Page 85 of Too Far

“Block her,” Decker barks out.

Sticking close, we increase our pace.

“Switch with him,” Decker orders.

Who he’s speaking to and why are lost on me.

But then the boys move with military precision, and Kendrick replaces Nicky on my right, putting himself between the cameras and me while also ensuring Nicky is as far away from the prying lens as possible.

The crew says nothing as we pass, and I don’t bother trying to meet their gaze.

Our directive is clear.

Get inside.

Get to Decker’s room.

Get away from them and this day and all the shit that’s weighing on us now as a seemingly new threat has emerged.

As we file into the living room, the toe of my soggy sneaker catches on the threshold of the sliding glass door.

With ahumphI stumble, then startle when several sets of hands reach out to steady me.

“I’m fine.” I right myself as a fresh shot of adrenaline sends my heart rate skyrocketing. “I’m fine,” I repeat, though heat licks through my body, lighting my nerves on fire, even as I shiver from the cold.

“I’m—I’m—”

I crumple.

The wet heels of my shoes soak through my pants as they connect with the backs of my thighs, and then I’m on my knees, limp and shaking, struggling to keep myself from tipping to one side.

Chapter 36

Decker

Crouching,Iscoopheroff the floor. Then I stride out of the living room as fast as I trust my feet to carry me.

Behind us, the camera crew enters the room. I can hear the murmuring and the shuffling of feet.

I can feel them pursuing us, trying to keep up and get the shot they’re so desperate for. To make content of what they’re witnessing.

But they can’t have her. They can’t have any of us like this.

I don’t slow until I reach my bedroom door, though I keep my body angled to protect Josephine’s head. She’s still conscious, thank god, but silent, nonstop tears cascade down her cheeks.

She’s in shock.

They all are.

I might be, too.

How this could happen—how history could nearly repeat itself…

But no. They’re safe. They’re home.

I can’t allow myself to dwell in any version of what-if.

Despite my efforts to push them out, Nicky’s words play on repeat in my head. Fuck. He’s right. This isn’t fair. This life. The positions she’s put in over and over because of me.