"Behind Closed Doors"

The Backup

Jordan's POV:

Chapter 13:

Jordan sat in his car outside Kayla's apartment, tapping the steering wheel impatiently. He'd gotten a call from Isaiah telling him to meet up at Lena's place because things were heating up with Devin. Jordan had been waiting for this day, the day when things would come to a head. He hated that Kayla had kept it all from him and Isaiah for so long, but now that they knew, there was no going back.

He knew Devin wasn't just going to disappear. Dudes like him didn't give up easily. They thought they could control everything, make people afraid enough to stay quiet. But Jordan had something for him. He wasn't about to let Kayla get hurt anymore.

His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was a text from Isaiah.

Isaiah: On my way. Stay sharp.

Jordan's jaw clenched. He was ready. He had always been the more laid-back brother, but when it came to family, especially Kayla, his patience disappeared. Devin had crossed a line.

Jordan checked the time again, then opened the glove box, pulling out the small pocketknife he always kept there. He wasn't planning on using it—at least not unless Devin forced his hand—but having it gave him a sense of control. He didn't want this to turn ugly, but if Devin showed up again, there wasn't going to be any talking this time.

A few minutes later, Isaiah's car pulled up beside his. Jordan hopped out, meeting him on the sidewalk.

"You hear from Lena?" Jordan asked, scanning the area.

Isaiah nodded, his expression tight. "Yeah. They still inside, but Kayla got a text from dude sayin' he knows where she's at. We gotta get them outta there, and fast."

Jordan could feel the anger rising in his chest. "You think he's really gonna show up?"

Isaiah shrugged, but there was no doubt in his eyes. "It's Devin. He ain't gonna stop. He's probably watchin' her right now."

Jordan shook his head, his fists clenching at his sides. "This dude's askin' for it. Let's go."

When they got to Lena's apartment, Jordan was the first one at the door, knocking quickly. Lena opened it almost immediately, her face tense.

"Y'all made it," she said, stepping aside to let them in. "Kayla's in the back, packin' her stuff."

Isaiah nodded, looking around the small apartment like he expected Devin to pop out at any second. "We gotta move fast. Don't know how close he is."

Jordan followed Isaiah into the living room, his eyes scanning every corner of the apartment. He could hear Kayla moving around in the bedroom, and his chest tightened. He couldn't believe she had been dealing with this mess alone for so long. She was always so strong, always the one keeping things together. But now, he saw the cracks. Devin had pushed her too far.

"Kay," Jordan called out, stepping toward the bedroom door. "You good?"

Kayla appeared in the doorway, holding a duffel bag in one hand and her phone in the other. She looked exhausted, her eyes red from crying, but there was a determination in her face that made Jordan's heart ache.

"I'm ready," she said quietly, glancing at Isaiah and Jordan. "Let's just go."

Jordan nodded, walking over to take the bag from her. "We got you. We ain't gonna let him touch you again."

Kayla gave him a small smile, though her eyes were still filled with fear. "Thanks, Jay."

Isaiah stepped closer, his voice low. "We're gonna take you to Mom's. Devin don't know where she lives, so you'll be safe there for now."

Kayla nodded, but Jordan could see the tension in her body. She didn't feel safe, not yet. And Jordan knew that as long as Devin was still out there, she wouldn't be able to breathe easy.

They headed out of Lena's apartment, Isaiah leading the way with Kayla beside him. Jordan walked behind them, his eyes constantly scanning the area for any sign of Devin. His heart was racing, the adrenaline pumping through him as they made their way to the car.

Just as they reached the parking lot, Jordan froze. A car pulled up slowly, the headlights cutting through the darkness. His blood ran cold when he saw who was behind the wheel.

Devin.

"Yo, there he is!" Jordan hissed, grabbing Isaiah's arm and pulling him back.

Isaiah's eyes narrowed as he spotted Devin, who was sitting in his car, watching them with a cold, hard stare. He didn't get out. He didn't need to. His presence alone was a threat.

Kayla stiffened, her breath catching as she saw the car. "Oh my God..."

Isaiah put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Kay. He ain't gonna touch you."

Jordan's fists clenched, the pocketknife feeling heavy in his pocket. "We gotta move. Now."

Isaiah nodded, keeping a tight grip on Kayla as they hurried toward their cars. Jordan kept his eyes on Devin, waiting for him to make a move. The tension was thick in the air, and Jordan could feel the rage building up inside him. He wanted to rush over to that car and handle Devin right then and there, but he knew that wasn't the move. Not yet.

As they loaded Kayla into Isaiah's car, Devin's engine roared to life. Jordan's pulse quickened. He took a step forward, ready to confront him, but Isaiah stopped him.

"Jay, not now," Isaiah said through gritted teeth. "We get Kayla out first."

Jordan bit back his anger, nodding as he got into his own car. He wasn't done with Devin. Not by a long shot.

They drove off, heading toward their mother's house, the tension still thick in the air. Jordan kept his eyes on the road, his thoughts racing. Devin wasn't just going to disappear. This wasn't the end.

But one thing was clear: Kayla wasn't alone anymore. And if Devin came back, they'd be ready for him.