HIS WILDFIRE

Edge of Truth

The drive back to my apartment was quieter than it should have been. The city stretched out around us, neon lights flickering against the windshield, but I barely saw any of it. My focus was on Jaime, on the way his grip on the steering wheel never loosened, on the way his jaw was locked tight like he was fighting to keep his thoughts from spilling out.

I knew this wasn't over.

The silence felt like a countdown, and just as I predicted, Jaime was the one to break it.

"You know, I didn't want to believe it." His voice was low, rough. "That there could be more to this than just bad timing or misunderstandings."

I didn't look at him. Instead, I kept my gaze on the road ahead, even though I wasn't the one driving.

"What exactly do you think there is?" I asked, my voice steady but soft.

Jaime let out a sharp breath, shaking his head. "That's the thing, Grandee. I don't know. But something about Ted, about how he looks at you, how he acts around you, it doesn't sit right with me. And maybe I sound paranoid, but I can't shake the feeling that you're not telling me everything."

His words hit harder than I wanted to admit.

I clenched my hands together, my stomach twisting. "I'm not hiding anything," I murmured. "But I get why you feel that way."

Jaime scoffed. "You say that, but you're still hesitant. You're always hesitant with me, Grandee." His voice softened slightly, but there was an edge to it. "What are you so afraid of?"

I exhaled, rubbing my thumb against my palm. I wanted to tell him it wasn't that simple. That I didn't have the right words to explain whatever this was.

"It's not fear," I finally whispered. "It's just... complicated."

Jaime pulled up to my apartment building, the engine still humming. For a second, he didn't move. Then, he turned to me, his eyes dark and searching.

"Tell me you want me here," he said, voice low.

I swallowed, my throat dry.

I wanted him here.But I also wanted to be alone.

Jaime reached out, his fingers brushing against mine, barely touching. "Say it," he murmured.

My body betrayed me before my mouth could. I didn't pull away. My fingers curled slightly, just enough for him to feel it.

Jaime exhaled like that was the only answer he needed.

When I reached for the door handle, so did he.

"Jaime-" I started.

"I'm coming in with you," he said, already stepping out of the car.

I hesitated. "You don't have to."

"I need to."

Something about the way he said it made it clear there was no room for argument.

I didn't fight him.

I should have.

As soon as we stepped inside, I knew bringing him here was a mistake.