Tolerance (Heart of Stone)

by Sidebottom, D H

  “Fuck” I moaned and went to slide off him. “Wait” he demanded as he ground his hips into me as 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 “Masons here” I mouthed and 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 and his eyes flicked to mine in question and then dropped to my neck and he closed his eyes in dismay as he saw Masons branding. He cocked his head to one side and rubbed his temples “Oh Ava” he shook his head in pity and 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 Kades 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?” Kade bit and 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?” he snapped and I sighed heavily.

  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” Mason warned and 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 and 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?” he asked, his eyebrows in his hairline.

  Mason snarled, pulled his fist back and slammed it forcefully into Kades face “For fucks sake Mason, stop it!” I screamed as Kades nose disintegrated, splattering Mason and me with blood but he grabbed Kades hair and brought his knee painfully into Kades stomach. I shot over, pulling at Masons 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 Masons fist came towards me. I heard Masons 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 and he glared at me “Go!” I barked and he shook his head at me “He will hurt you Ava, I can promise you that” he stated and I closed my eyes “For fucks 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?” I demanded. 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?” he drew in a breath “Well look at this afternoon, you do dominate and control me Mason, I mean ‘Don’t Come’ what the hell was that?” I scoffed and he turned away, raking his hands through his hair “You said something I didn’t like” he said slowly. My eyes widened to new levels “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?” I yelled and his eyes widened “I would never hurt you Ava, you know that” he implored “What about this afternoon? Do you not think what you did to me at work today didn’t hurt me?” I tested “I just fucked you Ava, that’s all” he barked and 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 and he winced “What the hell is wrong with you? Did you want to fuck Kade tonight and I spoiled your plans?” he hissed.

  My palm shot across his cheek and the sting shot through both of us “GET THE FUCK OUT NOW!!” I thundered “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 told him as I ascended 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 Masons 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?” I asked “Avaaa” he slurred and I sighed heavily “Are you okay?” I asked slowly and he laughed bitterly “Am I okay?” he scoffed and I frowned “Mason?” he snorted down the phone “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” he hissed as my eyes grew and grew, as 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 “So you think I’m fucking someone else?” I asked, 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 beseeched, 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, shaking my head in frustration “Are you fucking Nate too Ava?” he laughed humourlessly “Okay Mason. Stop right now! What are you on?” I demanded and he laughed again “Have you taken coke?” I asked, closing 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” he growled and 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 said gently, trying a different tactic “I don’t fucking know, a club somewhere. Xanadu I think” he informed me and I sighed in relief “I
’m going now Mason, we’ll talk when I get back” I said “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” I said softly.

  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 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 baby” 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 said happily “And you Sam, listen I need you to do me a favour” I asked and I could hear others in the background and already hated myself for ruining his new year “What’s up?” he asked and then speak to someone else “Masons bad Sam, he’s high and drunk in Xanadu’s” I sobbed “Shit!” he hissed “I’m on my way Ava” he reassured “Thank you Sam. Will you text me when you’ve got him?” I pleaded “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 and I swallowed and said goodbye and walked over to a quiet empty bench and let the 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?” he asked softly. “Masons high and pissed” I sobbed “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” he reassured and 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” I told Nate and he smiled “He’ll be fine Ava” I nodded “You’re a good friend Nate, thank you” I smiled and he side huddled me “And you Ava, come on, you’re missing the midnight nibbles” he chuckled at my face “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 and 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 Nates 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 Nates 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?” I asked Nate and he groaned “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 and I sighed “Well how about you bring Liv along then it won’t look like me and you went together on our own. Would it be Livs thing? I mean I’ll probably be in Williams office so you and her can have a shifters, see what it’s like and you never know she might really like it” I asked with 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” I warned and he sighed “Ava, I know you didn’t tell me everything and I’m worried about you, please promise me you’ll be careful” he implored and 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 babe; 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 woke by my phone ringing. Scrambling around on the nightstand I swiped it without checking the display “Mmmm” 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” he sighed “Yes you were. I don’t like it when you take coke Mason, it fucks you up baby” he sighed again “I know, I was missing you and Maudling, you know, New Year and all that” he chuckled slightly “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 fucking Nate for god’s sake. Look Ava, can I see you tonight?” he asked and 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?” he asked curiously. What the hell? “What do you mean which one?” I asked warily “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 and 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” he disclosed “Right” I shrugged to myself but shook it off; Masons’ 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 baby?” he chuckled “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 baby” he said “Oh okay” I smiled softly “I love
you” I breathed, I missed him so much right at this moment “I need you” I sighed and I heard his sigh as well “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 heard him sigh too “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 lady parts with each arm and your gorgeous 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 really pleased 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 and 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 and 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” he laughed again

  “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?” he asked “Yeah, I’ll cook” I told him as I yawned “Okay baby, have a good time tonight. I love you Ava” he whispered and I smiled “And me, you”