Page 41 of Crown of Smoke

What is he thinking? He can’t possibly want to have sex when there isn’t a spot on his body that doesn’t hurt.

"You're thinking too hard," Flynn murmurs against my lips.

"Someone has to." I try to sound stern but can't help smiling.

“No one needs to be thinking now.” His blue eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that makes all rational thought vanish. It’s crazy, his effect on me. I've always prided myself on being independent, focused solely on my career and getting the next big story. But Flynn's presence makes me feel safe, protected, something I apparently crave to feel.

"You know this is probably a terrible idea." I gesture between us, wanting to be clear that I’m not just talking about sex.

"Most of my ideas are." His hand slides up my belly, just below my breast. "Hasn't stopped them from working out so far."

I laugh despite myself. "Is that supposed to be reassuring?"

"Is it working?"

The playful glint in his eyes makes me want to throw caution to the wind. To live in the moment. I've dated plenty of nice, safe guys, the kind my sister would approve of. None of them made me feel this alive, this seen. Even bruised and battered, Flynn radiates a dangerous sort of charm that draws me in.

"Maybe." I try to sound noncommittal, but the way his lips curve tells me he sees right through me.

He holds me closer, his lips capturing mine again. Helpless. That’s what I am.

“Flynn, you’re in pain?—”

“Only when you don’t kiss me.” His voice is rough with desire as he tugs my shirt over my head.

“You should rest,” I say, but only half-heartedly.

“I can rest when I’m dead.” He tugs his shirt off, and my hands immediately trace the tattoos covering his chest, fascinated by the intricate designs. He watches me with hooded eyes, his breathing growing heavier.

“I need you" he growls, his mouth trailing hot kisses down my neck.

My back arches as his teeth graze my collarbone. "Flynn…"

His hands make quick work of our remaining clothes. The raw possession in his touch sets my skin on fire. Every brush of his fingers, every kiss marks me as his.

"Mine," he breathes against my ear as he pushes inside me. God, he feels so good inside me. But then I remember…

“Flynn… protection…” My words come out in gasps as he moves inside me.

He stills. “Fuck… I didn’t think…” But he doesn’t withdraw. Instead, his hand holds my chin. “You feel so good, Lucy. I’ll pull out before I come. Okay?”

Somewhere in the back of my mind, warning bells are clanging. “Okay.”

He kisses me again, at first tenderly, so tenderly my heart swells with emotion. But then he turns up the heat and begins to move. I dig my nails into his shoulders as he sets a punishing pace. He lifts his head. Intensity in his blue eyes pins me in place as much as his body does. This connection between us feels like gravity pulling us together no matter how much I try to resist.

His movements grow more urgent, desperate. “Come, Lucy… I need to feel you come.” He lifts my thigh, opening me up as he drives in again, finding that one perfect spot. Stars explode behind my eyes. I cry out his name as pleasure crashes through me.

“Yes… Lucy… fuck…”

Just as my orgasm starts to subside, he withdraws from me. He quickly gets on his knees between my thighs and holds his dick over me. I watch in fascination as he strokes himself. His dick is wet from my juices, and long and hard. Without thinking, I sit up, bringing my mouth to it.

“Ah, fuck…” He gasps, pushing his tip into my mouth. I taste myself, and a moment later, I taste him, thick and salty. “Yes… yes…” He lets out a feral growl as his cum fills my mouth, drips from the edges of my lips.

He sags back on his heels and gives me a satisfied grin. “Works better than pain pills every time.”

“You’re—”

“Impossible. I know.” He lies down, wincing as he settles in next to me. “Stay.” It’s his last word to me as sleep overcomes him. I watch Flynn’s chest rise and fall. His face looks younger in sleep, the hard edges softened.

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