Page 19 of Flint's Battle

He reached between her legs, a throaty growl slipping free before he eased back — gave her a tsk. “You’re practically dripping.”

“Then, do something about it because if you leave me like this…” She swore she’d get out her other spare gun and shoot him.

That must have been the sign he’d been waiting for because he twisted off the taps, flung the door open and grabbed those towels. A quick rub across her body, and he was stepping out — tying his around his waist before heaving her up on his shoulder — heading for the room.

She laughed as she bounced on the bed when he tossed her down, his massive form looming over her. She beckoned him down with a nod, wrapping herself completely around him as he went to his elbows, every inch touching.

He nuzzled her neck, then groaned, levering back up. “My wallet’s still on the counter.”

“I might have some in the nightstand, but I haven’t used any since I moved back so…”

Had his eye twitched again? Another rumble from his chest to hers? And had his breathing kicked up? Not so much faster but rougher.

Flint stared down at her. “I’m sorry, but did you just suggest you haven’t brought anyone home since you moved back eighteen months ago?”

“Closer to two years now, but yeah. Why?”

He paused as if working something out. “But you’ve gone to the guy’s house, right?”

She snorted. “That would imply I’ve had a guy to accompany to a house. What? Why are you looking at me as if I’m crazy?”

“Because you’re intelligent, skilled, and so damn beautiful my heart hurts just being in the same room with you. Yet, you haven’t had a lover in nearly two years?”

“I told you I wasn’t really looking for more casual sex.”

“Right. And?”

“And I haven’t found someone that was worth the effort until…”

She didn’t finish, afraid saying it out loud would jinx it. That he’d decide it was all too much, too soon. That going back to the Navy was a much better option. And she wouldn’t blame him. Their first unofficial date and he’d gotten shot in the arm and nearly killed… Twice.

Flint cracked a smile. “Until now. Thatiswhat you were going to say, right?”

She swallowed, nearly choked, but shrugged. “I was going to sayuntilyou, butnowworks. But I didn’t because despite not dating anyone for a long ass time, I know how it all works. That you don’t show your cards too early. But thanks for calling me out and burning that to the ground on our first night together.”

“Oh, sweetheart. If you could hear the thoughts racing around inside my head, you’d be the one running for the hills. So don’t assume I’m like those pansy-ass guys who run from a possible fight. I’m a SEAL. We live for the chance at a fight. And this might be our first official night, but we’ve been building this connection for a month. You know more about me than anyoneelse has in a long time. So, you’d best buckle up because I have no intentions of getting off this rollercoaster anytime soon.”

“Then, either go grab a damn condom, or just make love to me. I think we both know we’re healthy, and I’m on the pill, so… Your move.”

Flint froze. Literally froze above her, staring at her with wide eyes. His lips opened into an O. She waited, wondering if she should snap her fingers in front of his face when he blinked, then moved — crushing his mouth to hers as he shifted his hips.

A few tentative strokes that had her arching up — trying to increase the pressure — then he was pressing inside. Taking her from zero to wrecked in under a second. He stopped balls deep, the sheer size of him stealing her breath.

She threw back her head, palming his shoulders, as he bit at her throat, licking and kissing as he started pumping. In, wait, then out. Over and over until the bed was rocking, The mattress squeaking. She tried to catch her breath. Realizing that was impossible, she did her best to hold on, fully aware she wouldn’t be the same once they were done. That he’d possess a part she’d hidden away.

Her heart, or maybe her soul. Whatever had been waiting for this moment. Like some sort of fate. What felt like a reward for all the near misses that had gotten her to this point.

Flint either sensed she was about to completely shatter, or he was just as close and needed to regain some semblance of control because he stopped. His body rigid above her, hips holding him fully inside before he dipped down. Kissed her so damn softly she thought she’d died right there in his arms. All the overwhelming warmth in her chest bubbling out. Emery managed to wedge her arms between them — palm his face.

He dropped his forehead to hers, a primitive rasp sounding around them. “God, Emery.”

That’s all he said. Two words. And they sounded raw. As if he’d had to dig deep just to get them out. Then his mouth was possessing hers as he picked up the pace, again, shattering her for real.

She shouted his name against his lips, arching back as she broke, a burst of white light flashing behind her closed eyes. Flint kept moving, grunting out his release seconds, hours, maybe days later. She didn’t know. Didn’t care because she was floating. Lost in a haze of lust and love until he kissed her eyelids. Grounded her.

It took several attempts to actually open them and meet his gaze. And damn, it took away what little breath she’d sucked in. Seeing him smiling at her, all the tension he’d had gone. It filled in an empty spot in her chest she hadn’t realized was there until right now. The reason she’d never truly given her heart to anyone else. She’d been waiting for Flint.

He let his forehead rest on hers, his mouth still kicked into a stunning smile. “Christ. You. That.”

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