Stanton Series Box Set: Stanton Series (Box Set)

by T L Swan

  “Give me the camera,” I hold out my hand and she passes me my phone and I start to film her.

  She is wearing a short yellow dress and has her shoes off. Her dark hair is messed up and sexy. She looks edible.

  She holds her hand out in front of her to accentuate her point. “Oh my god, this is our new song because I am singing it to you … right?” She steps to the side as the alcohol steals her balance and she laughs as she fiddles with the phone. “Where the hell is this song?” she snaps and I laugh out loud again. “Got it, are you ready?”

  The camera goes up and down in a nod and I find myself smiling at the computer screen.

  The door opens, I pause the film and my eyes flick to Cameron and Adrian as they walk into my room. “Do you mind?” I snap.

  They both lean over my shoulder to see what I am watching. “Not a bit,” Cameron smiles as he pulls up a chair.

  Adrian narrows his eyes at the screen. “What is she doing?” he frowns.

  I sit back in my chair. “Dancing,” I smile.

  Adrian smiles broadly. “She’s so hot. Play the tape.” He pulls up another chair on the other side of me. I slowly press play, it’s a Rihanna song. ‘Only girl in the world.’

  Natasha grabs a hairbrush off her side table and starts to sing into it.

  La la la

  La la la

  Want you to love me, like I’m a hot ride

  Be thinking of me, doing what you like.

  She runs her hands up and down her body while she dances and I immediately feel myself harden. My eyes close.

  Adrian laughs out loud. “I love this girl.” She starts to flick her hair around crazily.

  We all sit still, riveted to the spot. She sings again.

  Like I’m the only one that you’ll ever love

  Like I’m the only one who knows your heart.

  She points at me and leans in and kisses me slowly. The camera goes onto the side and then rests downwards on the bed. I swallow uncomfortably as both of the boys look at me.

  “I thought nothing happened,” Cameron says flatly.

  I shrug my shoulders as my eyes go back to the screen. She jumps up on the bed in a rush and my laughter fills the room again.

  “Listen to yourself laughing.” Adrian smiles at me as he puts his hand on my shoulder in a reassuring gesture. I nod as my eyes stay riveted on the screen.

  She stands above me on the bed and she sings into the hairbrush while flicking her hair around crazily.

  We all sit silent as she drops in a straddle over my body and slowly lifts her dress over her shoulders. She is wearing a yellow lace bra and g-string that match her dress. Her beautiful tanned body is on display. I immediately press the pause button.

  “For my eyes only, boys,” I snap as my eyes flick to them.

  “Please tell me you are going over there right now to tell her you want her back,” Cameron sighs.

  I shake my head sadly. “No, it’s over between us. You can only come back so many times after being kicked to the curb.”

  Adrian frowns. “But you stayed there last night.”

  I nod and drop my head in shame. “Yeah, I was a total prick at dinner and made her cry and I just can’t stand seeing her upset. I couldn’t leave her.”

  Adrian’s eyes hold mine. “Why do you think that you can’t leave her when she’s upset?”

  I shrug as I link my hands on top of my head.

  “I know why.” Adrian smiles. “You’re still in love with her.”

  With a heavy heart I sigh. “Natasha and I are finished, I can no longer trust her, end of story.”

  Chapter 18

  Adrian

  8.30 am and I sit in the small corner office at the job we start today at Braodtec. I have arrived early to prepare for the day ahead. It’s a poky space with no view, a usual prerequisite of ours when working. I go for a quick walk around the office as I try to locate the kitchen or a coffee machine. This place is a nightmare—how am I supposed to be productive with no caffeine? Six years ago Joshua designed this company’s software for them as one of his first jobs and he signed a contract stating he would be the one to upgrade the systems. Back then signing a contract for future work sounded like a smart choice. Little did he know that he would own a multimillion- dollar company today and that this job would be a massive pain in the ass. It has been on our diary for six months but I couldn’t get Joshua to come to Australia after the Natasha debacle. Now we are here for his grandmother it seems like a good time to cross it off the list. It should take about six to eight weeks if all goes to plan. I start to go through my emails and my phone rings. I look at the screen and the name lights up.

  Nicholas Anastas

  Shit, what does he want? I haven’t heard from him in six months, since I last avoided his calls. I stare at the ringing phone on my desk for a moment, I frown and press decline. I keep reading my emails as I scratch my head in frustration. I open one from Frank which reads:

  Hi Murph

  This was in the company email inbox from a Mrs Jones. Not sure what to make of it but I thought I should forward it on to you. The attachment is very interesting?

  Keep me posted.

  Frank

  Frank is one of my PAs in LA. I have three. He liaises with the public and social network platforms and then filters anything onto me that I need to address. The workload is just too great for me to handle alone and Joshua wants nothing to do with it. He has no desire to be the successful millionaire or dominate the world, but his brain has ensured that he does it effortlessly anyway. I deal with the staff, the clients, the workload and Joshua takes care of the tech side of things. He doesn’t mix with the clients or make friendships outside of his close circle. It works well between us, that is except when he breaks up with his girlfriend and then goes AWOL for a month. That is a total nightmare for all concerned.

  My phone rings again and I look at the screen.

  Nicholas Anastas

  I roll my eyes and push reject again. Take a hint. I blow out a breath as I click the email open. It reads: ‘Contact me on mrsjones@hotmail.com or the wife gets the lot.’

  Shit, my heart sinks. I click on the attachment.

  It’s jumbled and the camera is shaking around. I lean in to the screen to listen to the audio. I can barely hear it. It looks as though the camera is attached to something she is carrying. I can see two sets of legs, one obviously hers but the other? It can’t be Joshua—he would never wear track pants around a woman. I press pause as I try to study the screen; is it even Stanton? I narrow my eyes and lean in close as I try to get my bearings. I pick up my phone and ring Ben.

  “Hey,” he answers.

  “Hi, can you come up here please?” I ask.

  “Sure, what’s up?”

  “I’m not sure,” I answer as I sit back in my seat in concentration.

  “See you in a minute,” he sighs.

  Ben and the security team have an office on the second floor. They moonlight as computer techs as a cover because the seven of them can’t be in our office with us. It’s just too small. We ensure Joshua has one guard with him at all times. Ben has come in early with me this morning to go over the security of the building. My phone beeps a text and I pick it up and read it: Nicholas Anastas.

  I hear you are in Sydney.

  I want to see you tonight.

  Not now, asshole. I click off the message in annoyance. I press play again. They seem to go into a room and I screw up my face in question. What the hell is this?

  Ben walks in. “Hi. What’s up?”

  I sit back on my chair as I flick my pen around in annoyance. “Not sure. I think Stanton’s fucked up.”

  He crosses his arms in front of him as he rolls his eyes. “Play it,” he snaps.

  We watch the two sets of legs start to go upstairs. Ben leans in and turns up the volume so we can hear the sound.

  “So what did you say your name is?’ Joshua’s distinct voice is heard.

  “What
do you want it to be?” she replies and I look at Ben deadpan and he smiles stupidly.

  “Original,” I say flatly.

  As clear as day, we hear Joshua reply. “My bedroom is this way … Natasha.”

  Our eyes widen in shock. “Holy shit, who is this slut and how did she get past security with a fucking camera?” I stammer as I run my hand over my face in horror.

  Ben changes his stance nervously as he crosses his arms. “I don’t know—let me find out.”

  “She is threatening to send this shit to Natasha. Do you have any idea how postal Stanton is going to go when he sees this. He can kiss Natasha goodbye. Why would he even mention her name?” I can’t believe this.

  Ben shakes his head. “I don’t know. Let me look into it today and we will tell him tomorrow. Contact her and see what she wants. Try and buy us some time.”

  “Christ,” I snap, “I don’t have time for this shit. What exactly do your moronic security team actually do? I expect you to check every female that comes into contact with him for cameras. It’s common sense.”

  He swallows nervously. “Hmm, you would think.” With that he walks out of the room.

  I blow out a breath to try and calm myself. This is a disaster. Joshua is going to hit the roof.

  My phone beeps a message and I angrily snap it from the desk to check it. Nicholas Anastas.

  You either ring me or I will be at your office at 1 pm.

  Don’t push me.

  I frown at the screen. Don’t push me … don’t push me, cockhead. I text back angrily.

  What do you want?

  He texts back immediately.

  I want to know what happened between us.

  I roll my eyes.

  Nothing.

  Stop looking for something that wasn’t there.

  He texts back.

  That’s bullshit and you know it.

  See you at 1 pm.

  I puff air into my cheeks in frustration.

  Joshua walks into the office and smiles as he puts his briefcase on his desk. Then he stands still and puts his hands on his hips as his eyes scan the room. “This office fucking sucks,” he says dryly.

  I glare at him in annoyance. “Shut up. I’m not in the mood,” I snap.

  His eyes flick to me and he smirks. “What’s up your ass?”

  “Nothing,” I snap

  He laughs. “Maybe that’s the problem.” He picks up a pen and throws it at me.

  I narrow my eyes at him.

  Knock, knock. We both turn to the door and see two men in suits and a very attractive woman.

  “Hello. We have just come to welcome you. I’m Paul and this is Alex and Tatiana.”

  We both stand and shake hands with them and smile cordially.

  “Tatiana and Alex here will be in the office next to yours and will help you in any way they can.” Paul says, “Hopefully this reprogramming will run as smoothly as possible.”

  Joshua frowns at the woman and she smiles broadly at him.

  “Oh my god,” Tatiana puts her hand on her chest. “It’s you,” she purrs.

  He frowns again. “Have we met before?” he asks.

  She laughs and nods. “Yes, we met at a wedding last year. We were seated next to each other. Remember?”

  He smiles and nods. “That’s right, I do. Yes of course.”

  My eyes flick between them as she blushes. Oh god, give me a break.

  “We will be in the office next door if you need anything.” Alex smiles and they leave the room.

  Joshua turns and smirks and raises his eyebrows. “Interesting morning, huh.” He smiles.

  I sit back down in my seat. “You have no idea,” I sigh.

  Natasha

  I walk into the hospital and head straight upstairs to the palliative care unit. I have a bad feeling today. I just hope Gran is ok.

  I run into Mum in the hallway. “Is everything ok?” I ask nervously.

  She smiles warmly as she kisses me on the cheek. “Yes, she is doing really well. She has had us laughing all day.”

  I put my hand on my chest. “Oh, thank goodness, I’ve been a bit nervy,” I sigh.

  Mum smiles sympathetically as she walks past me down the hall.

  Bridget, Cameron and Will are sitting together on the seats. Bridget is seated opposite the boys and has her legs resting on Cameron’s legs who is oblivious and on his phone. She and Will are deep in conversation.

  “Hi,” I smile as I put my bag on the seat next to them.

  “Oh hi,” Bridget smiles. “Loving that Kate Middleton dress.” She raises her eyebrows at me. I smile. I love this dress too. It’s cream and fitted and hangs just below the knee. It’s very simple but beautifully cut and it hangs really nicely. I am in matching cream high-heel shoes. My hair is in a loose, low ponytail and I have my glasses on and minimal make-up. I stand and stretch my back. I’ve been on my computer all day and it’s as tight as anything.

  “You been at work?” Cameron asks, his eyes not rising from his phone.

  “Ahuh,” I answer flatly. “You guys been in yet?” I ask as my eyes flick around and I put my hands on my hips.

  “Not yet,” Bridget answers. “She has a line up in front of us.” She gestures to a group of oldies sitting in the other waiting room.

  “Mmm, ok. I might go and get a coffee then,” I sigh. I pick up my bag and head back downstairs to the cafeteria.

  I walk down to the cafeteria in a daydream as my security trails behind me. How is it I don’t even notice them with me anymore? Max has taken a week off to go away with his girls. I think Joshua has just pissed him off too much to be around, something he has denied of course. As I head down the hall to the cafeteria I see two of Joshua’s bodyguards waiting outside, leaning up against the wall, and I get a rush of adrenaline. He’s here. I try to hold my idiocy to a minimum and not jump in the air. I enter the cafeteria as casually as I can and my eyes scan the space. I see him. Joshua is sitting at the table closest to the door and his broad back is facing me. He is on the phone and has a notepad in front of him and is writing something down. I walk over behind him to say hello when my eyes glance at the notepad and I read the name Coby Allender written on it. He speaks down the phone unaware that I am here.

  “I want a list of past offences and the evidence being presented at the upcoming trial.”

  He listens for a minute. “No, when is the trial?” He listens again. “I see.” He listens again. “Tell me, do the police think he is guilty?” My eyes widen, who is he talking too? I walk past him and straight to the counter.

  Fishface looks at me. “What will it be?” she asks flatly. God this woman is a bitch.

  “Skim cap.” I raise my eyebrows at her as if to say, yes you, you are a bitch, and I know it.

  She nods and takes my money and I turn to see Joshua scribbling on his paper. His eyes flick up and connect with mine, and he smiles sexily. I literally swoon. He only has to look at me and I melt into his eyes. I smile and turn back to the counter and I watch him in the reflection of the fridge door in front of me. He keeps writing and talking, then he hangs up and rips the top piece of paper off the notepad, folds it and puts it in his inside suit pocket. He takes a sip of his coffee and sits still staring at me, then he gently cracks his neck and I smile. Some things will never grow old. I take my coffee and walk over to him.

  “Hi,” I smile.

  “Hello,” he smiles back.

  What I really want to do is slam my hand on the table and scream where the hell where you when I woke up this morning, asshole, but I have to remind myself that this new improved version of myself is non-drama-queenish, and boy does it suck.

  “Did you have a nice day?” I smile as I take a sip of my coffee.

  He nods. “Yes, we started a new job today so I was busy.”

  I frown. “New job?” I question.

  He smiles. “Just a little six-week one.”

  “Oh.” I nod as disappointment runs through me.

  “
You?” he asks.

  I shrug. “It was ordinary, nothing exciting.”

  He smirks as he sips his coffee. “We are heading back upstairs.” His eyes linger on mine.

  I nod and smile and he rises from his seat and follows me out. We walk into the crowded lift and stand silently next to each other. He is so tall and big, his body oozes power in that dark charcoal three-piece suit. I can feel the electricity coming from him as my body weakens with want. I wonder if any of the other women in the lift can feel the heat oozing from this fine specimen. As I watch the numbers above the door light up I silently make a pact with myself. I am not mentioning last night or asking him when I am seeing him again. I need to be strong, even if it kills me, and it probably will because he is acting like he doesn’t have a care in the world and I could quite easily strangle him with a smile on my face. Calm, calm, calm … keep fucking calm. We walk to the lounge seating area and we sit opposite each other.

  “Have you been in yet?” I ask the others.

  “No,” they all reply flatly without looking up.

  Joshua takes out his phone and starts to read and scroll through it. I sit with my legs crossed trying to look everywhere but at him. Bridget and the boys are deep in conversation about Adrian.

  “So, is he seeing him tonight?” Abbie frowns.

  Cameron nods and throws his hands behind his head. “Yep,” he answers as he leans back in his chair.

  I frown. “Huh, who is he seeing tonight?” I ask.

  “Nicholas Anastas,” Bridget replies.

  “How did that come about?” I frown.

  “He texted him this morning demanding to see him,” Cameron says as he raises his eyebrows.

  “How hot. I love it when a man demands to see you. Now that’s romance.” My eyes flick to Joshua who doesn’t even hear me and is smirking at his phone. Hmm … take a hint, bastard.

  Joshua laughs and bites his bottom lip to stifle his smile as he watches something on his phone and his eyes flick to me. I frown in question. What is he looking at?

  My phone beeps a message. I pull it out of my bag.