Incineration (Heart of Stone) Page 22

  As we pulled away his lips curled in the most evocative, wickedest grins I had ever seen and my body shook in a violent shiver and I quickly squirmed in my seat, the need to take him hard and rough coursed through me. What the hell was wrong with me?

  “Ava…keep still, I need to sleep” Sally grumbled and I turned to look at her head, still laid on my shoulder. “Shush Sal. Go to sleep Hun” I whispered and I stroked her hair all the way back to her place until Kades face disappeared from my eyes and in my inebriated state, forgot about him completely.

  CHAPTER 34

  I woke in the darkness, my head was screaming at me to go back to the tranquillity of sleep. I groaned and rolled over “Shush Baby, go back to sleep” Mason whispered somewhere in the blackness “Mason?” I rasped and opened my eyes slowly “I’m here Ava” he said softly as I made out the silhouette of him sat in a chair in the corner of the room, his long fingers coiled round a glass tumbler “go back to sleep Baby” he whispered again but I caught the rasp in his voice.

  I pushed myself up to sit against the headboard and reached over, flicking the lamp on. My eyes shrieked at me furiously and I quickly shut them tight “fuck!” I groaned and slowly peeled open my eyelids and when the haze cleared I spotted Mason, sat in just his jeans, button open and the sight of his powerful chest made my stomach flip…it should be illegal to be that damn hot.

  He was cradling what looked like a bottle of whisky and a glass full of the harsh liquor in his other hand. I frowned at him “Mason?” the room spun as I sat up and my stomach lurched at the movement and I gripped hold of the bed to stop myself from swaying “What’s wrong?” I asked and he huffed “Nothing Ava, sleep!” he said more sternly.

  I rose from the bed on very wobbly legs and carefully strode over to him, lifted his arm and curled up into his lap; his natural scent calmed me immediately. I peered up at him “Talk to me Mason” I stroked his cheek and his hand settled over mine, holding it against himself. His eyes slid away from mine “Nothing’s wrong Ava, I was just watching you to make sure you were okay” he shrugged and took another swig of the liquid, its aroma was coiling my stomach and I sat back up but Mason grabbed my arm “Don’t go” he whispered as his voice broke “Oh baby” I breathed and reached up to place gentle kisses on his forehead “Is it Kerrie?” I asked as I knew her cancer treatment started tomorrow but he just shook his head “Mason, talk to me” I implored but he shook his head again “I’m fine Ava” he said blandly and poured more whisky into his glass, the fresh scent really didn’t agree with my tender belly and I closed my eyes and took a deep breath but Mason took it as an irritated sigh “God damn it Ava, I said I’m fine!” he snapped and I reared back at the sharpness in his tone and he sighed wearily “I’m sorry” he ran his hand over his face and through his hair “Did you mean it Ava?” he asked quietly and I shook my head in confusion “Mean what?” he pierced my eyes “About wanting another baby” his words shocked me “What?” I asked him with a frown, my head was pounding and my stomach was still revolting at the smell of the alcohol “Mason, I’m gonna have to get up, the whisky’s making me…” I didn’t get to finish as I slapped my hand over my mouth and charged to the bathroom, praising Mason for having the wisdom to install an en-suite.

  Mason crouched beside me as was the norm when I was being re-introduced to my stomach contents and his hand swept my hair back into a bunch “Bloody hell Ava, I’m gonna have your face etched into this toilet” he groaned and I chuckled between heaves “That would be great until you pissed in my eye” I snorted and he full belly laughed and I grinned at the wonderful sound “God I love you Ava” he chuckled and I tried to grin at him between retches “there’s only you that could grin and joke while vomiting” he laughed and I leant back on my heels, smiling at his complete character change.

  I stood and brushed my teeth; wanting to destroy the sick taste in my mouth “Let’s go back to bed” he said as he whisked me up and carried me back into the bedroom, gently placing me on the bed. I curled into the bed and he slipped off his jeans and curled up behind me, pulling me close “go to sleep baby” he whispered in my ear and his thumb whispered across my knuckles making my eyelids heavy, the effort to keep them open was too much “I do want another baby” I whispered and I felt his embrace tighten as sleep won me over and I drifted.

  It was daylight the next time I opened my eyes and the bed was empty and cold at the side of me. I pulled myself up and glanced at the clock “SHIT!” I screeched and flung out of bed, already 20 minutes late for work.

  I showered quickly, cursing when I pulled my lip stitches with the towel and threw on some clothes. I raced down the stairs as Mason walked through the front door in his running gear. The sight of him hard and sweaty, his damp hooded vest clung to the hard chest muscles made me pause on the bottom stair to catch a breath “Wow Baby, now I wanna race back UP the stairs” I winked and he gave me his ‘Sex God smile’ and I huffed “So not fair” I grumbled as I planted a quick kiss on his lips and rushed into the kitchen to grab a quick coffee.

  “Do you have to go into work? I didn’t think you would be in any fit state” he murmured as I swallowed my coffee “I’ve gotta go Mason, could you ring me a taxi, I’m probably still over the limit” I asked him as I rinsed out my cup “I’ll take you” he said as he came up behind me and circled my waist with his arms, pulling the wisps of hair aside that had already fallen from my up do and planting a soft kiss under my earlobe “Can we try ‘La Roche’ again tonight?” he breathed and I scoffed and turned to him “Mason you can’t just not turn up to a reservation at La Roche and then expect them to fit you in the next night” I told him with a raised eyebrow.

  He gave me a slow grin “Ava” he said smugly as he cocked his head. I held up my hands “Okay, anybody couldn’t but you Mason” I snorted and he smirked “Well, you fancy it?” he asked again and I smiled “Yes, that would be lovely Mr Fox” he grinned at me as I gathered my work things “Come on, I’m late” I said as I dragged him out of the door and climbed into his car.

  When he pulled away I turned my body to him “What times Kerries appointment?” he glanced at me “11 O’clock” he sighed and I grasped his hand “She’ll be fine, give her my love. Shall I order her some flowers from us?” I asked and his eyes twinkled “Yeah, that would be great” he grinned “And cakes? No, maybe not” I shook my head at the thought of the sickness that would consume her after her treatment “Does she have someone going with her?” I asked, suddenly the thought of her going on her own saddened me but he nodded his head “Yes, Kade’s going with her” he said and I froze and Mason glanced at me. Kade was not a regular name and I’m sure it wasn’t a coincidence

  “Kade?” I asked hesitantly and Mason gave me an inquisitive look “Yeah, Kerries husband” he glanced at me as we stopped at some lights “What’s wrong Ava?” he asked slowly obviously aware of my reaction to Kade. I shook my head rapidly and slapped a smile on my face “Nothing” I looked out of the window and Mason pulled off. Jesus! How could I tell Mason that his sister’s husband had come onto me in the club last night…the night before his wife was going to have chemotherapy for breast cancer?

  “By the way, we’ve been invited to Nate and Olivia Carters barbeque this weekend, is that okay?” I asked to change the subject. His expression changed quickly as though he was aware I was trying to hide something but he didn’t push it “Sure, I’m sorry about yesterday Ava. I know you’re not screwing Nate. I was just in a mood because of the damn letter but I am very proud of you and yes I do believe you got the job through your own capabilities and hard work” he told me as he pulled into the NSC car park. I grabbed his hand again “I know, I’m sorry I got slaughtered” I cringed and he smiled softly as he turned in his seat towards me “Ava, I know this last week has been horrendous and I don’t blame you for wanting to blot it out” he grinned suddenly “You know, you’re quite sweet and entertaining when your drunk Baby” he chuckled and I groaned “I don’t feel bloody sw
eet this morning, in fact I feel damn sour” I laughed without humour and he smirked but then his face grew serious “Ava…” he sighed not sure how to continue and I gave him an encouraging smile “Ava, you sure you want to try for another baby?” he asked timidly and I smiled at the sweetness of this big hard man’s embarrassment “Do you?” I asked seriously and he smiled sheepishly and shrugged “Truth Mason?” I urged and he nodded slowly, reading my eyes intently “Me too” I whispered against his lips as I kissed him tenderly. He pulled me close, kissing me with a new passion, his lips expertly controlling mine and when his tongue slipped in to join the fun I groaned softly “God, I miss your body Ava” Mason breathed against my mouth and I moaned again “Me too. Soon” I smiled and exited the car.

  “I’ll pick you up at 5:30, don’t come out until I text you that I’m here” he shouted through the window and I gave him a thumbs up as I climbed the stairs to the building “Good Morning Miss Stone” Bert, the doorman greeted and I smiled happily “Good morning Bert” I replied as he held the door open for me and I entered the building.

  CHAPTER 35

  After apologising to Grace for being late the day flew and 8 hours later I received Mason’s text and exited the building

  “Hi again” I smiled at Mason as though it was only 5 minutes ago he dropped me off. He leant in for a kiss “We have to hurry Ava, I could only get a reservation for 7 O’clock, sorry” he grimaced and I smiled “That’s fine, I could do with an early night anyway” and an hour later we were climbing into a car that Mason had hired for the night.

  “Have you heard from Kerrie?” I asked and he smiled “Kade rang to say she did well and had climbed straight into bed when she got home. I told him I’d go and see her tomorrow. He said Kerrie loved the flowers and to tell you the weekend spa gift was like receiving a little piece of heaven” Mason glanced at me and took my hand “That was a really sweet gesture Ava, thank you” he pulled me over to him and kissed me “It was just an idea for her” I shrugged.

  “He’s dying to meet you” Mason said “Who is?” I frowned and snuggled into the warmth of him “Kade” he said simply and I stiffened. I think he might be in for a shock! Whoa, wait a minute; he had seen Mason put me into the car last night, which meant he had to know who I was and he still given me the come on with the lewd grin that had been on his face in the shop doorway…Holy Hell!!!

  He narrowed his eyes as he saw my reaction to Kade’s name again. I was really going to have to start hiding my emotions better “That’s good then. Erm how long have Kerrie and Kade been together? I quizzed carefully “They were childhood sweethearts from school and got married a couple of years ago, why?” “Just wondered” I shrugged and forced a smile as Kade’s hot body and his words came floating back and I squirmed at the image “Ava?” he probed and I gave him my happy face “Why do you keep freezing every time I mention Kade?” he narrowed his eyes on me when I shook my head “I don’t, I’m just worried about Kerrie” I lied. He didn’t seem to accept my excuse but the driver tapped on the privacy screen as we pulled up outside the restaurant.

  The meal was fantastic and I knew now why this place was so busy. Mason knew the owner and I realised why Mason had got a reservation so easily. They greeted each other like old friends, patting each other’s back and hugging.

  After introductions we were seated at a quiet table at the best spot in the room and I noticed that my menu didn’t have prices displayed and I couldn’t understand half of the dishes described. I glanced at Mason feeling stupid as the waiter waited for our order “Do you want me to order for you Ava?” he smiled softly and I grinned at him “Yes please do” I replied, relieved that he had sensed my awkwardness. He ordered in French with a fluent French accent that made me hot and when the waiter left us to fetch the wine I grinned at him “Wow, you’re so hot in your French version” I breathed and his eyes twinkled at me “Je veux faire l'amour vous Ava” he whispered as he traced my jaw with his fingertip and I shivered and puffed out my lips “Stop!!” I swallowed but he leaned forward further “Je veux baiser vous jusqu'à ce que vous criez mon nom de bébé” he gave me a sexy grin and I narrowed my eyes at him “What did you say?” I asked and his lips twitched as his mouth brushed my ear “I said I want to fuck you until you scream my name Baby” he rasped and I groaned loudly, much to the disgust of the snobs on the neighbouring table “Oh Jesus” I shook myself as the waiter reappeared and poured a little of the wine in Masons glass for a tasting, he nodded and the waiter filled each of our glasses.

  I had worn my favourite formal dress but I still felt out of place and as though Mason could sense my nerves he reached across and held my hand “Ava, you are by far the most beautiful woman in this place so relax” he smiled softly and I inhaled sharply “I feel like people are staring at me, as though they know I come from the bottom of the pile” I whispered and Masons face darkened “You do not come ‘from the bottom of the pile’ Ava” he said firmly and I shrugged “Mason, all these people probably grew up with a silver spoon in their mouths; Me? Well I grew up with a fucking chip fork in mine” I sighed and Masons lips twitched at my choice of words “Ava, believe me, you are a much better person than most of the fucking hypocrites in this restaurant” he said sharply and then looked up at someone over my shoulder “Mason Fox” I heard a man’s gravelly voice say as a forty something man approached us. He had the blondest hair I had ever seen and the warmest blue eyes that I had the pleasure to look at.

  Mason stood up to greet the man but I saw his expression soften and his shoulders relax “William” he nodded in acknowledgement. The man’s eyes swung to me “Well hello there” he smiled warmly “William, this is my girlfriend Ava Stone” Mason told him and I could hear the proudness in his voice “Ava, this is William Jackson”. He gripped my hand and brought it to his lips “Pleasure to meet you Miss Stone” I gave him a smile as his eyes lit up

  “How is business?” Mason asked “William. I asked how business is.” Mason spoke louder and I was sure I heard a low chuckle in his tone. William eventually turned to Mason and smiled “I’m very sorry, I can’t keep my eyes away from your beautiful date” he smiled softly at me and I blushed furiously but giggled “Good thank you” he dipped his head to Mason and Mason smiled, a smile I noticed that reached his eyes.

  It was obvious he thought a lot about this man “We haven’t seen you there for a while Mason, you will have to visit again, bring Miss Stone with you, no charge of course” William said happily and I saw Masons eyes glisten with humour “I’m not sure it would be to Ava’s taste but thank you for the invitation” Mason acknowledged and Williams face eyes swung to mine again “Oh I’m sure she would enjoy the experience. I’m sure we can find something to cater to Miss Stones…tastes” he winked and I swallowed “Well if you will excuse us William, our food has arrived” Mason said and he nodded and turned, keeping his eyes on me “Enjoy your meal Miss Stone. I hope we will meet again soon. You take care of my man here” he said seriously and I grinned at him, his evident care for Mason made me like him instantly “I definitely will Sir” he tipped his head in acknowledgement and departed.

  “I like him” I whispered to Mason as he settled back into his chair “Me too, we’ve known each other years. He’s a good man” he said with warmth “Where does he want us to visit?” I asked but Mason shook his head and ignored me “Tell me” I said sternly as I dipped into my garlic and lemon buttered scallops, they were exquisite and I closed my eyes as I savoured them “Mmmm” I murmured and when I reopened them Masons eyes had darkened and the pure desire in them made me gulp. I coughed “I better not do that again” I whispered sourly. I was extra horny but still bleeding slightly after my miscarriage.

  Mason nodded once “Anyway, tell me. What does William own?” I asked with a twinkle in my eye, it was obviously something illicit judging by Mason’s reaction to Williams’s invitation. He sighed and leaned in “An exclusive sex club” he said quietly and my eyes lit up “Ooh that could be fun�
�� I grinned and Masons jaw dropped “Really?” his eyes were wide “Yeah” I said excitedly “I’ve never been to one, what do they do?” I asked excitedly and Mason’s eyebrows hit his hairline “Ava I’m not really sure…” he started but I waved my hand at him “Tell me” I said sternly and he cocked his head at me but sighed “Well, they Erm have acts on” he muttered nervously and I nodded “What kind of acts?” I asked as I chewed on another scallop and stabbed one with my fork and offered it to Mason and as his lips closed over the fork he held my eyes, a fire blazing in them and I puffed as I saw his tongue sneak out to lick the juice off his lip “Well they kind of have…have sex acts on stage” he told me and my eyes brightened even more “Cool” I whispered, thinking it could be hot to watch. Mason choked faintly on his food “Really?” he seemed surprised “Yeah I bet it’s hot” I shrugged nonchalantly “what else?” I asked, now more interested in this place “Well they have rooms for you to…you know” Mason gulped and looked away from me “Rooms for what?” I asked as I placed my cutlery down and reached for my wine. He gulped again “Rooms where you can…you can interact with others or act out some Erm… fantasies” he cringed and my eyes widened as I understand what he meant. “Did you…did you, you know?” I asked inquisitively even though I wasn’t sure I wanted to know “Ava” Mason scolded at my question and I didn’t need to ask again, his warning confirmed my thoughts.

  I shook my head to clear the images I didn’t want to see and the waiter came over and cleared our plates away “More wine Sir?” he asked and Mason nodded. All of a sudden I saw Mason freeze and sort of cower slightly which I thought was rather odd but then I found out the reason why “Mason” a small brunette purred as she approached our table.