"Behind Closed Doors"

Time Running Out

Kayla's POV:

Chapter 18:

Kayla sat on the edge of her bed, her heart pounding as she tried to make sense of everything that was happening. It had been hours since Isaiah and Jordan saw Devin's car parked outside, and even though he had driven off, the fear still gripped her tightly. She hadn't slept. How could she? Every time she closed her eyes, she imagined Devin standing outside, waiting to make his move.

She pulled her knees up to her chest, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on her. It was like no matter where she went, no matter what she did, Devin was always there—lurking, watching, ready to remind her that she could never really escape.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and she jumped, her heart racing as she reached for it. A message from Lena.

Lena: Heard about the car. You okay?

Kayla's fingers trembled as she typed a response.

Kayla: Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired.

Lena replied quickly.

Lena: I can come over if you need me.

Kayla hesitated, glancing toward the door where she could hear Isaiah and Jordan talking in low voices out in the living room. They were already on high alert, watching her every move, making sure Devin didn't come near her again. She didn't want to drag Lena into this mess even more than she already had.

Kayla: Thanks, but it's okay. Isaiah and Jordan are here.

Lena's response was short but comforting.

Lena: Aight, just hit me if you need anything. Stay safe.

Kayla set the phone down, running her hands through her hair as the tension in her chest grew heavier. She hated feeling like this—helpless, trapped, like Devin had control over her life even when he wasn't around. She had never felt this weak before, and it scared her.

She glanced at the window, pulling the curtain aside just enough to peer out. The street was empty, but that didn't make her feel any safer. Devin had a way of making himself known even when he wasn't physically there.

A soft knock on the door startled her, and she quickly dropped the curtain, turning around.

"Kay? You good?" It was Isaiah, his voice gentle but serious.

Kayla nodded, though she wasn't sure if it was true. "Yeah, I'm okay."

Isaiah stepped inside, closing the door behind him. His face was tense, his eyes filled with worry. "You don't look okay."

Kayla sighed, hugging her knees tighter. "I'm just... tired, Zay. I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this. He's everywhere. It's like no matter what I do, he's always there, waiting."

Isaiah sat down beside her, his presence steady and grounding. "I know it feels like that, but you gotta remember, you're not alone. Me and Jay, we ain't gon' let him get to you."

Kayla bit her lip, her voice small. "But for how long? How long until he finally snaps? I can't keep living like this, Zay. I'm scared."

Isaiah's jaw clenched, and Kayla could see the anger flash in his eyes. "I know you're scared, but I promise you, we ain't lettin' anything happen to you. Devin's playin' games, but we're ready for him."

Kayla nodded, but the fear still sat heavy in her chest. She appreciated her brothers' protection, but deep down, she knew Devin. She knew he wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.

"I just... I don't know if it'll ever be over," Kayla whispered, her voice barely audible. "Even if he goes away, I feel like he's always gonna be there."

Isaiah looked at her, his eyes softening. "He won't be. We're gonna put an end to this. You just gotta trust us, Kay."

Kayla swallowed hard, wanting to believe him. She wanted to believe that this nightmare would end, that Devin would finally let her go. But a part of her couldn't shake the feeling that this was far from over.

Isaiah stood up, giving her a reassuring nod. "Get some rest, Kay. We'll be out there, watching. If he shows up, he ain't gettin' past us."

Kayla smiled weakly, though the anxiety still gnawed at her insides. "Thanks, Zay."

After Isaiah left, Kayla lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She tried to calm her racing mind, tried to convince herself that she was safe here. But every little noise outside, every creak of the house, made her heart race.

A couple of hours later, just as Kayla started to drift off to sleep, she heard a sound outside. It was faint, but it was enough to jolt her awake. She sat up, her heart pounding in her chest, listening intently. There it was again—a soft noise, like something moving outside her window.

She froze, her breath catching in her throat. Slowly, she got out of bed and crept toward the window, pulling the curtain back just enough to peek outside.

Her blood ran cold.

Devin.

He was standing across the street, just barely visible in the shadows. He wasn't moving, just standing there, watching the house. Kayla's heart raced as she pulled the curtain closed, backing away from the window.

He had found her.

Without thinking, she ran to the door, flinging it open. "Isaiah! Jordan!"

Isaiah was up in an instant, rushing toward her, his eyes wide with alarm. "What? What is it?"

Kayla could barely get the words out, her voice shaking. "He's here. Devin. He's outside."

Isaiah's face hardened in an instant, and Jordan was already moving toward the front door, grabbing his jacket. "Where is he?" Jordan asked, his voice low and dangerous.

Kayla pointed toward the window. "He's across the street. He's just standing there."

Isaiah didn't waste any time. "Stay inside, Kay. Lock the doors. We got this."

Before she could protest, both Isaiah and Jordan were out the door, moving quickly toward the street. Kayla stood frozen, her heart racing as she watched them disappear into the night.

She wanted to follow them, to see what was happening, but fear held her back. What if Devin had something planned? What if this was all part of his game?

She rushed back to the window, pulling the curtain aside just enough to see what was happening. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched Isaiah and Jordan approach the spot where Devin had been standing. But when they got there, he was gone.

Kayla's breath caught in her throat. He had disappeared.

Isaiah and Jordan scanned the street, their eyes sharp, but Devin was nowhere to be seen. It was like he had vanished into thin air.

Kayla's hands shook as she let the curtain fall back into place. He was still out there, somewhere. And as long as he was, she knew she would never truly be safe.