Page 19 of Left in the Dark

The image of her dancing in that worthless prick’s arms clouds my head, making me see red.

Yeah, I’m doing well not thinking about them.

Maybe the bar will be busy, and I’ll be too busy to think of them.

Sure, asshole. Keep living in denial.

Three hours later,my knuckles are white as I once again drive toward the country club. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. I don’t have a tux, a corsage, or anything. Yet, here I am, pulling into the parking lot.

It’s official. I’m incapable of rational thought. Delaney Warner makes me lose my goddamn mind.

Before I change my mind, I shove the door of my truck open and hop out. My long strides carry me to the door.

What the hell am I doing? There’s no way her father won’t find out about me interrupting the prom to steal Delaney away from Tim.

Opening the door, I hurry inside, attracting attention as I stride through the room in a pair of black slacks and a button-down shirt, my gaze scouring the room, searching for her.

“Zayne.” Callie runs toward me in a little black dress and black heels, her blue eyes frantic. “Something happened. Delaney ran out of here and isn’t responding to my texts or phone calls.” Her hand over her heaving chest.

“What do you mean, something happened?”

“Tim was drunk and acted like an asshole. He grabbed her and dragged her across the room. I don’t know what he said, butDelaney got pissed and punched him in the nose before running out of here.”

“My minx punched that bastard? Hell, yeah.”

A smile flashes across Callie’s face before it fades, changing to worry. “By the time I shoved my way through the crowd gathered around Tim, she was gone.” Grabbing my arm, her eyes plead with mine. “She’s out there, in the dark, alone?—”

“I’ve gotta find her.” I extract her hand from my arm, not giving a fuck about anything except finding my girl.

I sprint from the room and push out the doors. My wide eyes dart around, searching the grounds, but I don’t see her.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dial her number, but she doesn’t answer.

Fat raindrops fall onto my head as I sprint to my truck and jump inside. Firing up the engine, I shoot out of the parking lot, my thoughts churning. I didn’t see her as I drove here, so that must mean she’s heading in the opposite direction.

My headlights cut through the darkness as I call her again. The rain is coming down harder. I turn my wipers on, leaning forward as I scan the street.Come on, Delaney. Where are you?

Fear and worry battle for dominance when she doesn’t answer.

I head toward her house, assuming that’s where she may be heading.

Ten minutes later,I spotted her red dress. She’s wet and shivering as she walks, her hair soaked from the rain.

Relief fills me as I pull beside her and throw my truck in park. She looks up, mascara running in rivulets down her cheeks, fear contorting her face. When her gaze locks with mine, it turns to relief.

I’m out of the truck, running to her, and lifting her in my arms. She clings to me, sobbing against my shirt.

“Fuck, Delaney. You scared the hell outta me.” I plant kisses on her head, squeezing her to me. “Thank God I found you.”

“Zayne. How are you here?” She pulls back, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

“Doesn’t matter right now. All I care about is you. Are you hurt?”

She shakes her head, then winces as she adjusts her hand on my neck. “Well, my hand hurts from punching Tim. Otherwise, I’m fine.”

“I’m so fucking proud of you.” My lips capture hers, not caring about the rain. I’m just so relieved she’s okay.

When we part, she releases a breathless laugh. “That asshole deserved it.”

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