Shadows of the Night

Eleven

Sabrina

Michael puts on a show called The Rookie, where a middle-aged man joins law enforcement and entertains a hilarious journey of his life.

Michael laughs at each joke.

I grin warmly at him before finally asking, "How long have you known Nathan?"

He turns his head toward me and flashes a charming smile. "About six years now or so." His arm rests on the back of the couch comfortably.

I nod. "He speaks highly of you. He trusts you."

He huffs. "Well, him and I have been through a lot with each other. I guess you could say he's my best friend. I also trust him with my life."

I grin warmly at him.

He adds, "He thinks highly of you too, you know."

I smile down at my lap. "Well, I think highly of him. Especially all that he's done for me. I can't think him enough."

He grins at me and positions himself more to face me. He leans into his elbows on his knees. "Grayson . . . He's not really the relationship type, you know. Well, hell, he's been with all sorts of girls after his last relationship."

I tilt my head as my heart sinks in my stomach. I swallow hard.

Oh please don't tell me I have to hear another 'I don't do relationships' conversation again.

"His relationship was pretty rough. She was a bit . . Well, problematic." His deep voice informs.

I furrow my eyebrows. "Nathan never mentioned a terrible ex before."

"Yeah, well, he's not one to blame others when there's a problem. Honestly, he blamed himself instead. Went around saying he got too absorbed with work and that's what pushed her away . . . But, I was there for most of it and that's not exactly how I saw it."

I grin at him before lowering my head down.

That's pretty kind of him, to take responsibility for something that wasn't even his fault.

Most of my exes would argue that I was the problem.

I just hope that doesn't affect his relationship with me. What if I'm only some booty call to him. Usually, that's how it goes with the men I talk to.

"But, he really cares about, Sabrina." He reassures, reading my soft demeanor.

My eyes meet his, feeling relief in my chest.

"He adores you." He continues. "I've never heard him talk about anyone the way he talks about you."

"Thank you." I grin at him.

Suddenly, I get a call from an unknown number.

My heart rate begins to rise, fully knowing it's him.

"Don't answer it." Michael demands firmly.

I stare at the call and disobey by answering. "Hello?"

Michael sighs as he rises and steps toward me.

"Hello, darling." Keith's words send shivers down my spine. "I can't help but feel a bit betrayed. After all I've done for you and you end up with him?" He sighs for a moment.

"Please leave me alone." I growl. "I'm never going to love you. I will never want you." I grit my teeth together and utter, "I hate you."

"Oh, well, that's not very nice. Why don't you open the door and we can sort things out in person."

My heart suddenly stops as my eyes meet Michael's.

"What?" Michael whispers.

Lowering my phone away from my ear, I softly say, "He's here."

. . .

Nathan

"Why did you go against my back?" Wilson asks furiously.

I scoff. "It wasn't my idea! Trust me, I feel guilty enough for doing so. He'd still be . ." I sigh and turn away. "He'd still be alive." My voice lowers.

Wilson glares at me for a moment. "That's why I had the plan set up the way that it was. So no one would get hurt. Now look what you have done." He huffs.

I clench my jaw while staring at him. "If I would've known this would have happened, I would've never allowed it to happen."

"See, but that's the thing." He begins. "You always try to play hero. Deep down you wanted to be the one who saves the day, didn't you?" His eyes narrow at mine.

I glare back at him, clenching my fists down my sides as my blood boils.

Suddenly, my phone rings. I sigh as I pull my phone out to see Michael calling me. "Excuse me." I glare at him and turn away.

"Hey, is Sabrina alright?" I ask.

"You need to get here now." He replies. "He's here."

. . .

Sabrina

Michael quickly scurries me into the bedroom closet as Keith bangs on the front door.

"Don't make a sound. I called Grayson. He should be here any minute." He reassures and closes the door.

My heart pounds out of my chest as I hug my knees, silently praying that he won't break through the door.

In the distance, I can hear Michael hollering, "Leave now! I will shoot!"

The banging stops for a moment.

I realize I'm holding my breath now and exhale, hoping that he left.

A loud bang then startles me. It sounds like he broke in.

A gunshot fires, followed by what sounds like wrestling. I can hear Michael grunting with sounds of furniture breaking.

I begin to cry, panting breathlessly as I shut my eyes, wishing it all to go away.

I hope he doesn't kill Michael. He's such a nice guy. I wouldn't be able to deal with the guilt of his death all because he was trying to protect me.

More grunts from both men continue, getting viciously louder and louder. I can make out bodies hitting the floor and glass shattering. Another gunshot fires, causing me to gasp.

The wrestling continues. The sound of groans and rumaging seem to be getting worse. This continues on for about another five minutes.

Suddenly, it gets quiet.

I gasp when I hear footsteps growing closer.

I hold my breath, trying hard not to make a sound. Tears drench my face as I cover my hand over my mouth.

Footsteps grow closer and I can makeout a shadow from underneath the door. He stops just in front of it.

I shut my eyes, sobbing more, my heart racing out of my chest.

This can't be happening. No! No!

The door slowly opens, causing me to release a gasp as I sob.

I am relieved to see Nathan standing before me.

I hop up and throw my arms around him while crying.

He holds me against him tightly. "It's okay. You're okay." He breathes.