Page 71 of Player

“One. When I was sixteen. It’s better this way.” He turns his head to look at me. “No one gets hurt this way.”

“Because of your job.”

“Right on, as usual.”

I bend and give him a quick peck on the lips. “Maybe you haven’t found a woman who’s accustomed to living on the edge. A woman experienced with danger.”

Something flashes across his face. Regret? Longing? It’s gone as quickly as it came, leaving me gaping down at him. Because I felt it, whatever it was.

And I suddenly want more of it.

But I’ve learned a few things about Finn. He’s already withdrawing, that hard mask of his sliding into place. Pressing him further will get me nowhere.Challenge him.

I sigh, loudly. “It’s expected that a fighter like you would be so easily defeated by his performance.”

“Performance?”

I go for my second gold of the afternoon. “Sure, it lasted shorter than a five-yard sprint. Sure, I’m lying here curled up against you and hot for more.” I move to stand up. “Oh, well. I could have taught you a thing or two about pleasure but—”

His arm snakes out and, quick as a blink, I’m flipped over onto my back beneath him. I struggle to hide my smile and then don’t have to.

His lips crash into mine.

* * *