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

husband.” Leaning back on the couch his dirty shirt slung over his leg.
    “My soon to be ex-husband and no. I haven’t loved him in quite some time.”
    Looking like he was contemplating about something, “Why so guarded then?”
    Countering, “Why are you so guarded?”
    Smirking, “I asked you first.”
    Sighing, “Easy, I don’t want to get hurt again. I trusted Craig at one point and look how well that turned out. He ended up being a monster. Your turn.”
    “Same answer I’ve always had, haven’t found anyone that has peaked my interest enough to settle down.”
    “So, this perfect mystery woman? What does she need to possess to earn your attention?” Leaning back, crossing my legs now intrigued with the line of questions.
    Raising one eyebrow at me, “I’ll know when I meet her.”
    Raising my eyebrow back at him, “How do you know you haven’t met her already?”
    “I think that’s a good possibility.” He said evasively making me want to either smack him or kiss him.
    A knock on the door, pulling us out of our conversation. Starting to stand, nervous.
    Ian getting up and walking by me concerned, “Stay here.”
    Shaking my head I moved to the corner out of sight. My hands moving to over my mouth, I could hear Craig’s voice.
    “Do you know an Elizabeth Miller?” Craig asked.
    Ian shutting him down immediately, “Never heard of her.”
    “Who lives over in the other house?” Craig asked.
    “I own it.”
    “That’s not the question I asked.” Craig said. I could tell his temper was starting to flare.
    “And yet that’s the answer I’m giving. Have a good day sir.” Ian said closing the door, watching Craig drive down the lane, making sure he left.
    Walking back into the living room, my hand was still clamped over my mouth. He found me, he actually found me. Still in disbelief that he did so quickly. Ian walking up to me and pulling me into his arms.
    “It’s alright. I told you I would take care of you.” Smoothing my hair back out of my face. “I think maybe we should go talk to the police.” Pulling me back to look at me.
    “And tell them what? That my husband is trying to find me? I’d get laughed at.”
    “He abused you Lizzy.” Ian said looking concerned.
    “It’s my word against his. That was the first time he physically abused me and nothing is on record. Lets just face it, I’m screwed.”
    Giving me a grim face, “Point taken.”
    “Do you think he’ll come back?”
    “No. Not tonight.”
    “What am I going to do Ian?”
    “Avoid him, but still try to live your life. Don’t let him hold you hostage anymore. You’re exhausted, you should get some rest.”
    “I think I might.” My worry still at the surface.
    “I’ll be up for a while. I’ll make sure he doesn’t come back Lizzy.”
    Nodding my head, “Thanks Ian.” I didn’t want to walk away from him. I wanted to ask him if I could stay close to him for the rest of the night. That wasn’t fair to him. He was already putting himself completely out for my benefit. With a heavy heart I trudged myself up the stairs, my muscles weary from the events of the day. My mind exhausted to the point where I could hardly think clearly.
    The rest of night was fitful at best. I never did hear Ian come up to his bedroom. I figured he either fell asleep downstairs or stood guard all night long. Either way, I felt guilty for the trouble I was causing him. The sun light was now dancing through the curtains, willing me to get up and move my tired bones. I already made up my mind at some point in the night. I am going back to Ben’s house. My confrontation with Craig is inevitable at this point. If I don’t see him today, he is going to stalk my work tomorrow. Either way, it was going to happen. Rolling out of bed, I slowly changed into a pair of jeans and a tank top. Grabbing my bags, I was hoping to sneak out without Ian being none the wiser. As I made my way downstairs and past the couch he was sleeping on, I soon