The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone

by D H Sidebottom

  “So you think I’m fucking someone else?” I scoffed, my voice rising.

  “Well aren’t you?” he dragged out slowly.

  “Jesus Christ, Mason! What the hell is wrong with you? You know I’m not screwing Kade anymore.” I sighed, trying to calm myself down, plonking myself on a bench and holding my forehead in my hand.

  “Well you’re not here are you?” he whined.

  “What the hell? You know I’m in Belgium with Nate.” I implored tiredly, shaking my head in frustration.

  “Are you fucking Nate too, Ava?” he laughed humourlessly.

  “Okay Mason. Stop right now! What are you on?” He laughed. “Have you taken coke?” I closed my eyes in anticipation for the answer. I knew deep down that he was high, the stuff made him nasty and paranoid. “Well?” I urged.

  “What has it got to do with you anyway, Ava? You don’t want me anymore.”

  A tear dripped down my face. “Where are you Mason?” I asked but he just huffed.

  “Why? You gonna come and fuck me, Ava? Wrap those sweet pussy lips round my cock and ride me into oblivion?”

  He was really pissing me off now . . . Damn fucking cocaine! “Mason, please, I love you and I just want to know where you are. I’m worried about you.”

  “I don’t fucking know, a club somewhere. Xanadu I think.”

  I sighed in relief. “I’m going now Mason, we’ll talk when I get back. I love you.”

  “You are coming back then?” he slurred and I rolled my eyes, irritation and exasperation coursing through me.

  “Of course I’m coming back baby. I’ll be home the day after tomorrow and I expect you to come and love me.”

  It was breaking my heart to hear him like this. I knew it wasn’t him talking but it was his head that believed everything he was saying. “I love you Ava. I miss you baby, please don’t leave me,” he choked out and my heart clenched for him.

  “I love you too Mason, so much baby. I promise with all my heart that I won’t leave you. I can’t wait to see you,” I whispered and ended the call before my heart shattered.

  Quickly scrolling my contacts I dialled Sam’s number. “Hey Ava, Happy New Year sweetheart,” he shouted happily over the din wherever he was.

  “And you Sam, listen I need you to do me a favour.” I could hear others in the background and already hated myself for ruining his new year.

  “What’s up?”

  “Mason’s bad Sam, he’s high and drunk in Xanadu’s.”

  “Shit!” he hissed. “I’m on my way.”

  “Thank you, Sam. Will you text me when you’ve got him?”

  “Of Course sweetheart. Don’t worry Ava, I’ll sort him out.”

  I smiled. “Thanks Sam. You’re a good friend to him and I love you for it,” I choked.

  “Hey Ava, it’ll be fine, I promise,” he said softly. I swallowed and said goodbye then walked over to a quiet empty bench and allowed the to tears flow.

  I hated to see or hear Mason like that; it broke my heart that he was hurting so much he needed the use of cocaine to block out his life. I had to get my plan into action sooner rather than later.

  I rested my elbows on my knees and sobbed into my hands as I felt Nate sit beside me and put his arm around my shoulder. “Hey Ava, what’s wrong?”

  “Mason’s high and pissed.”

  “Oh god,” he sighed and pulled me into him as I wept and he patiently rubbed my back and whispered words of encouragement in my ear.

  I eventually pulled back. “Sorry,” I sighed.

  “Hey, no problem. That’s what I’m here for.”

  “He said some pretty nasty stuff.” I bit my lip, refusing to let more tears fall.

  “He didn’t mean it Ava, it’s the drugs.”

  I nodded. “I know.” And luckily I did otherwise I would have been on the next plane and smashing his face against my fist.

  My phone alerted a text:

  SAM

  I’ve got him sweetheart. Don’t worry; I’m taking him home with me.

  I sighed in relief. “Sam’s found him.”

  “He’ll be fine, Ava.”

  I nodded. “You’re a good friend Nate, thank you.” I smiled as he side huddled me.

  “And you Ava, come on, you’re missing the midnight nibbles.” He laughed when he saw my eyes widen.

  “Oh God, they have midnight nibbles?” I sighed, smiled and rubbed my hands together. “What the hell are we doing out here then?”

  We both laughed. I followed the smell as my babies kicked excitedly at the sweet aroma. “Just like your mother,” Nate said as I had put his hand on my belly when they started.

  I laughed. “Too damn right.”

  CHAPTER 22

  NATE AND I spent New Year’s Day holed up in his hotel suite, watching old black and white movies and sitcom repeats while pigging out on room service, chocolate and sweets and it was just what I needed. I was so relaxed in Nate’s Company, we were both in pyjamas, and with my hair a mess and no make-up . . . it was a perfect day.

  We arrived back in the UK on the Friday and we were in the chauffeured car on our way back, both of us yawning and flaked out on the back seat.

  “You okay to do The Black Panther next Saturday?”

  “Are you sure about this, Ava?” he grimaced.

  “You still worried about Mason?” I asked, feeling a little sympathetic towards him now I had seen what Mason had done to Kade.

  He nodded. “Yeah a little,” he admitted.

  “Well how about you bring Liv along then it won’t look like me and you went together on our own. Would it be Liv’s thing? I mean I’ll probably be in William’s office so you and her can have a shifters, see what it’s like. You never know she might really like it.” I gave him a waggle of my eyebrows, removing my shoes and rubbing my swollen feet. They seemed to be getting bigger and I was preparing myself for flats, scowling to myself at the thought.

  “Might be a good idea. I think Liv would give it go.” He pursed his lips and cocked his head in thought. “We could get Erin to babysit and make a night of it; you know, meal first then the club. Fancy that?” He raised his head in query and I nodded happily.

  “Sounds good,” I smiled, “But please don’t let slip to Mason. I need to do this on my own.”

  He sighed. “Ava, I know you didn’t tell me everything and I’m worried about you, please promise me you’ll be careful.” I smiled softly at him.

  “I promise, I’m only going to see William, don’t worry,” I appeased as my phone alerted a text:

  COURTNEY

  Hey babe, Kim, Sal and me are off clubbing tonight, you fancy it?

  Luv ya xxx

  ME

  Definitely but not sure how long I will last . . . knackered but I’ll try and have an hour this afternoon.

  Time? Luv ya too xxx

  COURTNEY

  Will pick you up at 8 babes; was thinking of asking Marcy along, what do ya think?

  Xxx

  ME

  Yeah, good idea, see ya at 8 xxx

  Nate dropped me off and I put some laundry in the washer and climbed into bed, falling asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

  An hour later I was woken by my phone ringing. Scrambling around on the nightstand I swiped it without checking the display. “Mmm,” I mumbled.

  “Hey,” Mason said softly.

  My eyes opened immediately, I hadn’t heard from him since New Year’s Eve and hadn’t seen him since the night before I left for Belgium. I was worried he was still angry.

  “Hey,” I murmured quietly.

  “Ava, I’m so sorry. I was a fucking dick.”

  “Yes, you were. I don’t like it when you take coke Mason; it fucks you up.”

  He sighed again. “I know. I was missing you and maudlin, you know, New Year and all that.”

  “Do you believe all those things you said?” I asked cautiously.

  “Hell no baby, it was just the coke talking. I know you’re not fuc
king Nate for God’s sake. Look Ava, can I see you tonight?”

  I cringed. “I can’t tonight Mason, I’m going out with the girls.” I sighed disappointedly. I really wanted to see him but I wouldn’t drop my friends for him, I hadn’t been out with them for ages and we all needed some friend bonding time.

  “Where to?” I wasn’t sure if he was asking so he could turn up or just out of general interest.

  “Your place,” I said quietly.

  He was silent for a moment. “Which one?”

  What the hell?

  “What do you mean which one?”

  “You said my place, I have more than one, Ava,” he revealed.

  This was news to me.

  “Do you?” I asked confused.

  “Yeah,” he laughed.

  “I have ‘The Loft,’ ‘Pulse,’ ‘The Basement’ and a few restaurants and health clubs amongst others,” he said casually, with no hint of arrogance or self-importance.

  “Oh, I had no idea they were yours. When I did your paperwork I only saw documents for The Loft.”

  I was thoroughly confused but now I understood where his money came from. I did think it was strange to earn so much with one club but I also wondered what other secrets he’d got locked away.

  “It’s no big deal Ava, I didn’t tell you, so you didn’t know. I don’t like bragging.”

  “Right.” I shrugged to myself but shook it off; Mason’s business wasn’t my business. “Anyway, we’ll probably visit The Loft, we like it there, the atmospheres great and the DJ’s hot.” I smiled wickedly to myself.

  “Really?” he probed but I sensed the humour in his tone.

  “Uh huh,” I teased, “Really hot.”

  He laughed loudly. “What am I gonna do with you?”

  “I could think of a few things,” I whispered huskily and grinned when I heard his sharp intake of breath.

  “Listen, go straight to the main door when you arrive and I’ll let them know you’re visiting tonight, saves you queuing.”

  “Oh okay.” I smiled softly. “I love you,” I breathed. I missed him so much. “I need you,” I sighed

  I heard him sigh beside mine. “Tomorrow, baby?”

  I smiled at his tenacity. “Yeah, I can’t wait to see you, I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered into the phone, closing my eyes so I could picture him.

  “I know baby, I’m looking at one of your photos.” I heard the smile behind his voice.

  “Which one?” I asked and he chuckled.

  “The shot of you from the side where you’re covering your breasts and your gorgeous little pussy with each arm, your wonderful baby bump is on display but it’s your smile that has captured me . . . you’re so beautiful,” he sighed heavily and I smiled softly.

  “I love you, baby. I’m glad the photos are working for you.” I was happy that they were doing what I had intended them for and helping him through until he saw me next.

  “Hey, I need some of you,” I laughed.

  He chuckled. “How about some of us together?” he suggested seriously and I sniggered.

  “You really think we could both get naked and keep our hands off each other? The poor photographer . . .” I asked with a laugh.

  He gave me his wonderful hearty laugh that bubbled my stomach happily. “I don’t think the photographer would think of himself as poor if we started fucking in front of him, I think he’d be damn delighted!”

  “Listen, I’m gonna grab another hours sleep before tonight, what time tomorrow?” I asked already snuggling down into my pillows.

  “I’ll be at yours for 7. That okay?”

  “Yeah, I’ll cook,” I told him as I yawned.

  “Okay baby, sleep now. Have a good time tonight. I love you, Ava,” he whispered, bringing a smile to my face.

  “And me, you.”

  I dropped back to sleep immediately after ending the call, sleeping heavily and waking in a panic at 7 O’clock.

  Rushing round trying to get ready on time, I was happy to see my swollen feet had recuperated ready for my dancing shoes and I was determined to have fun tonight. The last few weeks had been a long struggle and I was so ready for a catch up and night with my girlies.

  * * *

  We all piled out of the mini-bus outside The Loft and I did as Mason asked, walking straight up to the doorman.

  “Hi.” I smiled timidly. I was embarrassed to be jumping the queue and had received some rather vicious looks from the waiting people.

  “Miss Stone?” The doorman asked with a cock of his head.

  “Yeah,” I nodded.

  He grinned widely. “Thought I recognised you. I’m John.”

  To say he was a huge tough bloke he had the softest eyes and gentlest smile I had ever seen. I realised it was the doorman from the night I had gone up to Mason’s office when I had broken sweaty guy’s nose.

  “Pleased to meet you again, John,” I greeted with a handshake and a smile which he returned widely.

  “Come with me.” He smiled to us all and jerked his head inside for us to follow.

  He escorted us through the bar, over the dance floor and up to a large round table cordoned off by a thick rope. “For you ladies, courtesy of Mr Fox.” He smiled again and gestured with his arm for us to take a seat.

  “Oh, wow,” we all gasped.

  The table was decorated with pink rose petals and a huge bowl sculptured from ice was filled with an assortment of seafood and crunchy raw vegetables. Another ice bowl was filled with the most amazing tropical fruit while four silver buckets housed iced champagne and beside those . . . a jar of peanut butter.

  God, I loved my man!

  I beamed at John. “Wow.”

  He chuckled and tipped his head. “And this is your waiter for the evening ladies,” he winked and turned to a man.

  We all gasped again . . . and drooled. A tall blonde haired Adonis was stood next to him; he wore tight black shorts, a black bow tie and a huge smile. “Good evening ladies, I’m Frankie and I’m all yours for the evening,” he winked.

  Courtney fell backwards into a chair. “I sooo love Mason right now,” she breathed, fanning herself with a napkin from the table.

  “There is champagne in the buckets or could I get you something else?” Frankie asked.

  “I’ll have a cranberry and soda,” I pouted sulkily and he smiled softly.

  “Miss Stone?” he questioned and I nodded in reply.

  Frankie reached over the table to the nearest bucket. “Mr Fox made sure you were catered for, Miss Stone.” He took the bottle and presented it to me. “Non-alcoholic pink champagne.”

  “Hit me Frankie,” I giggled, holding up my glass.

  He poured me a large glass and I took a suspicious sip then nodded in approval. “Not bad.” The girls giggled and held their own glasses out for Frankie to pour them the proper stuff.

  I stood and gestured to the girls I was going to make a phone call and walked to the edge of the room and dialled Mason.

  After trying three times I presumed he was busy or in Rebecca’s company so I sent a quick text;

  ME

  I love you so so so so much. Forget the DJ, our waiter is ultra-hot ;-)

  Thank you Baby, for the most wonderful surprise. My girlies thank you too.

  I will show my ultimate appreciation tomorrow night . . . anything you desire Sir!!

  Love you Baby xxxxx

  I returned to my seat and my phone buzzed almost immediately.

  MASON

  Sorry couldn’t answer; with company . . . if you can call ‘it’ company!

  I’m happy that you are happy. I would do anything to show the world your beautiful smile, Baby.

  I now can’t wait for tomorrow night. I’m hard just thinking about all the things I am going to do to you.

  I love you too Ava, so fucking much

  See you tomorrow xxxx

  I grinned happily but felt a sharp sting in my chest as I thought about him with her.

 
; Courtney nudged me and grinned. I put all thoughts of Rebecca aside and resolved to have a good night, which we did. The Best!!

  Especially when we left and discovered Mason had sent a limousine to take us home.

  I sighed deeply when I climbed into bed, wishing Mason was beside me. I actually ached for him tonight, with every bone and every breath in my body.

  I eventually snuggled into the duvet and dreamt of my man . . . and all the things he was going to do to me.

  CHAPTER 23

  AFTER SPENDING THE morning shopping for food and some new lingerie to surprise Mason with, I met Kerrie for lunch. I was surprised how rough she looked when she joined me in the pub.

  “Hey,” I said softly, kissing her on the cheek.

  “Good to see you Ava, it seems ages since our last lunch,” she said quietly and I realised how tired she was.

  “Oh Kerrie, why the hell didn’t you cancel? You look shattered.” I scowled at her but she just shrugged.

  “I enjoy our lunches Ava, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” She scowled back and we grinned at the waiter, Tristan. He was our regular waiter every time we came here and we had become quite friendly and chatty with him.

  “Ava, Kerrie,” he smiled at us and then turned to me. “Do I need more paper, Ava?” He smirked and I narrowed my eyes on him as I snatched his little note book from him and faked counting the pages.

  “Should be enough but you can use the back of your hand if not,” I pursed my lips in mock offense.

  “Okay Ava, go for it.” He grinned and poised his pen.

  “Right . . . gammon, two eggs, double chips, peas, carrots and mushrooms . . . oh and some garlic bread I think. Have you got any gherkins in today?”

  He smiled slyly and nodded slowly, his tongue poking into his cheek.

  “I’ll have some of those too then please.” I sighed happily at the thought of food and chuckled as my little peanuts kicked. “Ohhh, quick Kerrie.” I grabbed Kerrie’s hand, pushing it against my stomach and Tristan pushed her out of the way gently so he could cop a feel. I rolled my eyes as they both ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhhed’ over the babies’ gymnastics.

  “What can I get you today, Kerrie?” Tristan asked and cocked his head sadly at her, obvious as well to how ill she looked today.