Burning Point

I'm standing in Erin's kitchen, gripping a red solo cup I haven't even touched, the cool plastic a distraction from the storm that's swirling inside me. The music thunders through the house, but all I hear is the echo of his voice, the sharpness of his gaze. Brian.

I look across the room, and there he is. Leaning against the counter like he hasn't just shredded every last shred of my control. He's laughing with Nate, like nothing happened. Like he didn't just drive a knife through everything we were.

I hate that. I hate him. I hate the way I can still feel him on my skin, his presence a dark cloud hanging over every thought. It's suffocating.

"You okay?" Erin's voice cuts through the haze, his eyes narrowing in concern, but there's something else there. Something that makes me wonder if he knows more than he's letting on.

I blink, trying to snap back to reality, but it's like trying to escape quicksand. "Yeah," I lie, forcing a smile. It feels too thin, too fragile. "I'm fine."

He doesn't believe me, but he doesn't push it. "Come on, let's dance."

Before I can protest, he's pulling me through the crowd, guiding me toward the living room where the music is deafening, the bass vibrating in my chest like an electric pulse. The air is thick with the smell of sweat and alcohol, the scent clinging to everything, everyone.

I should let loose. I should stop thinking about him. Let Erin distract me, like he's trying to do.

So I do. I let my body move with the rhythm, losing myself in the moment. Erin's hands find my waist, pulling me closer, and I don't fight it. If Brian can play his little game, then so can I.

For a while, I do feel free. But then, like clockwork, I feel it. That weight. That heat. His eyes on me.

I don't need to look to know. My skin burns, prickles with a familiar heat that I can't ignore. I turn my head just slightly, just enough to confirm what I already know.

Brian's standing across the room, drink in hand, eyes locked on me like I'm his. My stomach twists, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction. Instead, I smile up at Erin, trailing my fingers along the nape of his neck, letting my lips brush against his ear.

Brian's jaw tightens. Good. Let him stew.

Erin pulls me closer, his lips brushing against my ear. "You're full of surprises tonight," he murmurs, his voice low and warm.

I let out a soft laugh, but it doesn't quite reach my eyes. "You have no idea."

And then, just as the song peaks, I feel him move.

One moment, he's across the room, distant, but then—he's there.

"Mind if I cut in?" Brian's voice is smooth, like velvet dipped in venom, a hint of cockiness laced with something darker. Possessive.

Erin stiffens, his grip on me faltering. "Actually"

"I wasn't asking." Brian's words are low, sharp, like a knife edge cutting through the air.

Erin opens his mouth to respond, but before he can say another word, I step back, my own temper flaring. "What the hell is wrong with you?" I snap, staring Brian down.

He doesn't flinch. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

My heart pounds as the words echo through the room. Every inch of my body screams at me to turn away, to walk out, but something pulls me back. The rage in his eyes, the twisted familiarity.

"I'm not doing this with you right now," I bite out, my voice like a whip, and I make my way toward the nearest exit. The backyard. The fountain.

The sound of his footsteps follows me, too close, too familiar.

Before I can even process it, his hand is around my wrist, a hot, burning grip that sends a jolt through me. I should pull away. I should scream at him to let me go. But for some reason, I don't.

I yank my wrist free, the air around us crackling with tension. "What the hell is your problem?"

Brian steps forward, and I feel every inch of him closing the distance, his presence overwhelming. "You really wanna do this?"

"Do what?" I snap, crossing my arms, trying to act unaffected, but my pulse betrays me. It's hammering in my neck, in my chest. His proximity is suffocating.

Brian exhales, slow and deliberate, his eyes dark burning with something raw. Something dangerous. "You're driving me crazy, Leah."

I swallow, the weight of his words heavy in my chest. "I don't know why you can't get this through your head. Just leave me alone, alright?" My voice cracks, but I power through. "I've moved on. I've changed. I'm not even angry at you anymore, because maybe it wasn't that deep anyway."

His eyes flash, something sharp and dangerous sparking behind them. "You don't mean that."

I raise my chin, defiant. "You don't know what I mean."

He steps even closer, his breath hot against my skin. "If it wasn't that deep, if I didn't mean anything… why are you still wearing the necklace I gave you?"

For a second, everything freezes.

His words hang in the air like a weight, a chain pulling me under.

I glance down at the necklace, the one he gave me years ago. It's been a part of me for so long, it feels like it belongs there. But now? Now it feels like a lie.

"You're right," I whisper, my fingers trembling as I reach for it.

In one sharp motion, I tear it from my neck and throw it into the fountain with a splash.

His eyes darken, fury bubbling just beneath the surface. "You don't" I say

Suddenly, sirens.

The sound cuts through the air, sharp and blaring, like a jolt of cold water. The police? My heart skips. I immediately think of Adria.

Panic surges in my veins. Where is she?

I turn to rush back inside, but before I can take a step, Brian's hand locks around my wrist again, stopping me. His grip is almost painful.

"I need to find Adria!" I shout, my voice breaking.

"She's safe," Brian says, voice calm but unyielding. "Come with me."

I glance around, hearing the chaos from the sirens, people scattering. But then, Erin's voice cuts through.

"Leah! Get in!"

I turn toward the door to see Erin outside, car running, a look of urgency on his face.

Before I can make a move, Brian steps between us, blocking my path.

"I said get in," Erin calls out, his voice tight with frustration.

Brian steps up, voice low and steady, almost a growl. "You're not taking her anywhere."

The air thickens between them like a storm ready to break. I stand there, caught between them, heart racing.

This isn't just about getting away anymore. This is a competition. A war of wills.

Erin doesn't flinch. "Move."

Brian's eyes flash, but he doesn't step aside. "She's not going anywhere with you."

I look from one to the other, my chest tightening.

I have to choose.

And the worst part?

I already know who I'm going to pick.

But this time? I won't be dragged into their fight.

Before either of them can make another move, I walk past both of them.

Because for once, I'm making my own damn choice.

And I'm not letting either of them decide for me.