And then he brushed past me, leaving the room, and I stood there, unable to move as his words lingered in the air. I hated him. I hated who I turned into with him. How could I have just done that? Why did I do it? He didn’t force me. I could’ve run. I didn’t even think to say no. I didn’t want to say no. It was like we were animals, for Christ’s sake. Red. Anger, fury, heat, and need so strong you’re a fucking animal, Winter. It’s primal. So that was red. I’d wanted to do it. I loved the flames. I had dived in. But now, the pain of the burns. I hated him.
