I calm my breathing as I recall all of Grandpa Owen's training. “No. I won't be going with you.” I pull the gun out and aim it at him. Shocking him.
He gets an evil smile on his face as he sees the gun I’m holding. “Oh, look at what we have here. Someone got a backbone. Too bad it won't save you from your fate. The first buyer fell through, but I have others, so drop the damn gun and let's go.”
My aim is steady as I muster all my courage and strength into what I have to say to him. His eyes are now trained on me and no longer on Grandma, as I can see Alex moving slowly, trying to get her out of the way. I know the guys are moving in, so I don't have much time.
“I'm no longer the scared little girl you loved to torture. You are no longer in control Ian I am. So you can stand there and spew all the crap that you want about buyers, but I'm not going anywhere with you. Your reign of terror is over. You think I owe you something. Well, guess what? I don't. All I wanted was a father who loved me, but all I got was your hate. You made your choice, so now I'm making mine. So drop your gun.” I don't want to kill him, but I will if it means protecting those I love. I can see Ghost creeping up behind him, but my father is so focused on me that he doesn't notice.
He steadies his gun at me with an evil smile on his face. Any hope I had of a sliver of humanity left in him is gone. “You're dead.”
Ghost stands up to his full height with his gun aimed at my father's head. "Boo."
Before I can react, two shots ring out in the store, making me scream as glass shatters behind me and I drop to the floor. I check my body for any injuries and don't find any major ones except a few cuts from the glass. Glad that he was a shit shot, or that could have been worse.
“SCARLETT!” Camden screams as I hear him running.
“I’m here. I'm okay.” He comes running behind the counter as lifts me up, crushing me into his arms. My body shakes with the adrenaline crashing down as tears spring to my eyes. For just a split second, I could have lost everything.
“Fuck, are you okay? I was so scared.” His voice is rough with emotion, his body trembling as much as mine.
“I'm okay, really. Just a little shaken up. He was actually going to kill me, Camden. I thought I'd never see you again.” My voice cracks.
He pulls back, looking me all over to make sure. “Hey it's okay, babydoll. You're safe now. I've got you.”
“You saved me again. I'm just glad he has shitty aim.” I try to laugh, but it comes out like a sob.
“I'll always save you, babydoll. Always.”
“Is it really over?” I try to look over Camden's shoulder, but he's blocking my view. I know my dad is dead. I should feel something, but all I feel is relief. If that makes me a bad person, then so be it.
“Yeah, it's over. You won't ever have to fear him again.”
A weight has just been lifted off my shoulders. It's as if I can breathe for the first time. “Is everyone else okay?”
“Yeah, come on, let's go see them.” He lifts me over the glass and places me on the ground. I stop when I see my dad lying on the ground. Alex places a sheet over him, which I'm thankful for. His eyes are open as the blood pools around him. “Don't look, babydoll.”
After one last glance, I turn around and I'm practically tackled into a hug from Grandma Silvia.
“Oh, I'm so sorry. If I hadn't left the back door open, he wouldn't have gotten in. It's all my fault.” She pulls back, wiping the tears from her eyes.
“Grandma, this isn't your fault. Please don't blame yourself. He is the only one to blame for his actions. You protected me, and I can't thank you enough. It was you who gave me the courage to stand up to him.” I pull her back into a hug, holding on just a little bit tighter. Just then, Grandpa and Colton rush into the store.
He pulls Grandma into his arms. “Jesus, woman, I swear you've aged me ten years when I heard the call come over Colton’s radio. Are you okay?”
She pulls back, smiling at him. “I did no such thing. Besides, we all know that's Colton and Flowers' fault. I'm the good one in the family.” She sends me a wink as everyone starts laughing, breaking the tension for just a moment.
Colton walks over in his sheriff's uniform and kisses the top of her head. “Glad to see you're okay, Grandma. How are you doing, Scarlett? Can you tell me what happened?”
Ghost steps in front of me, blocking Colton’s view. “Can’t we do this later, Colton? She's been through enough.” Ghost growls out, ever my protector.
I place my hand on his arm, giving him a reassuring smile. “It's okay, I can talk now. I just want to get this over with.”
By the time I've recounted everything to Colton, it's been two hours and I'm ready to drop from exhaustion. He's gotten statements from everyone and the security video. So now everyone is cleared to go home. They took my dad away an hour ago, and I know I'm going to have nightmares for a while after all that's happened. But for the first time in my life, it feels like I can be who I want to be without repercussions or fear of doing the wrong thing. All the guys came around and gave me a hug, and my phone has been blowing up with the girls making sure I'm okay. As I look around the store at each individual, I know I have found my place in life. I found my forever family.
Camden walks over, pulling me into his arms. I know today has messed with him, as he hasn't been far from my side. “Are you ready to head home? I don't know about you, but I could use a drink or ten.”
I smile up at him, so ready to hop in the shower and relax. “Yeah, let's get out of here.”
Home, not the bricks and walls, but the man standing beside me. My Camden, my Ghost, my forever.