Diamond in the Making

28. The Innocent One Dies

Revenge may sometimes feel untouchable. But the more you crave it, the more attainable it becomes. It's like the universe provides you with what you need and gifts you with what you want.

I could tell how badly Nate wants revenge on Brad. It's not the typical revenge which involves shady text messages. This is an eye for an eye, blood for blood and it's not something I wish to take part in.

Nate's eyes held sadness because I didn't confide in him about the day which most people would think held importance. But his eyes also displayed the intentions of the devil which is something I haven't seen on him before, well not to this extent and I must say that I don't like this side of him.

I love Nate and loving someone means you accept them for who they truly are. Maybe it's just stupid of me that I love him enough to look past his demons.

Right now I need to diffuse the situation because I would not like for any bloodshed to take place in my apartment.

I cared for Brad at one point but now he has just become obsessive since he took an interest in me again after all these years apart. He seems to have ulterior motives. Could this be a set up? Did he know I would bring Nate here?

I tugged on Nate's arm to get his fired eyes to look into mine after they burned a hole into Brad and once they did they showed the calm blue waters that I am used to. "I think we should go," I said through a shaky uncertain breath.

We shouldn't be the ones going. This is my home which Brad invaded but I didn't want things to escalate. So it's better to be the bigger person, swallow my pride and walk away.

"But you just got here," Bradley said as he stood from the couch making the gun in his hand now visible. Is he out for more bloodshed?

"What do you want from me?" I asked snapping. This is a question that I genuinely want to know the answer to and I can't handle anymore bullshit.

"I want you, all of you," he said, stepping closer but Nate held me tighter as he positioned me behind his back.

Nate still held his gun pointed directly at Brad's head. Is it insensitive to say I don't care what happens to Brad at this point? He has caused me more frustration and aggravation than anyone else I know. Well maybe Daphne is a close second.

This can go one of two ways. Brad can spread fire and get us all burned or he can be a decent person and walk away but when has he ever been a decent person?

"I don't know what I want more," Brad said as he paused for a moment to think. "You with me or him dead."

Now Brad's gun was raised to Nate. I can't do this anymore. I feel trapped. There's no right way to turn, no way out. Unless I get some blood on my hands to protect the man I love.

Hidden behind Nate, I reach into my purse quietly feeling around for my pocket knife. Brad would never expect anything like this from me so it would be the perfect distraction we just need to keep him talking.

Before we start a war in my living room, I need to know if there is an army waiting for a command. "Are you here to kill Nate?" I asked straight out, trying to find his intentions now that his true colours have shown.

"I'm here for you but why not kill two birds with one stone," he wouldn't kill me, he would take me God knows where and leave Nate for dead.

Before he could take a step closer, I threw my knife into his shoulder making him drop his gun and hunch over in pain.

I grabbed Brad's gun which slid along the floor close to my feet then took Nate's arm and dragged him out of my apartment. I slammed the door shut behind us even though I knew it wouldn't make a difference. It's not like he will be down forever.

One elevator was already going down but we would have to catch it since it was a few floors below. While the others were still on the main floor so I knew we had a good chance of outrunning Brad. I dragged Nate towards the stairs, I took my heels off and held them in my hand as we went down the stairs as fast as we could.

We both took a breath of relief as we stepped in the elevator with the guns tucked away as if nothing ever went wrong. We caught weird glances from strangers but people need to mind their business.

I didn't want anyone to die today, we just needed an out. If Brad is affecting Nate's business then that's on him to handle and whatever it may be I don't want a part in it.

Nate called someone while the numbers above us lowered, it felt like it was taking forever. I slipped my shoes back on and I walked out of the elevator as if I didn't just stab my ex boyfriend.

A car was waiting out front and Nate opened the door for me. I slid it and Nate followed my lead. Theo turned his head from the passenger seat as Roman sped off. If Brad was coming for us, he was eating dust now.

"What the fuck happened?" Theo asked as Roman chimed in with a similar question.

"You were right Roman," Nate said, running his hands through his hair in frustration. "The bastard is after her."

Nate filled in the blanks for Theo and Roman while I blocked out the conversation not wanting to relive it. I feel bad that Nate was hurt by my withdrawal of information and I'm concerned about what Brad is capable of. He says he wants me to be with him but how far is he willing to go to make it happen?

Will my relationship with Nate be okay after this? Is he willing to stand by me? Will he help me get Brad out of my life or is it just me against the devil?

The day is officially ruined for me, well the happy part. Throwing that knife, using the skills I wish I could forget, just made me upset because that's not who I want to be. It brings up bad memories, ones I wish I could forget.

I just want to be alone because now is the time that I mourn the death of the innocent girl I once was.