At the thought, I circle the perimeter of the club, ducking my head into several VIP sections. When I don’t find her safely tucked away in one of them, I pull my phone out to send her a text.
Me: Where are you at? I’m ready to go.
The three blinking dots pop up but go radio silent soon after.
What the fuck?
My heart beats double time, and an instant dizzy spell hits me. I lean on the nearest table to steady myself. It doesn’t help. My mind has been trained to think of worst-case scenarios, and right about now, Delaney is ass up in a broom closet, surrounded by a group of thirty-year-old men.
I click the green phone on my screen to call her. It rings once then goes to voice mail.
“Shit! Shit! Shit!” I press my hand to my forehead, circling around to devise a plan.
On the last spin, the hidden corner where I left Marek and the boys screams at me. I shuffle over, not ready to admit I need them, but not willing to let Delaney be in trouble without me doing everything I can to make sure she’s okay.
“What did I say, boys? I knew she’d come back.” Marek jabs his thumb at me.
Breaker jumps to his feet, hopping over the table and bending down to check on me like a loving friend. But we aren’t friends. “Take a deep breath, sweetheart. What happened?”
“I . . . I . . .” I wave my hand in front of my face to calm myself. “I don’t know what happened.”
Marek pushes Breaker out of the way, holding me at arm’s length. “Palmer, snap out of it. What’s going on?”
“Delaney . . . I . . .” I check over my shoulder, completely lost in my own mind.
“Spit it out, or else we can’t help you.” Byron is now standing with Breaker and Marek. They have a strange worry written on their faces that I don’t quite understand.
“I can’t find her.” I shake my head, begging for the clouds to clear.
“Who were you here with?” Marek asks, checking over his shoulder.
“Delaney. She met a guy here. She’s been talking with him on the internet. I don’t even know his name. I let my best friend prance off with a fucking stranger. How could I be so stupid?” I rub the tension knotting my forehead.
“Dixon” — Marek yanks him forward— “track her phone. Now.”
“You can do that?” I question, looking at Dixon. Of course, he can.
Dixon pulls out his phone and starts clicking away.
“He changed your passcode. What do you think?” Marek’s lips pinch together, showing me how exasperated he is by my question. What I should know by now is these boys can do whatever they want.
“She’s still in the club, at least her phone is.” Dixon shows us his screen. A green dot blinks across it, proving his words.
“Let’s split up. Breaker, come with me.” Marek points to Byron and Dixon. “You two go the opposite direction. Don’t let a single motherfucking inch of this place go unturned.”
The four of them set out like a damn S.W.A.T. team. I grab Marek’s arm, and he turns, glaring at me. His features soften as he takes me in. A girl with tear stained cheeks and red rimmed eyes is hard not to acknowledge.
“What about me?” I ask.
“Stay here.”
“Marek! She’s my best friend.”
“I don’t care what happens, Palmer, you stay the fuck behind me. If she's in trouble, I can’t help her and make sure you’re safe at the same time. You’ll win, so don’t make me choose.” He grabs my hand and storms forward with Breaker flanking him and me trailing behind.
“What makes you think she’s in trouble?” I yell, knowing he may not hear me over the music. “Maybe she’s making out with the guy in the corner somewhere, and I’m completely overreacting.”
Breaker turns before Marek gets the chance. His hands rest on my shoulders, his touch somehow soothing and comforting. “Guys don’t come here for a kiss, if you get my drift. Half of these assholes believe they have the right to your body if they say the word.”
“So, she could be in real trouble then?” I swallow, the reality setting in.
“Not when we’re around, Palmer.” Marek rubs my arm. “Now, stop asking fucking questions, and let us find your friend.”
I do just that, snapping my mouth shut, even when I have a million questions. When I’m nervous, I can’t stop overthinking things. What will happen