Page 13 of Left in the Dark

Rage rolls through me as I grab some beer bottles by the neck, slamming them down on the counter. “They aren’t fucking allowed in here. Not unless they’re accompanied by an adult responsible for them.”

He flashes me a sympathetic smile. “Just letting you know what I heard.”

“Thanks. I appreciate the heads up.”

Two hours later,I’m wiping the sweat from the back of my forehead as I carry more alcohol out to replenish what’s nearly empty. Ian meets my gaze, a frown on his lips before his eyes flick to the back of the bar. Daniel, Tim, and Aidan stand there, drinking soda and laughing. Three pairs of eyes lock with mine.

“I’ll be back.”

“Why don’t you wait for your dad?”

I ignore him, stalking toward the three pompous assholes. My dad will be late tonight because of my brother’s shit. He and my mom are driving to a drug rehab center because Zachary overdosed on drugs and ended up in the hospital. It’s two hours away, but I assured my dad that Ian and I could handle it until he arrived.

“The three of you can’t be in here. You’re not twenty-one.”

Tim smirks, setting his soda on a table. His eyes are frigid as they flick over me with disdain. “Is that right?” Aidan and Daniel flank him, and he puffs out his chest. “Who’s gonna kick us out?”

My fists clench as I glare at them from beneath lowered brows. “That would be me, asshole.”

Tim laughs like he’s a tough guy. He’s a nerdy little pussy that I could knock out with one punch. “Oh yeah.” He takes a step closer. “You think you can throw us out, huh?”

I stand there, unmoving and silent.

With lightning-fast reflexes, I grab him by the scruff, shoving him to the front door. He squeals like a little girl and attempts to struggle in my hold. I’m too strong and fast for his efforts to be successful.

I hear his friends protesting in the distance, but the rageful fog has descended over me, dulling my senses.

Opening the door, I drag him onto the porch and push him down the steps. He trips over his feet and sprawls on the parking lot with a thud.

Aidan and Daniel come up behind me. I whirl around, staring them down. When they see the look on my face, they shrink back in terror.

I step aside, pointing at their loser friend. “Get him and get the fuck outta here before I call the cops.”

Aidan scurries past me, avoiding eye contact. Daniel stops right in front of me. “Your day is coming, Morine.”

“Is that so?” A smirk curls my lips. “You and what army?”

“We will take you down.”

“We? Who? You and two worthless motherfuckers you call friends.” I throw my head back, laughing.

“No. Myfamily.”

His words cause a chill to run down my spine as he stares me down, a sadistic smile on his face.

Then he turns and walks away, leaving doubt and worry swirling through me.

What the fuck did he mean by that?

CHAPTER 11

Zayne

My dad patiently listens as I tell him what happened earlier with Tim, Aidan, and Daniel. The bar is closed, and we are cleaning up to go home.

“Listen, Zayne. I appreciate what you did.” Dad puts his hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. “They shouldn’t have been in here. Don’t worry about the threats Daniel issued. That’s all they are.”

I smile at him, my tense muscles relaxing. “You’re right.”

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