Chapter 52 Running Wild (2)

Jace’s grin lingered as he dropped his bag again, this time closer to me, like he was staking a claim on the space between us. The sun was relentless, painting his skin with a faint sheen already, and I couldn’t help but notice how his tank top clung to his chest, hinting at the hard lines underneath. My own body was still buzzing from the run, sweat trickling down my spine, my tight training wear sticking to me like a dare. I flicked my eyes up to his, catching that hazel spark, and felt the air shift—thicker, hotter, like the heat wasn’t just from the day anymore. “Alright, Mika,” he said, stepping closer, his voice teasing but edged with something else. “You’re the track queen here. Show me how it’s done before I embarrass myself.”