Page 82 of Court of Secrets and Flames

“That was…” I struggle for words that won’t betray the depth of my feelings.

“Incredible.” Wrapping me closer, he moves over top of me. “You’re incredible.”

Our wings match beats seamlessly. Even with the wind slicing between us, the heat from his body soaks into my skin, injecting me with life.

He’s right. This is incredible. And despite the tangle of loyalties and the ever-looming shadow of betrayal, today I’ve tasted freedom. And I want more.

Gripping his wrist, I twist in his hold, folding my wings out of the way. He freezes when I wrap both hands in his collar. My pale fingers stand out in stark contrast against his dark uniform and bronze skin.

His eyes lock onto mine, burning bright with desire, but he doesn’t say a word. He’s waiting for me to act.

Time to stop holding back.

The thought snaps me into motion.

Lifting my chin so it’s even with his, I run my tongue along his bottom lip.

His pupils dilate, and then it’s game on as his mouth crashes onto mine.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Desire courses through me like wildfire. His hold shifts, one hand cupping my rear as the other tightens around my back.

A shudder runs down the length of his body.

“More.” Tugging him closer, I claim his lips with mine.

He groans into the kiss, his hands roaming my body with fervor.

Though he hasn’t been drinking, he reminds me of fine whiskey. Smooth and intoxicating.

We’re ravenous, driven by a hunger that only grows with each passing second. I’m tired of having to act like he means nothing to me. Like I don’t want him to fuck me senseless every time we share a heated glance or a soft touch. Like I’m not in love with this man whose layers I’ve yet to peel back.

I may not be able to admit this to him. Or to have him when we’re in public.

But for now, he’s mine.

And I won’t take that for granted.

I run a hand up his neck, fingers sliding through his silken hair despite the wind rushing through it. He huffs out a low growl and covers my mouth with his.

This is where I should be. This is what I want. All of this and more.

Aclaris. Tirene. Neither matters. I belong in the sky, with Sterling.

My hands roam with abandon. I need his skin on mine. To feel his body pressed against me, heating me from the inside out.

“Knox.” My voice is husky with need.

“I know.” He plants a soft kiss on the corner of my mouth, then expertly undoes the fastenings along the back of my tunic as I struggle with his belt.

The dance is as old as time, yet our feet are nowhere near the dance floor. And gravity is not our ally in this moment. Neither is the humid wind as it tugs at our loosened clothing, pushing and pulling as fabric slips and slides.

The buttons of my shirt come undone, and the wind tugs it down to catch along my hips. The garment tangles around my belt, leaving me bare from the waist up. My legs twist around his.

With a lurch, Knox misjudges a thermal, and our coasting ends abruptly. I’m so engrossed in his touch, his taste, that I don’t notice in time to correct us or create a new updraft.

We plummet, spiraling down toward the earth.

---