Chapter 1: Collision Course
The Chatsworth Estate was a maze of grit and chaos, and you thrived in it. You’d grown up dodging trouble—or diving headfirst into it—with a smirk that could cut glass. Carl Gallagher, though? He was trouble incarnate, a storm in ripped jeans and a devil-may-care grin. You’d known him forever, but lately, every glance he threw your way felt like a match striking flint.
It was a sticky summer night, the kind where the air clung to your skin like a lover who wouldn’t let go. You were leaning against the wall outside the local off-license, a cheap cider in hand, when Carl swaggered up, all cocky energy and sharp edges. His eyes, glinting with mischief, locked on yours, and you felt that familiar heat coil low in your belly.
‘Oi, you lookin’ for a fight or a fuck tonight?’ he drawled, leaning in close enough that you could smell the faint tang of beer on his breath. His voice was a low growl, daring you to bite back.
You raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of your drink, letting the silence hang just long enough to make him squirm. ‘Depends, Gallagher. You got the stamina for either?’
He barked out a laugh, sharp and rough, stepping closer until the space between you was electric. ‘Oh, darlin’, I’ve got more than enough to keep you up all night. Question is, can you handle me? I’m a proper mess, y’know.’
You smirked, tilting your head to meet his gaze head-on. ‘I’ve handled worse. And I ain’t here to fix you, Carl. I’m here to break you.’
His grin widened, predatory, and you saw the spark of something dangerous in his eyes. ‘Fuckin’ hell, you’re gonna be the death of me,’ he muttered, his hand brushing against your hip, testing the waters. You didn’t flinch, didn’t pull away. Instead, you stepped into his space, your chest brushing his, your voice dropping to a husky whisper.
‘Good. I like leaving a mark.’
The tension snapped like a taut wire. His hand slid to your waist, firm and possessive, while yours found the back of his neck, pulling him down until his lips were a breath from yours. The world narrowed to the heat of him, the raw, reckless energy buzzing between you. You could feel how hard he was already, pressed against you, and it sent a thrill straight through your core, leaving you wet and aching.
‘Gonna kiss me or just stand there panting like a horny little pup?’ you taunted, your nails grazing his skin.
Carl’s eyes darkened, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. ‘Oh, I’m gonna do a lot more than kiss you, love. Gonna have you dripping for me before I’m done.’
And just as his lips crashed into yours, hungry and bruising, you knew this was only the start of the wildfire about to consume you both.
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