Page 30 of Bonding with the Beta

Josh stares back, letting out a strained sigh. “God, that’ll be forever, then.”

I sigh silently and choose to ignore his comment before turning back to my book and racing through the reading. I quickly jot down some notes for the questions needed for class tomorrow.

After finally closing the book and standing from my desk, I walk towards the bed and lean down to press a kiss to his lips. Except he doesn’t return the kiss; he continues to text on his phone.

“Seriously?” I murmur.

“You were busy when I wanted your attention. Now you want mine?”

I pinch the bridge between my nose. “Do you not understand that studying is important to me?

“And do you not understand that having sexual intimacy with my girlfriend is important to me?”

“Well, maybe I’d want to have sex with you more if you actually put some effort into the relationship,” I blurt and instantly regret it.

Josh scowls as if I’ve physically hit him. “That’s rich.”

“We never go on dates anymore. I always try to plan things, at least once a month, to do something other than sit here. But you always cancel because you’re too tired, you’ve got something else to do, or that time you bailed on me to go and party with your friends,” I exhale because now I can’t stop myself. “That’s not a relationship, Josh. We’re getting too relaxed.”

He mumbles something under his breath as his eyes remain on his phone, tapping away at the screen. His lips twitch, and a smile erupts.

Is he serious right now?

I peer over his shoulder and watch as he’s messaging someone named…Louisa.

A zap to my heart makes me wince. An unsettling feeling rises in my stomach, bile rising up my throat, but I push it back.

“Who’s that?” I ask quietly.

He whips his head to me, eyes emotionless. He locks his phone so I can no longer see the thread of messages. When he doesn’t say anything, it makes me burn hot with fury.

“Who is Louisa?” I grit out. “I know I had work to do, but I’m here now.”

“Just some girl.”

My eyes almost pop out of my skull at his audacity. “Just some girl?” I repeat. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Without another word, he stands up, his tall frame towering over me.

“Why can’t you trust me? You’re so fucking insecure. It’s unattractive.”

I flinch.

We’ve been together for almost a year, and I don’t remember us ever being this bad. I remember when we were good. I remember when we’d laugh, go on dates, and stay up allnight talking. Now? I don’t even recognise us, but I don’t want to let go.

Josh isn’t a bad person. I don’t know what’s going on between us lately.

I know exactly how good we can be. I don’t want this to go to waste.

But why is he messaging other girls whilst we are together?

“I’m just asking–”

“No, you’re accusing.” He glares at me. “I can hear the tone in your voice. I’m not stupid. Go on. Ask me.”

I blink at him, my heart thrashing in my chest.

“Josh–”

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