Page 99 of Over the Edge

“Okay, they’re growing on me,” I muttered and slid my hands up over his shoulders to tangle my fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck.

He grinned and brushed his nose against mine. “I know, right? Like mold.”

“Infectious mold,” I agreed, tugging him closer. “So you’re really staying? Joining Edge Ops?”

“Already signed the paperwork.” His hands settled at my waist, warm and solid. “Got an apartment lined up in Seattle. Ethan wants me to start training with the team next week.”

Something unfurled in my chest, a tight knot loosening for the first time in two weeks. I searched his face, looking for any signs of hesitation or regret, but found only certainty in those amber eyes.

“What about your lone wolf thing?” I asked, my fingers absently tracing the new scar above his eyebrow. “The whole ‘teams get people killed’ philosophy you’ve been living by for years?”

Flynn’s expression sobered. “Yemen was a long time ago. And Monaco...” His grip tightened slightly. “Monaco showed me that sometimes having people at your back is the difference between making it out alive and not making it out at all.”

“So this is gratitude? For saving your life?”

“This is me choosing a future instead of running from the past.” He leaned his forehead against mine. “And yes, choosing you.”

The words sent a flutter through my stomach that I couldn’t quite suppress. After Elodie died, I’d locked myself away from any real connections, convinced that loving people only led to pain. Yet here I was, heart racing at the simple admission that someone had chosen me.

“I don’t know if I can say it back yet,” I whispered, honesty seeming the only fair response. “What you want to hear.”

Flynn’s thumb traced my cheekbone, a tender gesture that belied the intensity in his gaze. “I’m not asking you to. I just want a chance to prove I’m not going anywhere this time.”

“You’d better not,” I said, trying for lightness but hearing the vulnerability beneath. “Because if you disappear on me again, I’ll hunt you down myself.”

His smile returned, slow and devastating. “I’d expect nothing less, princess.”

I closed the remaining distance between us, pressing my lips to his in a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened, weeks of worry and longing channeled into the contact. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me flush against him as he returned the kiss with equal fervor. My fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, anchoring myself to him, to this moment.

When we finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, Flynn’s eyes had darkened to burnt honey. “So, we’re good?”

I pretended to consider, though we both knew my answer. “You’re on probation.”

“Fair enough.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his expression turning playful. “Does probation include dinner tonight? I found this place near my new apartment that serves the best Thai food this side of Bangkok.”

“Dinner sounds good,” I admitted. “Though I’m not sure how I feel about you making plans before knowing if I’d forgive you.”

“I’m an optimist.”

I snorted. “Since when?”

“Since I met you.” The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard, stealing the witty retort from my lips. Flynn took advantage of my momentary silence to steal another quick kiss before stepping back. “Ready to face the team? They’re probably placing bets on whether we’re killing each other or making up.”

“Both, technically.” I straightened my shirt where his hands had rumpled it. “And Nolan’s definitely listening at the door.”

On cue, there was a shuffling sound from the hallway, followed by a muffled curse that sounded distinctly Irish. Flynn grinned, shaking his head. “Some things never change.”

He moved toward the door, but I caught his hand, stopping him. There was one more thing I needed to say before we rejoined the others.

“Flynn,” I began, my voice dropping to ensure it wouldn’t carry beyond us. “I may not be ready to say... that. But I’m glad you’re here. With me. With the team.”

His expression softened, understanding in his eyes as he squeezed my hand. “One day at a time, Lyric. That’s all I’m asking for.”

One day at a time. I could manage that. And maybe, with enough days strung together, I could finally learn to trust this fragile, unexpected thing growing between us.

“Let’s go,” I said, nodding toward the door. “Before they send in a rescue team.”

Flynn’s laugh was warm as he pushed the door open, revealing Nolan and Leo attempting to look casual in the hallway, while Kate rolled her eyes behind them. Rafe stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his scowl firmly in place, but a glint in his dark eyes.

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