen” I greeted chirpily, they all greeted me back as cheerfully. I placed the tray on the table, furthest away from Mason.

  “Good weekend, Miss Stone?” Dane asked with a sly smile on his face making it obvious Mason had filled him in on my fight at the club.

  “Yes, great thanks. You?” I replied with a smile.

  He narrowed his eyes and his lips twitched. “I heard you can hold your own” he chuckled but I just gave him a coy smile. “You can hold mine as well if you want?” he winked and I winked back, slyly smiling as I heard Mason growl at Dane as I closed the door behind me.

  Up yours dickhead!

  I was rather pleased with my flirting with Dane, let Mason stew on that! I never flirted with anyone but it felt rather good.

  I quickly got down to business after checking the oven to see if it lit, which of course it did.

  I had bought some flowers to place in the hallway to brighten the place up and was arranging them when all the men exited the meeting room but I kept my back to them.

  An arm slid round my waist, making me stiffen. “Ava, Sweetheart. Just wanted to thank you for the muffins, they were delicious. I’m a huge fan of muffins,” he drawled. I couldn’t miss the innuendo in his statement.

  I turned to look at him and saw Mason glaring at us from the other side of the room. “It’s my pleasure, Mr Winters. I enjoy the odd muffin or two as well.” I quirked my lips and dropped my gaze to his mouth in an obvious flirtation.

  He grinned at me and squeezed me tighter, a cold shiver ran up my spine and my stomach rolled but I gritted my teeth.

  “Dane!” Mason barked, “My office!” He turned harshly and stomped up the stairs, slamming the office door behind him.

  Dane grimaced. “Oops” he winked and stalked off.

  “How are you settling in, Ava?” Brian Cox asked politely.

  I gave him a small smile. “Okay” I nodded but he cocked his head, questioningly.

  “You want me to have a word with the brute?” he asked, winking slyly at me.

  I feigned ignorance and furrowed my brow. “I’m sorry, Mr Cox. I’m not sure what you mean?” I said, swallowing harshly.

  He just nodded slowly and smiled softly, resting his hand on my arm. “Ava, I think you’re a lovely sweet girl, George always spoke highly of you and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  Too bloody late!

  I gave him a smile, resting my hand over his and squeezing it, “Thank you, Mr Cox. George always considered you a friend and I appreciate you looking out for me in his absence. It means a lot.” I brushed his knuckles with my thumb in a silent gesture to placate him.

  He smiled widely and nodded. “You must come for lunch soon with me and my better half. She’s dying to meet you.”

  I grinned appreciatively, happy that I was making new friends. “That would be lovely, thank you.”

  * * *

  They all left except Dane who was still holed up in Mason’s office. I had just started on lunch, busying myself when Dane popped his head in the kitchen. “See you later Ava, sweetheart.” He grinned and blew me a kiss and I gave him a fake smile, shuddering when he left the room.

  As I started the dishwasher there was a clang under the sink and I groaned, clambering under the unit to find the problem.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Mason shouted. I shot up, banging my head on the cupboard roof.

  “Fuck” I hissed and scrambled up.

  He shot over to me and grabbed my head, pulling my ponytail to one side. “Shit you’re bleeding, Ava. What the fuck were you doing?” he snapped and I wriggled free from his grip.

  “There was a funny sound under the sink when I started the dishwasher, I didn’t want to flood the kitchen,” I grated between my teeth.

  Mason glared at me and my finger edged its way up to my teeth, easing my discomfort slightly at the familiar habit. His gaze shot to my mouth and he bit his lip. I pulled my finger away and shot it to my side.

  “Why didn’t you answer my texts yesterday, Ava?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.

  “I left my phone at Courtney’s, so I didn’t get your message.” I lied, not catching his gaze.

  He looked around the kitchen and cocked his head at me, quirking an eyebrow in disbelief. “Yet you seem to have bought the shopping I requested.”

  Shit!

  I swallowed. “Yes I . . . I picked up my phone this morning and saw your texts before I came in.” I smiled inwardly. Good save, Ava!

  He shook his head slightly, “Ava . . .”

  He didn’t finish the sentence as Sam came storming in. “I need a word, Mase,” he gestured rapidly to the hallway and Mason went over to him.

  They were whispering frantically and I heard Mason hiss and swear. “Ava, I’m going out. We’ll finish our conversation later,” he snapped and was gone with a slam of the door, both of them speeding off in Sam’s car.

  I was used to these moments with George so I just carried on with my usual chores, feeling proud when I found the leak under the sink and fixed it.

  * * *

  About three hours later I heard the front door open and close and a grunt in the hallway. I froze, my instincts telling me something was wrong.

  Walking into the hallway I gasped. Mason was leaning against the table in the hall, blood dripping down his face, a black eye and his hands grasping at his ribs. “Jesus Christ, Mason.” I hissed rushing over to him and helped him over to the sofa.

  “Sit and stay there,” I ordered and scurried to the bathroom for a first aid kit.

  Filling a bowl with warm water and finding some cotton balls I hurried back to the room. Mixing the water with an antiseptic I dipped the cotton ball in and squeezing it, started to clean Mason’s wounds.

  “What the hell happened?” I asked, gritting my teeth whilst he sucked in air as I cleaned his face.

  He cocked his head. “You really want to know?” He scoffed and I bit my lip at his dismissal.

  I ignored him and bathed another ball, gently swiping at his cheek. I could feel his eyes on me as I tenderly cared for his injuries. I was also aware of his heavy breaths against my face.

  I caught his eyes an
d bit my lip at his intense scrutiny. My hand stilled on his cheek. His thumb came up and gently pulled my lip away. “Don’t bite your lip, Ava” he whispered as his gaze dropped to my mouth. I could see him slowly leaning forward and my breath hitched.

  Don’t do this Ava!

  I jumped up, gulping loudly at what I had to do. “Let’s get your shirt off so I can bandage your ribs” I told him, swallowing and hoping I had the strength to do this, already knowing how my body would react to the sight of him topless.

  He grinned lazily, “Are you asking me to strip, Ava?” he smirked and I glared at him.

  “Just your shirt, Mr Fox.”

  He rolled his eyes at my reference to his full name but he still grinned as he started to slowly unbutton his shirt. I couldn’t take my eyes off his movements, eager to get a first look at his chest and it was worth the wait.

  Jesus, he took my breath away.

  He was lean and muscly without being beefy, a scattering of fine hair donning his chest and a small tattoo across his heart ‘Kerrie.’

  He was watching my reaction intently. “You’re biting that lip again, Ava” he breathed huskily. I cleared my throat, forcing a smile.

  I turned to take a bandage from the box, quickly closed my eyes and took a breath to steel myself, then spun back round, determined to do this without a reaction to him.

  Crouching down in front of him, I ran my fingers over his ribs. My eyes shot to his as he sucked in a harsh breath. “Do you need to go to the hospital?” I was worried about his response as I touched his ribs.

  He swallowed and shook his head. “My ribs don’t hurt, Ava.” He sighed, piercing my gaze and I frowned, not understanding why his breath had hitched when I touched him.

  I nodded and reached round him to start the bandaging. I could feel his face in my hair. He inhaled heavily, a small groan rumbled in his chest but I closed my eyes, ignored him and carried on.

  When I had finished I rose from the floor but his hand shot out, gripping my arm and tugging me back down. “Ava” he whispered as his palm cupped my face.

  My eyes closed as I leaned into it. I heard him sigh. “You are so beautiful,” he breathed.

  My eyes shot open and I lurched back, shaking my head. “Please don’t do this, Mason.”

  He glowered at me, “Why Ava? We both want this. I know you do and I can’t stop thinking how good it will feel to be inside you, making you come so fucking hard you forget every damn thing.” I gulped at his words and a small groan escaped.

  I shook my head again. “Please, Mason.”

  He groaned and rubbed his eyes. “Jesus Ava. You’re killing me.”

  I didn’t know how to react so I dismissed his words. “Come on, let’s get you upstairs and I’ll get you a drink.” I slipped my hand round his waist and helped him onto his feet.

  We struggled up the stairs and both ended up laughing at the effort it took, relaxing us both back in to a comfortable rapport again. I managed to get him to his bed and leant him against the dresser as I pulled the duvet back and sat him on the bed.

  Pulling his shoes and socks off, I lifted his legs on to the bed and that’s when I saw his knuckles. I glowered at him. “Why didn’t you tell me about these?” I scolded.

  He grinned, “At least his face came out worse than mine.” He chuckled and I couldn’t help but laugh at his boyish brag.

  As I pulled the duvet up he grabbed my hand. “Lay with me, Ava. I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself, I can’t do anything in this state.” He saw my hesitation, “Please, I just want to hold you.” The pleading in his voice crushed my resolve and I nodded, slipping off my shoes before settling myself beside him on the bed. He scooped me into his arms and we spooned, his arms wrapped around me in a tight vice. I could feel his hot breath on my neck and his erection in my back.

  Gulping I chose to ignore it. “You can talk to me, Ava” he whispered behind me.

  I stiffened, not knowing what to say. “I can’t Mason.”

  I sighed and his arms tightened. “I know you have been through hell, I can tell, but I just want you to know that when you want to tell me, I’ll listen.”

  I nodded slowly. “Thank you” I whispered, not knowing what else to say.

  CHAPTER 9

  I WOKE SOMETIME later, facing Mason and still enveloped in his arms. He was asleep and I took the opportunity to examine him.

  He was beautiful, from his sculptured face to his strong abs, powerful chest and shoulders. My finger traced the tattoo on his chest, outlining the name and then slipped down through his chest hair and traced the edge of his bandage.

  Jesus he was hot, and I was struggling to breathe.

  I pulled away to climb out of bed when his arm shot round me and he pulled me back. “Don’t stop, Ava. I like you touching me,” he breathed, his arousal evident in his face as well as his groin.

  I held his gaze and then did something that even stunned me. I grabbed the back of his head and pulled his mouth onto mine. He growled and took my lips with force, pushing his tongue into my mouth and attacking mine. He gripped the clip in my hair and removed it, running his fingers through my long curls, another groan escaping his mouth as he continued to brutalize my lips whilst his hand cupped my breast, kneading it roughly. I moaned, breaking the kiss and tilting my head back.

  “You’re so fucking exquisite when you’re aroused” he whispered against my neck as his tongue swept across my skin, sending goose bumps throughout me.

  He started to unbutton my shirt but when he struggled due to his sore knuckles he gripped it and ripped it open making me gasp.

  I was beyond aroused now it was getting painful. “Please, Mason” I begged but wasn’t even sure what I was pleading for.

  “Easy, baby” he breathed. His mouth snaked down to my bra, sucking my nipple through the lace.

  “Oh god, yes. Bite me” I cried and he growled, latching his teeth onto my inflamed nipple.

  He unhooked my bra, pulling it roughly off me as he continued his torture, swapping breasts and pinching the other harshly as he mouthed the other. His fingers swept up the inside of my thigh, hitching up my skirt as they went. He groaned when he reached my stocking tops, “Jesus Ava, you’re so fucking sexy. I can’t wait to sink into you, feel your pussy grip my hard cock.” His words were ripping me apart.

  “Mason. Please, I need you.”

  He bit my nipple again. “What do you want, Ava? Tell me.” I groaned again. “Tell me Ava,” he ordered sharply but his tone excited me more than put me off.

  “Touch me Mason,” I begged. His finger swept the length of my sex over my knickers and I automatically spread my legs wider.

  “That’s it Ava, open up for me.” He hissed, “You’re so fucking wet.” I ground my hips against his hand, urging him in. His fingers slid my knickers to the side and he pushed a finger inside me making me groan loudly.

  “More.” I begged as I pushed down onto his hand prompting him to slide another finger inside me.

  His mouth was still worshipping my aching nipples and my excitement was peaking, building rapidly. “Harder, Mason” I panted. He bit my nipple harder as his experienced fingers curled inside me, pressing against my front wall. I screamed and jolted off the bed, my climax slamming into me and sparks igniting behind my eyes. “YES! Mason!” I shouted as he worked me over, slowing his pace to accommodate my orgasm.

  “You’re so god damn hot when you come” he breathed now climbing back up and taking my mouth. I gripped his hair and pulled him closer.

  My hand found his hard erection through the material of his trousers and he hissed. “Yes, touch me Ava,” he moaned. My fingers swiftly fiddled with the zip and pulled his cock free, working his shaft.

  He was huge and I wondered how I would accommodate him.

  His fierce kiss claimed me again but I pulled back and wriggled down the bed. “I need to taste you, Mason.”

  He groaned loudly as I reached his erection and licked the tip, tasting the pre-cu
m settled on the end. He moaned again, deeply this time, a deep guttural grunt as I tongued him from his scrotum to the tip of his cock before sliding my lips over the length of him. “Fuck, Yeah” he grated.

  I worked him feverishly, struggling to take his full length but gripping the base of his shaft with my hand, my other hand cradling his sac and kneading his testicles roughly.

  “Do you know hot it is watching my cock slide inside your hot mouth, Ava?” He gripped my hair and pulled gently, his words spurring me on. I mumbled around his hard length not wanting to release him to answer. “I’m gonna come in your mouth, Ava.” He gripped my hair tighter, shouting my name as his spunk spewed into my mouth, his hips jolting violently as his whole body shivered and bucked.

  “Jesus” he breathed against my neck as he pulled me back up to him, snuggling me in to him. “I don’t think I’ve ever come so violently” he chuckled.

  I nodded. “Me too,” I agreed.

  He pulled me tighter to him. “I knew you’d be the fire-cracker I’d expected, there’s so much passion in you. Hell, I didn’t think I could work you hard enough.”

  I was embarrassed by my behaviour and shrugged into him. “Ava, don’t be embarrassed. It was hot. I like a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it.” I felt his grin as he kissed the top of my head.

  “Does Rebecca ask for what she wants?” I immediately cringed at my words.

  “Ava!” he warned in a low voice.

  “I’m sorry Mason; I don’t know where that came from.”

  His fingers were brushing through my hair and he was silent for a moment. “Tell me what happened the night George found you, Ava.” He probed softly but his words panicked me and I shot off the bed.

  “NO, no, no, Mason. Please don’t make me go there again,” I begged, picking up my clothes off the floor and scrambling to get dressed.

  I’d managed to push the memories back again and wasn’t willing to open them wide again.

  He clambered out of the bed, groaning in pain. “Ava, I’m sorry, it doesn’t matter,” he declared, hauling me into his arms as he repeated his apology. “I’m sorry, Ava.”