Rekindled Flames

**Chapter 1: Unwanted Heat**

I didn’t want to be here. The bass thumped through the walls of this overpacked house party, vibrating in my chest like a second heartbeat. My friends had practically dragged me out of my apartment, insisting I needed to ‘live a little’ after the breakup. But the moment I saw Willow across the room, all long legs and that devil-may-care smirk, I knew I’d made a mistake. She looked like sin wrapped in a tight black dress, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders, and those piercing green eyes locking onto me like I was prey. Damn it, she looked hot. Too hot. I needed to get out of here before I did something stupid.

I broke up with Willow three months ago for a reason. She was controlling, possessive, a storm of jealousy that suffocated me. But seeing her now, laughing with some random girl, her hand brushing the stranger’s arm, I felt a pang of something I refused to name. I turned on my heel, heading for the bathroom to splash cold water on my face and get my head straight. I’d slip out the back after. Easy.

The bathroom door clicked shut behind me, the noise of the party dulling to a low hum. I gripped the sink, staring at my reflection—flushed cheeks, wide eyes. ‘Get it together, Ally,’ I muttered. But before I could even turn on the faucet, the door swung open. I didn’t need to look to know who it was. Her presence filled the tiny space like smoke, thick and inescapable.

‘Leaving so soon, Ally?’ Willow’s voice was a purr, low and teasing, as she leaned against the doorframe, blocking my exit. ‘Didn’t even say hi. I’m hurt.’

I spun around, crossing my arms, trying to ignore the way my pulse kicked up. ‘I’m not in the mood for games, Willow. Move.’

She didn’t budge, her smirk widening as she stepped closer, the scent of her jasmine perfume wrapping around me. ‘Games? I’m just catching up with an old friend. Or are we more than that? You tell me, babe. You’re the one who ran.’

‘Don’t call me that,’ I snapped, but my voice wavered. Her gaze dropped to my lips, and I hated how my body reacted, heat pooling low in my stomach. ‘And I didn’t run. I walked away from a toxic mess.’

‘Toxic?’ She laughed, sharp and biting, taking another step until she was close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating off her. ‘You loved every second of our mess. Don’t pretend you didn’t. I can see it in your eyes right now—you’re dying to remember how good we were.’

‘You’re delusional,’ I shot back, but my breath hitched as her hand brushed my arm, her touch electric. I should’ve pushed her away, but my feet stayed rooted, traitorously still.

‘Am I?’ Her voice dropped to a whisper, her lips hovering near my ear. ‘Tell me you don’t miss it, Ally. Tell me you don’t miss the way I made you feel—wild, wanted, out of control.’ Her fingers trailed up my arm, and I clenched my jaw, fighting the shiver that ran through me.

‘Stop it,’ I said, but it came out weaker than I intended. Her other hand found my waist, pulling me just close enough that our bodies brushed, and I cursed myself for the way my resolve started to crack.

‘Make me,’ she challenged, her eyes glinting with mischief and something darker, hungrier. And damn it, I wanted to. I wanted to shove her against the wall and shut her up with my mouth, to feel her gasp under me, to remind her who could take control when it mattered. My hands twitched at my sides, itching to grab her, to pull her closer until there was no space left between us.

The air was thick, charged, and I knew if I didn’t walk away now, I’d be lost. But as her lips curled into that infuriating, knowing smile, I felt the last of my restraint slipping. One more second, and I’d have her pinned, her breath hot against mine, our bodies crashing together in a way that would leave us both sweating, panting, and desperate for more…