Page 37 of Too Far

“I have a UTI, Decker!”

My chest constricts, even if I don’t have a fucking clue what she’s talking about. “A U-T-what? What does that stand for?” I rack my brain, flipping through the diseases and ailments I know of.

She blinks at me, deadpan. “Urinary tract infection. It’s something girls get sometimes. I’m a girl—remember?”

Kylian snickers.

“How do you know that’s what’s going on?” If she has an infection, she needs proper medical attention. She needs to see a doctor, or at the very least—

“Because I had a telehealth appointment this morning. And because I’ve had them before. Most women are familiar with the symptoms, Cap. Plus, I got dairy dicked a week ago”—she tilts her head toward Kyl—“then I fell asleep before I had a chance to pee after Kendrick and Kylian tag-teamed me on Saturday night.”

My heart pounds in my chest, and a wave of concern washes over me. Concern. That’s what I’m feeling. Concern about her health. Concern for her well-being. That’s it. The heat creeping up my chest has nothing to do with jealousy.

I’m ready to lay in to Kylian and drag Kendrick up here and demand he explain himself, but Kylian cuts me off.

“Wait. Sprinkles caused this?” The abject horror in his voice is almost enough to pull me out of my frustration.

“Meh.” Josephine lifts a shoulder but winces and drops it quickly.

I knead the muscles of her lower back with a little more force and cocoon her frame with my body.

“That feels good,” she whispers over her shoulder, just for me. “Don’t stop?”

“I won’t,” I vow. Fuck making it to campus on time or even going to class at all. If she needs me, then I’ll be here.

She reaches for Kylian, and like a magnet, he scoots closer. “Multiple factors contributed. Thankfully, I recognized the symptoms early. I’ll feel better tomorrow, and by the weekend, I’ll be good as new. If I start taking my meds now, that is.”

Kylian gives the orange bottle one last glare and hands it over just as Kendrick walks back into the room.

He saunters over and joins us on the bed.

Josephine sits up, accepts the water bottle from K, then dutifully takes the antibiotic.

“Nicky will bring breakfast up in a few. What else do you need?”

“Nothing. I’ll be fine after I eat and take some more pain meds,” she insists. “I’ll just go heavy on the water today and rest as much as I can. You’ll take care of my classes?” she asks Kylian.

“Already done.”

“Mrs. Lansbury’s off this afternoon,” I remember out loud. Biting down on the inside of my cheek, I consider the options.

“I’ll be fine,” Josephine says through another yawn.

“You’ll have to walk down to the kitchen to eat… and every time you need to refill your water.”

“I have legs, Decker,” Josephine snipes, side-eyeing me.

“But the cameras are already rolling in the main living spaces,” Kylian surmises, connecting the dots.

I pull in a steadying breath. Then scoot closer to Josephine on the bed.

“Siren,” I start. I’ve got to choose my words carefully. Her first instinct will be to say no to my suggestion, but I need her safe. I need her to understand. “We can’t be here with you today. Mrs. Lansbury is off until Friday. You’re going to be home alone.”

She waggles her brows weakly and smirks. “Afraid I’m going to go Kevin McCallister on your room, Cap?”

Kendrick snorts.

This girl.