Chapter 22
Josephine
The Crusaders won. The celebration at the end of the game was far more subdued in the stands than it is in the thick of things on the sidelines.
That anticlimactic vibe has shrouded us all night.
Nothing is wrong, but nothing feels right, either.
We’re all quiet as we trail up the dock. Kylian leads the way to the house, and I follow. Nicky and Kendrick are behind me, with Decker bringing up the rear, a physical barricade separating us from the cameraperson trailing him.
A familiar cameraperson, I realized the moment we stepped off the boat.
Red Hat Grabby Hands is on duty tonight. With each step I take across the beach and up the stairs with him on our heels, my stomach twists into tighter knots.
We made the right call, allowing him to stay. He hasn’t made a comment or so much as glanced my direction the few times I’ve noticed him with the crew.
He’s terrified of my guys, and rightfully so.
The normal postgame party is on tonight, according to Kylian, even though the game was away. Part of me dreads the chaos, but at least the commotion of a victory party at the Crusade mansion will ensure there are plenty of other targets for the cameras and likely far more interesting scenarios.
But the atmosphere around the five of us grows warier the closer we draw to the house.
It’s like the hum of humidity in the sky before a storm. Or the smell before rain.
It’s unsettling and unnerving.
I shudder from the unease. I’m not cold. I’m just… confused.
The lights are on, but there’s barely a sound coming from the house. From here, the water lapping against the dock and the boats is audible. On party nights, those subtle noises are drowned out by music and chatter.
I turn back and scan the lake, only just realizing that the ferries aren’t running.
One is docked down on the beach, but the guys manning it are sitting wide-legged on the vessel and fiddling with their phones like they’re on break.
I stub my toe on the step and hiss as I find my footing.
“Careful, Mama,” Kendrick murmurs from behind. One hand finds my back, supporting me as I climb the last few stairs.
His fingers graze the waistband along the back of my leggings.
The touch is featherlight but full of so much meaning.
I know we have to be careful. We’re all just trying to get through this week.
But feeling K’s fingertips on my skin, knowing that he wants nothing more than to wrap me in his arms, it’s enough for now. It has to be.
“K, why—”
“Let Decker explain.”
Pressing my lips together, I resign myself to waiting for answers.
Kylian holds the door, but Kendrick weaves around me so he can enter first. They’re keeping me positioned between them, I realize, always making sure someone’s at my back and at my front.
Not that I mind. Kylian and Kendrick sandwiches rank pretty high on the list of my favorite combos.
I sidestep into the main living room and lean against a floor-to-ceiling window as I scan the space.
The DJ is set up in their usual spot, though the music is much lower than normal. The couches are all occupied, and the kitchen is full of people, too.
For all intents and purposes, it looks like a party. But the energy is nothing like the usual vibe.
Even when Decker strolls through the door, the mood remains muted. A few people call out congratulations. One guy approaches, arm extended, to commend them for the win.
The cameras are rolling, aimed on Decker’s every move, intent on capturing every second of the postgame celebration.
Yet everything about the scene surrounding us is fake.
“Joze! My girl!”
At the sound of those words echoing through the house, I shoot up straight and turn toward the kitchen to see Greedy striding toward me, wearing—I have to do a double take to confirm—Crusader’s red.
“His girl?” Kylian deadpans in the way only Kylian can, shifting just enough so he’s in front of me now.
I grasp his shoulder. “You know how he is,” I murmur, going for soothing. “Although now I’m even more curious about why he’s here.”
Kylian hums, never taking his eyes off Greedy. “The Sharks owed us a favor.”
His words don’t have time to register before Greedy is sidestepping him and scooping me up until my feet skim the floor.
“Damn. I haven’t seen you for ages. Where have you been, girl?” He spins me, turning us in a half circle so he’s standing between Kylian and me.
I have to look away immediately to keep from laughing.
Kylian’s livid, shooting daggers at the back of Greedy’s head.
Before I can quietly assure him that I’m okay, big hands catch my hips, gently but firmly dislodging me from Greedy’s grip.
“Careful, Mama,” K repeats in my ear, his low timbre husky and melodic. Goose bumps crop up along the length of my spine.
“Watch yourself, Greedy,” he adds, his voice a little louder.
I wiggle back, ready to sink into his hold. My back barely grazes his chest before he catches my arms to stop me. A second later, his heat disappears.
I glare over my shoulder, ready to put him in his place.
Only to be met with a look of frustration and agitation.
“Cameras, Jojo. Anything and everything we do…”
Shit on a crumbly cracker.
It’s the reminder I need. But damn if it doesn’t sting like rejection.
As if he can read my mind, Kendrick whips out his phone and nods, silently signaling that I should do the same.
Kendrick: You’re perfect. You feel so fucking good in my arms. I wish I could take you out on that dance floor right now and show everyone what’s mine
Jojo: This sucks
He chuckles, and Greedy catches on.
“Yeah. Okay. I’m not going to stand here while you two sext. Find me later, Joze, and we can catch up. I’m Hunter’s ride home, so I’m sure I’ll see you in a bit.”
Oh. Hunter.
We had plans to meet up at the party like usual. I got distracted by the very un-party-like atmosphere when we walked in.
Joey: Hey girl. I’m back
Kylian leans forward, brushing against my body not so subtly, but in a way that wouldn’t be noticeable on camera. Probably.
“I’m heading upstairs,” he tells me. “If you need a break from Big Brother, head to your room. Cap’s room is safe as long as he’s not in there, too. Come to the Nest if you need me.”
He kisses the back of my neck, a barely there peck that inspires a full body shudder.
I need more. Want more. I swear I didn’t realize how much PDA we engage in until it was off the table. It’s only been a few days, and I’ve turned into a needy, touch-deprived bitch.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” I whisper. My world may be topsy-turvy because of the feature, but I know damn well Kylian’s not going to allow a break in our Sunday morning routine.
Nothing beats starting the day with multiple orgasms as Kylian eats me for breakfast.
“You’ll be down here for a while?” I ask Kendrick as Kylian walks away.
“Until midnight. That’s the official end time.”
Huh. That’s also new.
“I’ll find Hunter in a bit and let her know I saw you,” I tell Greedy.
His face falls. “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to hear it.”
I smirk. At least Greedy’s self-aware enough to realize how Hunter truly feels about him.
“I’m going to go find Cap,” I announce.
Crossing his arms over his chest, Kendrick turns so he’s the one with his back to the window and scans the crowd.
“Check the gym,” he suggests, propping one knee up behind him and settling in to stand guard.
Weaving through the people scattered about is easier than usual. It’s noticeably less crowded tonight; the typical chaos and excitement are a barely discernible buzz.
I take advantage of the quiet kitchen and empty hall by pulling out my phone.
Joey: Where are you?
Hunter: I’m in your room. They were making everyone sign NDAs downstairs. Corbin let me up before they got to me.