Page 76 of Marks of Rebellion

"Hunter, it'll be fine. Come help me." I hold out the end of my tarp.

He scowls then mutters, "And everyone calls me the hothead."

"Please." I shake my end of the tarp.

He gives in and does as I ask.

Julieta pulls out a bunch of metal clamps. She folds the front of the tarp a few times then clamps it above the windshield. We cover the roof with the rest of it. Julieta and I get into the car, and the guys secure the tarp by shutting the door on it.

Hunter gets in next, and Ryker last. He pulls the tarp into the bottom and slams his door. Turning to Julieta, he waggles his eyebrows. "Time to see what this Jeep can do."

"Don't be so excited," Hunter grumbles, then tugs on my seat belt to make sure it's secure and then straps himself in.

I put my hand on his thigh. "It's going to be fun," I repeat, also trying to convince myself.

"Think of it as a roller coaster," Julieta offers.

Hunter shakes his head.

Ryker starts the Jeep and slowly moves forward.

We are about a third of the way when we get to the biggest hill. Almost as soon as we go over the top, our speed increases, and we slide.

Julieta was right. It's just like a roller coaster, and my stomach drops.

Ryker's knuckles turn white as he grips the wheel.

Julieta and I scream, and Hunter takes his arm and holds it to my chest so I'm firm against the back of the seat.

We hydroplane near a tree, and Ryker regains control just in time for us to not smack into it. He manages to get us back to the middle of the track, but the brakes aren't slowing us down.

The rain is steady, but at the bottom of the hill, we fly through a muddy swamp and spin out. The vehicle makes several full circles, and my heart about stops.

Hunter keeps his arm secure across me, and when we finally stop, thick mud covers the windshield. The inside of the Jeep is darker, and I'm breathing hard.

"Everyone okay?" Ryker booms.

"Flower?"

Julieta puts her arm in the air. "Woo-hoo!"

"That was awesome!" I blurt out.

Hunter's eyes widen. "You enjoyed that?"

"You didn't?"

"Not with you in the car."

"That's too bad. That was fun!"

"Is your neck okay?"

"Yeah. And you can remove your arm now."

"Oh, sorry." He takes his arm away.

"Nice driving." Julieta beams and kisses Ryker on the cheek.