Page 42 of Better Run

“What’s your name?” I ask her.

“He didn’t tell you?” She coughs. “Can you get me out of these?”

Shit. “I left the paperclip in the cabin.”

“Paperclip?” She eyes me again.

“Yeah I stole it from Cole…” I look her over again. “What’s going on? Why did they take you?”

Deep, animalistic fear comes across her face. In a quiet voice she says, “He’s going to hurt me.”

The words drop ice in my belly. He wouldn’t…would he? I swallow. Yes, he would.

I see goosebumps prickle across her skin. I shrug out of my sweater. “Here.” I try to figure out how to put it on her without the arms. I settle on pulling it over her body and the back of the chair.

“Thanks,” she mutters.

“I have food.” I pull out the granola bars. She doesn’t seem interested but I break off little pieces and when I offer them to her, she eats them. We sit in silence for awhile with just the sounds of her eating. Something rustles in the garage. I jump and look over my shoulder. It’s a barn cat.

“How did you meet Jayden?” she finally asks.

“He kidnapped me,” I say.

She looks at me. “You’re not together?”

I take a step back, horrified. “What? No!”

She doesn’t look convinced. She leans her head back and closes her eyes. “I’m not sure why he sent you out here but I’m tired. Thanks for the food.”

“How do you know Jayden? Who are you?”

She cracks her eyes open, looking annoyed. “I’m Sage. His ex?”

I stand, stunned. It feels like the world stops spinning and the only things that exist are her, me, and this room. His ex? Jayden has an ex? Of course he does. I look over her gorgeous form and feel anger trickle through me.

A deep laugh startles both of us and I whip around.

Jayden is standing in the doorway, hands up against the doorframe, leaning into it. The hairs on the back of my neck prickle.

“Kitten, what are you doing out here?”

I move to step back but freeze when his eyes narrow on me like a predator. “Let’s get you back inside. It’s cold out here.”

“Fuck you. You can’t keep her out here like an animal.”

He looks bored, and pushes off the doorframe. “This is your only warning. Let’s go, or I’ll make sure she misses her next feeding.”

My mouth drops open. He waits expectantly. When his eyebrow quirks up I jump and scramble over.

“Good girl.” He grabs my wrist. “Say goodnight, kitten.”

“Fuck you,” I mutter again.

He gives a sharp jerk that yanks me to him. I slam into his chest and look up. Before I can react, he grips my chin and pulls me in for a kiss. It’s harsh and claiming. He pulls me out into the main garage and shuts the office door before I yank my mouth away.

“Let her go! She didn’t do anything. You can’t just take people and say they’re yours!” I pry at the fingers holding my wrist. They don’t budge. “We’re people, damn it. Let go of me.”

He doesn’t say anything, just pulls me toward the cabin. Panic mounts in me. My heart is pounding, and I claw at his hand now.