Page 94 of Crown of Smoke

Flint’s eyes fill with emotion, making me wish I’d said the words sooner.

Ash clears his throat. "Well, looks like we're going to be uncles."

"Looks like someone missed the birds and bees lecture,” Blaise drawls.

“Shut up, Blaise,” Flint says, his cheeks turning pink.

I burst into happy laughter.

I glance over at his brothers. My heart swells with unexpected affection for all of them. Just days ago, I thought I was alone in this, pregnant and unsure in a dangerous world. Now I'm surrounded by Flint and three additional protectors who I know will give their lives for me and the baby.

“Come on,” Phoenix says. “Let’s leave before we have to see any more of this schmalz.” He comes over to me, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Welcome to the family.” He hugs Flint. “Congratulations.” Ash and Blaise do the same and then leave us alone.

“I thought they’d never leave,” Flint says, and I can’t get enough of the joy I see dancing in his eyes. He really is happy about the baby. “Let me show you around your new home for the time being. Let’s start in the bedroom.”

I laugh as he tugs me down a short hall and into a room. I melt into Flint's embrace as he pulls me close, his strong arms wrapping around me. In the soft lamplight of the safe house bedroom, the world outside fades away. No Keans, no revenge plots, no looming threats, just us.

His fingers thread through my hair as he tilts my face up to his. "You changed everything, Lucy. You and the baby are my first priority. I promise.”

“I believe you.” I realize that I’ve been his first priority since the night we met and he saved me from Kean’s men in the alley. I feel guilty for not recognizing just how committed Flint has been to me. How much he’s sacrificed.

Our lips meet in a tender kiss that quickly deepens with passion. His touch is gentle yet possessive as he lowers me to the bed.

“Are you sure you’re up to this?” I ask, remembering only a few days ago, he was on death’s door.

“You tell me.” He takes my hand and presses it over his erection.

I laugh. “I guess you are up to it.”

We undress, and Flint covers my body with his. He kisses me, trailing his lips down my neck, over my chest, and across my stomach. "Hello in there, little man."

"It could be a girl, you know." I run my fingers through his dark hair as he continues pressing soft kisses across my belly.

He glances up at me, a mischievous glint in his blue eyes. "Maybe it's both."

"Both?" My hand stills in his hair.

"Twins run in my family. Just look at me and Blaise."

“Twins?" The word comes out as a squeak. One baby felt overwhelming enough, but two?

"Scared?" His thumb traces circles on my hip.

"Terrified," I admit. "But also… kind of excited?" The idea of two babies, maybe one with his dark hair and one with my blond hair, like him and Blaise, sounds nice.

"They'll have three uncles wrapped around their little fingers." He presses another kiss to my stomach. "Plus a dad who will move heaven and earth to keep them safe."

"I love you," I whisper, tugging him back up to kiss me. He wraps me in his love, and I don’t know that I’ve ever felt so cherished and safe.

I open to him, and he sinks inside with a long sigh. He looks down at me, his blue eyes filled with the same love I feel for him. He gently brushes my hair from my face. “My reckless love.”

“My recklessness is why we’re here.”

He nods as he bends down and sucks on my lower lip. “You’ve won me, so you can stop.”

“Wait… you think I was reckless to get your attention?”

He rocks his hips, the sensation forcing a moan from me. “You terrify me, Lucy. Please promise me you’ll be careful. No more walking into Kean properties.”

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