Page 56 of Left in the Dark

“Why are you so worried about Luca? You weren’t this concerned about Ryker when he stalked Devyn in the woods.”

Jaxson rubs his forehead as though I’m giving him a headache. “Ryker wanted the girl he was obsessed with. Luca wants revenge—and the girl he shouldn’t want and can’t have.” He crosses his muscular arms over his chest, his olive eyes piercing mine. “Just like someone else I know.”

I roll my eyes, grumbling beneath my breath. Jaxson is always on my shit, repeatedly claiming I’ve never gotten over Delaney fucking Warner. No matter how often I tell him she’s my enemy, he refuses to believe me.

I level him with a look that could cause a rose to wither. We were assigned as roommates our first semester at Caltech, and we butted heads immediately. He thought I was a temperamental asshole, and I thought he was as cold as ice and didn’t trust him.

But the more we were around one another, the more we realized our strengths complemented the others. Jaxson is level-headed and methodical compared to my hot-headed, unhinged ways. He’s excellent at the business end of the partnership, while my strength lies in creating the cameras, tracking, and listening devices that are the best in the business.

We started our company, King Morine, one year after graduation. Before that, we’d both taken jobs at one of the largest security firms in California, learning the business and technology aspects so we could develop superior products.

It took about five years for King Morine to take off. We became the leading company in the United States for business and home security. But we made even more from the industry's darker side—those who use our technology to gain an advantage over their enemy.

I snatch one of the drawings of a new prototype for a camera that Ryker’s team submitted to me, shoving it in Jaxson’s face. “We’ll let Luca use these. Combined with his intelligence, he’ll be unstoppable.”

Jaxson stares at the drawing before his gaze moves to mine, studying me intently. He must like the confidence he sees in my eyes because he nods.

“Fine. We’ll do it your way.” He holds up a hand as I grin. “On the condition that we personally give these to him so we can check on him.” A long sigh escapes him. “His vendetta is going to open raw wounds. Losing his dad… and now, getting all the shit stirred up in Devil’s Den.”

My expression is grave as my heart squeezes inside my chest. Luca and I have that in common. We were both lucky to have amazing fathers. While Luca’s died a far more violent death, mine died from cancer in prison when I was twenty-nine. Six months before he was finally going to be released.

Ten fucking years.

That motherfucker, Richard Warner, ensured my father served ten years in prison for aggravated assault of his son, Daniel and his friends, Tim and Aidan.

Despite my protests, my name was left out of it. No one believed me since Richard claimed he witnessed my father beating the three guys. But it was me.

The only one my dad hit was Daniel, and that was to save me. But my father took the blame, not wanting me to ruin my future.

Richard and the three amigos went along with it, provided I left for college on the West Coast, took my mom and brother with me, and didn’t return to town.

Not only did the asshole somehow know about the scholarships that gave me a full ride to Caltech, but there was money added to my bank account that didn’t come from the sale of the bar.

Although my dad asked me to sell it and use the proceeds to help support my mom and my worthless younger brother, I had to do it much sooner than I anticipated.

News spread that my father attacked Richard’s only son and two of his friends. Everyone in that godforsaken town felt sympathy and horror that my dad would dare assault the DA’s son. People refused to frequent the bar except for a few regulars from the trailer park. We were losing significant revenue, and when an offer was made to buy it, I couldn’t refuse.

Jaxson’s hand on my shoulder pulls me from thoughts of the past. “I’m sorry as hell about your dad, Zayne. You’ll fucking make Richard and his goons pay.”

Malice runs through me as I clench my fist, but I do my best not to show it, fearing that if Jaxson knew the things I have planned for my enemies, he’d think it was too risky and intervene.

I toss the prototype drawing onto the table. “I’ll get this rolled into production. We’ll deliver it to Luca personally.” My tone is emotionless.

Inwardly, wrath swirls inside me as thoughts of the past assault me.Luca won’t be the only one getting revenge.

Soon, I’ll be breaking my promise and returning to Green Haven. They won’t see me coming until it’s too late.

An evil smile curls my lips. One by one, my enemy’s faces float through my mind.I’ll make every one of them fucking scream, begging for death.

EspeciallyDelaney.

The one who hurt and betrayed me the most.

CHAPTER 37

Delaney

Anxiety courses through me as I stare out the window of my cabin at the New Hampshire mountains. It’s early September, and the transition from late summer to fall, when the leaves start to turn, fills me with anticipation of my favorite season—autumn.

---