Page 36 of Crown of Smoke

“You know, the Keans will figure you out. They know you saved me at the pub. It’s too dangerous for you too.”

"I have to go." Flynn's jaw sets in that stubborn way I'm starting to recognize. "Made it to the next round, remember?"

“They nearly killed a man. The way they kept hitting him after he was down… No one tried to stop it. They don’t fight fair. They could kill you?—"

"I can handle myself."

I press my hands to his chest, wanting him to understand the seriousness of the situation. "These aren't normal boxing matches. They're orchestrated brutality. And if they figure out whatever game you're playing?—”

“Lucy. I know how it works. Trust me.”

I can’t rid my brain of the vision of Flynn unconscious, being dragged from the ring. “And you say I’m reckless.”

His hand slides up my arm, and I try to ignore how much I like his touch. "You're cute when you worry about me."

"I'm not worried,” I say defensively. "I just think it's stupid to risk permanent injury for some undercover operation."

"Mmhmm." His smug expression is so annoying. "So you weren't about to pass out watching my match? Didn't rush to hide in the bathroom because you couldn't stand seeing me hurt?"

Heat floods my cheeks. "That was… I don't like blood."

"Just my blood, apparently." His blue eyes dance with amusement. "Since you managed just fine watching the other match until I stepped in the ring."

"You're impossible." I try to step back, but his hand on my waist keeps me close.

"And you're terrible at hiding how much you care. It's endearing, really. The fierce investigative journalist getting squeamish over a few bruises."

"A few bruises?" I poke his ribs where I know a punch landed, and he winces. "That's what you call this?"

In one smooth motion, he presses me against the wall, our bodies flush against each other.

"Worth it," he murmurs, his lips inches from mine. "Got to see you all worked up over my safety."

I should push him away. But his touch scrambles my thoughts, makes me forget all the reasons this is a bad idea.

His forehead rests against mine, and for a moment we just breathe the same air, teetering on the edge of something dangerous and thrilling.

Then he steps back, leaving me cold and slightly dazed. "Don't worry, Lucy. I'm not that easy to break."

"I'm coming with you." The words burst out before I can stop them. "To the boxing match."

Flynn's eyes narrow. "Absolutely not."

"You need backup." I lift my chin, matching his stubborn stance. "What if something happens? What if they beat you to a pulp like they did to that other fighter?"

"That's exactly why you're staying away." His jaw clenches. "It's too dangerous."

“I'll stay in the crowd. Keep my distance." I keep my voice steady so he understands that I’m being serious. “I'm not letting you walk into that den of wolves alone."

Something shifts in his expression. "You're not going to back down on this, are you?"

"Not a chance."

A slow smile spreads across his face. "Stubborn woman."

"Cocky man.”

He laughs. "Fine. But you stay where I can see you. And at the first sign of trouble?—”

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