The storm outside matched the tension humming between them.

She leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, watching Dallas pace like a caged animal. He’d shown up at her door, fists bruised, eyes darker than usual. But tonight, something was different. Softer. Desperate, almost.

“You gonna keep staring or say something?” she asked, voice low.

He turned to her, slow. “You don’t get it, do you?” He closed the space between them, fingers brushing her hip. “I’d burn the whole damn world down if it meant I could have you. All of you.”

She didn’t flinch when he stepped closer. “Then take me.”

His mouth found hers — fierce, but careful. Like he was trying not to shatter something fragile. Her back hit the counter, and he lifted her like she weighed nothing.

“On the couch, in the bed, kitchen counter or stairs…” he murmured against her neck, breath hot. “Wherever you want it, baby… I’m taking you there.”

Her fingers tangled in his hair. “Then don’t stop.”

The night blurred in heat and whispers, laughter between kisses, his jacket discarded on the floor like every wall he'd ever built. For once, Dallas wasn’t running from anything — he was running to her.