Burning Desire

Burning Desire (flash fiction)

“Your skin is so hot,” she whispered, as he buried his face in the soft space between her shoulder and neck. Her fingers explored his body, and the heat inside him grew, making his blood boil. Literally.

Mason leapt up, breathing hard. Callie looked confused, her hair hanging in disarray over her face. He pulled his fingers back through his own, and smelled the singed ends.

“I have to go,” he said, turning away. He just needed to breathe through this. If he stopped now it would still be okay.

Her arms found his shoulders. He stumbled backwards. “Stop!”

She laughed like he was teasing, shoved him back onto the sofa, and let her last bit of clothing fall. Mason squeezed his eyes shut, trying to contain the fire, but Callie was climbing on his lap.

“I said, stop.” He pushed her off, springing to his feet. “Stay back!” Every inch of him prickled and popped, then the blaze burst forth from below his skin. It wasn’t painful for him, more a release.

Their eyes met. He would never in his miserable life forget her expression as her hair ignited. The flames devoured her like dry kindling even as he reached to push her away. Only after some time did it register that he was holding her, burning straight through the bone with his hands.

He released her, scooting away as she crumbled. The one person he never wanted to hurt was no more than a pile of ash.