Page 73 of Left in the Dark

When I walked into the cafeteria, Zayne’s cheeks were bright red as he stared at his lap. The contents of his lunch tray had been dumped over his head and were now lying in a gross mixture on his lap. The entire room laughed and pointed at him, calling him rude names.

My blood boiled. The second I saw Tim, Aidan, and Daniel smirking, I knew they were behind it.

My sympathetic gaze swept back to Zayne. No one was doing a damn thing to help him. Well, that was about to change.

I stomped over to Jimmy and tapped his shoulder. When he turned, I got in his face and hissed, “Leave him alone, or I’ll tell everyone in the school about you cheating on Mr. Zimmerman’s test.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “You don’t have any proof.”

I felt Zayne’s eyes on me as I pulled my phone out and shoved it under Jimmy’s nose. The video I had was damning evidence.

Putting my phone in my back pocket, I sneered at him, folding my arms over my chest. “Don’t even think of going after my phone. The school has a strict anti-sexual harassment policy.”

Jimmy paled. “S-Sorry.”

“My asshole brother and his friends put you up to this, didn’t they?”

He nodded as he took a step back.

“I’ll give you double whatever they paid you if you leave Zayne alone. And I won’t show or tell anyone else about that video.” My gaze dropped. “And neither will my friend here. Right, Zayne?”

A smile broke across his face the second I said the word friend and the hope glistening in his eyes was the most beautiful thing I’d seen, even dwarfing the sunrise and sunsets. He nodded vigorously. “I won’t tell anyone as long as you do as she says.”

“O-Okay.” He backed away and ran out of the room.

“T-Thanks.” Zayne’s deep voice caused tingles to run through me. The smile was gone from his face as shame replaced it. “Thanks for pretending to be my friend.”

“Pretending?” I pulled the chair out across from him. “Who’s pretending? Unless you don’t want me to be your friend?”

His hand slid over the table, fingers interlocking with mine. Electricity coursed beneath my veins from his touch. When I met his eyes, something passed between us. “I’d love to be your friend.” He looked down at the food on his clothing before his eyes met mine. His brows furrowed. “Sorry, I’m a mess.”

A smile broke across my face. “It’s not your fault. Why don’t we get you some clothes, and then we can get you another… what’s wrong?”

“Clothes? As in, shopping?”

“No, silly. There’s some extra clothing in the donation box in the principal's office. I’m sure we can find something in your size there.” Pushing out of my chair, I walk around the table. “Let’s go.”

The warmth in his eyes made my insides feel tingly. I had no idea what was happening to me, but I liked it.

I grabbed his hand and pulled him from the cafeteria. Butterflies danced in my belly when he smiled down at me, then at our interlocked fingers.

My insides felt like an ice cream cone melting on a hot summer day. If holding Zayne’s hand made me melt into a puddle, so be it.

I open my eyes,feeling foolish for the tears steadily rolling down my cheeks. My chest aches as I lay my head back on the towel behind my head.

“Oh, Zayne. What the hell happened to us?”

CHAPTER 48

Zayne

I’m shirtless in front of the fire in my living room, sipping bourbon. The past has infiltrated every space inside my head, leaving no room for anything else.

For the first time in fifteen years, I allow myself to feel every bit of the memories and pain.

With a sigh, I grab my laptop from the stand beside me. I throw my legs on the ottoman and pull up the file on Delaney, wincing as I view the images of her injuries.

Jesus. She was so young.

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