Page 126 of Left in the Dark

I close my eyes, relishing in the comfort he provides. “You’re right.”

“He won’t hurt her. I have people watching her.”

I pull back slightly, searching his face.

“My ear is to the ground, minx. When Tim and Daniel were nervous over Aidan’s disappearance, I made sure she was safe.”

I nod, hugging him with all the strength I possess.

But I can’t voice my worst fear.I’m not sure you can protect her from him.

CHAPTER 81

Delaney

“Ready to get that negative energy out, minx?” Zayne taunts, his bare chest glimmering with sweat as he dances around the mats in the enormous gym inside his house. His hands are bandaged like mine, protecting our knuckles.

“I’m not sure this is a good idea.” A thousand butterflies are flapping their wings nervously inside my stomach.

“Why not?” A challenge dances in his eyes, the darkness emanating from him. “Don’t think you can hit me?”

“That’s exactly the problem.” My mouth is so dry; it’s like I swallowed a handful of sawdust. “I don’t think I can punch you.”

“Oh, come on. I sure as fuck could,” Jaxson yells from behind me.

Ryker cups his hands over his mouth. “Come on, Delaney. Hasn’t Zayne pissed you off? He sure as hell pisses us off.”

I grin. “Not lately, but he sure did in high school.”

Zayne’s lips curl in an arrogant smile. “Come on, minx. What about when I fucked in the bathroom at the lake.” He cocks his brows in a challenge. “Then I left without a word.”

My eyes are locked on his, but my mind is back in that moment, all the pain and hurt radiating through me.

My right fist flies out, cracking Zayne’s jaw. His head snaps back, caught off guard by the unexpected hit. He staggers back from the rage packed in my tiny fist, a pained hiss slipping from his lips.

Jaxson and Ryker go nuts.

I hear Stryker yelling, “Hell, yes. Delaney can throw a punch.”

I stare at Zayne in horror. “Oh my God. Are you okay?”

He flashes me a bright smile before rushing me, scooping me up, and spinning me around. “That was awesome, minx. I didn’t expect that, let alone the power behind it.”

A surprised burst of laughter comes from me before he lowers me to my feet.

He fists bumps me before stepping back. “Let’s try it again. See if you can kick me this time.”

I bounce around, working out the kinks in my neck. It felt good to unleash that anger. “Although I hate hitting you, I feel better. You deserved that punch for fucking and bailing on me.”

“Oh, shit,” Jaxson mutters. “That was an asshole thing to do, Zayne.”

“Shit, that’s cold.” Ryker shakes his head.

“You should’ve punched him in the balls for that one, Laney,” Stryker yells.

“Hey, assholes. I’m your boss and co-owner.” Zayne glowers at them, but there’s a hint of a smile ghosting his lips. He’s enjoying their taunts, as am I.

“I don’t know if I can hit him again. Oh, wait.” Before he can move, my fist smashes against his other cheek. “That was for kissing that hoe in the bar. I still wanna rip that bitch’s head off.” I dance around the mats as Zayne curses, touching his cheek.

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