Page 38 of Left in the Dark

She has a point. He rattles me so much that one look at his glowering expression and I’ll crumble in a heap of tears and miser.

She begins wiping my face with a tissue.

“I hit him, Callie.” My teary, bloodshot eyes search hers.

She pauses and then keeps wiping my face. “Good for you. I’m sure he deserved it. What did he say?”

I relay the conversation, watching as her face flames red. “Good thing I didn’t hear him. I would’ve kicked the asshole in the balls.” She lifts a high-heeled clad foot. “These things can do damage.”

A giggle bursts free as I picture it inside my head. “After he accused me of fucking Tim while sleeping with him, I wouldn’t stop you.”

“If I get a chance, I’ll take it.” She pinches my cheek lightly and winks. “Keep that smile on your face. Don’t let him know how much he’s hurting you. Not tonight.” She goes back to work on my face. “We’re gonna clean you up and show that jackass and every other person in the stadium that Delaney fucking badass Warner is confident, fearless, and in control.”

Her words make my smile widen. “I don’t?—”

She holds up her hand. “Nope. No arguing or cutting yourself down.” She grins. “Now, repeat after me. I am Delaney fucking badass Warner, and I’m confident, fearless, and in control.”

I shake my head, a smile blooming over my face as I do as she instructs, feeling slightly better afterward.

She pulls out her lipstick and mascara from inside her gown. “A little makeup goes a long way on a naturally gorgeous girl like you.”

I roll my eyes, not saying anything.

She spins me so that I’m facing the mirror. “Look at you. You’re not only beautiful on the outside but an even moregorgeous person on the inside. If Zayne can’t see that, fuck him. Someone else will.”

Her words give me the confidence boost I desperately need.

I grin at my reflection before turning and hugging her. “You’re so wonderful, Callie. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“I’m not going anywhere. No matter where life takes us, we’ll always be friends.” She wraps her arms around me, and I squeeze her back. Then we link arms and stroll out of the bathroom.

As our heels click down the hallway, I give myself a final pep talk.You can get through this, Delaney. You’ve survived everything that has come your way so far.

CHAPTER 26

Zayne

The air shifts as Delaney walks into the auditorium. I’m angry that she told me off and slapped me, yet impressed that the feisty brunette bombshell stood up to me.

Even though betrayal courses through my veins, I can’t deny how hard my dick got when she whirled around and stomped over and ripped me a new one. Fire replaced the sadness haunting her eyes, making those green irises shine like a lush forest beneath the sunny skies. I wanted to grab and kiss the hell out of her.

Why the fuck can’t I hate her after what she did? She fucking abandoned me.

The fact that she went out of her way to come to the trailer park and visit me has me all kinds of fucked up. Although she’s been there before, it's been a long time.

The last time she was at my house was after I’d been bullied in tenth grade and tossed into the trash can. She helped clean me up and then insisted she was walking me home. Her mere presence as she marched beside me, glaring at anyone who dared turn their head in my direction, was enough to keep the bullies away.

I never expected her to walk me home that day. Or grab me and hug me so tightly that all the hurt I felt vanished. She was my light in the darkness, guiding me home.

Until she wasn’t.

Goddamn it. Stop thinking about the past. You and Delaney are over.

As she marches past Tim, he turns and says something to her. I’m too far away to hear it, but a laugh escapes me when Delaney holds up her middle finger and continues walking away with Callie.

My eyes follow her across the room. She doesn’t look at me as she joins a group of girls. Although she’s attempting to appear casual, I know her too well. She’s pretending she doesn’t feel my stare, but I know she does. It’s in the tense set of her posture and the deliberate way she keeps her body turned away from me.

Mr. Jackson’s voice booms into the microphone. “Everyone line up. It’s time to head out to the stadium.” He continues giving instructions as the students move, forming two rows.

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