The date was a disaster.
Savannah knew it before the drinks even arrived.
The guy - Jeremy, or Jason, or something equally forgettable - was sweet. Normal. Safe.
And she couldn't focus on a damn word he was saying.
Because the only thing she could think about was how he wasn't Jace.
No broad shoulders. No quiet smirks. No gray eyes that looked like a storm rolling in.
Still, she smiled. Still, she laughed. Still, she let him lean in closer when they walked outside after dinner.
She wasn't trying to make Jace jealous.
But when she saw him standing on the porch as she pulled into the driveway - arms crossed, expression unreadable - something in her twisted.
Jeremy walked her to the door. She thanked him politely. Gave a casual "text me."
And that was it.
But Jace's voice cut the silence the second the guy's car pulled away.
"That was fast."
Savannah didn't flinch. "Don't wait up next time."
"You're dating now?"
"I'm trying."
"You don't even like him."
She spun around. "Oh, so now you get to decide who I like?"
"No. But I know you. And I know you're trying to replace something you don't want to admit you already lost."
She stepped in close, fire in her voice. "I didn't lose anything, Jace. You gave it up."
His eyes darkened. "You think I haven't been punishing myself every day since?"
"You think that helps me?"
He didn't respond.
She laughed bitterly. "You said you wanted me. That I wasn't a mistake. But then you chose fear. You chose silence. And now, what - you get jealous when I try to move on?"
"I'm not jealous."
She stepped even closer. "Liar."
The air snapped between them.
Jace grabbed her wrist. Not hard. But enough.
His voice dropped to a growl. "You're mine."
"No," she said, breath trembling. "You don't get to say that anymore."
His hand slid to her jaw. "I never stopped wanting you."
She shook her head. "Wanting isn't enough. Fighting for me is."
And for the first time - he broke.
He kissed her.
Hard.
Desperate.
Not careful or controlled or full of guilt - just need.
Her fingers clawed into his shirt, body pressing into his, anger melting into heat.
But this time, she pulled away.
"No," she whispered. "Not like this. Not because you're scared someone else might take your place."
He stood there, breathing heavy.
And this time… she walked away first.