Page 9 of Better Hide

“Sorry isn’t going to cut it. You think I’m trying to keep the whole neighborhood cool? AC isn’t cheap.” Pat steps closer. “Get the hell upstairs.”

I move to obey, but Cole puts his hand out. “Jay–”

“Fuck off,” I hiss. Maybe all Pat will do is whoop me. If that’s it, I don’t care. I can handle a whooping.

I move to the steps, and Pat hesitates, looking back at Cole. For a moment, pure terror runs through me. He’s going to target Cole.

I need to do something. Anything.

I try to speak, but my body is locked in fear. I’m frozen.

I can’t move. Why can’t I move?

Pat stares at Cole, watching him. His light blue eyes look him up and down, and I want to throw up.

Finally, Pat turns to me. “Get the fuck upstairs, boy.”

I jump to obey. I practically fly up the stairs, and Pat follows me to his room.

“You know, I try to raise you better than this.” He shuts the door behind us and slowly pulls his belt from the loops. “Try to be the father you never had.”

I might throw up. I’ve never seen Pat look at Cole like that. I should have distracted him. Shouted something. Hit him. Run.Anything.

But all I did was stand there.

“Turn around.”

I obey. I pull my shirt off, staring at the wall. I will him to get this over with and lean my stomach against the bed like he always asks. Like a zombie, I obey without a fight. Like always.

Pat lays the belt into me, whooping my back and ass with all his strength. Sometimes, he gets his belt wet to make it hurt more, but not today. The more of a reaction I give him, the harder he hits, so I stay silent.

When he’s done, Pat runs his hands over the welts.

“Now, now, what am I going to do with you, Jayden? I don’t think you were being honest with me.”

I can’t keep the shiver off my hot skin. Fuck.

Pat chuckles. It’s throaty and deep, and I always thought he sounded like Santa. Now, I can’t stand the holiday.

“I think Cole left that door open. Think he shouldn’t have that stupid fucking game that distracts you guys so much. Then maybe I wouldn’t lose so much goddamn money raising ungrateful brats.”

My heart sinks. Cole loves that game.

I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out.

Pat chuckles like he does when he senses weakness.

Fuck. I’ve fucked up. I clear my throat.

“Hmmm.” Pat continues rubbing. My skin is on fire from the belt, and his light touch feels good—and I hate that.

“Are you willing to take the consequences for that door?”

I grit my teeth. I just got the consequences. Pat’s hands run lower, tracing over my ass and thighs.

It’s like my voice is trapped. All I want to do is scream yes. To say I’ll take it. To fight him. To get out of here.

Pat laughs; his chuckle is hearty and deep. “Good boy. Good fucking boy. Despite everything, I love you, Jayden. I really do.”

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