LOGINChapter 13The sounds around me—the creak of the shed, Jace’s shallow breaths, the faint shuffle of Carly’s steps—began to blur. My mind pulled away from the chaos, as if the world had softened at the edges, leaving only warmth and light in its place. Jace’s presence remained, pressing against me, strong and steady, but the tension faded into a distant hum, replaced by something entirely different.I could feel the heat of his body, the brush of his hand against mine, and suddenly my chest rose and fell to a different rhythm. I imagined a field, endless and golden, with sunlight spilling like honey over every blade of grass. The air smelled of wildflowers and something faintly sweet, and I could hear laughter carried on the breeze—soft, carefree, like it belonged to another life entirely.In that dreamlike space, Jace was there, too. Not tense, not burdened by rules, danger, or responsibilities—just him. Smiling, relaxed, the kind of smile that made my stomach flutter and my chest ach
The shed felt impossibly small. Every creak of the wood, every rustle outside, amplified the tension between Jace and me. I could feel the heat radiating off him, his body taut and protective, his hands gripping mine like he would never let go.“Aria… stay behind me,” Jace muttered, voice low and dangerous.I pressed closer anyway. “I’m not going anywhere,” I whispered. “Not even for danger.”Suddenly, the shed door shook violently. I froze. The sound of heavy footsteps approached—not the slow, teasing shuffle of Carly, but something else. Someone stronger. Someone angrier.“Aria!” a booming voice called from outside. My stomach dropped.“Dad?” I whispered, disbelief and panic surging through me.Jace stiffened, his body immediately shielding me. “Your dad’s here?” His voice was tight, dangerous, protective.Before I could answer, the door swung open, light flooding the cramped shed. My father’s silhouette filled the doorway, eyes scanning rapidly, anger flashing across his face. “Jas
The shed had gone from claustrophobic to electric. Carly’s presence wasn’t just a complication—it was a storm waiting to break. Every move she made, every smirk, pressed Jace and me tighter together.“Seriously, Aria,” Jace muttered, jaw tight, eyes flashing between me and Carly. “You’re making this worse.”I pressed a little closer, brushing my fingers against the side of his waist. “Worse? Or better?” I whispered, letting my lips hover near his ear. “You tell me.”His breath hitched. He cursed under his breath. “You are impossible.”“And yet… irresistible,” I teased. The heat of him against me made my pulse spike, each heartbeat a reminder of the line we weren’t supposed to cross.Carly circled us, slow, predator-like. “Oh, I love this,” she murmured. “You two can barely stand it. And I’m not even part of the fun yet.” She grinned wickedly, leaning against a crate. “I hope you’re ready for a little chaos.”Jace stiffened, protective and dangerous. His hand gripped mine, pressing me
The intruder stepped fully into the shed, and as the sunlight hit their face, my stomach dropped.It wasn’t some stranger, wasn’t some dangerous figure out for revenge or mischief. It was… Jace’s sister.“Carly?” Jace’s voice cracked, disbelief and anger blending together. His hands on my waist tightened instinctively. “What are you doing here?”Carly smirked, tilting her head. “Oh, come on, Jace. Don’t tell me you didn’t think I’d find you. Especially with… her.” Her eyes flicked to me, glinting with mischief and curiosity.I felt my pulse spike. The forbidden closeness with Jace just got even more dangerous. One wrong move, and this was going to blow up completely.“What are you—why—how did you even know we were here?” Jace snapped, tension radiating from every muscle.Carly shrugged, strolling closer, clearly enjoying the chaos. “I have my ways. And it looked like you two were having… fun.”I froze, my cheeks heating. Fun? That was one word for it. Another? Seduction. A dangerous,
The door slammed open with a deafening crash, throwing both of us against the wall. Dust and splinters flew, filling the air with a choking haze. My heart nearly stopped, but in the same instant, I was pressed impossibly close to Jace.He grabbed my waist instinctively, holding me tight, shielding me from whatever had just entered. His chest was hard against mine, his breath hot, and I felt his heartbeat hammering in sync with my own.“Stay behind me!” he growled, voice low and dangerous.I didn’t argue. Not now. Not when someone—someone dangerous—was standing in the doorway, silhouetted against the dim afternoon light. I couldn’t see their face yet, but the tension radiating from them was enough to make my stomach twist.Jace’s hands tightened on me. “Aria… move back!”Instead, I pressed closer, teasing him subtly despite the danger. “Why?” I whispered, letting my lips brush his shoulder. “We’re so close already. Might as well… enjoy it.”His eyes darkened, a mix of frustration and d
The shed felt impossibly small. Every sound—the creak of the wooden floor, the faint rustle of leaves outside—was amplified. And between Jace and me, the air had become electric, heavy with desire, tension, and something forbidden that made my pulse pound in my ears.He stood just inches away, every muscle tense, his eyes dark and conflicted. I let my hand rest lightly on his chest, feeling the rapid thrum of his heartbeat beneath my fingertips. “You’re tense,” I murmured, voice soft, teasing. “Relax.”He exhaled sharply, brushing his hand against mine reflexively. “I’m not tense,” he muttered, though his chest rose and fell like he was lying.“Sure,” I whispered, stepping closer so that our shoulders brushed. “If you say so.” My lips hovered just above his ear. “But your body… doesn’t lie.”His breath hitched, and I could feel him stiffen under my touch. That subtle reaction made a thrill run through me. “Aria… you’re impossible,” he growled.“And you like it,” I countered, pressing







