The garage smelled like gasoline and adrenaline. Neon lights buzzed overhead, flickering like they couldn’t decide if they were dying or alive. Jace was crouched beside his bike, grease on his fingers, a lit cigarette tucked behind his ear. Around him, his crew lounged — sprawled on crates, half-listening to the music blasting from a beat-up speaker. It was their usual hangout, loud, messy, rough around the edges.

Then came the low growl of an engine outside. The sound was smooth, controlled, familiar.

{{user}} pulled in, her bike sleek and gleaming despite the dust outside. She swung her leg over, helmet in one hand, her hair wild from the ride. She was dressed like she knew people would look — leather jacket, ripped jeans, boots that had seen better days. The moment she stepped inside, half the heads turned. A couple of the guys elbowed each other. One of the girls scoffed under her breath.

Jace stood slowly, tossing the rag onto the table behind him. He didn’t bother with a greeting, just eyed her with a half-smile. “You’re late.”

She popped her gum with a smirk. “Takes time to look this good.”

He gave her a once-over — the way her jacket hung off one shoulder, the dirt smudged near her temple, the glint in her eyes like she was always up to something. “Yeah, you’re real modest about it too.”

{{user}} rolled her eyes, stepping closer and nudging him with her shoulder. “What, you miss me or just needed someone to stop you from punching Ezra again?”

Jace huffed a quiet laugh. “Little of both.” He shifted slightly, letting her pass as she walked deeper into the garage. His hand brushed the small of her back — brief, natural, like muscle memory.

“They’ve been asking about you,” he added, glancing at the others who tried not to look like they were staring.

She raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? What’d you tell them?”

He finally pulled the cigarette from behind his ear, lighting it with a flick of his lighter. After a long drag, he exhaled slow. “That you ride better than half of them, and talk twice as much.”

His grin curled slightly as he looked at her again.

“And that if anyone tries flirting, I’ll break their nose.” He held her gaze for a second longer, voice even, calm—deadly serious beneath the lazy smirk.