AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It wasn't so much that Brayden and I had a falling out post-Vanessa. It was more of a gradual separation. Without being on campus all the time, the two of us were less convenient. Brayden knew that if he needed me, I would be there regardless. I could only hope the same still rings true for him. It will undoubtedly be awkward to tell him this is all because of another woman, another student, nonetheless.
Tim throws his arm over my shoulder after setting down a case of beer on my table. It's hard to believe that I haven't seen him in two years. His black hair is starting to show some gray around the edges of his temples and there's maybe a wrinkle or two on his forehead, but otherwise, his muscular frame remains the same, menacing, and ready to fuck up someone's day.
"Thanks, man. I owe you," I say, patting him on the back.
"Who has you fucked up this time?" he chastises.
I sigh. "Her name is Olivia."
"Is she legal?" he asks, eyebrow raised, and arms folded.
"Fuck you, Tim. Yes, she's legal." I roll my eyes.
"A student?" Brayden questions as he walks in our conversation.
"You guys aren't going to make this easy, are you?" I groan.
"Not a chance in hell." Tim grins.
Brayden is dressed to the nines, regardless of the mission at hand. His black leather boots squeak on my kitchen floor. They probably cost more than a monthly mortgage payment for most. Brayden doesn't look like he aged at all. His black hair is styled back perfectly, blending perfectly with his all black ensemble. His black Armani T-shirt, along with black, tailored dress pants, make him look like a force to be reckoned with.
Five beers later, I tell Tim and Brayden everything. I can tell Brayden is unhappy about the idea. He never fully believed the Vanessa situation. I know it’s my own goddamn fault. This doesn’t exactly help convince him of her conniving, lying ass either, but at least it’s the truth. Tim is talking about his latest findings of tumor ablation in rats when my text tone sounds. I hope it’s Olivia and I’m deeply disappointed to find it’s not.
“Jesus. Fuck,” I murmur under my breath. Tim and Brayden both look at me.
“It’s the fucking prick who’s stalking Olivia. He just sent me a picture of her apartment door. He’s unhinged.”
“How did he get your number?” Tim asks.
“Probably his dad. I guess he’s stalking me now, too. He’s such a fucking creep. I’ve never felt this way about a student before.” Brayden looks like his usual menacing self and cuts me an icy glare.
“What does he want?” He narrows his eyes, looking downright murderous.
401-294-4563:You want her? Come get her.
Tomas:Nathan? I can only assume you mean Olivia.
401-294-4563:Who else would I mean? Let's have a face-to-face talk, then you can decide if you still want her.
Tomas:Or?
401-294-4563:Or I leak the fucking picture.
Tomas:I’ll be there in an hour.
“I don’t know what the fuck he wants. I think he’s challenging me to a duel.”
“What fucking year are we living in?” Tim asks with a chuckle.
“Fuck you, man.” I laugh despite my blood boiling inside of my veins.
“Do we have to go fuck up his day?” Brayden asks, much more gleefully than earlier.
“What the fuck is with you, Brayden? You’re a goddamn sadist, but you’re correct. Whether Olivia’s unsure of whether she wants to be with me or not, I’m not letting this deranged asshole fuck with her, or me, for that matter.”
Brayden cracks his knuckles with a smile.
I suck in a breath. My pulse hammers and I can’t think. It’s a reckless idea. If he pushes me, especially as I’ve been drinking, I’m not going to be able to keep my anger in check. I don’t know if I’m calling his bluff or walking into a trap.
