Clockwork Horizon by Therese Woodson

Author:Therese Woodson [Woodson, Therese]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

OUT ON the street, they didn’t hold hands, but they walked close, their shoulders touching, their arms and hands knocking together. They talked quietly and Malachi showed Ian his favorite places including Pepperly’s. The window was dark and the ducks had wound down, but Ian still inspected the store through the glass.

“Millie seems very protective of you,” Ian said as they strolled. “I was scared she wouldn’t pass along my note.”

Malachi chuckled. “When we met, Inventor Pepperly had just run me over with his steam-powered carriage and I was lying in the street with a broken arm. I’m certain she thinks I’m fragile.”

“You’re not, though,” Ian said with certainty.

“How do you know?” Malachi asked.

They passed the spot where Millie and Malachi usually parted ways, and together they turned into the darkened alley.

Ian cast Malachi a coy glance. “You’re strong. Mentally, if not physically.”

“Hey!” Malachi protested, but Ian cut him off, grabbed him around the waist, and shoved him against the alley wall.

Ian pressed in, chest to chest, smirking, and Malachi’s indignation disappeared at the hunger in Ian’s darkened eyes. Ian’s fingers dug into Malachi’s hips as he leaned in and skimmed his nose over Malachi’s cheek before capturing Malachi’s lips in a kiss. Malachi made a surprised noise in the back of his throat, then melted into it, his arms wrapping around Ian’s neck, his hands in Ian’s messy hair.

Ian kissed with abandon, frantic and possessive. Malachi succumbed to it, their lips a hot glide, Ian’s mouth wet and warm. Ian clutched at him, possessed Malachi’s mouth with his own, sucked gently on Malachi’s lower lip, nipped at it, then soothed the sting with his tongue. The kiss was deep and messy, laced with desire. Ian slipped his hand underneath the heavy fabric of Malachi’s jacket, his palm hot and heavy against the small of Malachi’s back with only the thin material of his shirt a barrier between them. Malachi wanted more, fingers curling around the back of Ian’s neck, wishing for a bed, a floor, anywhere more private so they could be bared skin to skin.

Abruptly, Ian broke the kiss. He stayed close, gasping, and Malachi stared at Ian’s plump mouth, his lips red and wet and tempting.

“Come to the Mockingbird tomorrow morning,” Ian said. “I’ll talk to Cap. We’ll teach you all you are willing to learn.”

Ian darted back in, kissed Malachi hard, full of promise, then backed away.

Malachi’s head spun. His breath came in shallow pants. He sagged against the wall.

“What?” he managed.

Ian grinned. “I have to go,” he said. “So do you. Or else we’ll break public decency laws.” Ian reached out and tapped Malachi’s mouth with the tips of his fingers. “I’ll think about you all night.”

Before Malachi could respond, Ian jogged down the alley and turned and waved before stepping out into the main street. Malachi stayed there a few long moments composing himself before walking the rest of the way home. Reining in his emotion proved difficult, especially knowing he’d be thinking about Ian all night as well.

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