An invisible band tightened around my chest. “K-keep me?” I stared at him. “Like a pet?”

“Like a beautiful bird.” He sounded unhinged, the cracks showing through his usual facade.

I wanted to scream at him, but I held back. If the other option was death, I could handle being his caged bird. At least there was a chance I could break free or that somebody might find me.

“Okay,” I said. “So do that.”

“But where would we go? We have to get out of here.” He kicked the edge of the bunk in frustration. “I’d charter a helicopter, but the pilot might not keep his mouth shut.” He shook his head, dismissing that idea. “I need to get you to the car, but I can’t trust you to go without a fuss.”

“I’ll behave.” My stomach flipped at the possibility of getting outside the cabin. If my legs were freed and we were out in the open, I might be able to run. “I promise.”

He hummed in thought. “We’d need to move soon. They could be looking for the car. If we get to Queenstown, I can swap it for another.” He glanced at me. “I’m going to cut the rope around your ankles, but if you try to run, I’ll be forced to shoot you.” His expression was hesitant. “I don’t want to do that.”

Then don’t, I almost retorted.

“I won’t run.” I opened my eyes wide, hoping I looked sincere. It would be best if he underestimated me. I allowed my lower lip to wobble. It didn’t take much. “I don’t like pain. Please, let’s do it this way. I promise not to try anything silly.” Like staying with you for one second longer than necessary.

“You’d better not,” he warned. “Remember what I said earlier. I’m a good shot.”

I nodded, hoping he didn’t have much experience shooting at moving targets. I knew Blair disapproved of hunting, so hopefully Tyler—his friend—shared that sentiment, and there must be a difference between shooting at a target versus a person, right?

He reached into his pocket and extracted a Swiss army knife, which he used to sever first the zip ties and then the coarse rope. Blood flow returned to my feet. They prickled and burned, the sensation verging on painful. He returned the knife to his pocket and offered me a hand.

“Just remember, if you run, I’ll shoot. And don’t bother screaming. No one will hear you.”

Dread curdled in my stomach.

Just where were we? I’d imagined us not far from Destiny Falls, but if he’d taken me somewhere remote, any attempt to run might prove pointless. He had the ATV, after all. Even if he missed the shot, he’d be able to come after me faster than I could run away.