Page 47 of Better Hide

Cole has slid in next to me, and he slowly cocks his head, flipping his knife back and forth, back and forth.

“For fuck’s sake.” Jayden shuffles his huge body around and snatches at a backpack by my feet.

Cole kicks it away with his foot. “Why don’t you learn to ask for help nicely instead of just strongarming your way through everything.”

Jayden stiffens.

The energy rolling around in the car makes the hair on my arms stand on end.

At the wrong moment, my stomach growls. It sounds loud in the silence.

Cole slowly tilts his head toward me. “Are you hungry, little one?”

I swallow. Fuck. I’m not sure what he and Jayden are fighting about, but suddenly, Cole looks at me like I’m the only one on his radar.

Cole gives me a slow, mean smile. “Did I not tell you we’d take care of you?”

I clench my jaw. He waits for an answer.

“Yes,” I grind out.

“Then why,” Cole leans in, “didn’t you tell us you were hungry?”

I glare at him. “I was going to get it myself. Do I have to ask for water and snacks like a damn kid?”

Jayden snorts. I glance at him, and he quickly hides a smirk.

“Oh?” Cole leans back, glancing between the two of us. “You know Jo, you have a lot in common with Jay here. Can’t ask for help to save your life.”

I don’t know what to say to that.

Cole twirls the knife again, and it slips, slicing into one of his fingers. He hisses.

Oh shit, he cut himself.

Jayden whirls around. “Give me the goddamn knife, Cole!”

“Take it from me.” Cole winks, throwing his finger in his mouth.

Jayden looks like he’s going to lunge into the backseat.

“I’ll tell you what.” Cole hands me the knife. “We’ll play a game for it. Whoever catches her gets it.”

I stare at the blade in my hand. This is the same knife I whittled with in the cabin. The same one I fought him with when he chased me and then fucked me within an inch of my life.

Jayden lunges for me, and instinctively, I close my hand around the handle and recoil in the seat.

“Jo,” Jayden growls. “Give it to me.” His big body is pinned between the two front seats.

The tiny bit of control that I have flows through me.

Cole digs around in his bag and throws something at Jayden. “Gotta wear a mask. Makes it more fun.”

“I’m not doing that shit. Give me the knife, Jo.”

“If you don’t wear it, the deal is off. What, afraid you can’t catch her?” Cole gives me a predatory look. “Better run, Jo.”

“Don’t,” Jayden growls.

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