24. Zayne
CHAPTER 24
Zayne
I ’m lying on the couch, watching TV on Wednesday evening, bored out of my skull. My dad left for the bar a few hours ago. I tried to go with him to help him out, but he refused, saying he and Ian could handle it.
A knock on the front door causes me to frown. My mom and I exchange a glance as she rises from the chair. “I’ll get it.”
When she pulls the door open and gasps, I grab the remote control, turn it down, and sit up.
“Delaney.” My mom’s voice is full of shock before it turns cold. “What do you want?”
Delaney? What the fuck?
“I’m sorry to show up unexpectedly. I’ve been texting and calling Zayne, but he hasn’t responded. It’s?—”
The brittle laugh that comes from my mom’s lips cuts her off. Delaney doesn’t know that laugh signifies my mom is seconds from exploding, but I do.
“Good for him. My son obviously sees through your bullshit.”
The silence stretches between them. I crane my neck, trying to see Delaney’s expression, but I can’t see her from this angle.
“I deserve that. I m-messed u-up.” Her voice is tearful. Instead of making me feel sympathy, it causes my anger to grow like a weed.
“You sure as hell did. I don’t know why you dropped by, but it’s too late. He hasn’t responded because he doesn’t want to see or talk to you.”
Go, Mom.
“I-I’m s-so s-sorry.”
“You’re sorry ?” My mom’s dry, humorless laugh floats in the air.
Here it comes.
“What gives you the audacity to come here? You walked away from my son, leaving him lying injured on the ground!”
I get to my feet, the pain an afterthought as I march to the door. I’ve had enough of the pain Delaney has caused me, and I’ll be damned if I allow her to upset my mom.
Grabbing my mom’s arm, I nod toward the kitchen. “I’ll handle this. Why don’t you make us some popcorn and we’ll watch a movie.”
My mom gives me a nervous smile before she scowls at Delaney and walks away.
My attention moves to the girl I loved with all my heart, a scowl on my face. Her actions were reprehensible and unforgivable.
I level Delaney’s tearful face with a look that I’m certain could freeze even the warmest ocean. “Get the fuck out of here.”
“Z-Zayne. P-Please.” Tears roll down her face as her eyes plead with me. “I k-know I-I fucked up-p, but?—”
“You’re right. You fucked up. But so did I.” A glimmer of hope sparkles in her eyes. A sadistic part of me grins, anticipating her crushing disappointment from my next words. “I foolishly believed you cared about me. I was fucking delusional to think you loved me.”
She gasps, her face twisted in pain. Usually, that would cause me to melt like butter and do anything to make her smile again. Not anymore.
Her actions have hardened my heart. I’m resilient to her bullshit.
I glare at her, disgust punctuating every word. “You had your fun slumming it. Now that’s over.” My gaze rakes over her face, noting the bruises in various healing stages. “Looks like your pathetic, limp-dick boyfriend smacked you around. That’s what happens when you throw away the one you mistakenly believe to be ‘trash’ for the fucking devil.”
She blinks rapidly, but the tears spill down her cheeks. “Z-Zayne. P-Please. I-I’m sorry. Just h-hear me o-out.”
I shake my head. My hand squeezes the door handle so hard it feels like I’ll either crush it or my hand. “Go back to your pathetic boyfriend and your elite world, Delaney. You don’t fucking belong in mine.”
I step back, giving her one last, scathing glare before slamming the door in her face so hard the entire mobile home shakes.
Goddamn, her fucking nerve. Why the hell did she show up here?
My eyes lock with my mom, who stares at me with such sympathy that it makes my hackles rise. “I’m sorry she upset you, Mom.”
“Ditto, Zayne.” She releases a sigh. “I’m worried about you. She had no business coming here and upsetting you. I think she wants you back, and?—"
I straighten my posture, wincing from the pain. “I’m fine.” I glance out the living room window, watching her dejected shoulders fade into the darkness settling around us. “I’m done with her. Delaney and I are over.”