Page 50 of Hidden

“Outside?” Brayden shot to his feet. “Why in the world is she outside?”

Titus left without responding. Meanwhile, I moved toward the dust cabinet, pushing past Brayden. “All right everyone, we need to clean up before she gets back—”

“You clean up after yourself.” Julian stood up, not taking the broom I offered him. “I’m going to my room.”

“Julian….” But why? We had to take turns. It was part of the code.

“I’m holding youaccountable,” Julian snapped, heading for the door. “You can clean up after your own mistakes.”

Then he was gone, leaving Miles, Brayden, and I looking at the empty doorway.

“Well…” I wasn’t sure how to respond, but since he’d left, it was too late anyway. I was getting the impression that he was upset, though.

He’d always said I should learn to control myself, so I wasn’t sure why he had an attitude. He should be happy about this.

“Hey.” Brayden pulled at my sleeve. “Why is Bianca outside?”

“Don’t worry about it, Little B.” I went to the mess. “Titus is getting her now. Why don’t you sit down and wait?”

“Don’t call me that!” Brayden sputtered. “Now tell me why—”

Miles, who had been quietly observing through all of this, stepped forward. “While you do this, why don’t I show Brayden to a room? I can also get Bryce’s room ready for you. Where do you want them to stay?”

I paused in sweeping the broken glass and considered.

WhereshouldBryce Dubois sleep?

The possibilities were endless.

Chapter Ten

Bianca

Secrets

The rain had cleared not long ago, but the cold air pressed in around me. My small shelter—a hideaway at the base of a large oak—hadn’t done much to protect me from the elements. I was completely soaked, shoeless, and shivering, but I didn’t dare go back.

I had never been more embarrassed in all my life.

They knew.

I couldn’t hide it anymore, it was obvious they knew now. I was so ashamed I wanted to die.

The night sounds gradually quieted, which was the first hint of his presence. But I just knew he was here. I pulled my face from my knees, already knowing what I’d see.

There was no way to avoid him forever.

Titus sat a short distance away. Close enough where he could reach me, but not touching. He’d been watching me, and when our gazes met, he didn’t look away.

“Y-y-you’re stalking me again,” I pointed out. My voice shook, but I wasn’t afraid.

I’d almost expected he’d be the one to come after me. However, unlike the other times I’d hidden from him, my pulse didn’t spike in fear.

I couldn’t place my finger on it, but there was something different in his demeanor.

“I’m not stalking you,” Titus replied, his expression unchanged. “And I’m definitely nothuntingyou either. But you already know that.”

My breath hitched. I hadn’t accused him of hunting me, even though, when we first met, I’d been afraid for that very reason. “Then how did you find me? I don’t want to go back.”