Page 63 of Too Safe

I assumed as much. Based on everything I’ve observed since moving into the Crusade mansion, it’s clear that the guys are close. I’m at a major disadvantage, and I’d do well not to forget it. Locke’s words are a good reminder that, regardless of his kindness, and regardless of the attraction between Kylian and me, I’m still their captive. Anything I tell them or participate in is fair game.

I gulp past the anxiety that threatens to take over. I’m okay. I’m not in control… but I’m not out of control, either. I am here. This is now.

Desperate to change the subject, I steel my spine and sit up straighter.

“Can I ask you something?”

Locke regards me, giving me a slow, deliberate nod. “You can.”

“Why aren’t you up there with them?”

The subtle clench of his teeth tells me I hit a nerve.

“You play football, too. Are you not good enough?” I push.

This time, the dig has the opposite effect.

Locke smirks, and in a fluid movement that’s faster than any motion he’s made all afternoon, he swings one leg over the bench so he’s straddling our shared seat. Scooting close enough that his knees bump my outer thigh, he tilts forward.

“Joey, Joey, Joey,” he murmurs in my ear. Goose bumps erupt from the crown of my head and skate down my chest. “You know firsthand just how good I am.”

He licks the pulse point of my neck, then catches my earlobe between his teeth in the quickest of nips.

Sharply inhaling, I squeeze my legs together, fighting the surge of desire he just jettisoned through my body.

I shift slightly, desperate to put a sliver of space between us. Because if I don’t, I can’t be held accountable for what I’ll do next.

My body reacts to him with total disregard for anything my brain has to say on the matter. What’s even worse? My cheeks are flaming, and the glint in Locke’s smile tells me the reaction is outwardly noticeable, too.

Thankfully, Kylian pops back into existence in that moment and sets a full tray of food on the table before lowering himself back into his seat on my other side.

“All good?” He takes a massive bite out of a soft pretzel stick, then offers the basket to me.

I’m still full from breakfast, but I gladly accept one and take a bite that rivals his. Anything to avoid responding to Locke.

“Joey was just asking about Decker and Kendrick’s NIL deals,” Locke says, cocking his head to the side and making absolutely no effort to hide his flirtatious grin.

I almost choke on my pretzel as I stammer to clarify. “No, I wasn’t.”

The last thing I need is for Kylian—or worse, Decker and Kendrick—to think I’m trying to get all up in their business.

Kylian glances from me to Locke, then back to me again.

“You two are being weird.”

“Says the neurodivergent nerd who spent all of seventh grade wearing a tail,” Locke quips without missing a beat.

Neurodivergent? Frowning, I dart a look at Kylian, but rather than glowering like I expect, he’s grinning as he swallows and points past me toward his friend.

“Hey. At least I was wrapping the extra appendage around my waist instead of stuffing it down the front of my pants.”

“Low blow!” Locke throws his head back and laughs. “I can’t help it if I’m a grower, not a shower!” He reaches past me and playfully shoves Kylian’s side.

Breathing out a sigh of relief, I let my shoulders drop. They’re teasing each other, and they both seem to be in on the joke.

“How long have you two known each other?” I ask, swiping another pretzel stick from Kylian’s tray.

He pushes the platter of food my way so it’s centered between us. “Try this with it.” He holds out a condiment cup of dipping sauce.

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