Incineration (Heart of Stone) (23 page)

I sighed and rubbed my eyes and stretched my arms above my
head and Sam took the hint. He rose from the bed and kissed my forehead “Get
some sleep Ava, Marcy will be pissed if you don’t make the party Saturday
night” he winked and I smiled “I’ll be there” I promised “I’m gonna go have a
word with the barman, yellow lion was it?” he asked and I nodded “Yeah, I don’t
know his name though” he nodded “No worries, I’ll find him” he smiled at me
then left.

Mason studied me in silence for a moment and then lay beside
me on the bed and pulled me up against him, spooning me whist being careful not
to snag my drip. His arms held me in a vice like grip and he sighed heavily and
sweeping my hair aside, planted little kisses on my neck “I owe you a massive
apology Baby” he whispered in my ear and I sighed “Mason, you love me right?” I
asked and I felt him still “Ava, of course I love you” he said sincerely and I
nodded “Do you love me or the sex?” I asked him openly and I could feel his
frown “I love
you
Ava, you!” he confirmed and I turned so I was facing
him and cupped his cheek “And I love you so much Mason, so much with all my
heart but… you’re drowning me Baby” I professed and his eyes widened and then
he sagged and nodded “I know Ava, I can’t stop myself. When I was shouting at
you and you couldn’t answer me, my heart froze because I thought you were lying
and when…when you” he gulped and I stroked his jaw with my finger and kissed
him gently.

He cupped my face “Oh Baby, I’m so so sorry” his voice broke
and I pulled him into me “I thought you was losing the baby Ava, and when they
said you’d been poisoned my whole world collapsed cause I thought…I thought you
was going to…die” he gulped “and I knew I should of trusted you because deep
down I knew…I knew it was mine” he said sadly “I believed you when you told me
you hadn’t slept with Tony but I…I dunno Ava, I’m just so frightened of losing
you. That you’ll find out everything bad in my life and you won’t want me” he
swallowed heavily and looked at me, the pain and fear in his eyes “Mason, I
know who you are, what you are but I also know that you have the gentlest and
biggest heart and that you would do anything for me. I know you are gonna be a
wonderful daddy and I know that I love you so much that it would kill me to
hurt you” I declared. Our eyes locked in a final understanding of what we were
both frightened of, what we both wanted and how much we loved each other.

His lips hovered over mine, his hot breath on my mouth and
he waited, waited for my permission and I slid my hand around his neck and
pulled him to me, my lips meeting his in a kiss to seal our new relationship; a
relationship where we would both consider each other’s feelings and both be
aware of one another’s needs and hopes.

I left hospital the next day and was under strict orders to
relax and have small meals but often and Mason couldn’t have been a better
carer. He even managed to work the oven and reheat some meals that I had
prepared for him at the weekend.

Olivia Carter had been brilliant and told me to get back to
normal before attempting to go back to work and by Friday I was back near
normal, although the morning sickness refused to relent.

Mason had gone to the club to sort out some stuff and I was
sat at the island, drinking coffee and eating a sandwich while reading that
mornings newspaper when I heard the front door open and close. I frowned
thinking it was too early for Mason to be back when I saw Dane leant against
the kitchen door frame.
SHIT!!!
I stood up sharply, knocking the stool
over “What are you doing here Dane?” I stammered. He grinned and took in my
appearance; I was wearing a short mini shirt and strap top as the weather had
heated up immensely. He cocked his head “You have fucking great legs Ava” he
slurred, obviously very drunk.

I swallowed and backed up as far as possible, the edge of
the counter digging into my hip “I asked why you were here Dane. You shouldn’t
just walk in” I said quietly, my eyes scanning the room for my phone and I
spotted it against a vase of flowers Mason had bought me at the other end of
the island. I slowly started to edge towards it as my eyes never left his and
they narrowed on me “I never knock Ava. Mason’s my best friend…or he was until
you started fucking him” he said quietly but full of vehemence as he started to
slowly walk towards me.

I shifted further along the worktop, my hands gripping the
edge “I think you had better go before Mason gets back” I warned and he laughed
snidely “Oh? Masons a little busy with Rebecca at the club. She’s…well…keeping
him busy for me” he leered and my heart froze and I gulped savagely “You see Ava,
there’s not only me you have pissed off. Rebecca’s quite mad at you too so I
thought I’d come and have a word” he licked his lips and continued to creep
closer.

I had reached the corner where the island met the wall, my
phone now behind me on the worktop. I slid my hands behind me and stretching my
fingers out, hunting for it and when I felt the cold metal I closed my fingers
round it and slid it behind my back, swiping the screen as I did.

I wasn’t sure how I could ring Mason when I couldn’t see the
screen but I held it tight, waiting for the opportunity. Dane had come within
spitting distance and that’s exactly what I did…I spat in his face. He hissed
and held his hand to his face as I sped round him and ran for the stairs as I
scrambled with my phone, redialling the last number and praying it was Mason.

I heard Dane running after me and as I reached the top step
and headed for the bathroom. I heard the call connect and Mason’s cheerful
voice on the end “Hey Baby” Dane was now gaining on me and I slid across the hardwood
floor “Mason!” I screamed down the phone “Ava?!!” I heard his panicked
reaction.

As I reached the bathroom door Dane reached out and snagged
my t-shirt “You fucking bitch” he snarled as we fell to the floor together
“Ava?!!” I heard Mason scream down the phone as I dropped it. I snapped my foot
into Danes face and he reared back “Fuck!” he roared.

Scrambling through the bathroom door I tried to swing it
shut behind me but he kicked it back and stalked towards me as I scurried
backwards until my back hit the edge of the bath, my stomach dropped as an evil
grin lifted his lips “Oh dear! Nowhere to go Ava?” I quickly surveyed my
surroundings and spotted a brass candle holder to the right of me, sitting on
the shelf around the bath. As I edged towards it Dane loomed over me and I
scrambled to my feet but he punched me in the face, knocking me sideways and
much to my relief, into the edge of the bath. My fingers wrapped around the
candle holder and I swung it into his face. He cried out and both of his hands
shot towards his smashed nose.

I raced past him and headed for the bedroom and thought I
had made it until his arms shot round my stomach, holding my arms stiffly at my
sides and he picked me up. I struggled against him, kicking and screaming and
as we reached the bed I thrust my head backwards and crashed my skull into his
nose, damaging it further. He flung me onto the bed “YOU FUCKING CUNT” he
bellowed and grabbed my hair “I was just gonna fuck you but you’re gonna regret
doing that. I’m gonna make this fucking painful now.” he thundered and flipped
me onto my stomach as he straddled my thighs.

His hands still gripped my hair tightly as he lifted my head
and his face came down to mine. “I have wanted to fuck you for so long Ava. I’m
afraid this might hurt a little” he sneered as his hands dug into my t-shirt
and ripped it off me and then his fingers swept under my skirt, pulling at my
knickers “Please Dane, don’t do this” I begged and he turned me round
underneath him.

He leant down towards me and his mouth crashed down onto
mine. I cringed as my stomach revolted to his touch and I bit down hard,
clamping his bottom lip between my teeth “You bitch” he cried and backhanded
me, my face shot to the side and he punched me again, this time splitting my
lip severely and my blood splattered his face. His hands reached down and tore
my knickers off and I could feel his erection dig into my thigh. I scrambled
backwards up the mattress but he held me firm, clutching my thigh and lifting
it upwards as he scrambled with his zip “Dane please, I’m pregnant” I sobbed
and he seemed stunned for a moment but then the look in his eyes, froze my
blood “Ooh goody” he snarled “Let’s see if we can rectify that” my stomach
dropped at his words and the colour drained from my face “W..w.what?” I
stuttered as my eyes widened and my heart stopped as he brought his elbows
together and ploughed them into my stomach. I screamed and my body’s instinct
brought my legs up as it naturally tried to defend my baby but he did it again
as I screamed and jerked wildly underneath him. His fist rose back and just as
he was about to punch me, Sam came barrelling into the room and charged at him,
knocking Dane off me and onto the floor.

I curled up tightly into a ball as I heard Sam lay into him
“YOU FUCKING BASTARD” Sam roared and proceeded to kick Dane, as he had adopted
my stance and curled into himself.

The horrific agony in my stomach came then, crippling me and
taking my breath as I screamed and passed out.

I woke in the hospital again and I wondered if I had a room
reserved as I was making frequent visits. My face hurt and I had stomach cramps
causing me to bring my knees up into my stomach and groan “Ava?” I heard Mason
whisper in the darkness “Mason?” I rasped, turning to look for him.

He settled on the edge of the bed and took my hand in his
“The baby?” I asked and he sighed, squeezing my hand tighter “I’m so sorry
baby” he choked out.

I lay in silence, unable to process the fact that my baby
was dead, murdered! My throat closed in and my mouth dried as my heart
shrivelled and died.

I released his hand and turned, curling into a ball “Go” I
said simply “Ava?” he gasped “Get out” I repeated calmly. He gripped my arm and
tried to turn me over “Ava?” I looked over my shoulder and he reared back at
the vehemence and coldness in my eyes “I told you to leave Dane alone. I told
you it was mine and his argument Mason but you had to take it further. You did
this!!!” I spat, hating him at that moment with all that I was.

He looked stunned and then guilty “Baby…I…I…” he wheezed “I
said get out Mason” I persisted but he just sat staring at me “GET THE FUCK OUT
AND DON’T FUCKING TOUCH ME AGAIN!!!!” I roared and he jumped off the bed,
holding his hands up in a placating gesture “Baby…please” he urged as Sam
entered the room and took hold of a shocked Mason. “Come on mate, leave her be”
Sam said gently, guiding Mason out of the room, leaving me in darkness again
and I silently wondered if it would ever be light again.

I woke sometime later as a nurse was checking me over “Hi
Ava” she had a warm smile that reached he eyes, sympathy written all over her.
She sat on the bed and took my hand in hers “I’m so sorry Ava, but we couldn’t
save your baby” she said gently and I nodded, lowering my eyes and I wondered
why I wasn’t crying. “Would you like to talk to somebody about it?” she asked
and I shook my head “No…thank you” I whispered and she nodded “I will give you
some leaflets before you leave in case you change your mind” I nodded again and
she stood, still holding my hand “Your friend is here, shall I show her in?”
she asked and I nodded.

She showed Courtney in as she slipped out and shut the door
quietly “Ava?” Courtney breathed as her voice cracked and a tear slid down her cheek.
I sat, watching it trail through her eyelashes, down her cheek and drip off her
chin onto her chest, again wondering where my tears were.

She sat on the bed and took my hand; that was the third time
someone had held my hand in the space of a couple of hours and I regarded her
long fingers curled around my tiny pale ones “How are you feeling Babe?” she
asked and I shrugged but didn’t speak. She narrowed her eyes on me “Ava, say
something babe” she implored and I slowly lifted my eyes to hers, studying the
sadness and love for me in her eyes.

All I could do was shrug and curl up, not wanting to say how
I felt because the pain was too raw, too excruciating to explain.

I felt her snuggle behind me, spooning me and her arm
embraced my stomach as her thumb slowly drew circles against the empty space
where my baby had been. Her other hand stroked my hair slowly as she hummed
softly in my ear, giving me something to concentrate on instead of the longing ache
that resided in me.

The next time I woke, Courtney was sat in the room chair,
watching me. A small smile lifted her lips and she cocked her head “Hey you” I
smiled slightly and pushed myself upwards.

She climbed from her chair and sorted the pillows behind me
“How are you feeling?” she asked and I rolled my eyes at her “Fucking great!” I
snapped and she sucked in her lips but didn’t say anything. I sighed “I’m sorry
Courtney” I said gently and gripped her hand. She shook her head “You need to
let it out Ava” she said softly and narrowed her eyes as I dropped mine “I
can’t” I whispered “It hurts too fucking much” she sat beside me.

“Mason hasn’t left” she informed me and I stiffened “I don’t
want him in here Courtney” I hissed and she narrowed her eyes again
“Ava…he’s…he’s hurting as much as you babe” she uttered and I scoffed “I
seriously doubt that. It’s his fucking fault” I spat and she sighed “No Ava.
It’s Danes fucking fault” she said sternly and I glared at her “I told Mason
not to get involved Courtney but he wouldn’t fucking listen. Dane was angry at
me for ending his and Mason’s friendship, because Mason had beat the shit out
of him for coming on to me” I growled and my blood started to boil “Ava no.
Dane was a sick bastard that’s all. Mason was just sticking up for you”