Page 20 of Left in the Dark

Adjusting her in my arms, I carry her bridal style to the passenger side of my truck. “I don’t know what he did, but I couldn’t agree more.” Opening the door, I set her inside.

I run around to the driver’s side and hop inside.

Twisting around, I pat the seat, searching for my gym bag. “I have a towel… Ah-ha. Here it is.” Grabbing the duffle bag, I unzip it and retrieve the towel. Tossing the bag into the back, I begin drying Delaney’s face.

She grabs my wrist, stopping me. “Thank you.” The gratitude mixed with love shimmering on her face, illuminated by the dashboard lights, takes my breath away.

“You don’t have to thank me. I do things for you because Iwantto.”

“I know. That’s what makes you so special.” She pushes the hand holding the towel onto my lap and leans over, her lips meeting mine.

God. The feel of this woman’s lips on mine. It’s euphoria and nirvana all at once.

A smile curls her lips when she pulls back. “Take me somewhere we can be alone.”

“As you wish.”

CHAPTER 15

Zayne

Delaney pats herself dry with the towel as I drive. When I see her wince, I pull along the side of the road and turn on the dome light.

“Jesus, Delaney. Is this the result of punching Tim?” I gently cradle her hand in mine, examining it.

“Yeah. I’ve never punched anyone before.” She looks down at her swollen knuckles, which are already starting to bruise. It’ll be worse tomorrow.

“I should take you to the ER to get it checked out.”

She frantically shakes her head, pleading eyes on mine. “No, please. They’ll ask questions that I don’t want to answer.” The wild look in her eyes makes me uneasy.

I lean closer to her, my gaze studying her intently. “Has Tim hit you before?”

“No, he hasn’t. But he was drunk, and it scared me. His hands were clenched into fists, and the look in his eyes…” She swallows hard.

“I’m sorry, sweetie.” I pull her against me. “I’ll do anything to keep you safe and prevent him from getting close enough to harm you again.”

“You’re so sweet, Zayne.”

She pulls back, her gaze moving over my outfit. “Why are you dressed up?”

My other hand tugs at the collar of my shirt, which suddenly feels oddly restrictive. My face, neck, and ears feel hot as I avert my eyes. Blowing out a breath, I finally meet her eyes. “I-I don’t have the money for a tux. Earlier, I saw you exiting the limo and going in with…” My jaw clenches, and I’m so fucking pissed I can’t say his name. I want to break that fucker’s face. The chicken shit attacked me with a bat when I least expected it. Then he threatens the woman I love, making her feel like he’s going to hit her….

That motherfucker is gonna pay.

Gentle fingers touch my face, caressing my jaw with her uninjured hand. “You dressed up and came to prom for me?”

I nod, my eyes locking with hers. I lose myself in them, forgetting everything.

“What were you planning to do?”

A sheepish smile curls my lips. “Steal you away and dance with you, putting a smile on your face.”

She blinks rapidly, moisture coating her irises. “I wish so badly that would’ve happened.” Her gaze drops to my chest. “That asshole ruined my prom. I didn’t want to go with him, and then he made it worse by sneaking booze in, getting drunk, and…” Her bottom lip trembles.

I turn my head and kiss her fingers that are stroking my jaw. “Did he dance with you?”

She shakes her head, and I grab her hand, kissing her knuckles. “I’d like to take you to the lake and dance with you. But I’m worried about your hand.”

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