Rekindled Flames

Chapter 1: Unwanted Heat

I didn’t want to be here. The thumping bass of the party vibrated through the walls of this overpacked loft, and the air was thick with the scent of cheap beer and desperation. My friends had practically dragged me out of my apartment, insisting I needed to ‘live a little’ after the breakup. But the moment I spotted Willow across the room, all sharp edges and smoldering confidence in a black leather skirt that hugged her hips like a second skin, I knew this was a mistake. My ex. My kryptonite. I broke things off three months ago because her jealousy was a cage, her possessiveness a weight I couldn’t carry. Yet here I am, Ally, caught in her orbit again, my heart racing as I tried to slip away unnoticed.

I ducked into the bathroom for a breather, splashing cold water on my face to cool the heat creeping up my neck. The mirror reflected a woman who looked more hunted than hunted, my dark hair a mess, my green eyes wide with something dangerously close to want. I had to get out of here before—

The door creaked open behind me, and I froze. Her reflection appeared over my shoulder, that sly, predatory smirk curling her lips. Willow. Her auburn hair fell in waves, framing a face that could stop traffic, and those hazel eyes pinned me in place.

‘Running already, Ally?’ Her voice was a low purr, dripping with challenge as she leaned against the doorframe, blocking my escape. ‘You always did have a knack for dodging the inevitable.’

I turned, crossing my arms over my chest, trying to ignore the way my pulse hammered. ‘I’m not running, Willow. I’m just not interested in replaying old games. Move.’

She didn’t budge, her gaze raking over me like she could see right through my defenses. ‘Oh, come on. Don’t pretend you’re not feeling this. I saw the way you looked at me out there. Like you wanted to rip this skirt off with your teeth.’

My jaw tightened, heat flooding my cheeks. ‘You’re delusional. I broke up with you for a reason. I’m not your toy to control anymore.’

Willow stepped closer, the space between us shrinking to a dangerous sliver. Her scent—vanilla and something darker, intoxicating—hit me like a punch. ‘Control? Baby, I don’t need to control you. I just need to remind you how good we were. How you’d scream my name when I had you pinned against a wall.’

I laughed, sharp and biting, even as my body betrayed me with a shiver. ‘Keep dreaming. I’m not falling for your bullshit again.’

But she was relentless, her hand brushing against my arm, sending sparks skittering across my skin. ‘Bullshit? Or truth? Tell me you don’t remember how hard you came with me, Ally. How you’d beg for more, dripping wet, while I—’

‘Stop,’ I snapped, but my voice wavered, and she caught it. Her smirk widened as she backed me against the sink, her hips brushing mine, the heat of her body a maddening tease.

‘Make me,’ she whispered, her lips hovering inches from mine, daring me to push her away—or pull her closer. My resolve was crumbling, my hands itching to grab her, to feel that leather under my fingers, to let her remind me just how good bad could feel. I could already imagine her panting, sweating, as I gave in to the ache building between us, my pussy throbbing with a need I hated to admit. One move, and I’d be lost in her again, her cocky grin the last thing I’d see before we exploded into something wild and reckless right here on this bathroom counter.