On Steady Ground (The Walker Brother's Series) by Jennifer Anderson

promise.”
    Those words I’ve heard before. They were exactly that. Words. Empty promises. “Sometimes things aren’t about you Grant.”
    “Well then tell me, who are they about?”
    “Well I don’t know, lets try a psycho husband that verbally abused me for a couple years now, ending with a nasty left hook to my face. Now, he has the divorce papers and he knows where I’m at. I suspect I should be seeing him before long.” I screamed, snapping. Walking towards me the tears were fighting to come out, biting them back with everything I had.
    “Lizzy, let me help you.”
    “I don’t need help.” Stepping back from him.
    “Why won’t you let me help you? I don’t understand, you have known me longer. We used to date, but you let Ian in before you let me. Why?”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Please leave Grant. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. I’m sorry, I just can’t right now.”
    Walking towards the door, I hated hurting him. “I’m sorry Grant. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
    Smiling back at me, “We’ll see.”
    Walking out of the door, my guilt shaming me again for treating him so badly when he liked me so much. The phone ringing, I knew who it was. Picking it up and slamming it back down. I paced the kitchen, tears breaking through the barriers, rolling down my cheeks. So much tension and anxiety built up in my body I felt like I could run for miles, until I dropped from exhaustion. The phone ringing again I did the same thing, this time leaving it off the hook. Picking up my purse from the counter I chucked it across the room hitting the wall with a thud, falling to the floor the same time I fell to my knee’s.
    Hearing the screen door open I started to get on my feet ready to run if I had to, scared it was Craig. Ian walking in I fell back to my knees covering my face so he wouldn’t see. “Go away Ian.”
    “No. You need to tell me what is going on.”
    “Why are you here?”
    “Grant told me you needed me.”
    Well that accomplished it’s goal in making me feel even worse. “I don’t need anyone.”
    “What happened? Why is the phone off the hook?”
    “He found me Ian. He found me.” Walking over to me, pulling me up to my feet. Come, you’re staying with me.”
    “Oh no I’m not. Remember how well it worked out last time?”
    “Actually, we got a long fine. It was whatever is going on with you and my brother that didn’t go over so well.”
    “There is nothing going on with me and your brother!” I shouted a little louder than I meant to. Wrapping his arms around me, forcing me against his chest I finished my complete break down. Holding me until the tears dried up, he pulled away staring down at me.
    “Get your stuff Lizzy. If this guy invokes such a reaction from you, then I don’t trust you being here by yourself. I’m not asking.”
    Sighing, “Fine.” Walking to my room filling up a bag I could hear Ian in the other room.
    “Pack for a couple nights Lizzy.”
    Rolling my eyes, I appreciated what he was doing. He was just trying to protect me and I am acting like a crazed lunatic. Sighing, my body suddenly felt so fatigued. I was done fighting for the day. I was officially exhausted.
    Walking out of the bedroom and throwing my bag over my shoulder, “How do you think he got the private number?”
    Ian looked at me, “I don’t know, but it’s only a matter of time before he figures out the address. My best guess is Ben has given it out a lot.”
    “I can lock the doors Ian. I’m sure I’ll be alright tonight.”
    Shaking his head, “Famous last words. Come on Lizzy, we’ll both sleep better tonight knowing you’re safe.”
    Sighing, I followed him out of the door. I just wanted this nightmare to end. Ian helping me into the kitchen he grabbed my bag and brought it back upstairs. Sitting on a stool in the kitchen I stared at the television, that restless feeling starting to stir in my body again. The sun was starting to set low and