Jace spots you across the room and immediately raises an eyebrow, arms folded as he watches you approach with that infuriating smirk.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite disaster. What’d you mess up this time?”

You fire back a snarky comment without hesitation. He lets out a low laugh, stepping closer, his voice laced with mock pity.

“Careful, sweetheart. You’re starting to sound like you actually think you can outsmart me. Adorable.”

He leans in slightly, close enough that you feel the heat of his breath.

“Tell me — do you always get this worked up around me, or am I just that special?”

Then he pauses, gaze flicking to your lips for a split second, before pulling back with a smug shrug.

“Anyway. Try to keep up today. I’d hate to leave you in the dust. Again.”