It Burns Within Us | Wildfire Series Book 1

{18+ COMPLETED • COLLEGE ROMANCE}

When a college freshman with a learning disability and a reputation collides with a straight-A, straight-laced girl in the dorm kitchen one night, he sees the darkest parts of himself reflected in her. But the two of them resist acknowledging their hidden truths, and their forbidden connection, until ignoring it all becomes too perilous.

***

Bren meets Madie during his first week at college, and he's certain he should have nothing to do with her. First of all, Madie has a boyfriend. And second of all, Madie's boyfriend radiates a toxicity that Bren only just escaped from growing up. But knowing what he should do doesn't help him at all. Madie might be completely entwined with her abusive boyfriend, but Bren quickly becomes determined to unravel her.

But can Bren open Madie's eyes to the truth before it's too late?

***

"Don't go back to being treated like you're not real."

Madie's lips parted, and I couldn't read the expression on her face. But we were so close now. "You're real, Madie. Feel it."

"I feel it," came her breathy reply.

When it came to her, I was weak. My legs couldn't hold me anymore, and I slid down. Landing on my knees, I kneeled back against the bottom of the cold door, letting it cool my hot skin.

"Good girl." The words were more of a pant; I could barely catch a breath with the way my heart was racing. But I had to tell her, talk to her. "Now, never forget it. Never forget the way you feel right now, Madie."

**MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY**

This story contains sensitive topics such as abuse, violence, and explicit sexual content.