Page 73 of Better Hide

I snort. Like fuck it’s just business.

But part of me hates myself. I’m reacting. I never react. I think through everything. But I can’t stop. I can’t fucking stop.

Ralph puts up a good fight, but I’m too big. When he stops moving, I continue sitting on him for a while to ensure he never draws another breath.

“Where the hell is Jo?” I snap.

“She’s taking a breather!” Cole snaps right back. “You went too hard on her, Jayden. Even I’m fed up with you.”

“Too hard? I almost had her!” I curl my fingers into the pillow.

“You’ve never been further from having her, Jayden.” Cole’s voice is full of disgust, and he looks down at me. “I don’t know if she’ll forgive you for any of this! I’m starting to not recognize you anymore.” He steps into my face. “And, in fact, you’re starting to act a lot like Pat.”

The words hit me straight in the gut. My world grinds to a halt.

Cole shakes his head and stalks away.

He thinks I’m acting like Pat?

I’m not. I’m not acting like him.

Suddenly, I’m more angry than I’ve been all morning. This anger burns through me with betrayal.

How dare he? How fucking dare he?

I jump off Ralph’s body and stalk after him. “Don’t fucking walk away from me.”

Cole ignores me and slams the bathroom door shut.

I pause, frozen between beating down the door and chasing after Jo.

Frozen.

Again.

Fucking hell! I rip myself away and stalk to the bedroom. I saw Jo grabbing something from here before she left, and I confirm my fears.

She took the keys.

A slow grin curls up my face. Oh, she’ll pay for this.

34

JO

Peace.Safety.

Pain.

I’ve cut two more times into my left wrist, sinking further into the escape each time. I almost don’t hear the garage door open.

But I do, and when my eyes pop open, I see Jayden storming toward me.

Panic floods me, and I scramble for the lock button. I hit it right as Jayden reaches the door. He slams into the car and rattles the handle.

“Jo.” Jayden’s voice is slightly muffled, and he has a manic grin on his face.

My heart is still pounding.

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