Page 136 of Left in the Dark

Richard snarls like a rabid animal, and I know I’ve struck a nerve.

“I could grant you the mercy of death… but I won’t.”

My eyes move to Delaney. “She made me realize it’s time to close the book on the past. It’s time to write a new one, starting today.”

I speak from the depths of the broken heart that she repaired with her love. “We’ll build the life my dad always wanted for me. Every day, your daughter will experience the joy and love you can only dream of. Even on our worst days, I’ll love her with every piece of me, making her forget all the pain you inflicted on her. Even when she’s pissed off at me and wants to kill me, the love we share will burn through the anger, destroying it.”

Jaxson snorts, “If she’s like us, she’ll be pissed at you on a daily basis.”

I grin when Delaney swats him. “Don’t make me punch you like I did Zayne. He may be a pain in the ass some days, but he’smine.”

Jaxson holds his hands up. “Please don’t use your fists of fury on me.”

I smile at the brother and sister bond they’re developing.

Turning back to Richard, I conclude with the words that will drive a stake through the bastard’s tiny heart. “Delaney will be my wife, and our home will be filled with love. We’ll help Lindsey heal and give her all the happiness you refused to give her. Your wife and daughter won’t think of you, won’t remember you, just like my mom. Your first and only love.”

Tears slide down Richard’s cheeks, mixing with his blood.

“Make no mistake, you’ll die a slow, painful death, surrounded by all these tools to end your suffering. But you won’t be able to get your hands on them.”

I grab my favorite knife, holding up the serrated blade. “For my father and brother, may they rest in peace. And my mother, a broken shell of the woman she once was. May she find the peace she desperately seeks.”

Bending down, I cut the tips of his fingers off before doing the same to his toes. He howls and screams, tears streaming down his face as he breaks.

I close the blade, tossing it far out of his reach, then wrap my arms around Delaney. Even covered in blood, she is the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen.

We turn our heads in unison, listening to her father’s agonizing screams, watching as the pain finally overwhelms him and he passes out.

The demons are gone. All that remains is a flawed man, desperately in love with the girl he met in ninth grade.

“It’s over.” She smiles at me, the haunted look no longer lingering in the depths of her irises.

I nod. “Let’s relish in every moment of every single day for the rest of our lives.”

“I love that plan.”

“I love everything about you, minx.”

Epilogue: Delaney

I’m lying in Zayne’s arms, staring at the New Hampshire mountains. A sigh of pure contentment rolls from my lips as he lifts the iced mocha to my lips.

I take a long sip, a sigh escaping me when I finish. “You spoil me.”

“Always. It’s my sole purpose in this life… and the next. For all eternity.”

“I still can’t believe you came here with me so I can finish the semester with my students.”

“Why’s that so hard to believe? Anything for you, minx.”

“As much as I love it here, I miss our family and friends back home. I can’t wait to head home for Thanksgiving break.”

“We’ve only been here two weeks.” He sets the coffee cup beside me, then adjusts the blankets, ensuring I’m not cold. “We’re leaving in two days, minx”

“I know. I’m ridiculous.”

“No, you’re not. You’re honoring a commitment, but your heart has already moved on.” He kisses the top of my head. “Two things I want you to consider. The first, if you want to teach in Stone Ridge, I fully support it.”

---