Stanton Box Set

I roll my eyes. “This is ridiculous: prepare for the transfer. This isn’t an episode of bloody Star Trek you know.”

He smiles. “I will go get the coffee. Do not leave this room.”

I give him a salute. “Aye, aye captain.” As he leaves the room, security buzz through.

“We have an Amelie Richards here to see Joshua Stanton.” Max looks at me for approval and I nod as I head into the bathroom. Great, bitchface is here. I suppose it is better she comes here rather than to the house to see him.

I finish up in the bathroom and am washing my hands when she walks in.

“Hello Natasha.” She smiles.

“Hi Amelie. Thank you for coming. He’s in the room. Just go in.”

“I didn’t come here to see Joshua. I came to see you.”

I frown. “Really, what about?”

“What has Joshua told you about him and me?” she replies flatly.

My stomach drops and my heart rate picks up speed. “What do you mean?”

“I mean exactly what I said. What do you think Joshua and my relationship is?”

“That you are close friends,” I whisper as dread creeps through me.

She tutts. “Did he tell you that we have been sleeping together since he got back from Australia?”

I stumble back from her in shock.

“You’re lying,” I snap.

“Go ask him for yourself. You see Joshua is confused. He thinks it is you that he wants but the reality is he can’t let me go. We made passionate love as recently as Friday.”

Pain lances through me as I step back from her in shock. That’s five days ago.

“I don’t believe you!” I whisper.

“Natasha, I think it’s time you realise the harsh truth. You cannot make him happy like I can. He is only with you out of obligation. Wake up and smell the coffee, dear girl. Joshua is in love with me.”

Chapter 6

I scurry out of the bathroom in a daze and find myself entering Joshua’s room. The nurse is still in there adjusting his machines. He smiles warmly at me as I stand at the end of the bed, my face is blank and expressionless and I fall into the chair against the wall as I keep staring at him in shock. This can’t be true. I don’t believe her. He frowns and puts his head on the side in a question as he looks at me. My eyes fall to the floor as I go over the words Amelie has just relayed to me: He’s only with you out of obligation. He loves me. We made passionate love as recently as Friday.

The nurse smiles and leaves the room and he holds his hand out for me.

“Come and lie with me, presh.”

My heart stops, I stand and walk to the end of his bed.

“Did you sleep with Amelie?” I breathe.

His face falls and he starts to pull the cannula out of the back of his hand.

“Natasha,” he whispers.

“Did you or not?” I cry.

He lunges for me and I jump back.