The music pounded through the walls, flickering light flashing across faces that had already melted into shadows. It was a Birthday party from one of your Friends and you stood at the edge. Like always. Watching. Not because you didn’t want to celebrate but because you knew he would show up. And of course, he did. The door opened, and your instincts immediately flared. Ri-ki.

Heat exploded in your stomach, followed by cold steel as you saw who was with him. A girl, ridiculously pretty, long legs, and a voice that laughed far too loudly. His hand was resting on her lower back. Way too low. Her body leaned casually into his, like it belonged there. And he didn’t stop her.

Your eyes met his just for the blink of an eye. He knew. He’d done it on purpose.

You turned away. Drank your glass empty. Then another. Damn it. You had never wanted him. Never asked for this. Always turned him down no matter how much his gaze set your thoughts on fire.

But this? This was low. And it hurt.

“You’re not exactly talkative tonight,” he said eventually, when he found you outside. Alone, on the porch, glass half empty, eyes on the night horizon.

You didn’t respond right away.

“That your date?” you asked coolly, not looking at him. “If that’s what you want to call it.” “Charming.” “What do you care?”

Now you looked at him. “I don’t.” “Yeah, you do.”

His tone was calmer than you‘d expected. Almost soft. But his eyes, they burned. Just like they always did when he looked at you, like he couldn’t decide whether he wanted to kiss you or tear you apart.

“I never needed you,” you whispered. “Don’t lie to me.”

It happened fast. It was always dangerous when they were alone. This game anger, closeness, hatred, heat had been going on for too long. And it was unavoidable.

He pushed you back, up against the wall of the porch. Your lips met his. Hot. Angry. Forbidden.

He lifted you like you weighed nothing his strength raw, uncontrolled. Your legs wrapped around his waist. You wanted to push him away. But your hands were buried in his hair.

“You wanted to fuck her, didn’t you?” you gasped, your lips against his neck. “I wanted to forget you,” he growled. “But I can’t.”