Page 32 of Crown of Smoke

The space between us disappears. My hand finds her waist, drawing her closer. Her breath catches as I lean down, pressing my lips to hers in what's meant to be a gentle goodnight kiss.

But the moment our mouths meet, electricity shoots through me. Lucy's fingers curl into my shirt, and it takes every ounce of control not to pin her against the door and take her right here in the hallway.

I break away before I lose that control completely. Her lips are slightly parted, cheeks flushed, and Christ, I want her.

"Goodnight, Lucy." I step back, shoving my hands in my pockets before they can reach for her again.

She opens her door and steps into her apartment. "Goodnight, Flynn." Our gazes hold until she finally shuts the door.

I needa hot shower so I head home, on the way calling my brother Phoenix, who happens to be with Ash and Blaise.

“How was the fight?” Phoenix asks, putting me on speaker phone.

“Better than I expected.” I decide it’s better not to mention fucking Lucy in the bathroom.

“Why don’t you come here and?—”

“Lucy overheard someone say someone in the house let in Kean’s men.”

There’s silence.

“You’re saying someone in the family betrayed us?” Ash growls.

“That’s crazy,” Blaise says.

“I’m just saying what she heard.”

“Did they name names?” Phoenix asks.

“No, but they still work for the Keans. I’m thinking of heading to the pub later?—”

“What the fuck, Flint. Do you think they’re going to talk to you after kicking their asses?” Ash asks in disbelief.

I roll my shoulders from the tension growing at the idea of having to fight again. “Not tonight. Besides, I’m hoping they’ve forgotten.”

Blaise laughs. “More likely, you’re hoping to see your nosy reporter.”

“Shut up, Blaise.” I wince at how defensive I sound.

“Don’t get attached,” Ash warns.

"I'm not attached. It was your idea to use her. Besides, she’s at home.”Fuck, TMI, Flint.

“Tucked safely in bed, I bet,” Blaise taunts.

"Fuck off."

“Alright, that’s enough,” Phoenix interjects in that parental tone of his.

"Sure, sure,” Blaise says. I can’t see him, but I’m sure he’s holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Just remember, the closer you get to this girl, the harder it'll be when she finds out who you really are."

Don’t I know it. "Let me worry about Lucy. You can help by finding our traitor."

“Be careful, Flint,” Phoenix says.

Two nights later,I feel more like normal. I’m pining over Lucy like a fucking puppy dog, although I did have to jerk off both mornings after waking with a hard-on. It’s a little early to head to the pub, but a little early is a good time to find the regulars settling before the after dinner crowd picks up.

The last time I was here was when I had to save Lucy’s ass. But I can’t think about that now.Focus, Flint.

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