Page 35 of Too Safe

Resigned, I settle for the one next to Kylian. It’s the closest to the door, so it makes sense from a practical standpoint. And he’s the only person who’s offered even a shred of kindness to me today.

Once seated, though, I immediately regret my choice. Because I’m unexpectedly close to Decker at the head of the table, and right across from Locke.

Shit.

I’m so focused on the two of them that I’m startled when a glass of water appears in front of me. Blinking, I take in the hand that set the cup on the table and follow it up a muscled arm as Kendrick turns and sits back down without looking at me or even acknowledging the gesture.

I clear my throat, hoping my words don’t waver, then offer a quiet thank-you. With a relatively steady hand, despite the situation, I bring the glass to my lips and take a long drink of water and sigh when I set it back down.

“Eat,” Decker commands.

Glaring, I whip my head around to face him but bite my tongue, nevertheless. I’m starved. And this spread looks amazing. I know better than to bite the hand that feeds me—literally.

“Can you pass the potatoes?” I ask Kylian after putting a few pieces of grilled chicken on my plate.

“Sure thing, Jo.”

His words are soft, comforting in a way. When I smile at him, I’m caught off guard by the sincerity in his sapphire eyes.

“I came up to check on you earlier, but you were asleep,” he murmurs quietly.

I open my mouth to ask how he knew I was asleep—my door was closed and locked, after all—but think better of it and snap my jaw shut again. Honestly, I don’t want to know.

“We always eat together on Friday nights, Josephine,” Decker says, like he’s royalty speaking to a peasant. And I suppose, in a twisted way, he’s not that far off. “Family dinner is at seven. You’ll be expected to join us. Don’t be late again.”

I side-eye him as I cut into my food. “And if I’m not interested in participating in your little family dinners?”

“It’s not a request.” His glare is so piercing I swear it’s singeing the skin on the side of my face.

Good. Maybe his face will get stuck like that. I fully intend to elicit that glare over and over again in the coming days. I’m still out of my depth, but I’m committed to my plan. If Decker Crusade wants to make my life a living hell, I’ll reciprocate with all I have.

“So I can’t leave the isle without an escort, I have to eat with you on Fridays, and I have to attend all your games.” I finally turn to face him. “Any other non-requests, Cap?”

His eyes dilate slightly. Because of my alleged cooperation? Or the nickname he thinks he recognizes?

Either way, he smirks. “That’s it. For now at least. Glad to see you’re falling in line.”

Now it’s my turn to smirk. “You bet, Cap. Or should I saycaptor, since you took the lead in the equivalent of human trafficking today?”

His smug smile is instantly replaced with a scowl.

Beside me, Kylian chuckles under his breath.

Yep. I needed that nap. Because now the games can really begin.

Chapter 15

Josephine

Afteranannoyinglyrestfuland indulgent night’s sleep, I wake up on Saturday morning to the sounds of an apparent pregame ritual. The bass from the music coming from downstairs is so intense it’s rattling the windows facing the lake. I hoped to avoid the guys all day today, honestly. Kylian is taking me to the stadium at noon. I assumed the others would be out of the house early.

I freshen up in the bathroom, using the fully stocked toiletries in the vanity, then twist my hair into a high ponytail. I reach for the crewneck I wore last night but pause, arm outstretched, assessing myself in the mirror.

My thin tank top is tight against my tits and just a bit too short, showing off a stretch of tanned stomach. I’m wearing a pair of LCU sweats rolled low on my hips. With a grin, I find a tube of lip gloss in my purse, then spot my meds hiding below it. Thank god Locke grabbed my bag for me during his contribution to my middle-of-the-night kidnapping. Small mercies and all that.

I’m determined to beat Decker at his own game and make him regret the day he decided to keep me against my will.

Giddy at the notion of making the guys flustered, I practically skip down the steps. Below, it sounds like Locke singing along to the song, amping himself up and screaming the chorus.

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