26. Nathan

Chapter 26

I didn’t want to be right.

Honestly, everything would have been a lot easier if this had been a random occurrence. But it didn’t feel random; something about it felt off, and things just didn’t add up.

Now they do.

I’d thought nothing of Vince waiting until this weekend, but that was out of the question now. No, someone was harassing Kat at her job, making her feel unsafe. And it wasn’t just some nobody we could handle, but her piece of shit ex-fiancé who’s supposed to be states away.

He, or someone he sent, broke into her apartment and then left flowers at her job with a note that left her shaken. We hadn’t told her, but Vince went back to the school after he dropped her off. It was easy to tell something was wrong. He said she hardly said two words on the way home, so it didn’t take a genius to connect the two.

At first, the flowers seemed like an average arrangement one might buy from any shop. While the words on the card were unsettling, they were nothing compared to what Vince found wrapped up inside them.

A pair of pink lacy underwear.

It was disgusting and sent Desmond into a fit of rage, and while I understood his anger, it also gave us answers.

The break-in wasn’t a random occurrence; it had been planned in the same way as the flowers.

Which only meant one thing.

It was time for Carter to learn who he was dealing with. He’d had his chance with Kat, and he’d ruined it. She’s ours now, and I’ll have Vince put a bullet between his eyes before I let him try to change that.

After dinner, Alex and Desmond said their goodbyes with the pretense of going away for a few days for business. They had been upset when she told them about Carter earlier, but it was nothing compared to when we told them about the flowers, underwear, and the connection to the break-in at her apartment.

Alex was torn at first. He wanted to stay, but he also wanted to go meet the piece of shit for himself. In the end, he decided to go—a decision I can’t say I mind. I’d already pushed everything off at the office until next week, and with them being gone, that would leave me with some one-on-one time with Kat.

Well, mostly.

Oliver would be staying behind as well, but despite the fact that he clearly enjoys her company, I have no doubt he will spend most of his time hiding away. It’s only a matter of time before he comes around, I’m sure, but I don’t want to leave Kat after everything that she’s been through recently. It’s all too clear she’s shaken by it, even if she’s trying to hide it.

This might be the perfect time to see how she does and how she handles what I want from her. Alex and Desmond have both made it clear that my distance from her is confusing her, and I don’t want that. I’d hoped to stay away and give her time to adjust, but it seems that had been the wrong choice.

Time with her will give me the opportunity to correct my mistake because that’s the only option now.

There’s no going back.