"Behind Closed Doors"

Control Moves

Chapter 3:

Kayla sat in her car, gripping the steering wheel tighter than she realized. It had only been a couple days since she last saw Devin, but things felt... off. He had been texting more than usual, checking in on where she was, what she was doing, and it was starting to feel like he was always in her space.

She glanced at her phone sitting on the passenger seat, the screen lighting up with his name again. She sighed and ignored it. She wasn't ready to deal with him right now. She needed some air, some distance, but it seemed like no matter how much space she tried to create, Devin was always there, in her head, in her life, pushing to get closer.

Her phone buzzed again. This time, a text.

Devin: Why you ignoring me?

She rolled her eyes, hating how predictable he was becoming. She didn't respond right away, instead she pushed open her door and headed into the store for some quick groceries. But even in there, her mind was still on him. The grip he had on her was starting to feel too tight, like she couldn't breathe.

As she walked down the cereal aisle, she heard her phone go off again.

Devin: Yo, for real? You ain't got time for me no more?

Kayla exhaled sharply, feeling her heart start to race. Why was he doing this? Couldn't he just chill? She grabbed what she needed and headed for the checkout, keeping her phone in her pocket. She just needed a little time to herself, that's all. But Devin didn't get that.

When Kayla got home later that evening, she found herself pacing her living room. Her phone buzzed on the counter, but she ignored it again. She knew it was him. Always him.

Finally, she grabbed her phone, ready to just tell him to back off for a bit, but before she could even type a response, her doorbell rang. Kayla's heart stopped. She already knew who it was.

She opened the door slowly, and there stood Devin. His face was tight, eyes locked on her like he had something to prove. Kayla felt that knot tighten in her stomach as she stepped back to let him in.

"You ain't been answerin' my texts," Devin said as he walked in, not even waiting for her to explain. "I been callin' all day, Kayla. What's up with that?"

She sighed, crossing her arms. "I told you I needed some space. I was at the store, runnin' errands, and I been busy. Why you actin' like I gotta explain myself?"

Devin's jaw clenched, his hands balling into fists. "Explain yourself? Kayla, I'm just tryin' to look out for you. You out here, goin' wherever, not tellin' me nothin'. I'm supposed to be your man, right? Ain't that what we agreed on?"

Kayla shook her head. "You always doin' this. I can't even breathe without you hittin' me up, askin' where I'm at. You don't trust me?"

Devin stepped closer, his presence heavy in the room. "It ain't about trust. It's about respect. You don't tell me where you goin', how'm I supposed to know you safe?"

Kayla felt her pulse quicken, but she kept her voice steady. "I don't need a babysitter, Devin. I'm good on my own. You know that."

He stared at her for a long moment, and for a second, Kayla thought maybe he'd back off. Maybe he'd realize how crazy he was actin'. But instead, he reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer.

"Nah, you don't get it," Devin said, his voice low, almost menacing. "You mine, Kayla. You ain't goin' nowhere without me knowin'. You feel me?"

Kayla yanked her wrist back, stepping away. "What the hell, Devin? You trippin'."

His face twisted in frustration, but he let go. "Aight, my bad. But don't act like I'm wrong for wantin' to make sure you straight. I'm out here tryna keep you safe. You should be thankin' me."

Kayla felt her body go cold. This wasn't normal. She knew it wasn't. But somehow, she had let it slide too long, and now it felt like she was trapped in it. Every time she tried to pull away, Devin would reel her back in with his words, his apologies, his sweet talkin'.

"I'm done talkin' about this," Kayla said, walking to the door. "You need to leave. I'll hit you up later."

Devin stood there for a moment, his eyes narrowing like he wasn't used to being told no. But after a long, tense silence, he nodded. "Aight. But don't make me wait too long, Kay. We got stuff to talk about."

She didn't respond, just opened the door and waited for him to leave. As soon as the door shut behind him, Kayla felt the weight of it all hit her. How had it gotten this bad? How had she let Devin take over her life like this?

She stared at her phone, knowing this wasn't over. Not by a long shot.