Page 27 of Left in the Dark

He releases my hair, and before I can react, his palm is against my cheek. The slap is so hard and unexpected that I stagger back, tripping against the bed and falling onto the floor.

Tears fill my eyes as I cradle my injured cheek, barely able to see him through my tears.

“You’re a worthless slut, just like her.” He shakes his head before his cold, disgusted gaze turns to my mom. “Stay with her while I call the doctor.” Then he disappears, his footsteps fading in the distance.

Sobs wrack my body, preventing me from moving. This is my worst nightmare come to life, and I’m powerless to protect anyone that I love. Hell, I can’t even defend myself.

The folder lies on the floor beside me, the pictures spilling from it. My gaze lands on one where Zayne and I stare at one another. So much love radiating from one image. My heart cracks and splinters into pieces like a wine glass shattering on the floor.

Oh, Zayne. I’m so sorry. I only hope you can forgive me for whatever I’m about to do.

CHAPTER 19

Zayne

Istand around the bonfire, a cup of alcohol in my hand, barely drinking it. All I can think about is Delaney.

She texted me earlier asking if I was coming to the bonfire. Even though I know it will be hell seeing her and not touching her, I readily agree. It’s the cross I bear since we are shunned in her father’s eyes.

But graduation is nearly upon us, and after that, all bets are off. I won’t stop until she’s mine, and every motherfucking person in this town knows it.

When I made love to her beneath the stars last weekend, something changed. We were in love before, but we went to an entirely different level. I’m firmly convinced thatnothingcan come between us.

My heart beats faster as I check the time on my phone again.It’s 9:30 p.m. Where the fuck is she? She said she’d be here over an hour ago.

Relief flows through me when I see her and Callie heading toward the bonfire. The automatic smile that curls my lips vanishes, and my brows furrow as I study her drawn face. Her posture is tense, and she’s not smiling.

I step toward her, but Tim approaches, throwing his arm over her shoulders and giving her a possessive squeeze. She freezes, looking like a scared deer in the headlights as she stares at him in horror.

Tim’s gaze locks with mine before he plants his lips on hers. A muffled protest comes from her as she struggles to free herself from his hold.

Rage pounds inside my temples, and everything turns red. I drop my cup, marching over to them. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Daniel and Aidan flanking Tim and Delaney, but I no longer give a shit.

“Leave her the fuck alone, asshole.” Before I can stop myself, I swing, my fist landing against Tim’s cheek. He staggers back, releasing Delaney.

I grab her arm and pull her against me. She’s trembling yet stiff as she looks up at me, the flames from the bonfire illuminating her pale face and terrified eyes. “What are you doing?”

My gaze locks and holds with hers, and for a moment, she softens.

“Removing the taste of him from your mouth.” I plant my lips against hers, relishing in the feel of her melting against me, surrendering to my kiss.

“Get the fuck off her, asshole. She’s not yours. She never was.” Tim grabs her other arm and tries tugging her from my hold.

I break the kiss, but I don’t release her. “The hell she’s not.” I tighten my hold on her, feeling her eyes on me as I glare at Tim.

Tim laughs, nudging Daniel’s arm. “Can you believe this delusional asshole? As if your sister would ever want him.”

Daniel howls with laughter. “You’re wrong, asshole. Delaney had her fun slumming it. But now she’s come to her senses.” Hiseyes burn into mine, the threat clear, before they drop to her. “Right, Delaney?”

She stiffens in my arms, her head turning to her brother. A whimper comes from her as she shakes uncontrollably, not uttering a word.

I’m more puzzled than I’ve ever been.Where is the strong, self-assured girl I’ve fallen for? Why isn’t she telling them to fuck off?

I know it’s premature to ask that of her. Next Friday is graduation, and I assume, from the things she’s said when we’re together, she’s going to leave her father’s house. Technically, she could do it now since she’s eighteen. But she doesn’t have a job and can’t financially afford it, so she’s temporarily stuck.

“Delaney?” There’s a warning in Daniel’s eyes as he frowns at her. “Remember what you said earlier?”

They engage in a silent stare-down. My muscles tense as she slowly straightens. A thrill of elation goes through me as I envision my fiery girl telling them to fuck off and leave us alone.

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