Chapter 17
Kendrick
The energy on this boat is charged and eager. We’re all watching the unexpected show Josephine is putting on as she bates Cap.
Our girl is playing with fire, and we all know it.
But Kylian, Locke, and I sit back and let her do her thing. She’s already proven to be flame resistant. And I, for one, am curious about how this will go down.
Nicky and I have been with our girl together. The night she called Kylian to my room last weekend was, hands-down, the single hottest experience of my life.
Though I’ve only played on a team twice so far, those events won’t be the last. We’re all committed to this. All the way in, in every fucking way.
Except Decker.
It’s obvious he wants her, and the man isn’t so traditional or narrow-minded that he’s opposed to an unconventional relationship.
If I had to guess, it has more to do with some sort of martyr mentality. He’s under constant scrutiny, and that’s only going to increase in the future. He wants to shield Jojo from the world. But he wants her, too.
Maybe he’ll never come around.
Or maybe he just needs a little push.
He can’t have her all to himself and he knows it. It’s time to make his intentions known.
Decker’s position on the fence doesn’t serve anyone, least of all her. It’s not fair for him to be one foot in and one foot out with her or with us.
We’ve always been a team. It’s about time he was reminded of that.
She’s propped up on tiptoes, murmuring words I can’t make out. His eyes are darting around, searching. He scans the water, looks to the shore. Eventually, he glances at Kylian, then over to Locke and me.
“Brother,” I call out, chin lifted.
His eyes widen in the dark. It’s a gut-punch reaction, as if he’s a child who’s been caught doing something he knows he shouldn’t be doing.
A small scoff escapes me. “There’s no need to be on high alert. Not with us. We’re all fine. She’s good, too. Aren’t you, Mama?”
Jojo nods, looping her arms around Cap’s neck.
When she buries her face in his neck, he closes his eyes in pleasure, accepting her affection.
I hold back a groan, knowing exactly how supple and warm her mouth feels on his skin right now. Despite the lavish attention she’s giving, his fists are still clenched at his sides and he’s still focused on me, his expression rigid.
“Come on, Cap,” I tsk. “You have to know none of us would ever intentionally hurt her. In any way. We trust her. We love her.” I pause on the confession, letting it carry on the cool breeze making the pontoon sway. “If she says she’s good, she’s good.”
Kylian clears his throat. “Cap needs proof. Show him just how good you are, baby. Show him how much we want this.”
Jojo peers over her shoulder in Kylian’s direction. “Cap has a rule about boat sex.”
Nicky chortles. “Cap has a rule about everything.”
That gets him.
Decker shoots Locke a cutting glance, then gingerly peels Jojo’s hands off his body, holding her at arm’s length.
Shaking his head, he blows out a long, defeated breath. “Don’t push me tonight, Siren.”
I look across the boat to gauge Kylian’s take. The man’s an emotionless fortress most of the time, but he’s been different lately. More open. More forthright with his opinions. It has everything to do with taking on more of a leadership role within the group.
He asserts himself more. Cares more. In the past, he’s always gone along with Decker, but now, he has a reason to speak up and defy him.
When he meets my gaze, I get all the confirmation I need.
The slight quirk of his lips tells me we’re on the same page. We know our girl. And we both know exactly how this is about to go.
Jojo isn’t going to back down. Cap’s got two choices. He’s either gotta get on this train once and for all or clear the tracks, full stop.
Stepping back into his space, she takes his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her.
“What do you say, Cap?” she murmurs. “We’re out here alone. You very clearly need to blow off some steam. Let me take care of you for once.”
I hold my breath, waiting for his response. Anticipation courses through me, lighting me up.
Eventually, I have to exhale, because he’s an obstinate motherfucker. He won’t give anything away unless he chooses to. Even in the name of pleasure. Even in the name of pleasing her.
Nicky sighs beside me. “Don’t underestimate his stubbornness, Hot Girl.” He slumps, like Decker’s resistance is a personal defeat.
“Don’t underestimate my commitment to keeping her safe,” Decker growls in reply.
“Decker.” Jojo wraps her arms around his waist this time, pressing her cheek into his chest and holding him close. “I know I’m safe with you. With all of you.”
She tips her head and rests her chin on his chest. “You’re so good at protecting me, Decker. At taking care of us. But I want to take care of you right now. Will you let me?”
With her eyes locked on his, she releases him and slowly drops to her knees.