Page 15 of Left in the Dark

My dad nods. “Are you sure she’s worth this?”

“Yes.” There’s no hesitation in the rasp of my voice as I wince from the pain coursing through me. “I love her, Dad.”

He nods. “Just making sure.” He wraps his arm around me, supporting my weight, which is no easy feat. I’ve bulked up from lifting weights. “Come on. Let’s get you to the hospital so you can get checked out. No arguments.”

I shut my mouth, letting him lead me to his vehicle. My dad is as stubborn as I am.

Once I’m finally settled in the passenger seat, I try to breathe through the nausea, glad it’s been hours since I last ate anything.

Anger swirls through my veins as my dad slides in beside me, starting his vehicle. I lean my head against the window, my thoughts murderous.

It’s on, Tim. You have no idea the war you just started.

CHAPTER 12

Delaney

It’s two days before prom when I turn the corner and spot Zayne’s broad shoulders heading through the corridors of Green Haven Academy. My heart thumps as he looks up, and our eyes lock and hold. I scan his face, relieved to see him.

I’ve been frantic since he texted me on Sunday and told me what happened. Every chance I’ve gotten, I’ve texted him. I’ve even snuck off and called him on the phone a few times when Daniel and Tim weren’t around. It’s odd how much time the two of them have been spending at home like they know something is going on between Zayne and me.

Zayne told me to stay away from him for my safety.

It’s been killing me to go this long without seeing him. I spent the past four days moping, lost and depressed.

I wanna hold him in my arms and make sure he’s okay.

Zayne is the first to turn away, stiffly heading down the hall toward his locker. My heart sinks, and I blink back tears.

“Hey, sexy.” Tim slings his arm around me, and I stiffen. “Excited about prom?”

No, not at all. I’d rather have all my fingernails and toenails pulled off than go with you.I force a smile on my face. “Of course.”

He leans in and gives me a chaste kiss. It makes me want to vomit. “I have big plans for us after prom. I reserved a hotel room for the after-party.” He wiggles his brows suggestively.

Revulsion swims through me, and I shiver, trying not to show it. “Sounds good.”

Aidan comes up, slapping Tim’s shoulder. “Stop smooching your girl. We’ve got to meet Mr. Jackson before class.”

Tim grins at him. “Gotta go, Delaney. I’ll see you soon.” Then he hurries away, his head bent close to Aidan’s.

With a relieved sigh, I head to my locker. But my peace is disrupted when my brother’s voice comes from behind me. “Hey, Laney. Is Tim heading to the meeting with Mr. Jackson?”

I focus on the combination of my locker. “Yeah.” When it unlocks, I pull it open. “You and Tim have grown awfully close.”

He shrugs, not meeting my eyes. “I like him.” He looks in the direction Tim and Aidan are heading. “Listen, I’ll catch up with you later.” Then he hurries after them.

Weird.

I bite my lip, my thoughts returning to Sunday morning when the police arrived, asking questions about Daniel’s whereabouts and if he’d been around Tim and Aidan Saturday night. I snuck over to my dad’s office door, pressing my ear against it. I couldn’t make out much, but I did hear my father’s voice booming that the police were wasting their time, as there is no evidence Daniel was involved in the attack on Zayne Morine.

When the officers thanked them, I ran and hid around the hallway corner, peeking out when I heard my dad’s footsteps. After the police left, he smiled at Daniel. “Good job. I wish he and his entire worthless family would fucking leave town.”

Rage filled me, but I couldn’t say a word. Not without revealing my feelings for Zayne.

Feeling eyes boring into me,I pull myself from my musings, turning my head and looking straight into Zayne’s dark eyes. Rage simmers in his irises, but once he sees the concern on my face, it changes. He jerks his head down the hallway before spinning on his heel and walking away.

I immediately shut my locker, heading in the direction Zayne indicated. I’d follow him anywhere.

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