Page 2 of Fighting for Scarlett

Unlocking her phone, she started typing out a text one-handed as she pulled the gun box down, grabbed the key, and squeezed herself into the back corner of the closet. Hiding behind her long winter coats, Scarlett barely breathed as she heard footsteps cross the room.

There were only so many places you could hide in a bedroom. Under the bed and in the closet had to be the top two, and she had no doubt that if someone had gone to all the trouble of breaking in here, they weren't going to leave just because she wasn’t sleeping tucked in under the covers.

Her walk-in closet led through to the attached bathroom, which she was sure the intruder would check next. If he didn't thoroughly search the closet, she might buy herself a little time, but not enough for help to arrive.

With the gun box open, she picked up the weapon.

It felt much heavier than usual in her shaking hand.

Could she do it?

Could she shoot to kill if it was the only way to protect herself?

Scarlett honestly doubted that she could.

Wasn’t even sure she could shoot to disable the intruder long enough for someone from Prey to show up.

Had it been a mistake to text her team rather than call 911?

Pure instinct had been driving her. The people at Prey were the best and she trusted them implicitly. But now that she thought about it, the cops probably could have gotten here quicker than one of her colleagues.

It was too late to second guess her decision now.

The door to her walk-in closet opened, and two huge black boots walked in. Of course, Scarlett knew that the boots were attached to a person, but right now, they were all she could see. All she could fixate on.

They were huge.

The largest pair of shoes she had ever seen.

How big was the man they belonged to?

Big enough to crush her like a bug, she knew that much.

Slowly, the boots moved through the wardrobe. The gun in her hand shook. She was holding her breath. Her pulse pounded so loudly she was quite honestly shocked that the intruder didn't hear it.

After walking to her bathroom and looking inside, the man turned and headed back toward the door. As badly as she wanted to let out a breath of relief, she knew she wasn’t even close to being out of the woods yet. It was obvious she had been in her bed, which meant he knew she was somewhere in the house. He’d search it and find her.

Then …

She didn't have to know exactly what this man had planned to know it would be bad for her.

Just as he was about to re-enter her bedroom the intruder stopped.

The shoes turned around until they were facing her again.

He knew she was in here.

The breath she had been holding shuddered out of her. She lifted the weapon and pointed it at the man.

Do it, Scarlett.

It might be her only chance.

If she hesitated, it could be too late.

Life and death.

You have to do it.

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