Page 2 of Too Far

“Doesn’t matter.” His reply is instant and dismissive. “I blocked the signals and wiped the devices of everyone present. There’s no remaining proof. It’s their word against ours. And since they don’t want to lose this job…”

“And since the man who confessed to assault is in custody…” Joey grouses.

What the hell was Kendrick thinking, taking my place like that? I wasn’t in my right mind when I lashed out and hit the reporter, but I would have accepted the consequences of my actions. But then Kendrick stepped up.

Confessed to a crime he didn’t commit.

Fuck. What I wouldn’t do to hit rewind. If I’d known one of my brothers would take the fall for me, would I have lashed out like that? Hell no.

I lean against the vanity at my back, then sink down to the floor. “Why would he do that for me?” I groan into my hands.

K’s got big dreams and a squeaky-clean reputation. He’s a shoo-in for the pros. A mark like this on his record could destroy it all.

“He told you.” Kylian’s still focused on his device, his thumbs flying across the screen. “He said he did it for you and for her. For everything we’re going to be.”

“Kylian…” Josephine’s tone is subdued, but it’s a warning, nevertheless.

I don’t bother lifting my head, even when Kylian squats in front of me.

“Nicky, look at me.”

Despite the unfamiliar level of intimacy his proximity brings, I take a long breath in and obey.

Because a kind of blanket trust is forming between us, knitting together this new relationship we’re forging. I might not have it in me to keep it together, and I might not know how to move forward right now, but I have no doubt they’ll help me figure it out.

When one of us struggles, the others hold us up. Right now, I’m the weakest link. As much as I hate it, I need them to navigate whatever the hell comes next.

Meeting Kylian’s light blue eyes, I open myself up, let him see my truth: the hurt, the heartache, the regret. Kendrick shouldn’t have been the one hauled away. It should have been me. It should have been fucking me.

That realization hurts more than any physical ache.

“He’s okay,” Kylian assures me. “He’s more than okay. He took his meds this morning. Worked out and stretched. We know where he is. He knew what he was doing, Nicky. He’ll be okay.”

“Come on.” Decker offers an outstretched hand, and when I take it, he releases Joey and cups my elbow so he can ease me up off the floor. “We’ve got work to do. Kyl and I will find out who’s going to set his bail. Then we’ll figure out whose campaign we have to donate to so that this goes in our favor.”

Joey scoffs. She should know better by now.

There’s no price Decker won’t pay when it comes to us.

“We’ll have him home by dinner. Why don’t you make something he likes? But maybe rest first?”

“I can’t re—”

“Nicky.” Joey steps in and wraps her arms around my waist. “Don’t let Kendrick’s sacrifice be for nothing. He’ll be pissed if he gets home and you’re sleep-deprived and still hurting.”

She lowers her head and nuzzles into my neck. “I’ll come up and lay with you. Just promise them you’ll rest so they know you’re okay.”

Decker crosses his arms over his chest and lifts his chin, regarding me.

“Steer clear of anyone but us for now. They’re setting up today and tomorrow. And they’ll be back on Thursday to start the real coverage. Without evidence, I doubt anything will come of this. Kyl’s right—they don’t want to compromise this feature, but let’s not give them any opportunity to retaliate.”

“I’ll meet you in your room,” Joey offers. With one more quick squeeze, she drops her arms and turns to Decker.

“Come on,” Kylian says, clapping me on the shoulder and leading me out of the bathroom.

Chapter 2

Josephine