Page 26 of Left in the Dark

“D-Delaney.” My mom winced as she slowly pulled herself to a sitting position, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “What are you doing up?”

I squeezed the mug of milk to my chest, my wide eyes slowly blinking as I stared at the blood and bruises littering her body.

“What happened, momma?”

The saddest smile I’d ever curled her lips. “Nothing you need to worry about, sweetie. Just a little accident.”

Accident. That didn’t look like an accident to me.

She staggered to her feet, hissing in pain and wincing. I moved closer, fear making me quiver.

Her green eyes locked onto the cup of milk in my hand. “Tell you what. I’ll trade you a secret for a secret.”

I cocked my head, waiting for her to say more. “You don’t tell anyone—not your daddy, brother, or anyone—about tonight. Keep it a secret only between you and me.” She gives me a reassuring smile. “And in return, you can take your chocolate milk to bed and drink it. I’ll wash your cup and put it back so no one knows, okay?”

I bit my lip indecisively. Agreeing meant not being able to tell anyone my daddy hurt my mommy.

One look in my mom’s pleading, sad eyes and I knew I’d keep her secret. I loved her so much. My mom was my best friend, and I’d do anything to make her smile again. “Okay, Mommy.”

“Yeah?” The smile on her face makes my tummy feel better. I don’t like that she’s hurting, but she’s smiling. It must be one of those adult things I’m not old enough to understand.

She extends her hand, and I take it, vowing then and there I’ll keep any secrets she needs me to keep. I want my mom to be as happy as she makes me.

I didn’t even realizeI’d been crying until I looked up, meeting the monster’s eyes. Hatred wells inside me as I stare at the devil incarnate in front of me, knowing the worst is yet to come.

“How did you get these?”

He quirks one brow. “It doesn’t matter. The point is, I know your secrets.” He moves around the desk, each footstep sounding like thunder as he approaches. “I also know you’re defiant as hell. You get that from your mother.” His lip curls in disdain as he sneers down at me. “I have something to show you.”

Oh, God. Did he somehow get his hands on Zayne? Has he hurt him?

“Follow me.” He walks past me, heading for the door.

I breathe in and out through my nose as I gather the pictures inside the folder. Clutching it tightly in my hand, I follow him up the stairs, my knees practically knocking together as I walk.

We reach the closed bedroom door he shares with my mother. Alarm bells are screaming inside my head as he opens it.

My mom lies in the middle of the bed, her face so bloody, bruised, and swollen that she’s almost unrecognizable.

I gasp, my hands flying to my mouth as I stare at her, horrified.Is she alive?

As though he can read me, my dad’s triumphant voice says, “She’s alive. But she’s going to be in a lot of pain when she wakes up.”

My gaze moves to him. I can’t disguise the hatred burning from them. His smirk grows, turning into the vilest smile I’ve ever seen.

“I’ll help her get the best medical care, including pain medication. But you are going to stay the fuck away from Zayne Morine. If you don’t… well, not only will your mom suffer, but things could get a lot worse for her.”

I swallow hard, barely able to comprehend the monster’s words. “W-What d-do you m-mean, exactly?”

“If you want your mother to continue breathing, you’ll do whatever I say.” He grabs me by the hair, yanking my head back so hard that I scream. “Agree to it, Delaney.Now!”

His roar rings through my ears. I hate everything about this situation, but I see no other choice. At least, not until after I graduate and can get the fuck out of here.

“Okay,” I whisper.

“What? I didn’t hear you?” He tugs harder, the pain in my scalp making my eyes water.

I swallow hard before forcing my voice to come out louder. “Okay. I agree.”

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