The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone

by D H Sidebottom

  As I was powering down my computer I received a text:

  MASON

  Hey Baby? How’s it going? Just wondering if you wanted to go out to celebrate your new job?

  Love u xxxx

  I grinned to myself and replied.

  ME

  Going out sounds good, I’m too tired to cook. Finishing about 6

  Love u too xxxx

  I jumped when Tony placed an arm around my waist. “How’s your first day gone, Ava?” He smiled softly and I wondered if I’d got him wrong. He seemed genuinely concerned if I’d had a good day.

  “Yeah, really good.” I smiled back and reached over my desk for my bag and coat. Tony grumbled something. “Sorry, what?” I asked him while I slipped into my coat.

  He shrugged, “Don’t bend over like that Ava, not when I’m behind you anyway.”

  I grimaced and stared at him. “Pardon?” I asked stiffly. He shrugged again but turned and walked off.

  “See you tomorrow, Ava” he shouted over his shoulder.

  “Oh, he really likes you.” Olivia chuckled from behind me. I turned to her, my mouth still open and gave her a shocked look, she laughed again. “Oh, you’ll get used to Tony, he’s always a bit forward,” she winked.

  A tall man walked in and approached Olivia. “You ready, Angel?” he asked as he slipped his arm around her and stroked her large belly with the other, she smiled up at him.

  “Ava, meet my husband, Nate Carter.” She introduced us and he gave me a genuine smile and cocked his head.

  “The one and only Ava Stone, pleased to meet you,” he smiled. I frowned at his familiarity but smiled back. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” he explained. I frowned deeper, but he laughed. “I know your boyfriend, Mason Fox.”

  I nodded. “Ahh, I see.” I smiled at him but he gave me a rueful smile.

  “Quite a handful isn’t he?” He winked and I nodded my acknowledgement.

  “That’s a bit of an understatement,” I laughed.

  He regarded me. “But from what I’ve heard, you two are a match made in heaven,” he winked jokingly and Olivia slapped his arm.

  “Nate!” she scolded but I shrugged at her.

  “Anyway, I’ll get off now” I said and turned to Olivia. “Thank you for helping me settle in today.”

  She smiled warmly, “I think you are gonna be fine, you seem to have taken it all in your stride today.”

  We said our goodbyes and I left, riding the ten minute elevator journey and walking out to the car park.

  As soon as I exited the building, I took a quick scan of my surroundings but didn’t notice anything and walked to my car.

  I was just placing my things in my boot when a hand landed on my shoulder. I jumped wildly and spun round to see a man stood with his hands up. “Sorry, darling.” He smiled but there was something in his eyes that caught my attention. I quickly perused the car park. He looked very familiar but I couldn’t place him and I racked my brain to think where.

  Luckily it was the start to summer and there was plenty of daylight. I saw Olivia and Nate stood talking to the big doorman. I looked back at the man. “Can I help you?” My voice wavered a little but I managed to sound near normal.

  He glanced around in the direction of the group stood at the doors and frowned, “I was just wondering if you knew where I could find a pub called The Late Lounge?”

  I gave him a quizzical look, “Yeah, it’s right across the road. I’m amazed you missed it.” I narrowed my eyes on him and he took another glance towards Olivia and Nate, pursing his lips when he saw Nate watching us.

  “Everything okay, Ava?” Nate shouted and took a step towards us.

  I stood staring at the man to see if he was going to back off before I signalled an okay. He stood still watching Nate approach, now flanked by ‘The big Fella.’ He backed off and held his hands up again.

  “Thanks for your help,” he murmured and turned abruptly to Nate. “Calm down mate, just asking for directions,” he near growled. Nate narrowed his eyes on him and then glanced at me for acknowledgement.

  I nodded stiffly but Nate cocked his head. “Ava?” he probed.

  I cleared my throat. “Yeah, he was just looking for the Late Lounge,” I answered hoping Nate would understand my puzzlement which by the looks of his face, he did.

  He regarded the man. “It’s just across the road, you can’t miss it,” he said slowly.

  The man nodded rigidly and stalked off, I watched him retreat then let out a breath. “Ava, is everything okay?” Olivia asked and I smiled warily.

  “Yeah, I’ve just had a bit of weird stuff going on and he gave me the creeps.” I laughed to hide my embarrassment and Olivia narrowed her eyes but touched my arm.

  “I know all about weird shit.” She laughed bitterly, “believe me, but if you wanna talk about it?”

  I smiled at her, “Thank you, it’s fine though, I’m just a little on edge.” She smiled again and nodded.

  “Go on, get yourself home. We’ll wait until you’ve gone. Just to make sure you are okay.” She squeezed my arm and I gave her a relieved smile.

  “Thanks.” I stopped and turned to Nate, “How well do you know Mason?”

  He gave me a wry smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell him. I’ve heard how possessive he is of you.” he winked and I grinned.

  “Thank you.”

  I climbed in my car and pulled out of the car park, driving faster than was necessary until I reached Mason’s road and then slowed down. The last thing I needed was him to see me speeding.

  I pulled up and as I climbed from my car I noticed a black Ferrari slip by.

  What the hell?

  I hadn’t seen him all the way home and I had been constantly checking my rear view.

  Mason opened the front door and grinned at me but his smile dropped when he saw me frowning. “What’s wrong, aren’t you pleased to see me?” he laughed nervously.

  I shook my head to clear it and smiled happily at him. “Hey,” I said softly and reached up for a kiss but he pulled me into him and deepened the kiss, showing me just how much he had missed me.

  He pulled back and regarded me. “You’re okay though?”

  “Sorry, still feeling a bit off” I lied with a nod. He simply nodded as I plonked myself onto a kitchen stool and sighed.

  “Busy day?” he asked and appeared behind me, rubbing at my shoulders.

  “Oh Wow, that’s good,” I breathed. He leant forward, kissing my neck and nibbling my ear. I grumbled and pulled away. “Later” I grumbled.

  He narrowed his eyes on me, “Ava, what’s wrong?”

  I glared at him. “For god’s sake Mason, nothing’s wrong, I’m just tired.” I sighed and closed my eyes, rubbing at my temples. I leant back and cupped his face. “I’m sorry” I smiled guiltily and he frowned.

  “Talk to me Ava. I can’t help if you won’t talk to me.”

  I sighed deeply and shook my head. “I’m just tired, that’s all.” I looked away but he didn’t probe any more, just continued to rub my shoulders until he felt me relax.

  “You still wanna go out?” he asked and I nodded, determined to make the effort for him. He grinned and kissed my forehead “Coffee?”

  I grinned. “I love you,” I declared. He turned back to me, cocking his head but grinning.

  “I love you too, Baby.” And I knew he did, but I still wasn’t sure how much to disclose today’s events.

  “I’m just nipping to the loo,” I told him and scurried off, hiding my phone in my pocket while his back was turned as he made the coffee.

  Shutting the bathroom door behind me I phoned Sam.

  “Hey,” he acknowledged me when he answered.

  “Hi Sam, I was just wondering if you’d managed to find anything out?”

  “I logged into NSC security surveillance recordings but it only shows the car park not the road so I wasn’t able to get a picture of him.”

  I sighed then another thought occurred. “Sam . .
.”

  He hesitated at my tone. “What?” he asked slowly and cautiously.

  “Well, I was approached by a guy in the car park as I was leaving. He said he was just asking for directions but . . .” I bit my lip when I knew what was coming.

  “Ava?” he encouraged.

  “Well, there was just something about him and when my boss walked over, he kind of . . . I dunno, he kind of seemed a bit weird, like he was mad we weren’t alone.”

  I heard Sam inhale, “Ava, you know I’ve got to tell Mason about this, there are too many incidents even if they seem innocent.”

  I sighed but understood. “I know, but let me tell him,” I urged.

  He sighed again. “You promise me, Ava?”

  I nibbled nervously on my finger at the thought of telling Mason. “Yes,” I promised. I closed my eyes and rubbed at my temples.

  “Okay, but I mean it, if he doesn’t mention it to me by tomorrow night then I’m gonna presume you haven’t told him,” he said sternly and I rolled my eyes.

  “I promise.” I repeated and ended the call.

  Sighing heavily I placed my forehead on the wall, closing my eyes and took a few deep breaths to steel myself before I turned.

  Mason was leaning on the door frame with his arms crossed against his chest and a thunderous expression on his face.

  SHIT!

  CHAPTER 23

  I SMILED APPREHENSIVELY. “Hi,” I cowered and gulped. He remained still, his lips in a tight line and a blaze in his eyes. “I . . . I need to talk to you” I said slowly, nibbling on my finger as he glared at me.

  “Really?” he said stiffly as he pursed his lips. “Is that because I overheard or because you want to?” he asked, raising his eyebrows and I swallowed heavily.

  “You must have heard me say to Sam that I would tell you?” I winced.

  He pushed off the doorframe and slowly walked towards me. I took a step backwards and felt the wall behind me, bracing myself against it as he continued to stalk me.

  Coming up really close he pressed his hands on the wall either side of my face and tilted his head. “What I can’t understand Ava, is why you have spoken to Sam before you even contemplated telling me?”

  Oh Shit! Mr Jealous was out to play.

  Faking a confident smile, I squared my shoulders and took him straight on. “Mason, don’t be silly. It’s not like what you’re thinking.” I pushed at him but he wouldn’t budge. “Let me out, Mason!” I demanded but he just stood framing me with his eyes narrowed on me.

  “Well?” he asked slowly like he was talking to a child.

  “Mason, I don’t like it when you’re like this,” I said sharply.

  He pursed his lips again and took a deep breath. “Well?” he repeated and my hackles rose.

  “Maybe if you would let me out we can talk!” I snapped.

  He traced my chin with his finger and my heart flinched. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Are you frightened of me Ava?” he asked quietly, too quietly.

  Scoffing, I opened my eyes and glared at him, “Well you’re doing a damn good job of trying to frighten me.”

  He nodded once and pushed away from me, then took a paper bag off the vanity and handed it me. “I just came up to give you this, I didn’t mean to interrupt your private conversation,” he snarled and disappeared out of the door.

  Sighing heavily I opened the bag and wasn’t surprised to see a pregnancy test in it, but my nerves were shot today and I had no intentions of adding to them.

  I flung the bag on the vanity and plopped down on the chair in the corner of the bathroom. Did I really want to have a baby with Mason when I wasn’t sure I could cope with his constant mood swings and possessiveness? I knew he loved and adored me but was he willing to share me with a baby that would constantly be craving my attention? Sometimes it felt like I was nursing a child with Mason, his never ending temper tantrums and need for my exclusive attention.

  I stood and turned on the bath taps, needing the comfort of the hot water and the need to relax my tight muscles.

  Standing in front of the full length mirror I stripped off my clothes and studied my figure. Tilting my head, I studied myself, wondering what I would like with a large swollen belly and placing my hand over the flatness of it, I spread my fingers.

  “Anybody in there?” I whispered.

  Laughing at myself when I realised what I was doing I turned away and slid into the bath, sighing and resting my head on the edge of the tub but as I closed my eyes I was brought back to the man in the car park. There had definitely seemed something familiar about him but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I searched my memories again, frowning deeply.

  I twisted the hot tap with my toes and added another inch of hot water, my body relaxing some more at the heat. My eyes were heavy and my limbs felt weighty as I continued to scan my mind for the man in the car park, probing every corner but still not succeeding in finding him anywhere but there was certainly something suspect about him.

  * * *

  My blood felt hot and I was aroused as my eyes refused to open to the light of the bathroom. My body screamed against rousing from a deep sleep. The water felt cold against the hotness between my legs and the bubbles were tickling my pert nipples.

  I thought it was the bubbles until I opened my eyes and saw Mason’s mouth at my breast, flicking his tongue over and around the hard buds.

  I moaned and slid my bottom in the bath, trying to get some friction on my sex as he raised his eyes and grinned at me, sucking harshly on my nipple and letting it go with a pop.

  “Hi.” He gave me a lazy grin as he slid his hand under the water and stroked my thigh.

  “Hi,” I rasped and closed my eyes as his fingers found my pussy and stroked up my groove. “Mmm” I breathed. He groaned when he slid a finger in me.

  “You’re so wet for me, Ava” he whispered as I lifted my hips towards him, eager for release.

  “More,” I demanded. His mouth found mine as he slipped another finger in, stroking the front wall and hitting my G-Spot. “Yes!” I hissed and ground onto his knuckles.

  “That’s it Baby, ride my fingers,” he breathed in my ear as his thumb rubbed my clit. I moaned loudly and flung my head back as his teeth grazed my nipple and his fingers worked feverishly.

  “Mason, I need to come. Make me come” I pleaded. He curled his fingers again and rubbed my clit harder as his teeth sunk into the soft flesh of my breast.

  My orgasm started in my toes and rapidly shot through the rest of my body as I arched my back against it and Mason took my lips in a hungry kiss.

  When my climax had died down he stood, stripped and climbed in the bath, turning me around so I was on my stomach he pushed up my knees and entered me slowly. “God, you feel amazing,” he rasped as he thrust slowly but deeply.

  I clung on to the bath and he grabbed my hips to stop me from slipping as he increased his pace. “Stand up, Ava” he ordered as he slid out of me and stood up.

  I did as he asked. He climbed out of the bath and helped me out, lifted me and sat me on the vanity. He opened my thighs and stood between them then entered me again, this time more brutally as I slipped my hands around and grabbed his arse, pulling him closer and deeper, filling me to the hilt.

  “YES!” he growled as he pumped into me with fury. “You feel so good, Ava” he breathed in my ear as he grazed my neck and his hands slid under my backside, lifting me slightly. “You’re mine Ava. Just mine.”

  I placed my hands on the vanity behind me and he placed my legs over his shoulders. I lifted my hips so he could get a better angle and as I did I felt his cock hit my womb and stroke my soft spot again. “Yes Mason, Fuck yes! That feels so good” I cried.

  He growled and slammed into me. “Jesus Ava; I can feel every inch of you. Can you feel me fill you, baby?”

  His words made me peak. I screamed as I climaxed around him. He grabbed my hair from the back of my head, pulling my head back as he bit my neck. “Oh God,
I’m gonna come so hard, Ava” he roared and reared back as he came inside me, hitting my cervix with his warm semen and making me orgasm again.

  “Christ” he groaned as sweat dripped down his back and he panted harshly. “You’re so hot Ava, you always make me come so hard.” I cupped his face and kissed him softly.

  “I’m sorry I held back from you Mason but I was worried about your reaction to what I need to tell you.”

  He nodded, “I’m sorry I scare you, Ava but I just can’t seem to control my emotions with you. I love you deeply but I’m so frightened of losing you.” He sighed and pulled out of me.

  “I know, but you are gonna have to learn to trust me, Mason. You seem jealous of everyone but I promise . . .” I paused as I took his hand and tilted his face towards me. “I promise I will never hurt you. I love you too much and you make me feel whole. I don’t need anybody else.”

  He stroked my cheek with the back of his knuckles. “Get dressed and we’ll talk.” He smiled softly and kissed me as he walked into the bedroom.

  I slid off the vanity and followed him, watching him as he dressed. He was so damn hot I could feel the heat between my legs again as I watched his body ripple with his movements; he caught me looking and winked. “Again?” he smirked.

  I puffed and smirked back and walked up to him, cupping his fresh erection. “Oh yes” I said as I pushed him back on to the bed.

  He grinned up at me. “You are insatiable, woman,” he laughed as I climbed on the bed.

  “Only for you Mason,” I breathed as I straddled him.

  His face darkened and his eyes flamed with arousal. “Damn right, only for me” he groaned as I dropped my mouth to his groin.

  “And this is mine,” I whispered.

  He moaned loudly and grabbed my hand then placed it over his heart. “And so is this Ava” he whispered.

  * * *

  We were sat at a table in Mason’s favourite Italian restaurant as I tucked into a wonderful shrimp and asparagus tagliatelle. Mason had chosen a garlic and herb pasta.

  “I forgot to tell you, it’s Sam and Marcy’s engagement Saturday night, is that okay?” he asked around a forkful of my pasta, nodding his approval to my food.