The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone

by D H Sidebottom

  I stood frozen at Mason’s level of fury, I had seen plenty of fights, even been in them, but the strength and force he displayed was staggering.

  Mason finally shook his head, clearing the haze in his eyes and turned to me, cocking his head at my expression.

  “What the Hell, Mason?” I stuttered and he shrugged nonchalantly.

  “He touched you,” he stated bluntly as though this excused his behaviour.

  I scoffed, “I was handling it.” I shook my head, at his calmness.

  He stalked towards me and grabbed my wrists, holding them behind my back and pulling my body close to his. “Nobody else touches you but me,” he growled.

  I stood motionless, speechless at his dominance as he glared at me, then his eyes dropped to my mouth before his lips crushed mine in a forceful kiss, a kiss to mark me and claim me. His tongue demanded entry and he groaned when I submitted and kissed him back with fierceness, the adrenaline now turning into a desperate need. A highly charged arousal heated my blood and I pulled him closer, grabbing his arse and moaning into his mouth.

  He pulled away, grabbed my hand and pulled me back to the table, snatching up my bag and pulling his phone from his pocket. “We’re going” he barked and tugged me through the club to the waiting limo, without saying goodbye to anybody.

  As soon as we we’re seated in the car his mouth crashed down on mine, devouring me and bruising my lips as he kissed me brutally.

  His fingers swept up my dress and as he felt the wetness in my crotch he growled loudly. “I am gonna fuck you so hard, you’ll forget your name and be screaming mine” he snarled. His fingers plunged into me, his thumb flicking my clit as my head shot back and I cried out, his intense lust for me had me panting in need and my inhibitions flew out the window.

  He crushed his mouth over mine, swallowing my screams as his fingers pummelled me roughly. “Come on Ava, I want your come dripping down my fingers,” he whispered harshly. “I want your orgasm to rip you in half.” His fingers were now pounding me and I bucked wildly as my climax tore through me.

  “Yes baby, give it me, it’s mine!” Mason rasped and bit my neck as I panted harshly.

  “God!” I hissed, my body still trembling from my powerful orgasm.

  Mason removed his fingers and placed them in his mouth, licking my cum off them. “You taste so fucking good, Ava.”

  The car stopped but he didn’t wait for the driver to open the door as he shot out and pulled me with him, fumbling desperately with the key trying to unlock the door.

  When he finally managed to open it, he pulled me inside, kicked the door shut, and grabbing my wrists he spun me round, held my hands above my head and pulled my dress up, shoving me against the wall.

  He impaled me in one angry thrust and I screamed; the intense way he was taking me had me panting for more.

  “Fuck Yes Mason, YES!” I shouted, as he pounded into me, still gripping my wrists tightly.

  My face was slamming against the wall with every powerful thrust. “You feel me, Ava?” he demanded, his voice loud in the quietness of the room. “Yeah?” I wasn’t sure if he was asking a question or just making a statement.

  “Yes! I can feel every fucking hard inch of you,” I growled back to him as his pounding got faster and harder until my body was on fire.

  “You’re mine Ava, all fucking mine!”

  He gave one hard thrust. “OH FUCK AVA!” he roared as he exploded inside me, triggering my own orgasm as we slammed into each other, his knees buckling underneath him as he let go of my wrists and embraced my stomach, holding me tightly against him.

  He rested his head against my shoulder, breathing harshly as we both came down from the incredible high.

  He withdrew, turned me around and lifted me up, carrying me over to the sofa where he sat and curled me into his lap.

  “Did I hurt you?” He sounded worried and I swiftly shook my head.

  “No, I’m good.”

  “You’re fucking amazing,” he whispered in my ear and gently stroked my back until we both drifted into an exhausted sleep.

  CHAPTER 21

  I WOKE THE next morning in Mason’s bed, aching everywhere. My head and knuckles hurt, my cheek was swollen and painful and my legs felt heavy and sore.

  I climbed out of bed and slipping on Mason’s blue T-shirt went in search of him.

  As I approached the kitchen I heard him on the phone. “Well fucking deal with it, I don’t care” he snapped then sighed angrily. “We’ll pay him off, I’m sure the fucking scrote won’t take much.” He huffed again, “You know how to deal with him if he doesn’t accept it.”

  He turned towards me as he heard me enter. His face clouded over and he bit his lip. “I’m done,” he snapped to the phone and abruptly ended the call.

  His fists clenched as he continued to scrutinise me. I stilled and frowned at his expression. “Mason?” I asked hesitantly.

  He sighed heavily and stalked towards me, placing a finger under my chin he tilted my head back as his eyes darkened. “I hurt you” he uttered and I frowned deeper.

  “No, you didn’t,” I told him, confused.

  His finger trailed along my cheek and I recoiled and hissed as pain shot through me. He scowled and bit his bottom lip. “I did that to you.”

  I pulled away and went to look in the hall mirror and gasped when I saw the huge purple bruise on my cheek.

  He came up behind me and placed his arms around my shoulders and hugged me. “I’m so sorry, Ava” he whispered, the desperation in his voice making me turn round and cup his face.

  “Mason, if you had hurt me I would have stopped you. I could have moved my face off the wall but to be quite honest in the heat of the moment, I didn’t feel a thing.” He cocked an eyebrow in amusement. “Well, I couldn’t feel the pain,” I rephrased with a grin.

  He brushed his lips against mine. “I’m sorry,” he breathed against my mouth.

  “I know, but honestly I’m fine. We can’t have rough sex without a few bruises.” I winked and walked to the kitchen to pour a coffee.

  I sat on a stool and pursed my lips at a sudden thought. “Mason. Where was Dane last night?”

  I noticed his jaw tighten and his fists clench but he just shrugged. “Mason?” I tried again but he turned away.

  “We had a row,” he finally answered with a blasé shrug. I narrowed my eyes.

  “What about?” I had a feeling I already knew but he shrugged again.

  “It doesn’t matter,” he asserted but I glared at him.

  “Mason, turn around,” I commanded and he slowly spun round to look at me. I narrowed my eyes on him again. “Please tell me I have not come between you and your best friend?”

  He laughed bitterly. “Some fucking friend! Your friends don’t hit on the woman you love,” he snarled.

  I sighed heavily and rubbed at my temples. “Oh, Mason. When will you understand that I can handle myself,” I fumed and he glowered at me.

  “Don’t,” he warned.

  I slammed my cup down. “I handled it, Mason. It was mine and Dane’s argument not yours!”

  He snorted. “Well its mine and Dane’s argument now” he snapped back and I froze.

  “What did you do to him, Mason?” I probed cautiously, now highly aware of Mason’s temper after last night.

  He shrugged, “Well put it this way, he won’t be coming on to you again.” He smirked and I stared at him.

  “Jesus Christ, Mason!” I fumed, shooting off the stool and toppling it over.

  He narrowed his eyes on me. “Why are you defending him Ava?” He tilted his head questioningly and my jaw dropped open when I realised what he was insinuating.

  “What?” I scoffed.

  He slammed his cup down on the island, it shattered with the forceful impact. “FUCKING HELL AVA, I ASKED WHY YOU ARE DEFENDING HIM?” he roared. I reared back at the viciousness in his tone. He seemed to freeze and he closed his eyes. “Shit Ava, I’m sorry.” I shook my head, turne
d round and bounded up the stairs two at a time.

  He followed me and stood in the doorway as I pulled on my dress and scurried round for my shoes.

  “Ava. Baby please,” he begged but I held my hands up.

  “Don’t Mason, just don’t,” I breathed. “Where are my shoes?” I asked him sharply.

  He scurried over to me, gripping my arms. “Ava, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have shouted at you like that. I’m sorry.”

  I shrugged from his grasp. “I asked where my shoes are.” I said slowly and he bit his lip, now highly agitated again.

  He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest as he silently watched me. I stood and glared at him. “Oh, stop being so bloody childish!” I snapped and stormed out, grabbing my bag from the sofa and pulling my phone out, I rang for a taxi.

  Mason strode down the stairs. “Ava, don’t go” he pleaded when he heard my phone call.

  I shook my head at him, “I can’t deal with you when you’re like this, Mason.”

  He frowned at me curiously. “Like what?” he demanded.

  “So bloody angry all the time,” I cried and ran my hands through my hair, still in search of my shoes. “Where the hell are my shoes?” I shouted as the taxi beeped his horn to alert me to his arrival.

  He rushed over to me, “Ava please, I’m sorry. I just get so angry when I think of other men touching you.”

  I laughed bitterly and shook my head. “And how do you think I feel, Mason? You know I haven’t slept with anybody properly before you. But you . . . you have a string of whores before me, not to even mention Rebecca!” I yelled. “Oh fuck it!” I resigned and exited the house without my shoes.

  He stood on the doorstep and watched me climb in the taxi.

  He was still stood there as we pulled away and drove off.

  * * *

  I paid the driver and climbed from the car. As I approached my front door an eerie sensation enveloped me . . . something felt wrong. Quickly glancing around my surroundings and not finding anything untoward I fished my key from my bag and went to unlock the door.

  I froze when I noticed my lock had been forced, the wood around it splintered and the catch was hanging off. My heart pounded as I slowly opened the door, peering around as I hesitantly walked in.

  At first glance there seemed nothing out of place, until I walked into the kitchen and my legs trembled when I saw a crisp, white lily laid on the table, it had blood streaked over the petals. The sight of the harsh redness against the virginity of the white flower caused my blood to freeze.

  Rummaging through my bag without taking my eyes off it, I pulled out my phone.

  My throat was starting to close in and I unsteadily sat on a chair, my eyes still nervously flicking around every corner of the kitchen.

  Selecting Mason’s number I pressed connect, he answered almost immediately. “Ava, I’m sorry.” He started to apologise for this morning’s behaviour but I shook my head, consciously aware that he couldn’t see but still needing the comfort of doing something normal other than cautiously casting an eye over everything.

  “Mason” I croaked, swallowing harshly against the scratch in my throat.

  “Ava?” he asked, his tone full of concern.

  “Mason . . .”

  “Baby? What’s wrong?” He was starting to panic.

  “Someone . . . someone’s been in . . . in my house” I stuttered.

  “What?” he growled. “The front door lock is broke and there’s a . . . someone has put a . . . a lily on my table.” My voice was trembling and I heard Mason suck in a breath.

  “Baby, wait there. I’m coming over” he said harshly.

  I nodded absentmindedly. “Ava?” he urged when I remained quiet.

  “Yes, yes okay,” I stammered as I heard Mason talking to somebody.

  “Baby, Sam’s driving me so stay on the line to me.” I murmured an acknowledgement. “Where are you in the house, Ava?” he asked slowly, recognising my terror.

  “ . . . I’m still in the kitchen.” I heard background noise and Sam saying something to Mason. I stood and walked over to the back door, checking it was still locked.

  My finger slid over the petals of the lily as I frowned. Who the hell would break in and leave a lily on the table?

  “Have you checked the rest of the house Ava, or just the kitchen?” He was speaking slowly but softly.

  “Just . . . just the kitchen. There’s a lily on the table,” I repeated stupidly.

  “I know Baby, we’re nearly with you.”

  I walked through the hall and opened the door to the lounge. I peered in but couldn’t see anything wrong so I climbed the stairs to my bedroom. My legs trembled as I climbed and I had to hold on to the hand rail to keep me upright. “Baby, what are you doing?” Mason asked, apprehension surging through his voice.

  I was silent as I listened for any noise, cocking my ears left and right as I tiptoed across the landing. “Ava?” Mason’s voice was harsher now.

  “Shush” I whispered.

  “Ava, what the hell are you doing?” he asked slowly.

  “Shush Mason, I’m listening” I progressed towards my bedroom, anxiety tearing through me when I saw the door ajar. Because it was an old cottage it was always cold so I always shut the doors to keep the heat in each room.

  “Ava, what are you doing?” His voice trembled with panic and he hissed at Sam, “Will you put your fucking foot down!”

  I shook my head at his temper, “I’m just checking my bedroom.”

  “Ava! No! Wait for me!” he demanded but I pushed my door open. As I stepped into the room I gasped loudly and whimpered at the same time. “AVA!” Mason shouted as I heard tyres squeal outside then car doors slamming.

  I heard Mason shout me as he charged into the house. “AVA?!” he screamed.

  “Up here,” I whined quietly, my vocal chords closing up as my whole body trembled.

  “Ava?” he cried again as I heard him bound up the stairs with more heavy footsteps following him. He charged into the room and froze behind me. “FUCK!” he hissed as he took in the scene.

  My bedroom had been trashed; all my bed and bedding had been slashed, feathers and stuffing littering the room. My underwear had been shredded, my bra and knickers cut into strips, multi-coloured pieces of silk and cotton scattered all around the room.

  My perfumes and toiletries had been swiped off the dresser and shards of glass were decking the carpet but what really took my breath was the word ‘WHORE’ splashed across the wall above my bed in red paint, or what I hoped was red paint.

  I couldn’t take my eyes off the viciousness in the words, “I’m far from a whore” I rasped.

  Mason’s arms circled me, spun me and pulled me into his chest. “Baby, let’s go downstairs,” he breathed gently, leading me from the room.

  He sat me in a chair at the kitchen table and started searching through my cupboards as Sam walked into the kitchen talking to somebody on his phone.

  Mason glanced at him and Sam gave him a slight shake of his head as he filled a tumbler with the vodka he had found and passed it to me. “Drink that Ava,” he ordered.

  I nodded and knocked it back, draining the glass in one. “I need to phone the police” I said quietly.

  Mason’s eyebrows rose but he didn’t comment as he took my hand. “Ava, I’ll deal with it but I need to know, is this the first time anything like this has happened?”

  “What?” I asked, confused as Sam picked up the lily from the table after searching through my cupboards and placed it into a freezer bag, sealing it tightly.

  Mason squeezed my hand, “I’ve only known you for a few months Ava, and I don’t know if you’ve . . . if anything strange has happened before.” I shrugged but shook my head unsure. “Are you sure you’ve not noticed anything?” he asked again, narrowing his eyes on me.

  “Well last night I . . . I . . .” I shrugged again.

  “You what?” This time it was Sam who interrogated m
e.

  “Well it sounds stupid . . .” I glanced away, chewing on my finger.

  “Anything Ava,” Mason urged.

  “Well I kind of felt somebody watching me last night, kind of a sensation of being followed.”

  I lowered my eyes feeling stupid. “Just the once, Ava?” Sam probed and I shook my head.

  “No, a couple of times. It was strange, like my body was frightened but wasn’t sure what of.” I glanced at Sam, he took my hand and squeezed.

  Sam was an ex undercover agent and was now paid very highly by Mason as a hit man/bodyguard but he had the sweetest heart and genuinely seemed to care about me.

  I saw Mason’s quick glance towards his hand but he seemed to take a quiet breath and relax himself. His attempt to compose himself made my heart swell. I took his hand and squeezed it and he winked at me.

  “It’s gonna be okay, Ava but I think you ought to come and stay with me for a while.” He saw my hesitation and carried on, “Please, just until we find the wanker that’s done this.”

  I sighed, “Do you think it would be better if I stayed with Court?” I cringed, not sure how he would react.

  “No, you will be safer with me,” he stated in a tone that told me not to argue with him. I nodded, knowing I wouldn’t be able to relax in my house.

  “This is my home,” I sobbed, angry that some unknown person had taken away my comfort and security in my little cottage.

  “I know, baby but I’ll sort it, I’ll get some cleaners in,” he offered but I shook my head.

  “No Mason, I don’t want some stranger going through my underwear.” I scowled when he glared and huffed.

  “Baby, you’ve got no underwear left,” he shrugged.

  I pursed my lips at his bluntness and then shuddered. “Did you see?” I whispered, not wanting to say it out loud for some stupid reason.

  He narrowed his eyes at me. “Did I see what?” He stood and went to check the back door as Sam phoned for a locksmith.

  “Did you see what he had done on . . . on my bed?” I gulped and retched as the image swam before my eyes.