Diamond in the Making

13. Dark Skies

Sleep is such a blessing, a blessing which I was not granted. It's meant to be a time to refresh and relax in the late hours of the night.

I sat on Nate's bed alone as my desire for the darkness of sleep to consume me. Unfortunately, it was never permitted.

I couldn't stop thinking about what my life has become and what will come of it. It seems as if Daphne will never be out of my life for good and what does she really have planned? I knew at some point there would be an ultimatum.

One thing is for sure, I know I am meant to be where I am with Nate. I just like to dream of all the possibilities.

My mind raced all night going from happy to dark thoughts as I watched the sun rise but there was still no sign of Nate. Disappointment washing over me. I just thought he would have been home by now.

Ridding my head of my thoughts, I sat up in the bed. Taking my time to examine the room that I neglected, noticing the dark coloured walls, and the curtains hiding huge windows. I looked at every single piece of furniture in the room remembering how the night went about.

I made my way through the house, in nothing but Nate's shirt, on the hunt for my phone or even some coffee.

I found my purse and my phone which laid on the counter where my naughty thoughts became a reality. It was about six in the morning. Too busy reminiscing in the past, I flinched when I heard the front door open. Glancing past the kitchen I saw an unfamiliar face. A man with jet black hair which grew long, a handsome face, and a build similar to Nate.

"Who the fuck are you?" He asked in disgust as his pretty face became ugly in my eyes.

"Excuse me?" I said getting upset at his attitude and confused by his presence. Feeling uncomfortable, I moved further behind the counter. "I should be asking you that question," I replied snarkily.

"Does Nate know you're here?" He asked as he huffed in annoyance and pulled out his phone.

"Yes, he asked me to stay here," I answer honestly, feeling the need to defend myself to someone I don't know.

"Yeah sure he did," he said as he brought the phone to his ear. Mumbling under his breath "I hate dealing with his bitches."

"Excuse me?" I said again as I walked around the island and made my way over to him. Feeling a sting as my hand collided with his cheek. "Asshole," I said clearly for him to hear as I grabbed my stuff that was scattered around the house and left with most of my dignity intact.

Who the fuck does he think he is? He basically called me a bitch and I definitely didn't deserve that. Fuck him.

I started my car and as I began to reverse, the same man started to approach the car saying muffled things that sounded like 'wait' and 'please.' First he's a dick then he suddenly has a change of heart like no, I am not in the mood to put up with this shit. I zoomed out of the driveway, leaving him smelling burnt tires.

The drive home was a blur. My body knew where it was going and my mind was elsewhere thinking about what happened to Nate, why he wasn't home and who that prick was.

I pulled into the garage at my building. I needed to focus on getting to work. I grabbed my bundle of clothes from the passenger seat along with my purse as I did a major walk of shame in Nate's shirt. I only wish it was actually a walk of shame not just a lonely sleepover.

I had plenty of time before I had to be at work. I took a shower washing of the feeling of Nate's delicate touch as the hot water warmed my sensitive skin.

I dried my raven hair and pulled it back into a professional yet stylish looking bun. Looking in the mirror to see my tired eyes and dark circles I reached for my concealer, trying my best to hide my exhaustion.

Wearing a tweed Chanel skirt and the matching jacket with a black shirt underneath. And of course my jewelry. Feeling confident in my look, I began my walk to the shop.

My heels patter along the streets as I take in my surroundings, nothing looks out of the ordinary until I round the corner to the street my store is on. Two black Escalades on opposite ends of a black Mercedes-Benz right outside of my store. No one I know would show up with a whole entourage but maybe it's a new client, I tried to reassure myself.

As I neared the doors, I saw the same man from Nate's house leaning against one of the Escalades. I just gave him a hard glare and before he could say a word I walked into the store.

I gave a quick greeting to Sienna before I went straight to my workshop. I knew I was gonna release a new collection soon and I needed to get to work. Once the pieces are made and the photos are seen by the public, I'll have a release party. One that I hope Nate will accompany me to.

I barely got started when there was a quiet knock on the door just before Sienna peeked her head in. "Mr. Harris and some guy want to meet with you, are you busy? I can tell them no," she said knowing I had a lot to do.

"No it's fine, just send them to my office. I'll be there in a minute," with a nod Sienna went to relay the message as I sat there thinking of why Nate would come to see me at work and who he was with?

Cleaning off my barely dirty hands, I headed into my office. Opening the oak door as it creaked revealing a fine looking Nate wearing a dress shirt with the few top buttons undone giving a glimpse of his canvas chest, it's his signature look. And sitting next to him was the man from this morning.

Looking to Nate then to the mystery man, I asked in a slightly mimicking tone "who the fuck are you?"