Incineration (Heart of Stone) Read online

  “You’re so god damn hot when you come” he breathed now climbing back up and taking my mouth. I gripped his hair and pulled him closer. My hand finding his hard erection through the material of his trousers and he hissed “Yes, touch me Ava” he moaned. My fingers swiftly fiddled with the zip and pulled his cock free, working his shaft.

  He was huge and I wondered how I would accommodate him. His fierce kiss claimed me again but I pulled back and wriggled down the bed “I need to taste you Mason” I said and he groaned loudly as I reached his erection and licked the tip, tasting the pre-cum settled on the end. He moaned deeply, a deep guttural grunt as I tongued him from his scrotum to the tip of his cock before sliding my lips over the length of him “Fuck Yeah” he grated and I worked him feverishly, struggling to take his full length but gripping the base of his shaft with my hand, my other hand cradling his sack, kneading his testicles roughly. “Do you know hot it is watching my cock inside your hot mouth Baby?” He gripped my hair and pulled gently, his words spurring me on. I mumbled a yes around his hard length not wanting to release him to answer “I’m gonna come in your mouth Ava” he rumbled and gripped my hair tighter, shouting my name as his spunk spewed into my mouth, his hips jolting violently.

  “Jesus” he breathed against my neck as he pulled me back up to him, snuggling me in to him “I don’t think I’ve ever come so violently” he chuckled and I nodded “Me too” I agreed and he pulled me tighter to him. “I knew you’d be the fire-cracker I’d expected, there’s so much passion in you. Hell I didn’t think I could work you hard enough”

  I was embarrassed by my behaviour and shrugged into him “Ava, don’t be embarrassed. It was hot. I like a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it” I felt his grin as he kissed the top of my head “Does Rebecca ask for what she wants?” and I cringed at my words “Ava!” he warned in a low voice “I’m sorry Mason, I don’t know where that came from” his fingers were brushing through my hair and he was silent for a moment “Tell me what happened the night George found you Ava” he probed softly but his words panicked me and I shot off the bed “NO, NO, NO Mason. Please don’t make me go there again” I begged, picking up my clothes off the floor and scrambling to get dressed.

  I’d managed to push the memories back again and wasn’t willing to open them wide again. He clambered out of the bed, groaning in pain “Ava, I’m sorry, it doesn’t matter” he declared, hauling me into his arms “I’m sorry Ava” he said again, stroking my hair.

  I pulled back “I should go Mason. We shouldn’t have done that. You’re my boss and I don’t make a habit of doing things like that with people I work for” I stuttered, pulling my shirt round me, relieved when I found a couple of buttons still intact. Mason chuckled “I should hope not, George is a little too old for you” his lips turned down grimly though “Please don’t go Ava” I shook my head “I’m sorry Mason” I slipped my shoes on and made a hasty exit “I’ll see you in the morning” I said and I heard him sigh “Ava” he said sadly and I finally turned to look at him “I’m sorry Mason, I can’t get hurt and I don’t trust my emotions when I’m with you. We can’t take this further, we can’t do this again. I don’t do just sex” my eyes pleaded with him and he lowered his gaze and I knew he couldn’t promise to be what I wanted him to be, to him it was just sex.

  I descended the stairs quickly gathering my things and as I got to the front door I heard him behind me. I turned and he was stood on the stairs watching me, a grim expression on his face. I smiled gently “See you tomorrow Mason” but he just stood staring at me.

  Swallowing harshly I opened the door and left, shutting it softly behind me, finally sucking in a breath of air as I reached my car.

  Climbing in, I dropped my head on the steering wheel and groaned “What the hell have you done Ava?” I chastised myself, angry at my lack of control around Mason. I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t risk the pain I knew would kill me when he hurt me and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would damage my already wounded heart. He was a womaniser and a player; to him there were no relationships, just sex and I couldn’t handle that, I needed trust and I would never be able to trust him.

  CHAPTER 10

  I took my anger out at the gym. Courtney was with me as was our usual Monday night routine and I was using the punch bag, laying into it with all the pent up anger, adrenaline and hurt that was locked away inside me.

  I was pummelling it, grunting and bearing my teeth. Courtney was stood at the edge of the room watching me and eventually she grabbed my arms “Ava, Jesus. Calm down” she said as she approached, pulling me away “What’s wrong Babe?”

  I shook my head “Leave it Courtney. I just need to get it out” I told her angrily but she continued to hold me back “You need to talk not knock the shit out of a bag. Talk to me Ava” I closed my eyes and nodded “Let’s get a drink first” I resigned and she smiled at me “Good girl” she said and we made our way to the onsite cafeteria.

  We sat down with our coffee’s and she jumped right in “Mason?” she asked and I nodded “We went further” I admitted and she nodded “I gathered. How much further?” I shrugged “We didn’t have sex but we did nearly everything else. I can’t control myself around him. It’s like my body craves him. Even now I can still feel his hands on me and the way he kisses me; Jesus it’s so…so passionate. It’s like we want to devour each other. Even he admitted he’s never climaxed so hard and it was the same for me” she nodded again “So what’s the problem?” she asked, confused “It’s just sex for him Courtney, I asked him and he didn’t deny it, just looked away. And I know I’m already developing feelings for him. He’s gonna hurt me and I can’t risk it” tears pooled in my eyes but I blinked them back, refusing to let them fall. Her hands gripped mine “Oh Babe” she sighed and I shrugged “He keeps asking me about that night and I so want to open up to him but I don’t know how to” she nodded slowly “It might help though Ava, to talk” and I shook my head “I need to trust him first and that’s never gonna happen. He has too many women and you’re telling me he’s gonna drop them all for me cause I know it won’t happen, he even has a woman’s name tattooed on his damn chest” my tears now finally fell at the words I just spoke, the cold sharp pain driving through my heart when I thought of him with other women “See look at me already and he only fingered me” my voice dropping to a whisper to keep our discussion private. A small smile played on Courtneys lips “Was it good though?” she asked quietly and I smiled through my tears “The best orgasm ever. I’ll give him that, he knows what to do” I laughed and she grinned when I added “And he’s huge, Jesus” I rubbed the back of neck trying to discharge the memories of this morning, the feel of him and the taste of him.

  We both started giggling like a pair of bloody teenagers “Stop!” I cried “Don’t let me remember. I don’t have enough knickers to keep up with the memories” we both belly laughed now and my phone rang. It displayed Masons’ name so I ignored it, I couldn’t deal with him yet but a moment later I received a text

  MASON

  I was just ringing to check you are okay. Please talk to me Ava!

  ME

  I can’t Mason but I’m fine. At the gym with Courtney

  Don’t worry. I’ll see you tomorrow

  To be honest I was surprised by his concern.

  MASON

  God! I’d love to watch you work out. Your tight arse in yoga pants, sweat dripping down your chest!!

  Oh God! I closed my eyes and when I opened them Courtney was leaning over, reading the text. Her eyes widened and she grinned “Wow, he definitely has a way with words. He’s even making me horny” she laughed and I slapped her arm

  ME

  Stop! Lol. I have to go, see you tomorrow

  MASON

  Okay, take care Ava

  X

  My heart lurched at the sight of the little kiss but I swiftly pushed it back, it’s just something people did but Courtney got more excited “A kiss�
�� she squealed “there may be more to it than you think Ava” she stated but I just frowned at her “Don’t Courtney” I warned and she sat back down, lowering her eyes as she realised what she’d said.

  Tuesday morning arrived way too fast, my stomach in knots again as I entered Masons’ house. It was quiet and I shouted his name, wanting to check on his injuries but it was silent.

  I filled the percolator and as it spluttered to life I heard the front door open and close “In here” I shouted, presuming it was Mason.

  Footsteps sounded behind me and I turned to see Rebecca stood in the doorway. She gave me a swift perusal, her obvious disapproval of my clothes showing on her face. I was wearing my favourite green dress; a knee length shift dress with a thin black belt and my knee high black heeled boots; the dress wasn’t designer but had cost me nearly a week’s wages.

  “Hello Ava is Mason around?” she asked, her sneer evident “Erm, I haven’t seen him but I only arrived 10 minutes ago” I said, turning back round to the coffee machine, not wanting to look at her sour face anymore. “I’ll take a look” she snapped and wandered off.

  Pulling a face I poured myself a coffee, my body was craving the caffeine and I started work on checking the fridge and writing down the shopping that was needed.

  A good half an hour passed and I didn’t see Rebecca again and gathered she had just left.

  I was in the hallway sorting the mail when I heard laughing behind me; I turned to see Mason and Rebecca descending the stairs, laughing as she clutched his arm as his hand rested on her backside, whilst he whispered something in her ear. I froze, my stomach clenching and my chest pounding.

  Mason looked up and when he saw me he closed his eyes slowly and I saw him swear under his breath. Refusing to show any emotion, I plastered a smile on my face and walked back through to the kitchen, desperately biting my lip harshly to stop the tears that wanted to embarrass me. I could taste the blood on my lip, when I bit down harder as I heard Rebecca whisper my name and then laugh.

  I was shocked that he could go from me to her in the space of a day, he really had no scruples. This was not the kind of man I needed in my life and I decided there and then that I needed to move on, I couldn’t work with him, he was already breaking me.

  Gathering my bag and car keys and ignoring the love birds in the hallway I walked to the front door, shoulders back and chin high then looked Mason straight in the eyes “I’m going to do the shopping and run a few errands. Do you need anything while I’m out?” I asked with no emotion. His gaze dropped to my chewed lip and he frowned “Ava, your bleeding” he scowled at me but I looked away “Yes I Erm…I Erm jumped when Rebecca came in and bit it. Do you need anything?” I repeated bluntly, still avoiding his eyes but focusing on Rebecca’s hand slowly stroking Masons thigh. “Erm no” he said, slowly and I nodded briskly and left, softly closing the door. The need to slam the bloody thing coursing through me and I was proud of myself when I controlled it.

  I climbed in my car and left, slowly pulling out of the driveway. I drove a quarter mile and after spotting a layby I pulled in, pulled the handbrake on and sobbed, heart wrenching, racking sobs that tore through me.

  I couldn’t do this; I was in love with him. I finally admitted it to myself and then the pain in my heart hit me and I doubled over, my head resting on the steering wheel as I cried, draining sobs that wouldn’t stop and I stayed in the layby, crying wildly as my heart refused to stop bleeding.

  I eventually simmered down after an hour and just sat staring into a field, at the side of the layby for another half hour with the image of Rebecca’s wandering hands burning my vision. Taking a deep breath, determined to do what was needed I pulled off and headed to the supermarket, picking Masons shopping up and some writing paper. I sat and wrote my resignation in the car park, giving a weeks’ notice so he could find someone else, slipped it the envelope and made my way back.

  CHAPTER 11

  I pulled up outside Masons house and sat flipping the envelope in my fingers, my courage now slipping. Gritting my teeth and mentally preparing myself I placed the letter in my bag and got out of the car, took the shopping from the boot and entered the house.

  I walked into the kitchen to see Mason and Brian sat at the island drinking coffee. Mason looked at me, a deep frown on his face as he searched my eyes but Brian jumped up and walked over to me, enveloping me in his strong frame “Ava Sweetheart. How are you? You look a bit peaky” he cocked his head and studied me “I’m good Mr Cox, just a headache” I forced a smile “How are you Sir?” I asked politely as I started emptying the bags and ignoring Mason. “Oh I’m fine Darling. In fact I’m here to see you really. I’m having a birthday party Saturday night and I came to bring your invitation. Brenda insisted you came because she’s eager to see you” he winked and added “I think she’s toying with the idea of being your surrogate mother now George has gone” he smiled softly and I grinned at him.

  I had really taken Brian into my heart and his wife sounded as wonderful as he was “I’ll do my best Mr Cox but I can’t promise anything” I said, not knowing what would happen with Mason when I gave him my resignation, wondering if he would ask me to leave straight away. “Nonsense” Brian dismissed “Brenda said you must come. She’ll kill me if you don’t make it” he said wide eyed and I laughed “Fine, I promise” he grinned and passed me an envelope “All the information is in there” he frowned and swiped his thumb over my cheek in a fatherly gesture “Are you sure you’re okay Ava? You look like you’ve been crying Darling” he asked sadly. Shit really? “Oh ignore me Mr Cox, I’m just missing George” I shrugged and he pulled me in his embrace and stroked my hair.

  I caught Masons’ confused expression over Brian’s’ shoulder but quickly looked away “Ava call me Brian. I’d say were friends now. Listen come over for dinner tonight, Brenda would love to meet you before Saturday” he asked, leaning back and regarding me and I sucked on my lips, debating his invitation “Come on, it will do you good” he persevered “Okay, thank you” I smiled “Excellent!” he exclaimed and grabbed a piece of paper from the phone pad and scribbled something down “Here’s my address. Shall we say 7 O’clock?” he asked and I nodded “That will be fine, thank you again Brian” he grinned.

  I turned to Mason “I’ll go make a start on some paperwork” I said flatly and he cocked his head at me “Okay Ava” he narrowed his eyes but I ignored him “See you tonight Brian” I smiled genuinely at the older man. He nodded and I left the room, climbing the stairs quickly, eager to get away from Masons’ stare and scurried into the office, leaning on the closed door and taking a deep breath. Mason had brought in a small desk and computer for me so we didn’t need to share one and I placed my letter on his desk and sat down at mine and started work.

  I was on the phone to Mason’s insurance company, sorting out cover for his new motorbike when he entered the office. He stood silently at the doorframe, watching me for a moment making me squirm under his intense gaze and then walked to his desk and sat down.

  I saw him take the envelope, open it and start reading as I turned away from him slightly, lowering my head and writing down some details the insurance agent was giving me. He inhaled sharply and then stood, flung the letter on my desk and stormed out of the door, slamming it hard behind him, making me and the agent on the phone jump “Sorry, something fell off the wall” I lied, confused at his behaviour.

  After this morning’s obvious love fest with Rebecca I would have thought he’d be eager to get rid of me. I finished my phone call and decided to find him to sort it out but as I reached the bottom step I heard him roar off on his bike, gravel spinning behind him.

  I stood frozen to the spot for a while and then decided to bake, I needed something to relax me and keep me busy.

  An orange cake, cranberry muffin pie and white choc chip cookies later the phone rang “Hello Mr Fox’s personal assistant speaking” I answered “Hi Ava, this is Kerrie. Is Mason there?” she sounded a little worried �
�I’m sorry no, he’s out at the moment can I take a message?” I asked, establishing that Kerrie must be a popular sexual partner of his as she had rung a few times now “Oh” she said simply “I just received a garbled message off him but I’ve rang his mobile and he’s not answering. Strange.

  Has he said anything to you Ava? I know you are a bit more than friends and he talks about you non-stop” I frowned “Oh” I answered “Erm not really” I was stunned that Mason spoke about me to this woman.

  I was silent for a while “Ava? Has he told you who I am?” she probed, concern in her tone “Erm No, sorry” I cringed, hoping she wasn’t someone who would be offended that Mason hadn’t mentioned her. “I’m an idiot; I bet you think I’m one of his girlfriends. I’m his sister sweetie” she divulged and I sighed loudly “Are you okay Ava? Have you and Mason had a row?”

  I stayed silent, not knowing if to open up to her “I know he can be an arse but his hearts in the right place” she said softly “What’s he done?” she probed gently “I Erm…” I stopped myself, aware that Mason might not like his private life divulged to his sister “Listen Ava, he told me about what happened between you two and believe me, you must be special if he’s spoke to me about you. He doesn’t ever mention any women” I swallowed heavily and I heard her sigh again “Okay Ava, what’s he done?” I closed my eyes; I really wanted to open up to this sweet woman. She seemed to be close to Mason and might understand what went off in his head “He Erm…well he obviously told you I have trouble opening up” I inquired to see how much Mason had told her about me “Yes sweetie” she confirmed softly “Well I gave in yesterday and we Erm…we Erm, well we got closer” I stated “I know Ava, he told me” she encouraged softly “Well it was hard for me to let myself go but I started to trust him but this morning he didn’t know I was here and he was upstairs with Rebecca for an hour and when they came back down he was all over her and vice versa” I gulped back my tears, forbidding them to surface “Oh for fucks sake! What does he see in that bitch?” she fumed “Listen Ava, I know he has feelings for you, he just can’t understand what he’s feeling. Mason has issue’s trusting women; most of them are after his money and status. I know you’re not like that, I can tell by the way he talks about you but you have to believe me when I say he never ever talks about a woman, but he can’t seem to stop telling me all about you” I could hear her grin on the other end “Ava, do you think we could meet for lunch tomorrow? We don’t have to tell Mason” she asked and I immediately agreed.