Page 23 of Crown of Smoke

For a moment, I think she’s going to kiss me, but then she pulls back. “We shouldn’t mix business with… whatever this is."

The rejection stings, even though I know she's right. I take a step back. The space between us feels like miles.

"Right." I run a hand through my hair. "Just business, then."

But the way she's looking at me suggests she feels the pull like I do. It’s clear that this thing between us isn't going away, no matter how much we try to ignore it.

9

LUCY

Istand in front of my closet mirror, smoothing down the black dress that hugs my curves. I hope it says “bored rich girl looking for a thrill”, as Flynn indicated. I’m excited to find out what I can about the Keans tonight, but then I catch the reflection of my bandage. It’s smaller now. My wound is healing. But it is a reminder of what can happen if I’m not careful.

I apply a final swipe of red lipstick and determine that the woman staring back at me fits the bill. Nobody would guess I’m a journalist about to infiltrate Boston's most dangerous criminal empire.

"Just observe. Don't ask questions." I repeat Flynn’s instructions like a mantra, trying to ignore the memory of his touch, his closeness during his self-defense lessons. Oh, how I wanted to let him kiss me. Do whatever he wanted to me, really. I told him we shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, and I do believe it’s a good rule of thumb. But mostly, I’m nervous. I want him, but I’m also afraid of his intensity. Not that he’ll hurt me. He’s shown time and time again that he’s trying to protect me. There’s just something about him that has me feeling the need to protect myself emotionally. I don’t know. It’s hard to explain.

My phone buzzes. It’s a text from Flynn saying he’s nearly here. I grab my clutch, double-checking that my phone is safely hidden inside. Another thrill of excitement fills me as I anticipate what I’ll learn tonight. It’s been awhile since I’ve obtained any significant new information to help with my story. Tonight, I feel like I’m finally going to see behind the curtain. The boxing matches are invitation-only affairs where the polished veneer of legitimate businessmen falls away to reveal the criminals underneath.

By the time I reach my door, Flynn is there. My breath catches at the sight of him. He’s dressed in jeans and a T-shirt like usual. A tattoo peeks out from under his shirt collar. I noticed it during our self-defense lesson. The dark ink stretches down his arms. I wonder what stories those markings tell. Everything about him screams danger—the way he moves like a predator, how easily he took down those men in the alley, the cold calculation in his eyes when he talks about the Keans.

This man is clearly dangerous, probably more dangerous than I realize. But when he looks at me with those intense blue eyes, I don't see a threat. I see someone who would tear apart anyone who tried to hurt me. And God help me, that shouldn't be as attractive as it is. Why is intense danger so sexy?

“Ready?”

“I think so.”

His eyes rake over me, lingering on the neckline of my dress. “You… ah… you look good, but?—”

“But what?” My confidence falters as I look down at my dress. Have I missed the mark? Do I look more slutty than a bored rich girl?

He shakes his head. “I don’t like that everyone will be looking at you.”

“Isn’t the point to have people feel open to tell me things?”

He rolls his shoulders like he’s trying to relieve tension. “Yeah… right. So let's go.”

Once in his car, he says, "We should go over the ground rules."

"I know, I know. Stay quiet, stay close, don't draw attention."

"I mean it, Lucy. These people aren’t the type you want noticing you. One wrong move and…" His fingers brush the healing cut on my arm.

"Is that concern I detect, Officer Tine?"

He flinches. "Not an officer. And yes, I'm concerned. You have a talent for finding trouble."

"Good thing I have you to get me out of it."

"It would be better if you didn't need saving in the first place."

The underground boxing venue reeks of sweat, cigarettes, and expensive cologne. We slip through the crowd mixed with well-dressed criminals and their trophy dates, as well as a seedier element. Flynn’s hand never leaves my lower back. His touch feels possessive, as if he’s marking me as off-limits to anyone watching.

“Sit here.” He guides me to a chair around a boxing area. “Ears open, mouth shut. And don’t leave. Stay where I can see you." His fingers tighten briefly on my hip. "No wandering off to interview anyone."

"I promised to behave, didn't I?" I’m teasing him, which causes him to glare at me. I supposed I should take this more seriously. I’m surrounded by people who make a living breaking the law. Many have murdered.

"And I don't believe you for a second." His blue eyes scan the room, I imagine looking for threats.

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