Page 16 of Left in the Dark

As soon asI close the door of the custodial closet, I throw myself into his arms. “Oh, God, Zayne.” The hiss of pain that fills my ears fills me with regret. “Shit, I’m sorry.” I try to step back, but he won’t let me, squeezing me tighter.

“Don’t be.” He buries his face in my hair. “God, I’ve missed you, minx.”

“I’ve missed you so much.” I pull back, and the tears start to fall. “Are you o-okay?”

His thumbs wipe my tears away. “I’m good, my love. Everything is better now that you’re in my arms.”

I melt from his words as our lips collide. The passion and longing in our kiss grow in intensity. There’s so much I want to say, but right now, this is all I need.

Our hearts are banging in unison when we finally part.

His forehead is against mine as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ears. “You have no idea how much I missed you.”

I fist his tee, afraid to let him go. “What happened?”

A flash of anger sparks in his eyes before he says, “I got hit by a punk with a baseball bat.”

“You told me that via text. But you haven’t been forthcoming about the?—”

Zayne’s hand covers my mouth as we hear footsteps in the hallway. I hold my breath, praying whoever it is doesn’t notice the sliver of light beneath the door.

Luckily, the footsteps grow fainter as the person walks away.

I release a breath, turning to Zayne. Before I can say a word, he grabs my hand and pulls me to the door. “We’ve gotta get to class. We’ll talk later.”

He opens the door a few inches, peering out. My heart pounds as he nods, indicating the coast is clear, and steps into the hallway, pulling me behind him.

So many questions roll through my head, but it’s pointless to ask them since we are near my classroom.

Zayne turns and squeezes my hand. “Please be careful, minx.”

Before I can speak, he drops my hand and strides away.

I watch him leave, my heart in my throat. It feels like an ocean lies between us.

CHAPTER 13

Delaney

Istare at my reflection in the full-length mirror in my room. I heave out a mournful sigh, trying to steady my shaking hands to put in my earrings.

Dread fills me.I hate that I’m going to prom with Tim.

There’s a knock on my door before my mom pops her head inside. “Hey, Laney. Can I come in?”

I nod, pasting a smile on my face. “Sure.”

She steps inside, shutting my door behind her. I turn around and face her, trying to fake the joy and excitement one should feel about attending their senior prom. If I were going with Zayne, I’d be ecstatic.

“What do you think?” I give her a little curtsy, trying to act as if nothing is wrong.

“You look gorgeous.” She comes closer, reaching up to fix one of the curls that escaped my barrette. “I just wish you were happy about who your date is.”

My gaze drops to my silver sandals as I fight back the tears. “Me, too.”

“Listen, sweetie… I meant what I said to you earlier. Life is short, and if you can leave this godforsaken town, do it.”

My eyes lift to her, a sense of foreboding filling me when her eyes burn into me with a sense of urgency. “Please be careful tonight. Don’t let anyone force you into anything. If you get that nagging feeling in your gut, don’t discount it.”

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