1The day my father pulled back the blanket covering my pregnant body, the lies my husband and mother-in-law had buried for months died in a single heartbeat. They had convinced everyone I was weak, emotional, and struggling with pregnancy. They never imagined my father would uncover the bruises they forced me to hide—and they had no idea he wasn't just my father. He was a U.S. Army colonel.

With his vanguard gone, I knew Silas would be forced to take matters into his own hands. His ego wouldn't allow him to retreat after being humiliated by a woman he considered weak.

The floodlights outside remained on, casting long shadows into the house. I retreated from the backdoor and moved into the central hallway, positioning myself behind the heavy oak dining table.

Ten minutes passed in agonizing silence. Then, I heard it.

A faint scratching sound coming from the roof.

He hadn't come through the doors; he had scaled the side trellis and was attempting to enter through the second-story master bedroom window. I had anticipated this.

I crept silently up the carpeted stairs, my weapon raised and ready. The door to my bedroom was slightly ajar. I could hear the soft, metallic click of the window latch being forced open.

I didn't enter the room. I stood in the dark hallway, aiming precisely at the center of the doorway.

The window slid open with a soft thud. Heavy boots hit the hardwood floor inside. Silas was in my home.