by T L Swan
I wake to the gentle dusting of lips on my temple and I cuddle into his chest.
“I love you,” he whispers. He pulls me into an embrace and wraps his arms around me. Mmm, I’ve missed this, missed him. I nuzzle into him and drift back off as I listen to his breath regulate. We are both exhausted. Too tired to acknowledge that he has crawled into my fold-up bed beside me, too relieved in the comfort of each other to care. The world could stop right now and I wouldn’t give a damn. I’m here with him and that’s all I need. How could I have ever thought I could deny myself this? It’s impossible and totally unrealistic—we couldn’t be apart. Not ever, I need him like oxygen, more than my next breath.
“Look how gorgeous they are,” I hear Adrian’s voice speak. I frown as I stretch to find Joshua wrapped around me like a blanket. He had even moved his IV so that he could lie with me in my bed. Adrian is standing with a cup of coffee and Cameron is lying on Joshua’s bed, reading the paper.
Oh crap. “How long have you been here?” I grumble as I stretch.
Cameron smiles a face-splitting smile as he flicks his paper down to look over the top of it. “Long enough to know you two are pathetic!” He widens his eyes at me to accentuate his point and goes back to his paper.
Joshua inhales a deep breath as he wakes. “This bed is bloody uncomfortable.” He groans as he kisses the side of my face from behind.
I smile and roll back to face him. “Good morning, Mr Stanton.”
He smiles and rubs his hand over my behind. “Good morning Miss Marx,” he whispers.
Adrian rolls his eyes. “Hmm, you seem to be feeling a lot better today.”
Joshua bites his bottom lip to stifle his smile. “And I’m starving. Is there any food in this joint?”
Cameron smiles and winks at Adrian; he obviously sees that as a good sign.
“Josh, why in the hell were you taking cocaine alone like that? That’s ridiculous,” Cameron asks. I lie still as I listen to their conversation.
Adrian pipes up. “You gave all that shit up years ago. Why in the hell would you do that again?” Joshua’s eyes flick to me and I know he doesn’t want to have this conversation with me in the room. Too bad, he’s having it. I’m just going to come out with it.
“Are you a cocaine addict, Joshua?”
“No. How could you think such a thing?” he stammers.
“Probably because we are in hospital after you overdosed,” I reply. “Are you going to take an overdose every time we have a fight?”
He frowns at me and sits up in a rush. “Bit more than a fight, Natasha. We broke up.”
I sigh. “Josh, you know I didn’t mean that.” Cameron and Joshua quickly glance at each other … silently communicating. Hmm. “Why did you do it?” I ask. “Was it accidental?” He frowns, not understanding the question. “I mean did you purposely take an overdose?”
“No, of course not. I lost track of how much I had had. I just had a really shitty weekend and was trying to perk myself up a bit.”
“What happened on the weekend?” I ask.
His face drops and his eyes meet mine and he swallows a large lump in his throat. “Can you get me some breakfast, boys?”
Cameron jumps up and rubs Joshua’s shoulder. “Sure mate,” he gives him three hard slaps on the back as he and Adrian leave the room. Joshua’s eyes search mine and I smile in return.
“Alone at last,” I whisper.
He pulls me into an embrace. “I’ve missed you presh. Don’t leave me again, ok.”
I smile and nod as he runs his lips down the length of my neck. “Promise me,” I smile again. “Natasha, promise me,” he repeats.
I shake my head. “Josh you know I only left you because of my dad and all of that mess. I will never leave you again.” I smile as I kiss his neck and he holds me tight.
I run my hands around the back of his nightgown and feel his behind … he feels good.
He kisses me as he brushes the hair from my face. “Tash …we need to talk.”
My head drops. “I know, Josh. I need to talk to you too.” I sigh softly.
“Well you look much better today.” We jump back from each other as the doctor enters the room. Shit I had my hand on his butt, how embarrassing. Joshua gives the doctor a nod in embarrassment and shakes his hand.
“Thank you, doctor.”
The doctor reads his chart and gets his torch as he looks into Joshua’s eyes. “You are lucky to be alive, young man. You nearly died.”
Joshua’s eyes find mine and he drops his head. “I know … I was very frightened.” My eyes spring up to his. He’s right—that would have been frightening. “You have a lot of people waiting to see you outside. After you shower and eat I will let them in.”
Joshua nods. “When can I go home?”
The doctor narrows his eyes. “Not until you have completed five drug counselling sessions with our rehab team. It will be at least another three to four days before I sign you out.”
Joshua frowns. “I don’t need counselling.”
The doctor looks up from his notes. “I am happy to check you into a three- month rehab program if you refuse … your choice.”
Joshua glares at the doctor.
“Three days is fine thanks, doctor,” I interrupt. I widen my eyes at Joshua to signify his silence, and he reluctantly nods and heads over to sit on the bed.
“I will be back to check on you each morning around eight. If you need anything just let me know. I think they are moving you upstairs for more privacy. It seems the press has got a hold of your overdose and you are making headlines around the world.” The doctor sighs and Joshua’s head droops. “Upstairs you will be in a private wing so your bodyguards and helpers will have more room. They are making this place a mess,” he smiles. “How many do you have?”
Joshua looks embarrassed. “A couple,” he whispers. “Natasha, is Max here?”
I smile and nod. “One of them is mine, doctor,” I reply. He nods and heads out of the room.
My eyes widen. “Oh shit. I forgot about Max. I have left him out there all night.”
Joshua frowns. “And,” he murmurs.
I frown. “I don’t do that. Max has been staying with me and Mum since you left.”
He frowns as he stands. “What … in the house with you?” I smile and nod.
“I’m paying him to protect you, not play happy families,” he snaps.
I smile. Why is a jealous Joshua Stanton so simply delicious? “He has been protecting me and helping my family. This last two months have been horrific for me Josh and he has kept Brock away from me.”
“Has Brock been giving you a hard time?”
“No, just making sure everyone knows that he hates you. It isn’t as unbearable when Max is with me because he tells him to shut his mouth.”
Joshua smirks. “Shut his mouth hey.” I smile and nod. “He might have his mouth wired shut soon if he keeps going,” he adds.
I pull him to me. “No, because you love me you are going to let this thing with Brock go. For me and for Mum.”
He bends to kiss me. “I really want to kick his ass.”
I smile as he nuzzles my neck. “Take it out on my ass instead.”
“Hmm,” he whispers darkly. “Your ass is going to cop it very soon as well.” He nips my neck and I yelp.
“Promises, promises Stanton,” I giggle. God I love this man. The nurse re-enters. Hmm, this one is young and pretty and I feel a sudden pang of jealousy, especially since I have just felt that he is in full rut under that gown.
“Do you need help to shower?” she asks him.
His eyes dance with delight as he looks at me mischievously. “Maybe,” he replies.
I look at him deadpan. “I’ve got it,” I snap.
He gives me a broad beautiful smile and winks at me. Bastard.
“No, my wife will help me shower, but can you take the drip out so I can please.”
She smiles, knowing exactly what he’s playing at. “Yes
sure.” I watch as she slowly takes his drip out of the cannula and prepares the bathroom. “I will put a do not disturb sign on the room’s door for twenty minutes. Lock the door but there is a buzzer if you need any help, ok?”
I smile and nod. “Ok,” I reply. I follow Joshua into the bathroom and he shuts the door and locks it behind us. His eyes drop to my feet and back up again and he ticks his jaw and gently cracks his neck.
I smirk. “Get that look out of your eyes, Joshua. It’s not happening. You are here because you are sick.”
He drops the gown and puts his head to the side. “Do I look sick?”
My eyes drop to his perfect erect manhood … my heart drops as I go weak with want—it’s been so long.
He gently runs his hands through my hair. “I’ve missed my beautiful girl,” he whispers. His lips meet mine and he blesses me with a tender open-mouthed kiss, his tongue slowly taking what he wants. I hold my breath as he slowly peels off my clothing and pulls me by the hand into the shower. We stand under the strong stream of water kissing and embracing each other. This is home. I stand under the water with my head on his chest for fifteen minutes, his arms wrapped protectively around me. I’ve missed his strength, his tenderness, every damn inch of him. His lips tenderly take mine as he runs his hand over my breast and down my stomach and then further down to between my legs. He closes his eyes at the contact.
“There’s my beautiful tight girl,” he whispers. His hands are gentle and loving … tender. I involuntarily throw my head back as he pushes a finger inside me and then another one. His thumb circles on my clitoris in perfect pressure. He knows my body so well, knows exactly how to make me lose all coherent thought. “My beautiful girl, I love you.” He kisses me again as he slowly lifts my leg so I am standing on one foot to give him greater access to my throbbing centre. His fingers start to slowly pulse inside me and my eyes roll back in my head … this is what I need.
“I can’t wait presh … I have to be inside you. Now.”
My breathing catches. “Josh we are in a hospital room. No.”
He smiles as his eyes drop to my lips. “You don’t have a say in it. You told the nurse you were going to look after me and she can’t come back in here when I’m in this state.”
I smile. “I know what you are doing,” I whisper.
He smiles into my neck. “What am I doing?”
“Trying to make me jealous,” I reply.
He bites my neck again. “I’m too hard. It’s not going to go down and you don’t want the nurse to see me like this, do you baby?”
I smile and narrow my eyes. He’s really not playing fair. “Tash, I need to be inside you—it’s been too long. I can’t wait. Look, I’ll sit and you can do all the work.” His skin is covered in water beads, his large erection hangs heavily between his legs, his eyes are dark and his big beautiful lips are open with want. I’ve never seen anything quite so erotic in my life. He gestures to the bench seat in the shower. My eyes flick to the seat and back to his mouth. This is unbearable, I can’t stop. I grab him and kiss him hard as I push him into the seat and he groans out loud. Then he is lifting me over him and rubbing the side of his shaft through my flesh. Our breathing is heavy and the steam in the room is starting to run down the walls. He slowly brings his hand up to his lips and puts some saliva onto his fingertips which he then rubs into my weeping sex as a lubricant, like I need any. He holds his thick length up and, with the other hand, pulls my hip down. We both groan as he enters me … we stay still, panting. My eyes close, my heart races and I’m scared if he moves a muscle I am going to explode into orgasm. He rests his forehead against mine and looks into my eyes.
“I love you,” he whispers as he brings both of his hands up to my cheeks.
My eyes cloud over with tears. “I love you, Josh.”
He smiles and then kisses me, probably the most beautiful kiss he has ever given me. The depth of emotion behind it gives me goosebumps and I slowly lift myself to move.
“Presh, I’m not going to last. You just feel too good, baby.”
I smile. “Its ok, me too.” He lifts me once and my legs fall wider open.
“Fuck it.” He snaps as he lifts me again. He slams me back down and circles my hips on the upstroke and groans as he comes hard, his body doubling over in orgasm. I feel his thick length throb deeply inside as his body empties into me and I know I can’t make him keep going. He’s not well enough. Damn … I needed that orgasm. I shake my head and lift myself to pull him out of me as we both scramble for air.
His forehead rests on mine as he pants. “Sorry, Precious. I couldn’t last.”
There’s a first, I am so in love with this man. I smile broadly as I kiss him again. “Shh, it doesn’t matter.” I whisper. “We have the rest of our lives, Joshua.” His eyes search mine, and he smiles gently.
Knock, knock, knock … ”Joshua are you ok?” Joshua and I glance at each other in shock.
“My mother’s here.”
Chapter 3
Holy crap—Margaret—why did she have to come now of all times? We are both wet, overheated and out of breath—it is blatantly obvious what we have been doing. I wanted Joshua to myself for a few tender moments. She bloody ruins everything.
He breaks into a full-blown smile as his eyes drop to my lips. His two hands clasp my face to pull my head back to give him greater access to my neck. “Shall I invite her in to watch round two?” he whispers as he slowly pumps his hips into mine, his open mouth skimming the length of my neck down to my shoulder blade. I widen my eyes and slap him on the chest.
“Stop it, you idiot. She’s going to go ape.” He bends and kisses me slowly as if we have all the time in the world.
“Let her, I’m done with what people think. I only care what you think.” He smirks.
I smile shyly at him and pull back to look at his face. “Well I love you, Mr Stanton, that’s what I think.”
His face mirrors mine. “That’s all I need to be happy. My mother can go to hell on her broomstick for all I care.” I bite my bottom lip to stifle my smile at the thought of her on a broomstick. That analogy is so very fitting.
“Joshua, stop it,” I scowl. “This isn’t a joke.”
Knock, knock, knock … ”Joshua,” she calls.
“In a minute Mum, I’m showering with Natasha.” My mouth drops open in shock and I hold my hands over my eyes.
“Sshh, shut up,” I whisper as I shake my hands in a nervous gesture. “Stop it. She’s going to go crazy.”
He smiles a full beaming smile and raises his eyebrows at me. “I told you I don’t care anymore, she can like it or lump it.” I jump out of the shower and start drying myself double time.
“She’s going to lump it …you know that.” He turns off the shower and starts to dry himself. He stands still while I hurriedly dress. I quickly brush my hair and exit the bathroom. This is just so uncomfortable—what must I look like? He’s in hospital for Pete’s sake. I walk out into the room to find Cameron sitting on the bed smirking at me. “Really … hospital sex?” He raises an eyebrow in question. I screw my face up in embarrassment and turn to see Joshua saunter out of the bathroom in a towel, proud as punch. My stomach drops. God, this looks bad.
Cameron shakes his head at Joshua. “You look,” he smirks as he raises an eyebrow, “better.”
Joshua smiles at him as his eyes flick to me, “Yes I’m feeling much better, thank you.” Please, earth, swallow me up, I’m like a hospital sex stalker taking advantage of the sick. “Where’s Mother?” Joshua asks.
Cameron smiles. “Your little ‘I’m showering with Natasha comment’ scared her off.”
I put my head into my hands. “Oh god, Josh, you’re making it worse. She hates me enough.” I pull a worried face at Cam.
Joshua saunters over and embraces me from behind. “Presh, let me take care of my mother.” He kisses my cheek over my shoulder. “I told you I’m done with her making me feel guilty for loving you. Hasn’t this last two mont
hs shown you to not worry about anyone but me?”
Cameron interjects. “And me … and Adrian,” he winks.
I smile warmly at him. In all honesty they’re the only three people worth worrying about on his side anyway.
“I will handle my mother and if she can’t handle us being together then,” he shrugs his shoulders, “I don’t know what role she will have in my life.”
I shake my head and pull away from him. “Joshua, you are not fighting with your mother over me. I will not let you cut her out of your life. She deserves more respect. You wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for her. I will try to make this right and stop … all this nonsense. But I need you to stop antagonising her. You’re just making it harder for me.” He smiles and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before he walks over to his drawer of belongings, he pulls out some clothes and starts to dress. “Can we talk about this later please?” I ask as my eyes flick to Cameron and I notice he is in a white coat.