Tolerance (Heart of Stone) Read online

  “You look tired Ava” she said suddenly serious “You still having trouble sleeping?” I shrugged and demolished the last chip “I’ll get used to it” I told her and she cocked her head, her lip curling wickedly “I heard you got a good night’s sleep Monday” her eyebrows high over the rim of her glass and I smiled longingly “Yeah, best sleep I’ve had in weeks. I’m surprised he told you” I said and it was her turn to shrug “He told me it was the best night’s sleep he’d had in weeks as well” her lips were now pursed in unison with her high eyebrows “Kerrie, don’t look too far into it. I was exhausted and I asked him to stay and…he did. We slept. That was it” I informed her. She nodded and smiled but I still caught the glimmer in her eye “I suppose he didn’t tell you about storming into my workplace Tuesday morning shouting the odds?” I asked her “I didn’t think so” I said when she shook her head with wide eyes “He phoned me when me and Nate were grunting trying to lay a cable under his desk, Mason thought we were having sex and stormed in shouting and balling saying he was gonna kill Nate” I told her angrily, still pissed off with Masons behaviour.

  She stared at me “Wow” she sighed “Mmmm and when I told him it was none of his business if I wanted to have a sexual relationship with someone he went mad. Apparently I’m not allowed” I shook my head in disgust as the waiter came to remove our plates

  “I’ll take a piece of the chocolate cheesecake and a fruit salad please” I told him before he even asked if I wanted a sweet “Kerrie?” I asked and she shook her head to decline a pudding “She’ll have a trifle” I informed the waiter and Kerrie laughed when he looked at me like I’d got two heads “Sure” he grinned when I rubbed my baby bump and he understood the situation.

  “He’s hot” I whispered to Kerrie as I checked out his retreating ass. Her mouth dropped open “It’s not my fault, it’s these bloody hormones” I told her sadly “I’m so fucking horny all the time and it’s not good when you haven’t got a fella” I sulked “You wanna take a visit to Ann Summers before we get our hair done?” she asked seriously and I gave her a ‘good idea’ look. The waiter returned with my three puddings and placed them all in front of me “Enjoy” he winked and I beamed at him “Maybe I’ll just take him” I giggled to Kerrie as he walked away.

  The party was in full flow at Nate and Livs house Saturday night and I was sat around a patio heater with Grace, Leah, Liv, Lexi and Beth laughing and talking. I was tired but the lack of alcohol was helping me to stay awake. Nate, Pete Lexi’s husband and a couple of other men were singing Christmas songs on the karaoke and everybody was in the Christmas spirit. I was relaxed and happy, that was until Mason walked in with Rebecca.

  I groaned loudly and slumped down in my chair “I’m sorry Ava, I couldn’t not invite them” Liv apologised guiltily but I shook my head and smiled at her “No Liv, don’t be silly. I don’t expect you and Nate to get in the middle” I told her honestly. I would have to start coming to terms with the fact that Mason was no longer mine. It hurt though to see him with her, it hurt so fucking much but, I plastered a smile on my face and tried to ignore them.

  Roughly half an hour later Rebecca swanned over to us and took the chair opposite. I took a quick glance around for Mason, needing him to get her the hell away from me. He was stood in a group with Nate and a few others, whisky in hand and laughing at something Nate was joking about.

  Everybody glared at her and took a quick glance at me to observe my reaction, knowing from the last party here that I had a temper and took no shit. “Well hello ladies” she purred, her pouty Botox lips tight against her face. I bit my lip to rein in my temper “How is everyone?” she asked as her eyes perused the circle and then landed on me with a sneer. Nobody answered her, everybody hated her “And how’s your pregnancy going Ava?” she asked with false concern “Lovely. You?” I asked even though I didn’t give a shit “Oh wonderful. Mason and I are so excited” she smiled slyly “That’s nice” I smiled sweetly “Who are you having for a birthing partner Ava?” she was really pissing me off now. I caught Liv and Leah’s lip curl at her “Courtney of course” I sighed. “I’m just hoping I don’t break Mason’s fingers when I squeeze his hand during a contraction” she laughed falsely and my chest heaved “I thought you were having a pre-elected C-section Rebecca?” I mocked “I don’t think you will have to put up with much pain…only your own voice and Mason pouty face” I smirked and everybody else laughed. God bless them. “Excuse me, my babies are hungry again” I smiled sickly at her and left the table.

  I turned towards the buffet table and saw Mason watching me “You okay?” he mouthed with an apologetic look. I rolled my eyes at him but smiled. It was hardly his fault his ‘girlfriend’, and I use the term loosely, was an utter bitch.

  Perusing the table and nibbling bits and pieces and wondering if I should make a run for it, a warm familiar breath whispered on my neck “Hello sweetheart” I froze and my breath stuck in my lungs and my heart jumped for joy.

  I spun round and was greeted to Kades wonderful smile. I couldn’t help it; I beamed at the sight of him. He laughed heartily and pulled me into his arms “Well that smile made my plane journey worth every fucking second” he whispered into my ear.

  Holding me at arm’s length he scanned me up and down. “Wow, look at that tum” he winked and placed his hand over my stomach “I’m pleased for you Ava, really” he smiled genuinely and I pulled him into another hug “I missed you” I said softly and I had. Not like the agonised misery with which I missed Mason with but I had missed him; his friendship, his laugh, his smile and right now, his touch. As though he could read my mind his hand skimmed over my backside “Missed my hands sweetheart?” he rasped and I could feel his erection growing.

  “DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE!!” I heard Nate shout and we turned to see Mason stalking towards us “Fuck!” I growled and pulled Kade behind me “Listen to Nate, Mason. You lay one finger on him and you will never see me again!” I warned and Rebecca snorted “Well I don’t think that will be a problem” she crossed her arms in a huff “Shut the fuck up Rebecca” Mason barked and took a step closer to us.

  Kade was trying to move around me but I held him back “Ava sweetheart, it’s fine. Let’s get this over and done with” he said but I could see the haze cloud Mason’s eyes, the sure sign that the white rage was taking over. Mason was nasty and malevolent when his fury took over, he showed absolutely no mercy and would fight to the death and there was no way I was letting him anywhere Kade “Stay where you are” I hissed at Kade.

  Mason’s chest was heaving and he was literally snarling “Listen to me Mason” I said sternly but his eyes were near black now “LISTEN TO ME!” I screamed at him and his eyes flicked to mine and I knew I had a little part of his attention “You do not ever touch him if you want to see your children” I said slowly but determinedly and Mason narrowed his eyes on me but I also saw his pain at seeing me stood with Kade. I caught Sam and Nate stood ready for him and I gave them a quick glance. Sam nodded at me “Sam is going to take you and Rebecca home and I will call you tomorrow” I told him softly and he bit his bottom lip.

  Rebecca strolled up to the side of him and rested her hand on his forearm “Mason? Why are being like this over that skank?” she spat and he snapped his head round to her with speed and hatred and she cowered at the malicious coldness in his eyes “Don’t. EVER. Fucking. Call. Her. That. Again” he snarled and she took a step back. My heart swelled at his protectiveness and I took a step closer to him and cupped his cheek “Kade and I are just friends Mason. That is all” his eyes softened and he leant into my palm and I reached up and kissed his cheek “I will always love you Mason, you and only you” I whispered in his ear and his shoulders slumped and he exhaled heavily “Ava” he whispered back softly.

  I made myself step away from him “Sam’s gonna run you and Rebecca home, Okay?” I said and begged him silently with my eyes. He nodded but didn’t smile and then he turned and walked away.

  I breathed a
huge weary sigh of relief and Kade came round to my side “Thanks for that” he puffed “I think he wants to kill me” he said jokingly but I knew he knew Mason well enough to understand that he would have definitely beat the life out him if he got his hands on him. “He won’t touch you now Kade” I smiled gently and Kade nodded.

  “Drink?” he asked “I know I fucking do” he laughed and I gave him a ‘don’t be stupid’ look and pointed to my bump “Oooh poor you” he grimaced and grabbed my hand as we walked over to the drinks table.

  A few people came over to say hello and we eventually found a couple of chairs in a quiet corner “How long are you home for?” I asked as I took a sip of soda and bit into one of the many nibbles I had piled on my plate. Kade eyed my huge mountain of food sceptically and I grinned and rubbed my tummy “Prepare to be amazed” I grinned wickedly “A woman who eats for England” he laughed heartily and my body hummed at the sound “I’m here till just after new year” he said and took a long pull from his bottle “Nates kept me up to date with you Ava. Don’t blame him” he said quickly when he saw my scowl “He’s a good friend and I just asked him to look out for you. I know what Masons like. To be honest I thought you would have been back with him by now” he said frankly and I shook my head as I popped a pastry puff thing in my mouth “No he can’t…can’t get past what we did” I said quietly and Kade nodded softly “Do you regret us?” he asked, wincing slightly as he waited for my answer. I took his hand “No Kade, never. My only regret is hurting Mason but I’m not ashamed of what we did” he sighed heavily and I saw the relief in his face

  “So, where are you stopping?” I asked biting something that looked a bit too orangey “Yours?” he asked candidly and I laughed at his hopeful expression “Try again cowboy” I scolded good-humouredly. He pouted sulkily but then grinned “At the apartment. I took a six months contract out on it before I left for Italy and I rented it to a mate so I’m stopping with him until Christmas then I’m off to my folks in Newquay” I smiled, glad that he had someone to spend Christmas with “Unless I get a better offer” he waggled his eyebrows at me and I rolled my eyes “Keep trying” I laughed

  “Oh I fucking intent to” he said seriously and my laughter stopped abruptly, my stomach heated and tightened at the huskiness in his tone. He rolled his head round his neck and stood “I’m gonna scoot, I came straight here from the airport and I’m knackered” he announced and I frowned “You came straight here?” I asked perplexed. He grinned lazily “Yeah, there was someone I was dying to see” he winked and bent down and kissed my cheek tenderly, cupping my other cheek with his hand and I turned my face and kissed his palm “I’ll be in touch” he breathed and then was gone. I sighed heavily. My body was screaming at me in frustration and I pulled a face. What a night!

  I climbed into bed, exhausted and bone tired and miraculously dropped to sleep straight away but a couple of hours later my mind was racing again. I refused to open my eyes, knowing the moment I did I wouldn’t get any more sleep tonight but they had other ideas and I slowly peeled my eyelids back and scrambled up the bed in shock.

  “What the hell Mason” I squealed. He was sat in the wicker chair in the corner of my bedroom. I was amazed I hadn’t been aware of him earlier as he had switched on the small lamp on my dressing table. He sat silently watching me “How long have you been there?” I asked and he cocked his head. I narrowed my eyes on him “You came to check if I was with Kade didn’t you?” I asked angrily but he still didn’t speak.

  He pushed himself upwards and grasped the edge of his t-shirt, pulled in over his head and my eyes widened when I saw his naked powerful chest. His eyes were full of desire, longing with need and my breath caught in my throat. He popped the button on his jeans and pushed them down his legs with his shorts and I whimpered at the sight of him. His glorious hard, lean naked body was like nectar to my eyes and my body lit up; my blood surged through my body, every single hair stood on end in anticipation of his touch, my stomach heated and clenched heavily and my core pulsed.

  “I need to feel you Ava” he breathed as he crawled up the bed towards me and grabbing my ankles, he tugged so I was laid flat on the bed. I gulped at his hands slowly swept up my shin and thighs. He grinned sensually “I need to smell you” he whispered as his face came against my crotch and he inhaled deeply. I moaned as my arousal flooded my shorts and Mason closed his eyes in pleasure and moaned gently.

  He knelt between my legs “I need to taste you” he rasped and gripped my shorts on either side of my hips and swept them down my legs “Oh My God” I wheezed as Mason kissed my foot and snaked his tongue gently and slowly up my leg. I watched his every kiss and suckle as he worked his way upwards. My sex was already on fire in expectancy and as he got to the apex of my thighs I nearly passed out with eagerness.

  As his tongue swept the entire length of my hot flesh we both gave a moan of approval “There you are” he grated “I missed your taste Ava. My mouth has craved your delicious juices” his tongue circled my clitoris and I groaned and rested my head back against the pillow “Oh god that feels good” I breathed as he entered two fingers into me “You’re so fucking wet for me Ava” he growled and I swallowed heavily “Mason” I begged “What do you want Ava?” he circled my clit more and his fingers matched its movement inside me, stretching my muscles in readiness for him “Tell me Ava” he demanded “I wanna explode around your mouth Mason” I groaned loudly as he hissed and sucked my clit between his teeth and pulled his fingers against my front wall, pressing against my G-spot. My orgasm ripped through me violently as Mason struggled to hold my hips down as he worked me back to awareness.

  He kissed my bump twice before he slid up to me, taking my mouth in a demanding kiss. He pulled back and knelt up again and grabbing my arms, tugged me upwards and peeled off my vest “I need to see you Ava” he said as he pushed me gently back down onto the bed “and now I need to be inside you” he said through gritted teeth. He stretched out above me, taking care not to squash my stomach and as his mouth moved along my jaw he slowly nudged into me. I sobbed in relief as he pushed all the way in, my body screamed in delight at his presence and my pussy gripped him tightly as though never to let him go “Oh God Yes” he groaned “Don’t move Ava” he grated as his teeth nibbled at my neck “You feel so damn good Ava. We were made for this, made perfectly to fit each other” I moaned at his words and rolled my hips “Make love to me Mason” I begged and he pulled all the way out and then pushed back in so slowly. I arched my back in ecstasy as we both groaned again at the contact “Oh Baby” he choked as he repeated the action once more and then he pulled out and slammed into me. I cried out loudly “Yes Ava, feel me” he growled as he slammed in again and edged us up the bed with his power.

  My man was back, back beside me and inside me and I was euphoric and delighted. “TELL” he rasped as he slammed into me and I yelped, “ME” Slam…yelp “YOU” Slam…Yelp “LOVE” Slam…Yelp “ME” Slam…Yelp “AVA” Slam…Yelp.

  “I FUCKING LOVE YOU” I screamed as I climaxed powerfully and he cried out as my muscles squeezed him tightly. Before I had come down he pulled out and flipped me over but he lifted me back against him so I was knelt before him with my back to his chest as he knelt behind me. He kneel walked us up the bed nearer to the headboard “Are the babies okay?” he asked softly in my ear. I nodded “They’re well cushioned, don’t worry” I told him as I hung my head to one side so he could get better access to the part of my neck he was nibbling at.

  Grabbing both my hands he placed them onto the headboard “Good, because I’m gonna rip you in two” he snarled and I whimpered in excitement as he thrust in to me “Hold on Ava” I nodded and gripped the bar of my white iron headboard as he thrust brutally again then he started his relentless pounding, edging us up the bed with his powerful blows until I was nearly at the top. I let go of the headboard and locked my hands around his neck behind me.

  I tipped my head towards him, and bit his neck on each formidable
drive into me. One hand had settled over my bump as if protecting his babies, a shocking contrast to his other hand that had gripped my hair and yanked my head to the side to let him into my neck. My internal walls started to clench as my third orgasm built rapidly “Come on Ava! Again!” he demanded and as his teeth sunk into my neck as I screamed, savagely coming around him “I LOVE YOU AVA” he roared as his own orgasm tore through him violently. He cried out with each fierce spurt as his hot spunk hit my insides and as his last potent pump drained him he rolled us over onto our sides and he pulled me into him “Hold me Ava” he begged as we both panted heavily. I turned to face him and slid my arms around him, my legs curled around his as I tucked my head under his chin and we held each other tightly and almost immediately drifted into a deep and peaceful sleep.

  “Come on laz…Oh Shit sorry” I heard Courtney stutter and I groaned against the light spilling through the curtains “What time is it?” I asked her “Erm…11:20” she mumbled. “Go make her some coffee” Mason told her and I noticed a slight resignation in his voice and I heard her softly shut the door behind her. We were still wrapped in each other’s arms and I heard him sigh against me “Good morning Gorgeous” he breathed in my ear and I sighed appreciatively.

  He sat up and pulled me up so I was kneeling in front of him “You are so beautiful Ava” he told me and anxiousness surged through me as I saw his sad painful expression “From your soft curls” he stroked his fingers through my hair “To your smooth pale skin” he trailed a finger across my shoulder blade “To your delightful breasts” he brushed his thumb over the swell of them “To your striking green eyes” he kissed each of my eyes “To your remarkable heart” he leant forward and kissed my heart and then sat back and cupped my face “That is why I’m setting you free Ava”