At first, her inclination was to go to her brother for help, but Marley had pointed out she could be putting him in danger by living with him or even by telling him about it.Emma knew she was using it as an excuse to get rid of her, but the more Emma thought about it, the more she agreed with her.Trent was the only family she had left, and if he got hurt because of her, she’d never forgive herself, so she’d found an apartment in a secure building and moved into it.She planned on staying there until the guy who stalked her was caught.
Trent had argued with her about moving.He wouldn’t stop questioning her and what was happening, but she couldn’t tell him.She was basically on her own now.The police had helped as much as they could, but not until the stalker struck and got physical would they step in.If they found out who the culprit was, it might help.
It had gotten so bad that the bank manager had asked her to move to a different bank or resign.The thought of doing either made her furious.
They had figured out a way for her to work from home, and it was perfect.She didn’t have to leave the safety of her apartment.She did everything she could think of to keep herself safe.She’d put in extra locks and an alarm if someone broke in.
She remembered that she always felt the most secure when ...he was around.She wouldn’t think of him.He was gone from her life, and she wanted to keep it that way.
Gazing at her reflection without seeing it as her memories came rushing into her mind, she had been fearless and carefree when she’d been young and her parents were alive.The family had all lived under the same roof.Her world had been simple back then, and she wished she could go back to that time.
Her world started falling apart at her nineteenth birthday party.That night had changed something fundamental in her, and she’d never been the same.
With each of life’s disappointments and struggles, she’d become more solitary and withdrawn from everyone who cared about her.She didn’t know how to overcome her fear enough to let other people in.
Emma tried to go back to sleep but finally gave up right before dawn and showered.She spent the morning cleaning every room in her apartment, even though it didn’t need it, just to give herself something to do.She was trying to get the nerve to go to the grocery store.Jesus, when had she become such a wimp?She hated that she was letting that bastard stalker affect her this way.
The idea of getting a gun kept circling in her mind.The thought terrified her, but she reasoned it was because she’d never held one.If she were taught the right way to handle one, it would help.
Her body jerked when her phone rang.She stared at it as if it were a snake, then sighed.Because of the stalker, she was even afraid to answer her phone nowadays.
“Hello?”she answered.
“Hey, sis.What are you up to today?”
She relaxed and then cleared the fear from her throat.“I was planning on going to the grocery store.Why?”
“How about coming home?I’m going to grill steaks.”
The thought that Marley would be there made her hesitate, but she wasn’t going to let that woman keep her away from her brother.“At what time?”
“We could do a late lunch or early dinner,” Trent said.
Emma sighed.“How about a late lunch?That will give me time to go to the store before returning to my place.”
“I thought you could just stay here tonight,” Trent said.“That way, I don’t have to worry about you.It’s been a long time since we sat in the family room watching a movie and eating popcorn.”
Emma hadn’t seen him in a few weeks because he was extremely busy, and she missed him.She thought about what she needed to get done in the next few days, and all she imagined was another long, lonely weekend.
“Okay.Then we can eat at whatever time you’d like,” Emma said.“When do you want me there?”
“Come whenever.This is your home, too.”
She pressed her fingers against one temple.“I know.”
“Okay.Good.See you soon, Sis.”
Emma hung up and relaxed against the back of the sofa.She was excited to see her brother but dreaded having to spend time with Marley.She’d suck it up and deal with it.There was no other option right now.
She was not going to let that woman dictate her life.