12. Delaney
CHAPTER 12
Delaney
I t’s two days before prom when I turn the corner and spot Zayne’s broad shoulders heading through the corridors of Green Haven Academy. My heart thumps as he looks up, and our eyes lock and hold. I scan his face, relieved to see him.
I’ve been frantic since he texted me on Sunday and told me what happened. Every chance I’ve gotten, I’ve texted him. I’ve even snuck off and called him on the phone a few times when Daniel and Tim weren’t around. It’s odd how much time the two of them have been spending at home like they know something is going on between Zayne and me.
Zayne told me to stay away from him for my safety.
It’s been killing me to go this long without seeing him. I spent the past four days moping, lost and depressed.
I wanna hold him in my arms and make sure he’s okay.
Zayne is the first to turn away, stiffly heading down the hall toward his locker. My heart sinks, and I blink back tears.
“Hey, sexy.” Tim slings his arm around me, and I stiffen. “Excited about prom?”
No, not at all. I’d rather have all my fingernails and toenails pulled off than go with you. I force a smile on my face. “Of course.”
He leans in and gives me a chaste kiss. It makes me want to vomit. “I have big plans for us after prom. I reserved a hotel room for the after-party.” He wiggles his brows suggestively.
Revulsion swims through me, and I shiver, trying not to show it. “Sounds good.”
Aidan comes up, slapping Tim’s shoulder. “Stop smooching your girl. We’ve got to meet Mr. Jackson before class.”
Tim grins at him. “Gotta go, Delaney. I’ll see you soon.” Then he hurries away, his head bent close to Aidan’s.
With a relieved sigh, I head to my locker. But my peace is disrupted when my brother’s voice comes from behind me. “Hey, Laney. Is Tim heading to the meeting with Mr. Jackson?”
I focus on the combination of my locker. “Yeah.” When it unlocks, I pull it open. “You and Tim have grown awfully close.”
He shrugs, not meeting my eyes. “I like him.” He looks in the direction Tim and Aidan are heading. “Listen, I’ll catch up with you later.” Then he hurries after them.
Weird.
I bite my lip, my thoughts returning to Sunday morning when the police arrived, asking questions about Daniel’s whereabouts and if he’d been around Tim and Aidan Saturday night. I snuck over to my dad’s office door, pressing my ear against it. I couldn’t make out much, but I did hear my father’s voice booming that the police were wasting their time, as there is no evidence Daniel was involved in the attack on Zayne Morine.
When the officers thanked them, I ran and hid around the hallway corner, peeking out when I heard my dad’s footsteps. After the police left, he smiled at Daniel. “Good job. I wish he and his entire worthless family would fucking leave town.”
Rage filled me, but I couldn’t say a word. Not without revealing my feelings for Zayne.
Feeling eyes boring into me, I pull myself from my musings, turning my head and looking straight into Zayne’s dark eyes. Rage simmers in his irises, but once he sees the concern on my face, it changes. He jerks his head down the hallway before spinning on his heel and walking away.
I immediately shut my locker, heading in the direction Zayne indicated. I’d follow him anywhere.
As soon as I 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.