83. Zayne
CHAPTER 83
Zayne
M y arms are crossed over my chest as I watch Delaney work her issues out on Aidan, Tim, and Daniel, doing to them every single thing they did to her and me.
Luca, Keira, Mia, Ryker, Devyn, Stryker, and Jaxson sit in chairs, drinking beer and cheering her on. It fuels her as she swings the bat, hitting Tim across the back, just as he did to me that day at my dad’s bar.
She goes after Daniel next, punching him so hard blood flies from his mouth, spray splattering on Devyn, Keira, and Mia’s clothing.
“Sorry.” Her gaze moves from Tim’s slumped body to them. “I owe you new clothes.”
“Sounds like a shopping trip to me,” Keira grins, looking unbothered.
“I’ll drink to that.” Devyn clinks her beer bottle against Keira and Mia’s. “Just tell us when you wanna go, Laney.”
“I’ll be escorting you,” Luca, Ryker, and I say in unison. Jaxson’s mouth opens, but no words come out as he looks at Mia, then quickly turns away.
I grin, anxious to give him shit about it later.
My gaze moves back to Delaney. She winks at me. “So possessive.”
I growl at her, making her blush and giggle. I love that I affect her like I did in high school, but it’s even better watching the woman she’s become melt like butter.
Richard screams behind the gag, and Delaney rolls her eyes before punching him in the stomach. “Shut up, you crying little bitch.”
She saunters to me, extending the bat. “Your turn.”
I grab it, pulling her against me. My lips slam over hers, smelling the blood of our enemies on her skin and clothing. My hand runs over her face, smearing it over her creamy skin.
Fuck, she’s gorgeous covered in our enemies’ blood.
My eyes search hers. “I think it’s time to put Tim, Aidan, and Daniel out of their misery.”
She nods. “I agree. But for him…” she jerks a thumb over her shoulder to her father. “More torture. Once he’s unrecognizable yet still breathing, let him slowly suffer and die.”
“I love the way you think.”
I kiss her again before moving to the four jackasses hanging from the ceiling.
I nod at Stryker, and the screen on the wall beside me starts to unroll.
My gaze meets Delaney’s confused stare, and I reach out my hand.
She immediately hurries over to me, taking it.“What’s going on?”
“I have a surprise for you.”
The screen comes to life, displaying Lindsey Warner in a hospital bed. Although she looks pale, she’s awake and alert.
“Oh, God. Mom.” Delaney’s voice shakes and cuts off, tears flowing down her cheeks.
“Hi, Laney.” Her voice is weak, but she smiles. Her tears mirror her daughter’s. “I’m awake.”
I squeeze Delaney tighter, giving her my strength.
She lowers her hands, wrapping them around mine. She looks up at me, shock on her face.“How is this possible?”
“Your father was keeping her in a coma when she didn’t need to be.” Dr. Zimmerman says, appearing on the screen as he checks her mom’s vitals. “Your mom is doing great. She’s weak but recovering.”
Delaney sags against me. “That’s the best news.”
“That handsome man of yours has been working hard behind the scenes. You should marry him.” Lindsey adjusts herself on the bed, smiling at her daughter.
Shining green eyes move back to mine. “I intend to,” she whispers.
Lindsey’s head turns, and she glares at Richard with such hatred it fills the air in the torture room. Her gaze trails over to her son, and she shakes her head. “You’re the biggest fucking disappointments that walk this earth. Weak, pathetic excuses for men who fear strong women.”
Lindsey’s gaze moves to me, her expression softening. “Unlike my daughter’s boyfriend, Zayne. He’s a real man. Knows how to appreciate, support, and love a strong woman. His parents raised him right.”
She gives me an apologetic smile. “Although I was never personally involved in what happened to your family, my silence allowed it. I’m so fucking sorry.”
Tears prickle behind my lids as I blink. “Thank you, Lindsey. I appreciate your kind words and the apology.” I squeeze Delaney tighter. “Your husband and son may be worthless, but you raised one helluva daughter.”
She smiles, her eyes shining with tears. “That’s the only good thing I’ve done right in my life.”
“Mom. Stop.”
Lindsey holds up her hand. “No, he’s right. My silence allowed too many people to get hurt.” She blows out a long sigh. “What the hell kind of life did I give you when you had a father who beat you? A brother who held your arms behind your back while his piece of shit friends hit you.”
Shame colors her cheeks. “The words you hurled at me before you left were true, Laney. You’ve always been strong and wise. Even though it hurt, I was proud of you. Watching you from a distance was hard, but I didn’t deserve to be in your life.” She swallows audibly, swiping at her tears. “I hope one day I can earn that honor.”
Delaney nods. “You’ve already earned it, Mom. I forgave you for everything when you came and visited me.”
“Thank you, sweetie.” She stifles a yawn. “I’m getting a little tired and need to rest. But before I go…” Her expression is fierce, reminding me of Delaney when we were sparring in my gym. “Kick their fucking asses before you put the pieces of their bodies in the ground.”
The room erupts into boisterous cheers, except for the four men hanging to our left.
Delaney blows her mom a kiss. “This one’s for you.”
She breaks free of my hold and walks over, punching Richard as hard as she can in the nuts before delivering an uppercut to his face. His head snaps back, blood spraying from his nose.
“My fierce minx,” I whisper, amazed by her.