17. Chapter 17 Game Over?
Chapter 17: Game Over?
Madison
I didn't notice him coming in.
I heard the sound of the door opening, but I assumed it was from the TV since we were watching a reality show about renovating homes.
But to my horror, and Killian's as well, Nathan is in the house.
The look of anger on his face makes all the previous instances of his rage seem like moments of happiness in comparison.
"I asked what you two were doing," he repeats.
"Nathan…" I call softly.
His gaze lowers, and he frowns.
I'm still half-naked. I pick up my shirt and put it on, and Killian adjusts his shorts and puts on his shirt as well.
I get down, and I feel extremely uncomfortable. Not with what Killian and I were doing, but just the way Nathan is looking at us.
The air is thick with tension and awkwardness, leaving me utterly unsure of what to do next.
Killian gets up, and for the first time ever, I see him looking afraid.
"Nathan, you're back early," Killian manages to break the silence. "I thought you were going to be here tomorrow."
"I had the opportunity to leave earlier. But from the looks of things, I'm sure you would have preferred it if I came later," Nathan seethes.
I haven't seen him this angry before. Has Killian?
"It's not like that," Killian says.
"It's like what then? You need more time to screw my sister?" Nathan asks as he makes his way toward Killian.
"Nathan, wait! No!" I try to stop him, but he has already landed a clean punch on Killian's face.
He grabs Killian by the collar, and Killian does nothing to stop Nathan from punching him again.
"Nathan, stop!" I yell, stopping him from landing a third hit.
He turns to me, the rage still evident in his eyes. "What were you thinking?"
I don't know what he's so angry about. I can't make my own decisions for myself?
I decide to keep my mouth shut.
Killian is more built than my brother, but he's not even attempting to fight back or resist.
Maybe this isn't the best time for doing anything, either.
"I'm sorry," I apologize to Nathan.
"So, if I hadn't come back here early, you two would have continued whatever it is you were doing?" His voice grows slightly louder, and he refuses to release his grip on Killian's collar. "How long were you going to continue? And I would have been clueless like a fool?"
'I'm afraid that was the entire plan, but we didn't see you as a fool, nor did we intend to see you as one.'
"I'm sorry. We both are," I apologize again. "Now, please let go of him."
He turns his attention to Killian and stares intently at his best friend.
"Say something," Nathan demands.
"If I say anything, you'd be more pissed than you already are," Killian says. "I'm also in no position to apologize. Please accept your sister's apologies on my behalf."
Nathan releases him and turns to me, saying, "Pack your things. I'll wait outside. You have ten minutes."
He leaves us, slamming the door behind him.
"Ow," Killian finally drops his tough facade and touches the side Nathan punched. "That hurts."
"I'm so sorry," I apologize as I rush over to him and inspect his face. "This is my fault."
"It's not. We both understand his anger," he says calmly. "If you think about it, we're both at fault here."
"But still…"
"You shouldn't spend your time here," he says. "Let's get your things."
"But I can talk to him. I can still stay," I insist.
"No, you can't. Nathan can't be reasoned with right now," he explains.
"But we are supposed to confront his…"
"I know what I promised, but trust me, this is the only way to settle things properly," he explains.
"You're pushing me away…"
"Idiot, I'm not," he says as he flicks my forehead. "I just don't want to ruin things with your brother even further. Let's retreat for now. But I promise I'll come back for you again."
I understand what he's saying, but it's still difficult to accept.
Why did Nathan have to come back early? And why does he have to be so difficult? Even at times like this, he still treats me like a child.
"Madison," Killian calls, distracting my thoughts. "You and I will be alright. It's just for a little bit. I swear."
"You better not break this promise," I warn.
"I can never break any promise to you," he assures me and kisses me on my lips deeply.
"Mmm, I taste blood," I frown.
He stares in shock. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I guess I'm bleeding inside my mouth."
"Get that checked by a doctor," I say, forcing a smile.
"I am one," he buys into the joke. "Now, let's get going; we only have six minutes."
***
Killian helps me gather my things.
I don't bother changing my outfit and decide to leave the same way Nathan has found us.
Nathan doesn't help with the move. He remains in the driver's seat and doesn't bother saying anything to both of us.
I say goodbye to Killian. I want to hug him, but I know it might further upset Nathan.
As I get into the car, I notice him staring at the hand he punched Killian with, and there's a look of regret on his face.
"I'm ready," I say to him.
"Right," he says and starts the car.
As we leave the driveway, I keep my eyes on Killian. Killian remains focused on our car as his image becomes smaller and smaller until he is no longer visible.
I focus on the road.
I may have left the house with the heavy tension and awkwardness, but I've met it in the car.
Nathan and I don't speak to each other until we arrive at our place.
As expected, he doesn't help me with my things, even as we get home.
As I retrieve my bags, I can't help thinking if I should just explain everything that has happened to Nathan.
Including the stalker issue…