WRECKED BY YOU

CHAPTER 5: THE EDGE OF CONTROL

Zara wasn't sure what woke her — the sound of her own shallow breathing or the echo of Jace's voice still curling in her mind like smoke.

The night before had been wildfire.

Not gentle.

Not safe.

But real. Tangible. The kind of passion they warned girls like her about. The kind of heat you only feel when the danger is wrapped in silk words and rough hands.

She traced a finger down her neck, where his mouth had been — slow, deliberate, claiming.

The line between reckless and unforgettable had officially been crossed.

⸻

The next day dragged. Every class was a blur. Every hallway was a tease.

She saw him between periods — leaning against the lockers, surrounded by noise, but his eyes only ever found hers.

And that look?

It was a promise.

He wasn't done with her.

⸻

It was raining by the time she reached the old auditorium — the one nobody used anymore except for storage. Jace had texted her one word.

Now.

She stepped inside, heart hammering.

He was already there, standing in the middle of the dark space, rain dripping from his jacket, eyes lit with that familiar hunger.

No small talk.

No games.

The door slammed shut behind her, and in two strides, he had her backed against the wall, hands gripping her thighs, lifting her like she weighed nothing.

His mouth crashed into hers.

Hot. Demanding. Possessive.

She moaned into the kiss, her fingers tangling in his wet hair, her legs wrapping around his waist.

He growled softly, the sound vibrating in her chest. "Tell me to stop."

She didn't.

Couldn't.

She wanted more.

Clothes came undone in urgent motions. The chill of the rain faded, replaced with heat — skin against skin, friction building, tension rising like a scream in her throat.

He wasn't careful.

He was honest.

Every thrust was a confession.

Every gasp a truth they couldn't say out loud in daylight.

Zara's hands clutched at his back, nails dragging down, hips arching up to meet him. She was fire beneath him — wild, reckless, real.

They moved together like they'd done this in a past life. Like they'd always been meant to meet here — in the shadows, in the storm, on the edge of losing control.

And when release came — it wasn't quiet.

It was everything.

⸻

After, as they lay on the floor tangled in each other's limbs, Zara stared up at the cracked ceiling and whispered, "What are we doing?"

Jace's breath was still ragged. He pulled her closer, fingers tracing lazy circles on her waist.

"Something dangerous," he murmured, "and completely worth it."