Chapter One

In a steady, playful rhythm, the rain drummed against the windows, reflecting the heat that was rising between us in Jake's flat. With my legs tucked under me and wrapped in his huge hoodie, I snuggled up on his couch, feeling small and vulnerable but oddly energised by a connection we were about to experience.

Across from me, Jake was sitting at the edge of the couch, a naughty smile straining at his mouth, his brown eyes dark with intent.

"Are you prepared to watch Netflix and relax?"

With a low, gruff, and dangerously charged voice, he asked. Pretending to be innocent, I lifted an eyebrow, but my...