Page 28 of Too Far

Decker:I’m on a call with my dad and his lawyers. Misty’s here, too. They’re insisting you sign an NDA. I had no idea they were going to force the issue. I’m sorry.

Josephine:It’s okay. Give me one second.

I close my eyes and focus on breathing. I’m unworthy of her compassion. It’snotokay. None of this is. And nothing will be until she’s safe.

They’re not forcing the issue to protect me. No, they want power over her and over us, and this is the simplest way to get it. Yet the alternative—forcing her to leave, keeping our distance when we’ve seen firsthand how her association with us makes her a target—isn’t an option either. Not one we’ll survive, at least.

Heart lodged in my throat, I shoot off another text to remind her of our earlier discussion.

Decker:Bring one of the guys with you. I don’t want you walking into this room alone or giving away anything we don’t want them to know.

I can’t protect her from everything. But I can play my part. I can ensure that one of my boys stands by her side through this whole ordeal, since my hands are tied.

Josephine:And what, exactly, do you not want them to know, Cap?

This girl.

She’s flirting while knowingly being lured into a room of vipers. What I wouldn’t give to tell her the truth:

That I’m in love with you.

That you matter more to me than anything in this world.

That I would give this all up if it meant I got to keep you forever.

Decker:Just do as I say, Josephine.

“She’s on her way,” I announce. I slip my phone back into my pocket but remain standing.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I wait. I wait, and I steel my spine. I lock it in and put on my mask, knowing damn well that even the smallest blip of emotion could be used against me.

Misty keeps making little noises from her seat like she’s hoping to garner my attention. I refuse to turn and acknowledge her. She’s been colluding with my dad for years, but it’s never felt so personal or vindictive.

Behind me, the dining room door groans on its hinges. I don’t dare glance back. At least not yet.

Soft smacks on the hardwood floor confirm it’s her. Barefoot. Probably without makeup. Her hair in a loose braid or gathered up in a massive bun on top of her head.

My jaw ticks with anticipation, anxiety. Fuck, I want to turn around and check on her myself.

But that’s not my role. Not right now.

Heavier footsteps follow. Those are followed by a metronomic march, and finally, a slower, drawn-out gait.

I can’t fight the smile that takes over my face.

She didn’t bring one of the guys with her. She brought all three.

Clever girl.

“What’s this about?” Josephine demands, coming to a halt across the table from where Misty and I are set up. Finally, she’s in my field of vision, and I don’t miss the terse side-eye she offers Misty.

Good. I don’t trust her either.

One of the lawyers onscreen clears his throat.

“Hello, young lady. It’s been brought to our attention that you haven’t signed the standard nondisclosure agreement required of Decker’s, uh, in-residence companions. We’re here to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.”

She waits for him to finish speaking, and when he does, she scoffs.