I sobbed and crumpled to the ground as I heard the sirens approach. I closed my eyes in pure relief that I would soon be with my man, the man that I needed so badly.
CHAPTER 3
“FOR FUCKS SAKE! Will someone please phone my Fiancé?” I shouted at one of the female police officers situated in the hospital room with me. I had been prodded, probed, photographed and examined a million times and my patience had snapped.
“Miss Stone, I really need you to answer some questions first,” the snotty policewoman said severely. I glared at her, a proper ‘Fuck with me and you’ll pay bitch’ stare.
“Listen love, I have been tied to a fucking chain, whipped, beaten, raped and fucking scorched to within an inch of my life for nine long fucking days and right now all I want, all I fucking need . . . IS MY FUCKING FIANCE!”
She sighed and bit her lip. “Name?” she asked in resignation and I exhaled heavily.
“Thank you,” I breathed. “Mason Fox, you need to tell him Greg is safe too.”
She tipped her head. “Mason Fox is your Fiancé?”
“Yes!” I puffed and winced as the nurse applied more lotion to my back and the police woman stepped outside the room.
“Fuck!” I hissed and she patted my arm, unbelievably the nurse treating me was Teresa, the nurse who had helped me recover after Dane had raped me last time.
“Oh Ava, sweetie.” She stroked my arm and I closed my eyes.
“Please don’t Teresa, any sympathy and I’m likely to fall apart right now.” She sucked in a breath but nodded as she came around the front of me and started to clean my front wounds. Her face was pained and sombre as she gently swiped at my burns, welts and cuts. Her eyes kept shooting to mine, care and pity reflected in them but I shook my head marginally at her.
She smiled and continued her treatment. “I’m going to be sick,” I whispered. She reached her hand across me and grabbed a paper bowl from the unit and held it under my chin. I vomited into it as she stroked back my hair.
“You’re okay Sweetie, I’ve got you,” she soothed as a sob escaped.
I heard her gulp back her own sob and I raised tear filled eyes to hers. “No.” I shook my head at her distress as she held my eyes. “No, I am not going to cry. Don’t let me cry,” I hissed.
Teresa turned around, hiding her tears from me as I sucked in a breath and pulled back my shoulders.
I would not cry, I would not cry.
The police woman entered the room. “He’s on his way,” she said softly. I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath.
“Thank you.”
She smiled and nodded; a complete change of behaviour and I frowned at her. “He cried,” she said hoarsely as though she knew why I pondered her emotional change.
I nodded. “He . . . he will have been frantic,” I choked out.
She smiled warmly. “Yes,” she stated simply.
“Any news on Dane?” I asked her but she shook her head. The police had stormed the house after I explained what happened but Dane had already gone.
Teresa helped me into a gown after she’d finished tending to the wounds all over me, and I winced as it brushed over my charred flesh. She handed me some painkillers and a cup of water. I swallowed them down and she handed me some more, I eyed them sceptically.
“They’re antibiotics for your wounds, just to make sure they don’t get infected,” she explained. I nodded and swallowed them down as the door flung open and my man stood immobile and wide eyed.
My breath hitched at the sight of him and my body roared to life. The hairs on my arms reached out to him, my blood flowed rapidly through my veins making my heart beat intensely and my breathing deepened and quickened.
His eyes held mine and I was shocked at the pain, torture and desolation that flashed through them. “I . . . I . . .” He seemed to be struggling to breathe and I held out my hand to him. He shook his head rapidly “I . . . I can’t . . .” He reared back, turned and ran.
Teresa and the police woman stared at me as I stared at the empty doorway.
What the hell?
Devastation coursed through me and I stumbled onto the bed, swallowing my nausea and distress. “He’s just in shock, Ava,” Teresa said softly as she took my hand and sat beside me.
I turned slowly to look at her. “But . . . but . . . I need him . . .”
She tipped her head in pity. “Sweetie, give him time. He’ll be feeling all sorts of different emotions that he can’t cope with; relief, guilt, anger and pain. He’ll be back, I promise.”
“I want my babies,” I whispered and turned to the police woman. I should have really caught her name but everything had happened so fast when the police had arrived at the good citizens house.
She smiled softly and nodded. “Who do I need to call?”
“Courtney Williams,” I mumbled, still stunned at Mason’s reaction.
Did he hate me, think it was my fault? Did he think I was the whore he had so expressively told me I wasn’t? Did he think I was dirty and filthy and couldn’t even look at me anymore? Was he high and didn’t want me to discover it?
A mass of thoughts raced through my head but the one that slammed to the forefront was hurt, oh that had hurt. His face as he looked at me, the way he shook his head in disgust at me . . . that fucking hurt, in fact it hurt me more than the fucking sear of the poker.
* * *
The door opened and Courtney stood and gazed at me. A sob broke free and then a scream as she crumpled to the floor. I climbed off the bed and went over to her, clambered down beside her and pulled her to me, disregarding the searing pains that were shooting through me as she grabbed me tightly and pulled me further into her like she wanted to be inside me.
My own tears flowed as we both sobbed and wept and cried together, grateful for each other in those moments. Our love as best friends, binding us together in need as we rocked each other in grief, comfort and ultimate relief.
She eventually pulled back and palmed my face. “Oh, babe,” she breathed as her fingers touched every piece of skin, my eyes, my cheeks, my chin, my ears and finally my hair. “You fucking stink.” I chuckled, then I laughed and then I was howling hysterically. She giggled alongside me. I suddenly stopped and stared at her and then I started shaking, uncontrollable trembles that racked my body. An anguished cry broke free and I just stared at her.
“Oh, Ava,” she sobbed and pulled me in tight again. “I love you babe, so, so much Ava. I was so scared, so fucking terrified I would never see you again,” she cried and I realised that she had been in pain as much as me, the unknown was a terrifying thing and it tore at your soul.
“I’m here Courtney, I’m here,” I whispered and she nodded against me. “Did you bring them? Katie and George?” I asked.
She smiled and nodded. “Kerrie has them, I’ll go get them,” she said as we climbed off the floor.
She left the room and I went into my private bathroom and pulled off some toilet paper, blowing my nose noisily.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror and gasped at the woman looking back at me; she was thin, gaunt and pale. A couple of cuts marred my face and my lips were ravaged, sore and scabby. I had a black eye and my hair was dull, lifeless and mangled with dirt. I wasn’t sure my babies should see me like this but I was desperate to hold them.
I walked back into the room and stumbled over to the bed as Kerrie and Courtney held each of my children. I swallowed and let out a relieved sob as I sucked in my lips, wiped my eyes and held out my hands.
They had just started smiling properly, great big gummy grins when I had been taken and as their little eyes found mine they rewarded me with the most wonderful, happy grin each and it boosted me, it was as if they knew exactly what I needed.
They were placed in my arms and I immediately buried my nose in their soft hair, first Katie’s stunning copper curls and the George’s soft brown wisps. I sighed in relief as my body instantly relaxed into them.
They both gurgled at
me. “I’m sorry peanuts, Mummy stinks.” Their hands reached for my mouth and I sucked on each of their little fingers, relishing the touch, smell and taste of them. “My beautiful babies,” I whispered in their ears and kissed their faces, lots and lots of tiny soft kisses. I couldn’t get close enough, be near enough and love them enough. “My babies.”
I really thought I would never see them again and that had torn me apart on those long dark nights, the nights when I would lay awake and picture them in their Daddy’s arms as he nuzzled them and laughed at their shocked expressions as his growth had tickled and tortured them.
Kerrie sat beside me as Courtney told me she was going to sit with Greg. “He’s been frantic Ava. He . . . he . . . I’ve never seen him so desolate, so inconsolable and so fucking heartbroken. He looked everywhere, had everyone looking for you, he tore himself apart, Ava.”
I turned to her. “Shush, I know he’s back on the coke Kerrie, I know,” I said gently.
She sighed. “I tried to help him, Ava,” she sobbed. “I tried so hard to keep him going but after five days he couldn’t cope, he needed to obliterate everything. Get out of his mind for a while and . . . well, I dunno if he’s had more since then,” she revealed. I nodded, blowing a raspberry on George’s hand as he placed it to my mouth. I smiled at him as he gave his wide gummy grin as I nuzzled them, breathing in their scent and engraining it to memory.
Teresa entered and walked over to us with a smile. “Well hello there beauties.” She gave them a finger each and they gripped it firmly, their own personal hello they greeted everyone with. She grinned widely at them. “I can’t believe how much they look like their parents,” she said with amazement.
“They’re amazing.” I grinned as I kissed their heads.
“I’m afraid it’s time for your visitors to leave Ava, you need some rest, sweetie,” she said with apology and I nodded.
“Mummy will be home soon peanuts,” I told them as I kissed their heads and Kerrie proceeded to strap them in their buggy’s.
“We’re having lots of fun, aren’t we my little pumpkins,” she cooed at them. They smiled at her. I was happy that they enjoyed her company as much as she enjoyed theirs.
She came over and kissed my cheek. “Don’t be too hard on him Ava, he didn’t know how to cope,” she whispered. I nodded at her and smiled.
“I know.”
She nodded and left me with Teresa and WPC Haven, I finally found out her name.
“I need a bath,” I pleaded and WPC Haven nodded.
“Go ahead, we have all the photographic and intimate samples,” she said then smiled softly at me, “Enjoy.”
I sighed as I walked into the bathroom and ran the hot water. Teresa walked in and passed me some antiseptic bath crème. “We don’t usually supply it but I figured you needed a little bit of luxury and the antiseptic in it will help your wounds.”
I nodded to her. “God, Yes! I have dreamt of a bath for days.”
She patted my arm. “I’ll just be outside with WPC Haven, Ava. You’re completely safe here,” she said gently and I choked on a grateful sob. She knew exactly how I was feeling, terrified of my own shadow, terrified of every fucking shadow.
“Thank you,” I croaked.
“Do you need a hand with your hair?” she asked after a pause. I frowned as I realised the skin on back was so sore I didn’t think I would be able to reach round and rinse it.
“Yes . . . please,” I said gratefully and she gave me a happy smile.
“That’s what I’m here for sweetie; I’ll just get some shampoo while you sink in.”
She winked and as she left I climbed in and sunk down. My back screamed in protest but I grit my teeth and endured the pain until it eased a little. I sank further down, inch by inch, getting accustomed to the sting. My body relaxed, every muscle sighed with relief and my skin now sang with joy.
This was heaven!
Teresa returned with a jug and washed my hair for me, gently untangling the snarls and knots and massaged my scalp.
“Thank you,” I said quietly.
“It’s my pleasure. You are gonna get through this Ava, you’re gonna be stronger and tougher for it. You will wake up one morning, before long, and you will be so proud of what you have pushed yourself through, what you have survived and you will realise what a strong, independent and beautiful woman you are.” Tears streamed down my face. “Oh sweetie,” she whispered. Her arms hung over the side of the bath and she huddled me up, my head in her ample chest as I sobbed into her.
“Thank you, you deserve a medal for putting up with me twice,” I chuckled eventually and she playfully slapped my arm.
“Come on. Let me give you the five star treatment and dry your hair for you . . . ooh after I apply new ointment though.”
I smiled and climbed from the bath. She took the towel and patted me down, taking extra care over my sores. I felt so much better, the dirt and filth and stench of Dane washed away. I was determined not to let him eat at my thoughts, not let him win and terrify me any further.
Teresa was right, I was strong and tough, I had bashed his fucking head in for god’s sake and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. In fact if Mason ever managed to find him, then I would make sure I was the one to finish him, slowly and excruciatingly slow.
I lay in my bed, alone now the policewoman and Teresa had gone. I had faced the window to keep one open eye on it but my thoughts were whirling at the door my back was facing. I knew the nurses were outside the door so the window was my main priority.
I had insisted that a light be left on; I didn’t want to lay in the dark anymore. I was angry at myself for being frightened of Dane returning; scared to death he would come back for me and take me again.
“Ava,” I heard Greg whisper. I rolled over to see him stood in the doorway. I smiled in relief at his friendly face. “You okay?” he asked as he approached me. I nodded but he could tell I wasn’t from my expression. “You want me to stay with you?” I nodded wildly with wide eyes. He smiled softly and climbed on the bed behind me. “I’ve got you sweetheart, try and get some sleep,” he whispered as his arms tightened securely around me.
“I hope Courtney’s okay with this,” I worried and he snorted.
“I’m sure she’ll be fine Ava, she knows how much I love her . . . and fuck! I love her so fucking much, I realised how much when I thought I’d never see her again.”
I shrouded his arms with my own and nodded in understanding. “I know,” I whispered.
“He thinks you hate him Ava, he blames himself and he can’t cope with what Dane did to you. He hates himself for not finishing him when he . . . when you lost the baby and he knows none of this would have happened if he’d followed it through to the end,” he revealed.
“I know Greg; I know all this is hard for him but hell! I need him more than ever right now. I don’t blame him one bit for not finishing Dane, I told him that but I have never needed him more than I do right now.”
We both pulled in a heavy breath and Greg kissed the back of my head, “Sleep Ava, you’re exhausted, I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise.”
I nodded and relaxed against him as my eyes grew heavy. I welcomed the unconsciousness and oblivion for the first time in nine days.
CHAPTER 4
I WAS ALLOWED home the next morning, armed with potions, lotions and a mountain of pills. Teresa hugged me tight and we swapped numbers, promising to meet her for coffee the following week.
Mason still hadn’t been anywhere near. I knew it was because he had been on cocaine last night. Nobody had seen him since he had visited Greg right after he left me and I prayed to god he wasn’t shacked up with some tart somewhere like the last time he got wrecked.
Sam had arrived with Courtney to collect me and the look of relief and affection on his face had warmed my insides. I had some great friends, some who cared as deeply for me as I did them.
“Come on Ava, let’s get you home to those babies,” he smile
d and bundled me into his car.
“Have you heard from Mason?” I asked. His eyes quickly glanced at me through the rear view mirror. “Sam, I know he’s high somewhere, I just want to know if he’s alone and okay.”
He nodded. “He’s fine and he’s definitely alone, Ava.” I nodded my thanks.
We pulled up outside the house and I was suddenly nervous, frightened of being here alone without Mason. Here was where Dane knew where to find me.
“We have security patrolling the grounds Ava,” Sam revealed as though he could read my thoughts. “Mason has hired a 24 hour bodyguard to be with you and the children. You won’t be left alone at all until we find him, okay?” He took my hand and helped me from the car. I nodded and exhaled noisily. He just smiled knowingly at me. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
We walked up the steps as Courtney slipped her hand into mine. He opened the door and I stepped into the house. It was Mason’s house but it felt like home to me, it always had done. From the moment we started our relationship I had spent more time here than at my cottage.
Kerrie was stood waiting for me with Katie and George. They squealed with delight when they saw me and their arms reached out for me. I grinned happily at them and scooped them up. “Hey peanuts,” I whispered, kissing each of them noisily on their cheeks, prompting another giggle. God they made me feel whole and so utterly happy.
A big broad good looking man stepped forward. He had long blonde hair that was pulled into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. His eyes were the brightest green I had seen, even greener than my own. He nodded to me. “Ma’am” he murmured. I was instantly highly aware of him, his strength, his professionalism and his sheer presence filled the room.
He held out his hand to me. “Elijah Denman,” he said firmly and I took his hand. He curled his fingers around my hand and he pierced my eyes with his own, silently telling me he would protect me with his life. I instantly believed he would.
“Thank you,” I whispered softly. The faintest smile curled his lips and he nodded again.
The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone Page 97
