Page 26 of Stanton Unconditional

It’s four o’clock. Josh has been hooked up to a drip for three hours. I’m tired and I just want to get the hell out of here. I stand and stretch, the nurse pushes in the heart rate thingy and starts to stick things to Joshua’s chest.

“I’m going to go to the bathroom outside in the waiting room, Josh.”

He frowns and mouths the words, “Just go in here,” as he gestures to his bathroom with his chin.

I smile and shake my head. “The private rooms outside are

riddled with guards. I will just be a minute.” He shakes his head apprehensively. “Be quick.”

I smile and leave the room. I head through the lounge area and I see Max.

“Max, I think I want a coffee. Let’s go for a walk.”

He frowns. “You can’t leave the room till the other guards get back.”

“Where are they?”

“They have gone back to check Joshua’s house and prepare for the transfer.”

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’s 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 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 realize 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.”