Page 118 of Too Safe

I gasp, and he smirks.

“I missed you at the party last night,” he says coolly.

“I saw you at the party,” I remind him.

He pulls on my hair again and all but growls, “It wasn’t enough.”

His attention dips to my lips, then quickly travels back up. He repeats the movement, puzzlement clouding his expression.

“What’s wrong?” I worry, concerned that maybe he has a headache or is dealing with another side effect from the concussion. He’s been doing really well over the last few days—avoiding screens and resting as much as he can. I didn’t even think about checking on him earlier. When he doesn’t respond right away, I double down.

“Decker. Talk to me. Are you okay?”

“Your lipstick,” he murmurs. “It didn’t smear when Kylian kissed you.”

That’swhat he’s concerned about?

I hold back a snort. “You were watching?”

“Always watching, siren.”

My heart trips over itself in delight. He’s never called me that before. He’s never called me anything other than Josephine. Blushing, I lick my lips, and his eyes track the movement.

“It’s waterproof. Smudge proof. Kiss proof, too, I suspect. It’s not budging.”

He runs his thumb over my bottom lip, his eyes alight with mischief. “I might have to test that theory tonight.”

A foghorn sounds in the distance, breaking the spell we’re under. I take a big step back to put distance between us, then remember where I am and spin. Locke and Kylian are both watching. There’s no way they missed that interaction.

“Here’s the deal,” Decker announces.

Every eye snaps to him. Kendrick has slipped back into the room for the debrief, too.

“There are four boats anchored out there tonight. You guys know the drill. Tenders bring guests to the yachts, between the boats, or back to the parking lot. No one comes back to the house without unanimous agreement in the group text. And no one comes aboard without proper ID.”

The guys are all nodding, as if this is a normal Sunday evening for a group of college students.

“Be smart,” Decker continues. “Stay safe. Keep your phone on you at all times, just in case.”

Then he turns to me. “Tell me if you’re switching boats.”

My gut instinct is to argue. No one else has limitations. And why do I have to report to him? But going toe to toe with Decker just for the sake of arguing doesn’t have the same appeal it once did.

Instead, I accept him at his word, choosing to heed the concern I see in his eyes. He’s not just a bossy asshole. Being in control is his way of protecting his people.

Does this mean I’m one of his people now?

It thrills me to realize it does.

Chapter 47

Josephine

Ienduponthe emerald boat with Locke and Kendrick. Although the latter wasn’t intentional. I had no idea this was “his boat” until we got off the tender and saw him at the bar.

It was easy enough for Hunter to find us. Each boat is decorated in either crimson, sapphire, emerald, or amethyst. The uplighting and specialty drinks are all themed. Even the waitstaff on each vessel match the décor.

The boats are identical otherwise. Sleek and expensive in an understated way. I can’t even begin to wrap my head around the cost.

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