Page 119 of Too Far

Decker grunts. “We were advised—”

“By his father’s financial planner,” Kylian adds.

Decker grits his teeth, causing his temples to pulse. “We were advised,” he repeats, “to structure our contracts so we didn’t make more than we needed for spending money while we’re still in college. Most of our deals won’t pay out in full until we graduate.”

“It made sense when we signed,” Kendrick says, blowing out a breath. “We both expect to be drafted to professional teams, so we’ll hit a higher tax bracket next year regardless. At the time, the logic was sound. We just didn’t know we were being played.”

“Who owns your cars?” I ask, my focus on Decker again.

“K and I have loaners from the dealership. They’re part of a promotional deal.”

My stomach sinks. “And the house?” I ask, though I’m starting to understand the gravity of the situation.

“My dad holds the deed. I always intended to buy it, but it didn’t make sense to move on it while we were still in school.”

Beside me, Locke has gone rigid. “So you’re telling me that we’re shit out of luck and broke as hell because of Decker?”

“Not yet, we aren’t,” Kylian says.

“My plan was to cancel several NIL deals and restructure those worth salvaging. That’s why I hired my own legal team. I was trying to ensure we never have to go through something like this again.”

He swallows, his Adam’s apple working, and scans the four of us.

“The reality is that, as it stands, I won’t be free. Not anytime soon. Probably not for years. It’s best for all of us if I just accept—”

“No.”

I don’t know what he was going to say. What I do know is that his plan will be to cut himself out completely. That’s Decker’s way. To take the brunt of the attack, to shield us and sacrifice himself.

With my stomach twisted in knots, I wiggle out of Nicky’s hold and stride toward Decker.

“No,” I repeat, more resolute this time, as I stop beside him. “There has to be another way.”

That damn jaw tick of his is at it again as he surveys Kylian across the table.

He doesn’t glance my way. Like he’s scared. Like he physically can’t. He doesn’t even look at me when I touch his shoulder.

“Time-out,” I whisper.

That word finally snags his attention. Those onyx eyes find mine and hold. He doesn’t blink. Doesn’t agree. But he doesn’t outright argue, either.

Bolder, I look to each of the other guys, one at a time, pausing until they meet my gaze. “I call a time-out. We’re here for at least one more night, right?” I look at Kylian for confirmation.

He glances up from his phone, shoots daggers at Decker, then turns his attention to me. His expression softens a fraction. “At least one, maybe two. All campus activities are canceled this weekend, including the game. The storm has passed Lake Chapel, but there’s still a good amount of cleanup. No sense rushing back since we don’t have a home to go to.”

“It’s decided, then.” I seek out Decker again.

He doesn’t argue or glare or huff. His expression is almost blank, his mouth set in a straight line. Either he agrees with me for once, or, more likely, he’s out of fight.

“Today is a time-out. We can all think about the best course of action, then come back together to discuss it tomorrow.”

Three of my guys nod.

I know better than to take Decker’s silence as assent.

Shucking the blanket still wrapped around my body, I unceremoniously plop into his lap. The move startles him, causing him to sit up and catch me around the hips.

“Time-out,” I whisper. I keep my chin tipped up and my eyes locked on his so he knows it’s not a request. “No one is making any decisions today, Decker. Tell me you understand. Tell me, after everything you’ve put me through, that you can give me this.”