The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone (69 page)

He grabbed my hand. “Please . . .” His own tears were falling now and I broke for him.

“I can’t live with secrets Mason, I can’t. I’m sorry,” I whispered. I turned to leave and walked away.

“Rebecca’s pregnant,” he choked out.

I froze, my heart finally shattering to the floor with my suitcase. “W. . . . w.what?” I stammered, paralysed to the spot, the sight of him might suddenly crumble my composure. “What did you say?” I asked calmly. I closed my eyes as he repeated his words.

“Rebecca’s pregnant,” he echoed softly and sadly, like the tenderness in his voice would make it alright.

I swallowed back the bile and lifted my chin in determination, refusing to break down. “How far?” I asked. He remained silent. “HOW FAR?”

“Four months,” he whispered and my throat closed in. Why did that bitch get the one thing I desperately wanted?

I sucked in my lips, trying to hold back the tears and clenched my fists tightly, “I thought you said you always used a condom with the others.”

For some reason it was this lie that hurt the most; he had said that the lack of protection with us was down to the raw passion we had, but obviously he had the same fucking raw passion with Rebecca and it was this that choked the sob from my throat.

“Oh, baby” he breathed with a choked whisper.

I heard him approach swiftly and I spun round. “
DON’T FUCKING TOUCH ME!”
I hissed acidly.

He reared back at the pure hatred in my eyes. “I’m so sorry, Ava. I . . .” he cried.

I gagged. “My baby is dead you bastard, possibly helped along by your fuck whore, yet you . . . you . . . you and Rebecca . . .” I couldn’t finish as the pain ripped me apart.

I held my hand up as he reached out to me. “No! No! No!” I screeched and turned, walked calmly to the door and left; left him sobbing on the floor. I left my shattered heart right there with him.

CHAPTER 38

I WAS BANGING on Courtney’s door, loudly and repeatedly.

“Courtney,” I screamed. “Courtney . . . please!” I begged and slid down her door, sobbing uncontrollably on the step.

I eventually heard her locks slide. She opened her door and gasped at the sight of me. “Fuck! Ava,” she cried and bent down, lifting me against her and steered me onto her sofa. “Ava babe, what is it?” she begged but I couldn’t calm down. “Ava please,” she sobbed, the sight of me breaking her heart.

I was struggling to breathe, making myself retch with the extent of my crying, so she sat embracing me, stroking my hair until I calmed down.

“Please, Ava,” she wept as I screamed and sobbed and moaned as my heart tore me in two with the physical pain. “Shush Ava, shush sweetheart,” she soothed as she held me tight.

It took me an hour to calm down and by the end Courtney was pulling her hair out in distress. “Ava, please babe,” she pleaded once more. I finally managed to look at her.

“Rebecca’s having Mason’s baby,” I choked out.

Her face expressed every thought that tore through her; her skin paled, her eyes blazed and her breathing sped up. She couldn’t speak through her own fury. She inhaled sharply but stroked her thumb across my cheek gently and tipped her head in sadness.

I nodded in understanding and we wept again together as her heart broke for me, along with my own.

“How far gone is she?” Courtney asked softly as we were sat cradling coffee an hour later.

“Four months,” I answered with no tone or emotion in my voice.

She sighed heavily, “Well that’s one thing. At least you know it wasn’t while he was with you.”

I nodded once. Her hands rubbed her pale face. “Oh Ava, I don’t know what to say, babe.” She sighed sadly and I shrugged.

“There’s nothing to say, is there? Rebecca gets the baby and the man I want so desperately. Maybe God doesn’t think I’m worthy of being a mother?” I conceded nonchalantly and took a sip of coffee.

“Ava, that’s bullshit and you know it!” Courtney scolded as my phone trilled a message.

MASON

I know you won’t want to talk to me but I’m just checking you are okay, you weren’t really in any fit state to drive and I’m worried . . . I’m so sorry Ava.

My heart is broken for you, for every fucked up thing I’ve done to you and I will never forgive myself for hurting you like this. I love you xxxxx

ME

I’m not dead! Sorry to disappoint you.

MASON

DON’T FUCKING TALK LIKE THAT!

I refused to answer and stood up. “Can I borrow something to wear for the barbeque tonight, hun? I don’t want to go back to Mason’s.”

Her jaw dropped. “You’re never still going, Ava?”

I frowned at her. “Of course I am and I’m gonna get thoroughly fucking pissed,” I grinned. “In fact let me text Liv and see if she minds you tagging along and we can get drunk together. I bet there are lots of hot guys,” I teased.

She nodded and stood, walking over to the kitchen to pop some bread in the toaster. “Okay but I’m only coming to keep an eye on you,” she winked and I laughed.

* * *

At 7 O’clock we pulled into a semi-circled gravel driveway and looked in awe at the mansion in front of us.

“Jesus, Ava,” Courtney breathed. I just nodded.

“Yeah,” I puffed as I gawped at the huge home.

We managed to find a spot to park; the amount of cars in the driveway told us the party was already rocking and that Liv and Nate had lots of friends.

We were guided round to the back of the house by an attendant and as we approached the sight of the garden/meadow it took my breath. It was stunning; a real piece of heaven including a secluded brook.

The garden was decorated with tons of tables, a marque and lots and lots of tiny fairy lights. There was an extra-long table set up as a bar and at least three ginormous barbeques were smoking away, the aroma from the food making my mouth water and my stomach grumble.

“Ava!” Liv shouted and came hobbling over to us. “Hey,” she greeted, giving me a hug. “Are you okay Ava? Nate told me about your baby, I’m so sorry,” she said softly. I smiled and nodded.

“Liv, this is my friend Courtney,” I introduced and they greeted each other.

“Come and get some food before the guys demolish it all. What is it with men and meat?” she whispered and then she paused. “In fact, what is it with women and men’s meat?” she winked. We all laughed loudly, already relaxing.

She steered us to the bar and we grabbed a drink each. I piled my plate with steak, coleslaw and salad and went in search of a table.

“So where’s Mason?” Liv asked between mouthfuls and I lowered my eyes.

“Mason and I aren’t together anymore.” I shrugged. I felt a hand rest on my shoulder. I turned round to see Nate’s sad smile.

“I’m so sorry to hear that, Ava. You two seemed perfect for each other.”

I scoffed. “He seemed to be perfect with someone else too,” I laughed bitterly.

Liv’s expression softened and Courtney huffed. “Yeah, let’s just say the bastard tossed Ava’s love and trust away painfully and horrifically!” Courtney slammed.

Liv’s hand settled over mine, “Oh God Ava, you have really been through it a lately haven’t you,” she whispered.

Nate reached over and kissed Liv’s forehead. “Have you seen Beth?” he asked her and she shook her head.

“She’s working late but she’ll be coming later with the new boyfriend. I can’t wait to meet him, she seems smitten.” She grinned at Nate with a twinkle in her eye and then turned to me.

“My best friend is the female version of a manwhore.” She laughed, “and at 41 I thought she would never settle down but fingers crossed, she finally seems taken with this new guy,” she revealed. We all laughed and then her face grew serious as her eyes focused on someone in the background.

“Ava sweetheart, I should warn you,” She grimaced a little. “Kerrie, Mason’s sister is here tonight. Nate knows her husband so they were invited. If I’d have known I wouldn’t . . . you know,” she apologised.

“Hey, Liv its fine. I have a good relationship with Kerrie.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank god, I thought things were gonna get ugly.” She giggled but I shook my head, a little tremor running through me at the thought of Kade being here.

“Anyway, I better go mingle,” she said and heaved herself out of the chair, her huge belly making the action difficult. Nate grabbed her hands, pulling her out. “Bloody hell big mama” he puffed.

She swat his arm, “Hey you did this to me” she scowled.

He grinned and pulled her into a side hug. “Oh God Yes! And I thoroughly enjoyed it” he winked.

We all laughed. “Typical” Liv chuckled, “See you two later” she beamed and wobbled off.

“She’s lovely,” Courtney said as we stood and made our way over to the bar for refills and Courtney went to refill her plate.

I was stood waiting for the barman to prepare my vodka and cranberry when a hot breath brushed my cheek.

“Hello again Ava,” Kade whispered huskily. I was sure I could feel his erection against my thigh, my body lit up in recognition and I clenched my fists.

I turned and plastered a fake smile on my face. “Kade,” I greeted.

His eyes darkened as he took in my appearance. The only item of Courtney’s clothes that I could squeeze my large breasts into was a pale knee length green wraparound dress that gave my cleavage a lot of airtime and knee high cream boots.

“You look . . . exquisite.” He licked his lips as his gaze settled on the swell of my chest and the darkness in his eyes made my knickers wet with arousal.

Don’t go there Ava. He was Kerrie’s husband and the reminder suddenly filled me with rage. “Where’s Kerrie?” I narrowed my eyes on him in warning but his lips curved and his smile was anything but chaste.

“She’s around here somewhere,” he smirked but didn’t let his eyes move from mine.

I smiled tightly and looked around until I spotted her. “Kerrie!” I shouted her over. The challenge in Kade’s eyes fired my insides.

“Ava,” Kerrie walked over to us just as Courtney reappeared with a loaded plate of baked potato.

“You look familiar,” Courtney said to Kade and pursed her lips.

Kade just shrugged. “Sorry, I don’t think we’ve met,” he replied but she pursed her lips, still regarding him.

Oh Shit!

I caught the humour in Kade’s eyes as he winked at me. I turned my attention back to Kerrie as she said something. “Sorry, what?”

She smiled, “I asked where Mason was.” I froze immediately and looked away. “Ava?” she narrowed her eyes and I sighed.

“Mason and I aren’t together now, Kerrie,” I disclosed frankly.

She cocked her head and held my hand. “Ava, I’m sorry about the baby” she whispered and I nodded. “Is that the reason you broke up? Because grief can bring out a whole load of shit in somebody,” she said softly as though to make excuses for Mason’s behaviour.

I scoffed resentfully. “Oooh no, nothing a simple as that.” I shook my head in disgust. “That I could deal with, what I can’t deal with is your brother’s constant need to smash my fucking heart to smithereens,” I snapped angrily.

I saw the question in her eyes. “What the fuck has he done now?” she asked sharply.

“You better ask him, Kerrie,” I sighed.

Courtney’s hand settled on my arm. “Come on Ava, we’re here to have fun and get slaughtered,” she urged and I put on a false smile.

I could feel Kade’s eyes on me and I gave him a quick stern glance but his expression shocked me; gone was the lust and desire, it was replaced by anger and sympathy. “Does that fucking man have to bollocks up everything he touches?” he growled.

Everyone’s head snapped around to stare at him. He seemed miles away, but he suddenly shook his head to clear it and shrugged. “Well he does Kerrie, it’s about time he stopped being so damn selfish and thought about other people’s feelings for a change.”

My eyes widened at his anger and hatred for Mason. “Kade please,” Kerrie sighed as though it was an on-going argument between them.

Kade turned to me sharply, his gaze burning into me. “What did he do, Ava?” he demanded. I cowered slightly and looked away, my eyes filling with tears. I bit my lip harshly to stop them from flowing.

“Ava!” he insisted and I gulped as I lifted my eyes but refused to look at Kade, so I locked onto Kerrie’s sympathetic ones.

“He . . . he’s . . .” I took a deep breath, “He’s . . . Damn it!” I raged at myself.

“Ava, do you want me to tell them?” Courtney asked gently. I shook my head, biting my lip harder and piercing the skin. I could feel Kade’s intense gaze on me and I saw his fists clench through the corner of my eye.

Taking a deep breath I persevered. “He’s back on the coke,” I stated. Kerrie groaned and Kade sighed heavily. “And Rebecca is having his baby,” I finished to Kerrie’s shocked face and Kade’s loud growl, luckily nobody else heard it as the band that was entertaining had set up the sound system and the speakers squealed loudly.

I glanced at Kade but couldn’t read his expression. His eyes were dark and wild as they pierced me. “Fuck, Ava!” Kerrie breathed. “I am so sorry, sweetie. I’m gonna fucking kill him,” she puffed.

“Hey at least you’re gonna make an aunt this time,” I laughed cynically and choked at the same time.

“Oh Ava,” she cried sadly.

I held my hands up, refusing her pity. “No! Don’t Kerrie . . . I’m sorry, I can’t . . . I just . . .” I turned sharply and fled to the house, the need to be alone filling me up.

I rounded the corner of the house and ran across a lawn. I found myself in an empty and secluded summerhouse. Plonking my backside on a futon, I sobbed and pulled at my hair in frustration.

“Why me you bastard?” I screamed into nothing. “Why me all the fucking time?” I wept into my hands. I felt an arm snake round my shoulder and pull me in. I gasped when I recognised Kade’s scent; the spice and muskiness of it familiar to my senses.

“No!” I snapped and pulled away but he was strong and refused to let me free. He pushed my head against his chest. “Let it out, Ava” he persuaded softly.

I pushed at him again. “No,” I choked but he just held me tighter.

“Let me, Ava” he pleaded.

I choked out a sob and buried my face into his chest and cried. He drew lazy circles on my back and rested his chin on the top of my head. “Hush Ava, I’m here,” he whispered. I gasped as he pulled me further into him and onto his lap. I shook my head rapidly and tried to climb off.