Page 36 of Too Safe

As soon as my feet hit the landing, the music pauses, and four pairs of eyes sear into me with so much intensity I almost turn around and run right back up the stairs.

Frozen, I look from man to man. My ruse worked—I’ve clearly disarmed them, based on the way they’re all gawking at me. What I wasn’t counting on was how my body would respond to their heated stares.

My traitorous nipples pebble beneath the thin fabric of my top as my heartbeat hammers an erratic rhythm in my chest. With a thick swallow, I push away thoughts of my physical reaction, then let out a shaky, breathy laugh.

“Uh, hi. Good morning.”

That snaps them out of it.

A new song blares through the speakers, and Kendrick turns to open the fridge. Decker scowls at me a moment longer, then stalks around the kitchen island to join Kylian, who’s got two devices propped up in front of him. It takes Kylian a few extra seconds to blink back to the present and turn to his screens again.

Locke is the only one still looking at me. He offers me a thorough assessment from head to toe, followed by a sly, almost shy smile as I approach him.

“Are you hungry? I made eggs,” he murmurs, picking up the spatula from beside the stove. “Just scrambled, since I don’t know how you like them.”

My stomach rumbles before I can respond.

I haven’t really decided what to do about Locke. It’s utterly pointless to continue to ignore him while we’re living under the same roof. Kendrick barely looks at me. And I cringe every time Decker says my name. I could stand to use another ally around here—especially one who knows how to cook.

“Thanks, they look great,” I eventually reply.

Locke’s eyes light up, and he scoops a huge serving onto a plate. “Salt and pepper are on the table. How do you like your coffee?”

Hmm. What are the chances they have fancy creamer in their mega-stocked fridge—

“Josephine,” Decker grunts.

It takes every ounce of willpower I possess not to roll my eyes.

“Yes, Cap?” I reply, my tone sticky sweet.

“These are yours. For the game.” His eyes are narrowed on me as he holds up a black bag and a lanyard. “It’s a media pass and a camera. You’ll be expected to take pictures.” He holds up the lanyard so the badge attached to it sways. “The pass will let you onto the field so you can sit on the bench with Kylian.”

“You’re on the team?” I ask Kylian, not bothering to mask my surprise.

Decker scoffs, then claps a big hand on Kylian’s back. “Heisthe team.”

I have no idea what that means. Whatever. I’m sure Kylian will explain things once his beloved captain takes off for the stadium.

“All right, boys, wrap it up. We’ve got a game to win. We’ll leave in five.”

With that, Crusade grabs a shaker bottle and pops in his earbuds, then turns and heads out of the kitchen. Kendrick follows wordlessly.

Locke remains, quietly washing the pan. Turning to me, he leans back against the counter. “You’ll be at the game?”

He just heard Decker explain where I’ll be sitting and what I’ll be required to do. Maybe Locke thinks I’m a flight risk—spoiler alert: I am—or maybe he’s just trying to make small talk. Either way, I nod in response.

“I’ll be there,” I confirm sourly. Then I add, “Thanks for breakfast. Good luck today. Go, uh, Lake Chapelers?” I’m a full-time student, so I should probably know what the school’s mascot is, but I’ve been a little busy being kidnapped and strategizing my escape to look it up.

Kylian laughs beside me as Locke smirks and walks out of the kitchen.

“We’re the Lake Chapel Crusaders, Jo.”

The bench we’re sitting on practically vibrates as fans scream on every side of us. The band plays, adding to the pandemonium as the Lake Chapel Crusaders ravage their opponents on the field. The energy is something I’ve never experienced before. The whole stadium is pulsing with excitement: One heartbeat. One purpose. It’s mesmerizing and intoxicating at the same time.

Me? I still don’t really know what’s going on. There are a lot of rules, and the guys are only on the field sometimes, when Kylian says we have possession of the ball.

Here’s what I do know:

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