Page 118 of Left in the Dark

I nod. “My focus was on growing my company, calling and visiting my dad in jail whenever I could, and trying to watch over mom and Zachary as much as possible, at least until Zachary overdosed on drugs and died when I was twenty-eight.” I sigh. “Dad was battling cancer in prison. When I was twenty-nine, he lost the battle. Six months before he was scheduled to be released.”

She gasps, her hand gently rubbing over my heart.

“Over the years, I’d been collecting information about your father and brother. After my dad’s death and my mom’s subsequent decline, which led to her having a stroke and having to be put in a home where she can receive round-the-clock medical care, I stepped up my efforts.”

Sympathy shines in her green irises. Eyes I fell in love with when I was fifteen but too young to realize it.

“I saw you when you first arrived in town. You were at the hospital with Callie and Mark.”

Her brows furrow. “Do you know Mark?”

“I met him after you and Callie left town. He was in the parking lot, getting ready to leave, when I raced out, screamingyour name.” I tap her nose. “But that’s a part I’ll tell you about later.”

She grins, grabbing my finger and kissing it. Then she wraps her fingers around mine.

“I followed the three of you. Witnessed the confrontation between you and your father. I saw and felt your frustration, which is part of the reason I ensured Stryker could help get us into the hospital. And before you ask, he’s okay. Yes, he was stabbed, but luckily, it wasn’t deep or fatal.”

Delaney relaxes, a slight smile on her lips.

“Yes, I still know you.” My voice is husky and low. “Now, stop looking at me like that before I say ‘fuck it’ and slide inside you.”

Her smile widens, but she doesn’t say anything.

I confess everything I’ve done since she arrived in town, watching her emotions play over her face. Then I go back to the past, filling in all the holes around what she told me.

“Jayleen was drunk when she kissed me. I was caught off guard, lost inside my head. I decided I should hear you out, never expecting you to show up at that moment.”

“Jesus. If she wouldn’t have kissed you and I came into the bar?—”

“—I would’ve taken care of you.”

“And we wouldn’t have been apart.”

She sighs, sadness lining her face. I squeeze her hand gently.

“I sold the bar. I would’ve used the money to support you, minx.” My lips lightly brush over her forehead, careful not to disturb her stitches. “I would’ve rather had you than the extra funds your father deposited to my bank account in exchange for me staying away from Green Haven.”

“Fucking asshole.” Delaney’s hand fists my tee.

“I used the funds to start King Morine.” My lips dip to her ear. “That’s how I could watch everything you did inside yourcabin. Including touching yourself to thoughts of me when I wasn’t around.”

She shivers, swatting me away with a giggle. Her eyes dance as they gaze into mine. “How do you know I was thinking of you?”

“Easy.” My hand cups her cheek. “You touched yourself the way I touch you. And you called out ‘masked man’ when you orgasmed.”

Her cheeks are scarlet. “I didn’t do that.”

“Oh, minx, I have it on video. I’m happy to show you.” My lips trail over her face, avoiding the stitches. “You called out Zayne when you touched yourself after I left. While wearing my sweatshirt.”

“Okay, I did that.”

I chuckle. “I know. How about Zayne touches you instead of the masked man.”

She pretends to ponder until I tickle her side, making her squeal. “I think I’d like that a lot.”

I roll her onto her back, then cover her body with mine. “I know you would.”

My lips seal over hers, preventing her from saying another word. We’ll have the rest of our lives to talk.

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