The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone

by D H Sidebottom

  I started work on some preparation documents for our trip as my phone rang, presuming it was Mason I answered without checking the caller display. “Hey Baby.” I grinned as I opened another document on the PC for printing.

  “Hello, sweetheart” Kade breathed sexily down the phone. I cringed at my greeting to him.

  “Hello you” I smiled, still happy to hear his voice.

  “I haven’t been able to get in touch with you Ava, have you been avoiding me?” he asked, getting straight to the point.

  My phone beeped alerting me to another call coming through. I checked the display to see it was Mason and I rolled my eyes, why were things never simple?

  “Well I haven’t been avoiding you but . . . well we need to talk, Kade,” I said quietly. I heard his sigh. “It was way too inappropriate Kade,” I said gently, knowing he would understand what I was talking about.

  He remained silent for a moment as my phone beeped again.

  God damn it Mason, wait!

  “Anyway listen,” I continued, ignoring his silence. “I have to go on a business trip and I don’t get back until the 2nd so I’m not going to be able to see you.”

  I heard a heavy exhale. “Are you trying to avoid me?” he asked with a slight coolness in his tone and I winced.

  “No Kade, Nate asked me this morning.” I bit my lip as my phone beeped again. Mason was going to be pretty pissed with me for not answering.

  “I’ll be back tonight!” Kade said and abruptly ended the call.

  What! Shit!

  I groaned, rubbing my temples as I rang Mason.

  “Why didn’t you answer?” he demanded as soon as he answered.

  “Well hello to you too,” I bit. I could picture his scowl at my tone.

  “Ava,” he warned and I poked my tongue out at him.

  “I was already on the phone when you rang,” I explained.

  “Who to?” he asked cautiously.

  As if you don’t know!

  “Kade,” I stated simply, deciding not to lie and I heard his hiss.

  “Really?” he said icily.

  “Yes Mason, I was trying to tell him it’s over but I didn’t get that far as he ended the call.” I had to be honest because if Mason found out I had hid Kade’s visit tonight he would suspect the worse. “Apparently he lands tonight so I’m expecting a visit and I’ll tell him then.” I grimaced, waiting for the anger.

  “You will not fucking be alone with him!”

  I huffed. “Mason . . .” I started.

  “No. Fucking. Way. Ava” he growled and I sighed again.

  “Will you just trust me” I snapped. I heard his heavy breaths.

  “It’s not you I don’t trust!” he barked and my rage built at his insinuations.

  “What do you think I’m gonna do Mason, roll over and spread my legs just because he asks me to?” I shouted and cringed when the line went dead.

  Shit, shit, shit!!! Stupid Ava, very stupid!

  I huffed and got back to work.

  “Ava!” Nate shouted through the door.

  “Yeah?” I shouted back.

  “Come in here a minute will you?”

  I walked in and found him frowning at his monitor. “What this?” he asked and I leaned in to look at his monitor.

  I read the document and grimaced. “Oh god, it’s a letter from Iain Scott asking for another meeting. How come this went into your inbox instead of mine?” I asked puzzled.

  “That’s what . . .” He didn’t finish as his eyes widened at something behind me.

  I turned and found Mason glaring at me, the usual glint of anger in his eyes, his tight fists and twitching jaw.

  He stalked across the room, never shifting his gaze from me and grabbed the top of my arm. “I need to borrow Ava, Nate” he barked. Nate just nodded.

  I glared at my treacherous boss. He shrugged at me as a very angry Mason pulled me across the reception area and into an empty conference room, locking the door behind him.

  He stood, his eyes narrowed and his teeth furiously biting his bottom lip.

  “Would you like to repeat what you said on the phone, Ava?” he said slowly, his breathing calm and steady but I knew him too well to take it as a sign of composure.

  I shook my head. “No.” I swallowed.

  “Well I would like you to, now we are face to face.” He cocked his head and raised his eyebrows.

  “Well . . .”

  My little finger was being chewed enough to draw blood. “Finger out” he barked and I flinched.

  “Look Mason, I didn’t mean anything. I was just saying I wasn’t going to do anything with . . .” I didn’t finish as he took a step towards me and placed a finger under my chin, tilting my head back so he could look in my eyes.

  “Repeat,” he growled and I gulped.

  My heart was hammering away in my chest, adrenaline was coursing through my bloodstream and my mouth had suddenly gone dry. “I . . . I said . . . I wasn’t going to . . . roll over and open my . . . my . . . Uhh . . . legs for him.” I closed my eyes.

  “Damn fucking right you won’t Ava, you’re mine. Do you understand?” He snarled and I nodded frantically. “And I don’t approve of the tone you used, you were facetious, sarcastic and degrading to yourself,” he finished and I nodded again.

  He walked me backwards until my back was to the wall. “I will be with you tonight when he arrives.” He didn’t ask, just stated and I nodded again.

  “Okay,” I squeaked.

  He held my eyes and then pushed his groin into me, his hard erection ground into me. My traitorous body sprang to life and I moaned softly. He slammed his mouth over mine, kissing me hard and roughly. “You are mine,” he breathed. I nodded as his mouth latched onto my neck, his teeth biting and his mouth sucking.

  His hands pushed up my skirt over my hips and he swiped his finger over me. “So wet for me, Ava,” he growled as he unzipped himself and freed his enormous cock.

  “Legs round me, Ava” he demanded. I did as he asked.

  His fingers parted my knickers and he speared me in one angry thrust. “Don’t come!” he ordered as he started to thrust angrily into me, his face tight against my neck.

  What the hell?!

  He grunted on each hard drive and within seconds he was exploding into me, biting my neck again.

  He lifted me off him, smoothed my skirt back down and rearranged himself back into his trousers. I was gobsmacked and just stared at him with wide eyes and my mouth open.

  “I’ll be at yours at seven.” He kissed my forehead tenderly and left the room. I stood immobile in the middle of the room, utterly stunned and astonished.

  “I take it I have just been punished,” I murmured to myself as I made my way to the restroom to clean myself up and then flopped into my desk chair, still wide eyes and slightly shocked at his dominant behaviour.

  Sometimes it was hot when he took control but I wasn’t sure what to make of this latest authority over me.

  My body was still strumming with a disloyal arousal as Nate poked his head round the door. “You okay?” he asked carefully, grimacing at my shocked face.

  I nodded and shrugged at the same time.

  “He is rather possessive isn’t he?” he chuckled and then halted as I glared at him. “I’ll just . . .” he cringed and pointed to his office as he saw my eyes narrow on him and disappeared quickly.

  CHAPTER 21

  I ARRIVED HOME about 6:30pm and sagged into the sofa. The first day back after Christmas was always tiresome, pregnant or not and I rested my head back into the soft cushioning of the couch.

  “Baby, wake up,” Mason whispered into my ear. I slowly peeled my eyes open to be greeted by his huge smile. “Hey,” he chuckled.

  “Wow, I guess I was tired.” I stretched and rolled my head round my neck.

  “Busy day?” he asked as he made his way round to the back of me and proceeded to knead my aching shoulders.

  “Oh god, that’s good,” I groaned as
he planted little kisses to the nape of my neck.

  “We friends?” he whispered in my ear as he nibbled on the lobe.

  “Mmm,” I muttered.

  I was now!

  “Good.” He smiled. “I brought take-away” he declared, abandoning my shoulders but I didn’t pout, there was food somewhere. He chuckled as my eyes lit up. “Indian okay?” he asked and I beamed at him.

  “Perfect.”

  He disappeared and came back with plates, cutlery and cartons of yummy smelling curry, rice and naan bread and spooned portions onto plates for us.

  “What time’s he due?” he asked without speculating more and I hunched my shoulders.

  “No idea,” I answered around a mouthful of food. “This is really good.”

  “How come you’re going away with Nate?” He peered at me as he took a swig from the bottle of beer he’d brought.

  “It’s a new telecommunication contract he’s after, something to do with internet phone calls and new software. It’s Lucas Hunt’s contract but Nate’s got to go for some reason.” I shrugged and then narrowed my eyes on him. “You do know that me and Nate would never sleep together, don’t you?” I asked cautiously.

  He nodded with a soft smile. “Yeah, I know.” He scooped more curry onto my plate and planted a soft kiss on my nose.

  “Good,” I said, “He’s too in love with Liv and I’m too in love with you,” I assured him.

  He took our plates and placed them on the table and pulled me onto his knee. “Ava, I trust you completely.” He settled his lips on mine, kissing me softly. “I owe you an orgasm,” he whispered in my ear as his fingers started opening the buttons on my shirt.

  “Damn right you do,” I moaned as he smiled into my neck before latching on for the customary bite.

  He pushed my shirt aside and mouthed my nipple through the lace of my bra. “You have beautiful breasts, Ava.” He nibbled at me as I felt his fingers slide up the inside of my thigh and sweep across my crotch. “So hot,” he mumbled against my breast.

  I adjusted my position and hitched my skirt high to straddle him, sliding my groove over the erection in his trousers as I took his bottom lip between my teeth. His hands freed his stiff cock and before I knew it he was sliding into me. “Oh God,” I moaned as he gripped my hips and lifted me on and off him slowly.

  His head tipped back onto the sofa as I nibbled on his neck, riding him slowly. “Jesus Ava, you feel good.” I sped up, plunging faster and harder. “Fuck me, Baby,” he groaned as he lifted my hips and slammed me down on to him “Harder, Ava,” he growled.

  I did as requested, riding him hard and fast. His hands slid round to cup my arse. “I need you to come Ava, now,” he snarled as he slipped his little finger into my bottom. I growled like a feral animal and smashed down on him, grinding against him as I took all of him.

  “Yes!” he growled as we came together, gripping each other tightly, panting and groaning, just as there came a knock on the door.

  “Fuck!” I moaned and went to slide off him.

  “Wait,” he demanded as he ground his hips into me and I squeezed him dry. He kissed my nose and buttoned up my shirt and then lifted me off him and nodded.

  I straightened my skirt and went to the door, taking a huge deep breath before I opened it.

  “Hey, sweetheart” Kade greeted as I swung open the door.

  “Hey.” I said softly, shifting sideways as he came in for a kiss.

  I flicked my eyes to the room and he frowned. “Mason’s here,” I mouthed. He rolled his eyes but nodded. “Come in” I said and shrugged an apology at him.

  We walked into the lounge to see Mason only just zipping himself up.

  Crafty Mason, very crafty.

  Kade took it all in. His eyes flicked to mine in question and then dropped to my neck. He closed his eyes in dismay as he saw Mason’s branding. He cocked his head to one side and rubbed his temples. “Oh Ava.” He shook his head in pity.

  I froze to the spot as Mason flew off the couch and pinned Kade against the wall within seconds.

  “Shit, Mason,” I grumbled as I grabbed his arm.

  His hand tightened around Kade’s neck. “You have a problem, Kade?” he snarled, his eyes raging and his jaw clenched so tightly I wondered if his teeth would crack.

  Kade sighed heavily. “Why won’t you leave her be, Mason?”

  I cringed. What the hell was he playing at? You just don’t anger Mason more when he has a grip on your neck!

  Mason raised his eyebrows at him. “You have a problem with me and Ava being together?” He smirked as Kade winced against his hold.

  “Mason, will you put him down!” I demanded but he ignored me as I had expected.

  “You will fucking hurt her, Mason. How many fucking times do you have to break her heart?” Kade snapped.

  Mason narrowed his eyes on him but then to my surprise he dropped him. Kade immediately rubbed his neck.

  “I know you care for her Kade but she’s mine.”

  Kade scoffed. “She not a fucking car Mason, she’s not an item to be fucking owned!” he yelled and my eyes widened.

  “Kade please, you’re just making it worse,” I pleaded.

  His gaze shot to me. “This is what you want, Ava? Someone who controls and dominates you until they take over your fucking life and grind you down?”

  Mason snarled, pulled his fist back and slammed it forcefully into Kade’s face.

  “For fucks sake Mason, stop it!” I screamed as Kade’s nose disintegrated, splattering Mason and me with blood but he grabbed Kade’s hair and brought his knee painfully into Kade’s stomach. I shot over, pulling at Mason’s arm.

  Kade stood back up and I nearly screamed at him to stay down.

  Just as Mason jerked his arm back to throw another punch I jumped in-between them. “Stop!” I yelled and clenched my eyes shut tightly as Mason’s fist came towards me.

  I heard Mason’s sharp intake of breath. “FUCK AVA!!” he bellowed, “How fucking stupid!”

  I peeked through my half closed eyes and took a deep breath.

  “Kade, go!” I snapped. He glared at me. “Go!”

  He shook his head at me. “He will hurt you Ava, I can promise you that.”

  “For God’s sake Kade . . . GO!” I ordered and he huffed and left, slamming the door behind him.

  I turned my attention to Mason. “Does it always come down to violence with you when somebody says something you don’t like?”

  He cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. “Why are you sticking up for him Ava?” he asked coldly and I scoffed.

  “Don’t even go there, Mason” I warned and turned away but he snatched hold of my arm.

  “Well?” he asked snidely.

  “He is my friend and you’ve just fucking beat him up. What the hell do you expect Mason? And to be honest he has a fucking point doesn’t he,” I slammed, my rage taking over my brain and not filtering anything that was coming out of my mouth.

  “What the fuck does that mean?”

  “Well look at this afternoon, you do dominate and control me Mason, I mean ‘Don’t come’ what the hell was that?”

  He turned away, raking his hands through his hair. “You said something I didn’t like.”

  My eyes widened. “I said something you don’t like?” I was gobsmacked. “Kade just said something you don’t like so you pummelled him, how long before that’s me?”

  His eyes widened. “I would never hurt you Ava, you know that.”

  “What about this afternoon? Do you not think what you did to me at work today didn’t hurt me?”

  “I just fucked you Ava, that’s all!” he barked. I reared back at the icy tone of his words.

  “You just fucked me . . . Damn right you just fucked me because it sure as hell wasn’t love,” I snapped, shaking my head in despair. “Get out!” I demanded.

  “No!” he refused, crossing his arms over his chest. My breaths were heavy with my rage.

 
“I asked you to get the fuck out!” I roared.

  He winced. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he hissed. “Did you want to fuck Kade tonight and I spoiled your plans?”

  My palm shot across his cheek and the sting shot through both of us. “GET THE FUCK OUT NOW!”

  “Ava, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.” He grimaced but I shook my head and walked up the stairs.

  “You either go now or I will phone the police.” I climbed the stairs without looking back.

  “Ava, please, baby,” he begged but I carried on, determined not to let him see my tears.

  As I opened my bedroom door I heard the front door close gently and I flaked on my bed, curled up and cried . . . once again!

  * * *

  The business trip was just what I needed. Nate was funny, considerate of my pregnancy and a good friend to be with.

  We signed the contract by New Year’s Eve and enjoyed a celebratory drink that night at a party hosted by the hotel we were staying at. Kade wasn’t answering my calls and that hurt, I was saddened that he blamed me for what had happened but maybe it was for the best, to lay some things to rest for him where I was concerned.

  We were all singing Auld Lang Syne, hands crossed and joined as the bells tolled when my phone vibrated from my bag hung on my hip.

  I sighed as I saw Mason’s name on the display. I hadn’t contacted him after the Kade incident, he had rung a few times, texted numerous apologies but I hadn’t replied.

  I jiggled my phone at Nate as he was talking to Liv on his to let him know I was taking the call out of the room.

  “Hi,” I said quietly as I answered, strolling into the grounds at the rear of the hotel, stepping around amorous couples. He was silent but I heard his breathing. “Mason?”

  “Avaaaa” he slurred and I sighed heavily.

  “Are you okay?” I asked slowly.

  He laughed bitterly. “Am I okay?”

  I frowned. “Mason?”

  “Well let’s see, shall we, Ava. I’m marrying a fucking whore in a few months, my lover has been fucking someone else and I really REALLY need to fuck you raw right this moment.”

  My eyes grew and grew and tears welled. “Okay . . . Is that why you rang, to insult me?” I grated between clenched teeth.

  “Huh? How can it be insulting if it’s true?” he garbled.