Incineration (Heart of Stone) (6 page)

He was silent for a moment “Where the hell did you learn to
punch like that?” he asked, now in a lighter tone. I groaned and rested my head
back; rubbing at my temples “You need to be tough when you grow up in foster
care Mr Fox” I heard his growl through the phone; Mr Cross was back and I
rolled my eyes “Will you stop with the Mr Fox, I think we got to the first name
stage tonight, don’t you?” he demanded and I gulped “Erm I really should go
Mr…Mason, I’ll see you Monday” I hovered on the disconnect icon as he shouted
my name again “Yeah?” I asked quietly “Make sure you keep your hand clean and
yes, I’ll see you Monday. Take care Ava” he said softly and I frowned, his mood
swings were perplexing “Okay Mason, bye” I heard his soft bye as I ended the
call and quickly remembered to text Courtney before I climbed the stairs and
climbed into bed with a groan. I was going to have a killer headache tomorrow.

I had arranged to meet Courtney for brunch in our favourite
restaurant and as I was sat waiting for her at our table my phone trilled

MASON:

Headache?

Was that it? The extent of a conversation down to one word?
Puzzled I replied

ME:

Nope, fresh as a daisy

I grinned when he sent back a smiley face. “Boo” Courtney
shouted behind me and I jumped in my seat, snarling at her “Headache?” she
asked.
Seriously?
  It must be the new word craze. I shook my head and
grinned at her, poking my tongue out.

She plopped into the chair opposite me, narrowing her eyes
on me “Spill” she ordered and I retreated into my chair a little. I shrugged and
scanned the menu “Spill” she repeated more firmly, kicking my shin gently and I
glared at her “That was just my boss” I said nonchalantly and this time she
raised her eyebrows instead of lowering them “He owns the club, he just took me
upstairs to get me a shirt” I told her and she nodded slowly “So why did you do
a runner and then he came demanding to know where you had gone?” she cocked her
head, obviously not believing a word I was telling her.

I was saved by the arrival of our waitress “Orders?” she
snapped and I raised my eyebrows at her “Please…” I encouraged and she stared
at me, remaining silent. I folded my arms and leaned back in my chair, noticing
the twitch on Courtneys’ lips; I cocked my head at the waitress and gave her my
death glare. She shifted uncomfortably on her heels and softened her expression
“Order please” she rephrased and I grinned snidely at her “I’ll take coffee and
blueberry pancakes please” I pointedly looked at Courtney, raising my eyebrows
in query, she also grinned at the waitress “I’ll have tea and a breakfast
roll…please” she added the please with a smirk. The waitress nodded and made a
hasty retreat.

Courtney laughed and winked at me “Wonder if we get a different
waitress now?” That glare of yours could kill a rhino” she mocked “By the way,
you are gonna have to stop punching blokes. One day they’re gonna thump you
back” she said seriously and I shook my head “The fucking knob grabbed my breast
and ripped my top, he deserved it” I shrugged, not in the slightest bit worried
that I would one day get myself in trouble.

Her mouth quirked on one edge “Do you know the bouncer gave
him a right thrashing on your
boss’s
orders and you’re telling me nothing’s
going on between the two of you?” I shrugged again, nibbling on my finger and Courtneys
eyes zoned in on it “See; now I know you are lying. There’s something going on”
she crossed her arms and glared at me “Okay” I conceded “we kissed and he felt
me up. That’s all” I glanced away; the blush creeping up my neck. “Ah ha” she
jumped excitedly “I knew it” I rolled my eyes at her exhilaration “judging by
his demeanour afterwards, I take it you ran” she probed and I nodded sadly “I
can’t do it Courtney. It’s not just the sex before you start; it’s the whole
relationship thing. I can’t let him in” I lowered my eyes, desperately wishing
I was a different person, one who grabbed life by the horns and lived it. “Oh
Babe” she sighed and covered my hand with hers “Relax and go with the flow. I
presume you escaped your shell last night and gave in to him. If you can do
that then who knows?” she shrugged, giving me an encouraging smile “I don’t
know what came over me, he’s turns me on something bad but he also frightens
me. His mood swings are ferocious; One minute he’s gentle and the next he’s
barking orders at me. It just confuses me” I revealed as a different waitress
brought our order and my phone beeped again

MASON

What temp do I need the oven on for the pie you made me?
I can’t read what it says

I squinted at his request, sure that I had written it down
legibly.

ME

Gas mark 4, 30 mins

Courtney had leaned over to sneak a look at the text and I
glowered at her “Nosy”

MASON

Thank you. What you up to?

I huffed at Courtney who had scoffed at his inquisition and
raised her brows at me

ME

Having brunch with a friend, be careful she nosing at
your texts

MASON

Lol, tell her I’m just useless without you

Courtney coughed and gave me a wry grin at this and I shook
my head at her “He is actually useless with the oven. I don’t think it had ever
been used before I started” I told her and she laughed “Ava, Babe, I don’t
think he means the oven” she pursed her lips at my glare “And I think it’s just
an excuse to text you” I shook my head, now agitated “Don’t be stupid Courtney,
he’s only known me for a couple of months. Now can we just drop it please” I
snapped and she took the hint

“Tracey phoned me” she declared and I bit my lip “What the
fuck? I told her to leave you alone” I raged and she shook her head “Relax Ava.
She just wanted to apologise…and apparently blame it all on Adam of course. I
told her she’s welcome to him” I raised my eyebrows at her but she giggled “so
she said thanks” she laughed harder as I sat there open mouthed at her
disclosure until I was also laughing with her “The cheeky bitch!” I rolled with
laughter as my phone rang “Hello” I laughed down the phone, trying to catch my
breath “Ava?” Masons’ voice asked apprehensively and I rolled my eyes “Yes
Mason, it’s me” I giggled at Courtneys waggling eyebrows “I do laugh sometimes
you know” I added as I heard his silence and then his laughter “Sorry for
spoiling your fun but I can’t get the oven to light” I rolled my eyes again
“Seriously Mason?” I asked, perplexed “Erm yeah” he seemed embarrassed now and
I felt a pang of sympathy for him “Right okay. Turn the oven knob to full and
then click the ignition switch” I waited while I heard him clicking away “Nope,
it won’t light” he said grimly and I huffed “Are you sure you’re using the
right knob?” I asked and Courtneys’ eyes widened but I just stared at her “Well
I’m sure I have the right knob, would you like to come and check it?” Mason
chuckled and I could picture the sly grin on his face. I coughed at his comment
and rolled my eyes as Courtney winked at me, obviously knowing what Mason had
said “Does it say main oven?” I asked again “I
can
read Ava” he laughed,
clearly in a good mood for a change “Well you couldn’t read the instructions on
the packet I left you” I ridiculed and he coughed slightly “Are you mocking me
Miss Stone?” he breathed, his husky voice igniting my insides.

It was my turn to cough “Never Mr Fox” I muttered back and Courtneys
eyebrows now were in her hairline. I heard Mason groan a little and then clear
his throat “You’re going to have to come and do it for me” he said slyly and my
lips twitched “No no it’s fine Mason. There’s a microwave on your worktop.
Place the pie in and cook on half power for 8 minutes then 4 minutes on full power”
I grinned and winked at Courtney as she gave me the thumbs up “Oh” he said
quietly and I had another surge of sympathy “I suppose I could dump my friend
and come over if you are desperate” I said with an exaggerated sigh “No it’s
fine Ava. Enjoy your brunch” and he ended the call abruptly. I was gobsmacked
but Courtney just laughed “Oops, I really think he wanted you to go round” she
chuckled. “But why? I’m sure he can work a bloody microwave” I was stunned “I
think he can actually work the cooker as well Ava” she laughed but I still felt
bad so I texted him:

ME

Are you sure you don’t need me? I can come over if it’s a
problem

His reply was not what I was expecting

MASON

No it’s fine Ava, enjoy your brunch. Rebecca’s coming
round to do it

His words were like a punch in my guts and I was shocked at
my reaction. Courtney grabbed my phone when she saw my face and scowled “What a
bastard. Does he think that’s funny? Who’s Rebecca anyway?” she asked, fuming
“Apparently ‘they just fuck’” I said, doing the air quotes. “Well, let him ‘just
fuck’, you don’t need to play mind games like that” she was mortified for me
and I decided not to text him back.

I couldn’t fathom my reaction to this, I had never felt
jealousy before and it made my mind up to quit all personal rapport with Mason,
leaving it strictly business between us.

I was still reeling Sunday morning as I lay in bed staring
at the ceiling, nervousness has settled on me like a lead weight about seeing
Mason Monday and I was starting to think it might be better if I quit and found
a different job. Mason had got under my skin like nobody else and I couldn’t
give in to it.

 He text me Sunday afternoon, asking me to bring in a few
items of shopping on Monday, but I didn’t reply, not wanting to get into another
text conversation with him.

He had texted me again asking if I was okay but I still
didn’t reply figuring I would just tell him I had left my phone at Courtneys
when he quizzed me Monday.

Monday morning finally rolled round after a restless night
and I crept in again, knowing it was the usual Monday morning business meeting.

Preparing the coffee and muffins I had baked yesterday I
placed them on a tray, drew my shoulders back, knocked and entered, refusing to
look at Mason

“Good morning gentlemen” I said chirpily and they all
greeted me cheerfully. I placed the tray on the table, furthest away from Mason
“Good weekend Miss Stone?” Dane asked, a sly smile on his face making it
obvious Mason had filled him in on my fight at the club “Yes great thanks,
you?” I asked with a smile. He narrowed his eyes and his lips twitched “I heard
you can hold your own” he chuckled but I just gave him a coy smile “You can
hold mine as well if you want?” he winked and I winked back, slyly smiling as I
heard Mason growl at Dane as I closed the door behind me.
Up yours dickhead!
I was rather pleased with my flirting with Dane, let Mason stew on that! I
never flirted with anyone but it felt rather good.

I quickly got down to business and checking the oven to see
if it lit, which of course it did. I had bought some flowers to place in the
hallway to brighten the place up and was arranging them when all the men exited
the meeting room but I kept my back to them.

An arm slid round my waist, making me stiffen “Ava
Sweetheart. Just wanted to thank you for the muffins, they were delicious. I’m
a huge fan of muffins” he drawled and I couldn’t miss the innuendo in his
statement. I turned to look at him and saw Mason glaring at us from the other
side of the room “It’s my pleasure Mr Winters. I enjoy the odd muffin or two as
well” I quirked my lips and dropped my gaze to his mouth, an obvious
flirtation.

He grinned at me and squeezed me tighter, a cold shiver ran
up my spine and my stomach rolled but I gritted my teeth “Dane!” Mason barked
“My office!” he turned harshly and stomped up the stairs, slamming the office
door behind him.

Dane grimaced “Oops” he winked and stalked off. “How are you
settling in Ava?” Brian Cox asked politely and I gave him a small smile “Okay”
I nodded but he cocked his head, questioningly “You want me to have a word with
the brute?” he asked, winking slyly at me. I feigned ignorance and furrowed my
brow “I’m sorry Mr Cox. I’m not sure what you mean?” I said, swallowing
harshly. He just nodded slowly and smiled softly, resting his hand on my arm
“Ava, I think you a lovely sweet girl, George always spoke highly of you and I
don’t want to see you get hurt” he said softly.
Too bloody late!
I gave
him a smile, resting my hand over his and squeezing it “Thank you Mr Cox.
George always considered you a friend and I appreciate you looking out for me
in his absence. It means a lot” I brushed his knuckles with my thumb in a
silent gesture to him. He smiled widely and nodded “You must come for lunch
soon with me and my better half. She’s dying to meet you” he told me and I
grinned widely “That would be lovely, thank you”.

They all left except Dane who was still holed up in Masons
office and I started on lunch, busying myself when Dane popped his head in the
kitchen “See you later Ava, sweetheart” he grinned and blew me a kiss and I
gave him a fake smile, shuddering when he left the room.

As I started the dishwasher there was a clang under the sink
and I groaned, clambering under the unit to find the problem “What the hell are
you doing?” Mason shouted and I shot up, banging my head on the cupboard roof “
Fuck”
I hissed and scrambled up.

He shot over to me and grabbed my head, pulling my ponytail
to one side “Shit you’re bleeding Ava. What the fuck were you doing?” he
snapped and I wriggled free from his grip “There was a funny sound under the
sink when I started the dishwasher, I didn’t want to flood the kitchen” I
grated between my teeth. Mason glared at me and my finger edged its way up to
my teeth, easing my discomfort slightly at the familiar habit.