Page 113 of Left in the Dark

“Our doc will take care of them. I’m still investigating the camera and alarm issue. I put Ryker on it, too.”

“That still fucking pisses me off.”

“Me, too. If it was someone in our company, they’re fucking dead.” He blows out a breath. “Her brother took advantage of you not being there.”

“I know. I shouldn’t have left. None of this would’ve happened.”

“Don’t beat yourself up over it. We won’t let our guard down again. And once we get ahold of Richard Warner, this will all be over.”

“You damn well bet it will be.”

It’s been fifteen years in the making. But the events of tonight were the last fucking straw.

CHAPTER 73

Delaney

My eyes flicker open, blinking against the light streaming into the room. I wince, holding up a hand, as pain shoots through my forehead.

“Don’t move, baby.” Zayne’s face comes into focus as he wraps his hand around mine. “Doc Zimmerman had to stitch your forehead from the cut you sustained from the fireplace.”

Memories of last night swarm through my head. Some are fuzzier than others, but overall, the pieces are clicking into place inside my head.

I snatch my hand away from his, fire flaming inside me. “You deceived me. After fifteen fucking years of no contact, you put on a goddamn mask and stalk me.”

Tears stream down my face. I don’t know what emotion is stronger right now. Rage, betrayal, pain, and, though I hate to admit it, relief that I was having sex with him and not some stranger I’ve never met before.

“Delaney. I know you’re upset.”

“Upset?” A bitter laugh comes from me as I shoot to a sitting position, ignoring the pain flaring through my body. I’m sore from fighting with my asshole brother and being thrown againsta damn stone fireplace, but adrenaline and rage fuel me, and I’m taking it out on Zayne. “I’m more than fucking upset.”

He runs a hand through his hair. Exhaustion lines his face as his dark brown eyes flash with annoyance and frustration.

He thinks he’s annoyed and frustrated. Well, I have fifteen fucking years of it stored up.

I jump out of bed. He grabs me to steady me when I wobble, but I manage to pull free of his grip. “Don’t touch me,” I snap. “You have a whole helluva lot of explaining to do.”

Running my fingers through my hair, I pace back and forth beside the bed, becoming more enraged with every step I take. “You never gave me a chance to explain what happened the night of the bonfire. You were so fucking hateful, and I took it because I believed I deserved it.”

He opens his mouth, but I give him a withering glare, and he shuts it. “I did what I did against my will. My fucking father beat my mother unconscious, dragged me into his office, and showed me pictures of you and me in compromising positions.”

Zayne looks stunned before becoming angry. “I had no idea he was abusing the two of you until recently.”

“I know,” I scream. “I kept it a secret to try and protect her.” Tears roll down my face like a river. I swipe at them angrily, sucking in a breath. But it doesn’t ease the ache in my heart or the lump in my throat.

“He refused to get her help until I agreed to go along with his plan. He wanted you out of my life so bad…” My gaze drops to my bare feet. For the first time, I realize I’m wearing one of Zayne’s tees. I don’t remember either of us removing my Halloween costume.

My voice is shaky and low. “It killed me to leave you lying broken on the ground. I had no idea Tim would hit you with that pipe.” My hand rubs my aching heart, lost in the horrificmemories. “But I had no choice. My dad assaulted me and threatened to end my mom’s life if I didn’t go along with it.”

“I’m so sorry, minx. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Minx. My heart squeezes inside my chest, and my lungs are so fucking tight I can’t breathe. I never thought I’d hear him call me that again, other than in my dreams.

“Because I feared they’d ruin you, or worse…” I swipe at the tears on my cheeks again. “My mom made a surprise visit. She finally left my father…” I clear my throat, my voice shaky when I speak. “She told me what happened to your dad. I had no idea, yet I wasn’t surprised. I’ve seen my father ruin anyone who stood up to him or was in his way. I was trying to protect you.”

His arms wrap around me, and for a moment, I succumb to the warmth of his embrace. I allow myself to relish in the safety that only he can make me feel.

That’s why you were so comfortable with the masked man. How did you not know it was him?

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