Page 107 of Over the Edge

I cupped his face between my palms, enjoying the feel of his rough stubble against my skin.

“I love you,” I said, the words finally breaking free.

Flynn went completely still, his breathing suspended as if he were afraid the slightest movement might shatter the moment. I watched the emotions play across his face—surprise, disbelief, and then a cautious, dawning joy.

“Say that again,” he whispered.

“I love you, Flynn Shepherd.” I smiled, feeling something unravel inside my chest, a tightness I’d carried for so long I’d forgotten it was there. “I’m in love with you and I’m done pretending I’m not. I don’t want to do this without you. Any of it. The missions, the team, this life—I want you there beside me for all of it, making me crazy, making me laugh… making me come when our team is standing right on the other side of the door.”

A slow smile spread over his face. “Really like that last one.”

“I figured you would.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice rough with emotion. “Because if you let me love you, if you love me back—that’s it for me. There’s no reset button.”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything.” And it was true. For someone who calculated risks for a living, who weighed every variable before making a decision, this felt strangely simple. Loving Flynn wasn’t a choice anymore. It was as inevitable as gravity.

His smile widened into that cocky grin I’d grown to love, but there was something vulnerable beneath it—a brightness in his eyes that looked suspiciously like tears. It was the most unguarded I’d ever seen him, all his usual defenses down. His hands came up to cover mine where they rested against his face.

“I told myself I’d wait however long it took. That loving you without hearing it back was better than not having you at all.” His thumb traced my lower lip. “But hearing you say it... Christ, Lyric.”

He pulled me to him, kissing me with a rawness that took my breath away. This wasn’t like the careful, healing touches we’d shared earlier. This was hunger and joy and relief all at once, his fingers tangling in my hair as he held me against him like he was afraid I might disappear.

When we finally broke apart, both breathless, he pressed his forehead to mine. “I thought I’d have to wait years to hear that.”

“I’m not exactly known for my emotional transparency,” I admitted with a soft laugh.

“No kidding.” His fingers traced idle patterns on my bare shoulder. “You know what this means, right?”

“That we’re going to scandalize the entire Edge Ops team with excessive PDA?”

“Well, that’s a given.” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “But I meant that I’m going to need a bigger closet. Your wardrobe alone could fill this entire apartment.”

I blinked at him, not quite processing his words. “Are you asking me to move in with you?”

“I thought that was implied by showing you the apartment I bought for you.” His expression turned serious. “Unless it’s too soon. I know we’re doing this backward—life-threatening situations first, then sex, then actual dating...”

I pressed my fingers to his lips. “It’s not too soon. But this place is...”

“Empty,” he supplied. “I know. That’s the point. I want us to fill it together. Make it ours, not just mine.”

The thought of building something permanent, something real, with Flynn sent a strange mix of terror and exhilaration through me. I’d spent so long living in temporary spaces—temporary identities, clothes, homes—never allowing myself to just… be myself. Never letting myself believe I could have anything that might last.

“I don’t know how to do this,” I admitted, my voice small. “The whole domestic thing. I’ve never...”

“Me neither. But we figured out how to disarm a killer drone together. I think we can handle furniture shopping.”

I laughed, the sound bubbling up unexpectedly. “When you put it that way...”

“Is that a yes?” His amber eyes searched mine, that rare vulnerability still there beneath the surface.

“Yes,” I whispered. “But I’m warning you now, I have strong opinions about throw pillows.”

He groaned dramatically and flopped back on the bed. “I knew there’d be a catch.”

I curled against him, my head finding that perfect spot on his shoulder again. Outside, rain had begun to patter against the windows, a gentle percussion that only made our cocoon of warmth feel more secure.

“What happens tomorrow?” I asked quietly.

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