The Berserker

Chapter 29

"Justin had to know, right?"

I had just stepped out of the bathroom, hair dripping a watery trail in my wake. Nat's head rested in his hands as he stared at the floor like wooden planks suddenly had the answers to the universe. This was headed in a downwards direction fast.

"It's probable," I answered, opening the small closet in search of my clothes bag. "You said he wanted to take over the business as a family thing."

The thought had crossed my mind more than once during my shower. Justin's involvement risked our mission in its entirety. Perhaps the only good point is that he thought I was dead.

Or, did he?

I grimaced.

Glancing at Nat from my peripheral, he uttered a frustrated groan. If Justin knew I wasn't dead, then Nat was in a lot more danger than I was.

"This whole time he could have been playing me." Nat ran a hand through his hair, getting up simultaneously. "But, then why would he go along with getting rid of you to cover for me?"

"Hmm..." I responded noncommittally, clipping the bra in place over my towel, followed by an underwear and a hoodie. At the moment, there really wasn't an answer I had for that that he would like.

He paced, spiraling in a wave of thoughts. I knew what he was trying to do, and maybe this is why he asked if I needed company in the shower. That thought process would only end in more pain and confusion.

"What do you think?" His tone betrayed the desperation as Nat turned to face me. "What can we - are you - you're not dressed..."

Trailing off, Nat seemed disturbed. I hung the towel around my shoulders before pulling on some sweat pants, all the while arching an eyebrow at him.

"I did just get out of the shower," I pointed out, toweling my hair. "Do you shower with clothes on?"

"No." He cleared his throat. "Why didn't you bring your clothes with you?"

"It's too cramped. You'll see when you shower." I sat on the bed, looking up at him.

Clearing his head with a shake, Nat repeated his question.

"You know what I'm going to say," I said instead, voice barely above a whisper.

"He's a threat," he answered just as quietly.

I nodded my head, waiting for whatever else he needed to say. An internal war brewed within him, wisps of thoughts flashing across his green eyes. It made me wonder what he could sacrifice to protect his family. To achieve the life he wanted. I knew I would be able to sacrifice anything for mine.

My body, my life, even my future.

Yet, as I stared into those shining green eyes, thinking about his warmth and breath, a terrifying question came to mind.

Could I sacrifice Nathaniel to save my family?

The answer should have been immediate, but what came to mind was entirely unexpected.

He is family, so it's not an option.

I did call him a little brother once, but this feeling that tightened my chest uncomfortably wasn't the same feeling with Peyton. The desire to protect them, to ensure they were happy, and all of the feelings I attributed to loving as I should were there. Something else was being attributed to Nathaniel, something not entirely unfamiliar yet still unwelcome. However, if I reflected carefully on my past actions, it already started a while ago.

Does he - I bit my lip hard, cutting off that thought. Don't go there. It's not possible.

"Whatever you want to go with," I said, needing to distract myself, "we still need to actually find Dominic to get him to release you and our families."