Page 117 of Too Safe

There’s a hushed reverence to his tone that soothes my fretful thoughts. It’s such an odd question—typical Kylian—and yet it’s one I’m fully capable of answering.

The expansiveness of that night stretched on for lifetimes. So much of it I don’t remember. But this I do.

“I begged the sky to crack open and swallow me up for good.”

Fingers catch under my chin, tilting my head until I’m looking him in the eye.

“I’m really glad it didn’t,” he whispers. And then he captures my lips in a slow, sensual kiss that washes away every lingering bit of tension in my body.

Safe.

With Kylian, in this moment, in this room, on this isle,I’m safe.

Chapter 46

Josephine

Asidefromtheusualbreakfast spread, it’s anything but a typical Sunday at the Crusade Mansion.

The house is buzzing with caterers and waitstaff. There are people unloading and staging décor down on the beach, too.

I’ve spent most of the day holed up in my room, getting ahead on my reading for class since it’s going to be a busy week. I FaceTimed Hunter for a bit, and we chatted while we got ready. We agreed it didn’t make sense for her to come over any earlier. The dock is full of smaller boats called tenders, each one manned with crew and security personnel.

I’m not totally confident about my outfit for tonight, seeing as how I’ve never attended a yacht party, but Hunter swears it’s perfect. I’ve paired bright red hot pants with an oversized white oxford. The gauzy linen fabric drapes beautifully and leaves little to the imagination. I completed the look with the perfect shade of Crusaders red lipstick.

Decker told us to be ready to head out by five, so I make my way downstairs a few minutes prior.

When I walk into the kitchen, the guys are all standing around, sipping drinks.

Conversation ceases as each of them assesses me.

Kendrick takes one look at me and stalks toward the back door. Whatever.

Locke can’t get to me fast enough.

“Hot Girl,” he groans reverently. “How the hell do you look even better than last night?” He takes my hand and leads me farther into the kitchen, then lifts his arm to encourage me to twirl.

I spin out of his arms and laugh, only to be caught around the waist by Kylian.

“Hi,” he murmurs, lowering his forehead to mine.

Tension I didn’t even know existed evaporates from my body, and I’m instantly at ease.

Smiling, he brings his mouth to my ear. “You look good enough to eat.”

My pussy flutters at the memories his words elicit. As if I needed a reminder. Sheesh.

He tilts my chin and kisses me in a bold move in front of the other guys.

I’m dizzy by the time he releases me and have to grip the counter to keep my balance.

I chance a glance at Decker but am completely unprepared for what I see.

Heat. Hunger. And maybe even a subtle hint of frustration.

He stares right at me—always staring—then beckons me with one finger.

As I approach, he pulls me close, almost as if he wants to hug me. His hands work their way into my hair, which I’ve curled into big waves for the party. He weaves his fingers through the strands, then tilts my head back where he wants it and pulls. Hard.

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