T/W: The following chapter contains sex. You'll know when it starts and you can skip to the end. I'll add a summary of what happens at the end.

***

Jace's expression didn't change. He gave a slow nod.

"I understand," he said simply.

The weight crushing my chest eased, just slightly. I'd just admitted to sleeping next to Wikus, but Jace didn't seem all that bothered. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as I feared. Maybe—

His fingers wrapped around my wrist.

Before I could react, he turned and walked, pulling me along with him. My breath caught as he led me down the hall toward my bedroom. Wikus trailed after us, his tone light and teasing.

"Last night was fun, wasn't it, Lily?" he mused.

I flinched.

But Jace didn't react, didn't even glance back.

Once inside my room, he let go just long enough to grab my coat from the chair. Without a word, he draped it over my shoulders and pulled it closed before taking my wrist again.

"Wait— my shoes—"

He didn't stop. He was already moving, guiding me swiftly toward the front door. My heart pounded against my ribs as I stumbled after him, my feet still bare against the cool floor. Wikus leaned lazily against the wall, arms crossed, watching with mild amusement.

"Leaving so soon?" he drawled. "Jace why don't you join in where Lily and I left off last night? I could really go for another session."

What? He wanted to paint with Jace as well?

Jace finally turned to him, his face calm, unreadable.

"Sorry, but I can't stay and you already know you won't be here for a next time."

Wikus pouted.

"Ahw, is it that time already?"

"You knew my conditions."

Wikus sighed dramatically and ran a hand through his messy hair.

"Yeah, yeah. I get it." He glanced at me and smiled. "So long, Lily."

That only made my stomach twist further.

But Jace didn't wait for me to respond. He pulled me through the door, and toward the elevator. My pulse thundered in my ears as the doors slid shut. Everything was happening so fast...

"Jace, can I at least—" I started, but before I could even finish, he turned, his hands gripping my face as his lips crashed into mine.

A soft gasp escaped me, but I barely had time to process it before my body melted against him. His arms wrapped around me, lifting me effortlessly as he pressed me against the elevator wall.

The cold metal barely registered as heat flooded through me. His kiss was rough, consuming, sending shivers down my spine. I barely had time to breathe before his lips trailed down, pressing against my jaw, my neck.

His voice was low against my skin.

"Did you have your fun with Wikus?"

I shuddered, my fingers clinging to his shirt, my breath coming in soft, uneven gasps. I wanted to answer, but my voice caught in my throat, tangled between guilt and the rush of something else.

Jace's grip on me tightened as his lips lingered near my ear. His voice was low, steady.

"Why?" he asked.

I shivered, barely able to focus.

"Why what?"

"Why did you sleep with him?"

My stomach dropped a little.

So, it did bother him...

"It was an accident," I said quickly, my words tumbling out. "I—I didn't mean to. I just stayed with him because he seemed like he was having trouble sleeping. I felt bad."

Jace scoffed, his breath hot against my skin.

"You felt bad for him?"

I hesitated.

"He looked... lonely."

Jace exhaled sharply, his tone turning colder.

"You shouldn't feel bad about that little freak." His hands slid down my waist, gripping just a little tighter. "He's just manipulating you, making you feel exactly what he wants you to feel. He's the best at it. And clearly, it's working."

I swallowed hard, something uneasy settling in my chest.

Jace continued, his voice eerily calm.

"I thought you wouldn't stoop so low..."

His words stung, but before I could react, he tilted my chin up and looked me in the eyes.

"I didn't realize you were so greedy, Luce," he murmured. "If I wasn't giving you enough, you should've just asked for more."

Confusion flickered through me.

"What—"

Before I could finish, Jace kissed me again, harder this time. His hands pressed firmly against my waist as he crushed me against the wall. My thoughts scattered, panic rising in my chest as I caught sight of the floor numbers ticking down.

The ground floor was approaching.

"Jace—" I gasped against his lips.

The elevator dinged.

Just before the doors opened, he pulled away, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Then, without warning, he lifted me into his arms.

A startled gasp escaped me as he carried me through the lobby, his grip secure, his pace unwavering. The staff turned to stare, their expressions ranging from confusion to shock.

No one said a word.

I felt heat creep up my neck.

"Jace, put me down—"

He didn't.

Instead, he carried me straight to the front entrance, where his sleek red car was waiting. With effortless ease, he opened the passenger door and placed me inside. Before I could even think to protest, he reached over, pulling the seatbelt across my chest and buckling me in.

Then, without another word, he shut the door and walked around to the driver's side.

The second he slid in, the engine roared to life, and we were moving.

I sat in stunned silence, trying to catch my breath, my mind racing with everything that had just happened.

But before I could say anything, Jace pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Anna, are you in town yet?" he asked, his tone sharp.

I stiffened.

I couldn't hear her response, but whatever she said made Jace's jaw tighten. His next words sent ice through my veins.

"Make a stop by Wikus when you arrive."

I turned to him, horror creeping into my voice.

"Jace... what's going on?"

He didn't look at me, eyes locked on the road.

"Wikus knew what would happen if he crossed any lines."

A cold chill ran down my spine.

I gripped the edge of my coat, my breath unsteady.

"Are you saying Anna is going to kill him?"

Finally, Jace glanced at me.

And he didn't need to say a word.

His expression was answer enough.

"No," I gasped, reaching for his arm. "Jace, please! Don't do this!"

He turned his attention to the road again, increasing the volume on the classical music playing.

"Wikus knew what he was doing."

"But he didn't do anything wrong!" I protested.

Jace's fingers flexed on the wheel.

"You don't know what type of man you slept with."

Goosebumps spread across my arms at his tone — calm, measured, but tinted with something far darker.

Would he see any reason? I'd never seen him so stubborn.

"What does it matter?" I asked. "We're not even dating anymore."

Jace's pupils narrowed, and I went still. With the way his hair was still a bit unkept, he truly looked like a man who shouldn't be tested.

Maybe I chose the wrong words...

"Then you'd rather date him?" he asked.

"No... I just don't think it's such a big deal..."

It wasn't like anything happened after all. I just slept by his side...

Jace chuckled.

"I keep forgetting you're not as innocent as you pretend to be," he said coldly. "Fine. Let me show you the truth of the man whose bed you're so eager to crawl into."

Without warning, he took a sharp turn, veering off the main road.

The city faded behind us as we drove toward the outskirts, the streets giving way to dense trees and winding roads. My pulse pounded as I watched the world grow more desolate around us.

"Why are you being like this?" I asked, my voice breaking. "Just... please. Cancel whatever you planned. There's no need to go that far... You don't have to kill him."

Jace exhaled, shaking his head.

"Anna will be in town tonight. She'll take care of Wikus for me. I have no desire to clean up his sort of trash."

"No," I whispered, my hands trembling. "Jace, please! Stop this!"

He ignored me.

I gave up on pleading and instead started praying to whoever was willing to listen. Even though recently it felt harder and harder to believe anyone was listening at all.

Eventually, the trees thinned, and an eerie structure loomed in the distance. My stomach twisted at the sight of the old building, its towering iron gates creaking open as we drove through.

I read the sign board we passed, and my heart dropped to my feet.

New Hale Asylum.

Panic gripped me as Jace pulled up to the entrance, his movements eerily methodical as he stepped out and came around to my side. Before I could react, he unbuckled me and helped me out of the car.

I was still barefoot, barely covered by my silk nightdress, robe, and coat. The cold air bit at my skin, but it was nothing compared to the icy dread settling in my chest.

I wanted to run.

"I'm looking to book this girl in," he said smoothly, "under Mister Wikus Crowley's name."

My eyes widened.

The woman didn't even flinch. She simply nodded, as if this was routine.

"Of course. We can get the paperwork started."

I couldn't breathe.

Jace tilted his head.

"But first, I'd like a tour."

There was a pause — just long enough for a presence to make itself known. From the corner of my eye, I saw a tall, tanned man in a crisp suit approach, his smile warm but his eyes sharp with quiet calculation. He extended a hand toward Jace.

"Ah, Mister Crowley," he greeted smoothly. "I'd like to formally introduce myself as the director of this institute. I'm Doctor Victor Wolfe. It's a pleasure to finally meet in person. Your donations have been incredibly generous."

Jace turned toward him, shaking his hand with an easy smile.

"I'm glad to hear that, Doctor Wolfe."

"Please, call me Victor."

The doctor shifted his gaze to me, assessing.

I clutched my arm, nervous under his scrutiny. Being barefoot and with my hair still disheveled from sleep probably wasn't the best look...

"This facility takes excellent care of all its patients," Victor said. "We'll ensure Miss..."

"Lucy," Jace answered.

The man smiled.

"We'll ensure Miss Lucy is well looked after."

My head spun as the doctor gestured for us to follow him down the dimly lit hallways.

Jace's hand remained on the small of my back, guiding me forward. I wanted to dig my heels into the floor, to demand answers, but couldn't find my voice or my nerve.

Everything about this place unsettled me — the pale green walls, the flickering lights, the quiet hum of voices behind closed doors. As we passed different rooms, I caught glimpses of people sitting listlessly on their beds or staring out of barred windows.

Why were we here?

Jace didn't really mean to book me in, did he?

We turned a corner, and the hallway opened into a large common room. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic and old paper. Patients milled about, some sitting in stiff chairs, others at tables playing chess or daydreaming.

But it was the far corner of the room that made my blood run cold.

A group of women sat together, utterly focused on their drawings and paintings. Their hands moved with an eerie sense of calm, their gazes distant.

Dark hair. Pale skin.

They all looked alike.

They all looked like me.

My breath stopped. My body went rigid.

Jace stood close, his presence steady beside me, but I felt like the floor was tilting beneath my feet.

The director of the asylum turned to speak with one of the caretakers, his voice a distant murmur.

I couldn't move. I couldn't think.

I just stared at the women.

And suddenly, I wasn't sure if I wanted to know the answer to the question forming in my mind.

Jace lifted his hand and gestured toward the women, his voice eerily casual.

"If I remember correctly... Their names are Leah, Liana, Lauren, Layla, and Lisa."

I flinched at the names, my gaze flickering between their vacant smiles and the delicate brush strokes they painted onto their canvases.

"All of them were once Wikus' muse," Jace continued. "And all of them lost their minds by the end of it."

I barely felt my feet move as Jace guided me forward. The women lifted their heads, their eyes locking onto mine.

And their smiles grew.

Soft. Sweet. Empty.

My guts twisted as I took in their blissful, detached expressions. Something was wrong. Something was terribly, horribly wrong. They felt more like props than people.

I swallowed hard.

"What did he do to them?"

Jace sighed, tilting his head slightly.

"Technically? Nothing."

I turned to him sharply, my breath catching.

"They just ended up like this," he said, glancing toward the women. "After they spent too much time with him."

My blood ran cold.

Was this real?

I took a step back, but Jace caught my wrist, his grip firm but not painful. His gaze locked onto mine, dark and serious.

"The last thing I want is for you to end up like them," he said. "It would be too boring to kill."

My chest tightened, my mind reeling.

Before I could respond, Victor returned, his voice smooth and professional.

"Mister Crowley," he addressed Jace. "Would you like to book Miss Lucy in today?"

Jace turned to me, studying me.

A chill that had nothing to do with the temperature crawled up my spine.

Could I really get locked up here?

He let out a quiet sigh and shook his head.

"Not today. I'll give her another chance to adjust before I resort to this."

The doctor nodded, seemingly unbothered.

"As you wish, but," his eyes darted to me again and I suddenly had the strangest feeling prickle the back of my neck. His smile was so faint it might not have been real. "If you do decide to entrust her with us, I'll be sure to take personal care of her."

Jace didn't bother with replying. He simply turned and guided me back toward the exit. But the whole time, I felt eyes on my back.

My legs barely managed to carry me once we stepped outside. The thick forest loomed around the property, the afternoon sun barely piercing through the dense canopy.

I couldn't shake the image of those women.

What had they endured to end up like that?

Would I really end up like them if I spent more time with Wikus?

Jace opened the car door for me, and I slid inside, my mind a tangled mess of horror and confusion.

As he started the engine and drove us off, his voice cut through the silence.

"Do you understand now?" he asked, the asylum fading in the distance. "Why you shouldn't get involved with him?"

My lips pressed together, and I stared at the trees blurring past.

It was true seeing those women gave me quite the scare...

And yet...

My thoughts flickered back to the night before — the way Wikus had clung to me in his sleep, the way he had seemed so vulnerable.

Could that really be the same man who had done this?

I needed answers. From him.

I turned to Jace, my resolve hardening.

"Please don't kill Wikus."

Jace slammed the brakes.

The tires screeched against the pavement, jolting me forward as the car came to an abrupt stop in the middle of nowhere.

The dense forest surrounded us, stretching endlessly on either side of the narrow road. There was no sound except for the distant rustling of leaves and the faint calls of birds.

Jace turned to me slowly.

"How," he said, voice quiet, measured, "can you still be on his side?"

I swallowed, my throat dry.

"I'm not—"

"You just begged me to spare him."

I clenched my hands into fists, forcing myself to hold his gaze.

"I have to hear it from him. I need to know—"

Jace let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head.

"Unbelievable."

His fingers drummed against the steering wheel, his jaw clenching.

"Has he already wormed his way into your head?" he asked. "Have you already forgotten all sense of reason?"

I opened my mouth, but he didn't stop.

"Then again," he mused, leaning back against his seat, "you seem to have a type." His eyes flickered over me, sharp and knowing. "You really have a taste for getting hurt, don't you?"

My mouth parted slightly.

"He saved my life!" I explained. "More than once... Of course I have to at least give him a chance to explain himself..."

Jace's eyes narrowed, the sun catching the reddish-brown tint in his gaze.

"How many times must I remind you? No one wants to save you, Lucy. Everyone's just saving you for later. Not a single person in your life isn't using you for something they can get out of you. Whether it's money, pleasure, or their own twisted visions. Nobody wants you for you. They just want you because you're easy."

My lip trembled.

"That's not true..."

"Ha," he brushed his hair back. "Keep lying to yourself like that and you'll really end up with those girls back there."

My eyes fell to my lap.

I didn't know how to reply.

I wanted to keep refusing his cruel words, but for some reason couldn't find the strength.

"Please," was all I managed. "Just give him one more chance..."

Jace sighed.

"I'll spare him," he said, "but only if you win a game."

A sinking feeling settled in my stomach.

"A... game?" I echoed, glancing up hesitantly.

Jace's lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile.

"If I make you finish before sunset, before Anna gets back to town, then he dies," he said, his tone as casual. "But if you hold out, I'll let him live."

"Finish?" I asked.

He smirked and the hairs on my nape rose as I got his meaning.

Oh... He meant that...

Was he joking? He couldn't possibly be serious...

I tried again, my voice rising.

"Jace, I'm not—"

"You have one minute," he cut in smoothly.

I blinked.

"What?"

"One minute," he repeated, already loosening the top buttons of his shirt. "And then the game starts."

Panic shot through me like lightning.

"Is this really needed?" I tried reasoning.

He took off his expensive watch, glancing at the time.

"Fifty seconds."

I didn't think. I didn't hesitate.

I threw the door open and bolted.

Jace was the last sort of person to be tested...

The cold air hit my bare legs as I sprinted into the forest, my breath ragged, my heart pounding in my ears.

I didn't dare look back.

There were still hours left until sunset. And if I wanted to save Wikus...

I had to get as far away from Jace as possible.

Branches clawed at my arms, my legs, my face. The long coat I wore kept snagging against the underbrush, slowing me down. Without thinking, I yanked it off and let it fall behind me. The silk of my nightdress clung to my skin, the robe barely staying on my shoulders, but I didn't stop. I couldn't.

Jace was behind me somewhere. I didn't know how far, but I knew one thing — he was stronger, faster, and smarter than me.

If he caught up, it was over.

So I kept running.

My muscles burned, but I pushed through it, finding a rhythm, falling into an old instinct.

Memories surged back — flashes from my childhood.

Lucas, Charlie, and I racing through the woods, laughing, shouting. Barefoot, wild, untouchable. We used to run for hours, weaving through the trees like we were part of them. I tapped into that now, letting my body remember the way to move, the way to duck, dodge, jump.

Then there was the stamina from years of cycling, the endless pedaling.

I knew I could never be better than Jace.

But I didn't need to be better.

Just good enough.

The forest thickened, the trees pressing closer together, their shadows swallowing me whole.

I needed to get to the road.

If I could flag down a car, get someone to stop, Jace wouldn't be able to do anything. He couldn't start his twisted game if he couldn't catch me. And if he couldn't catch me, Wikus would be safe.

I adjusted my course, making a wide arc through the trees, my lungs burning as I pushed myself harder. The forest was dense, making it difficult to see too far ahead, but I trusted my instincts. The road had to be nearby.

Then, through the gaps in the trees, I saw brightness — an opening. Relief surged through me, and I sprinted toward it with everything I had.

But when I broke through the clearing, my stomach dropped.

Instead of the road, I stood at the edge of a river.

The rushing water stretched out before me, cold and relentless. This had to be New Hale River.... The same one that cut through the city. It was wide, deep, and cold this time of year.

I glanced around, heart pounding. The road had to be somewhere down the river. If I could follow the stream, then maybe—

"Lucyyyy!"

I froze.

Turning sharply, I spotted Jace standing upriver, watching me. His chest rose and fell steadily, not even out of breath, his gaze locked onto me.

"Stopping already, Luce?" he teased playfully. "If you don't run, I'm going to fuck you until you're sobbing."

He took a step forward, smirking.

"Keep running, Luce."

Panic surged through me, my body moving before I could think.

I jumped.

The second I hit the water, the cold ripped the air from my lungs. It felt like knives against my skin, like I'd been thrown into pure ice. The current grabbed me instantly, yanking me forward and sweeping me downstream.

I gasped, my arms and legs kicking instinctively as I forced myself to stay above the surface. I was moving fast — faster than I ever could on foot. The river was my best chance to put distance between Jace and me.

Then, a splash.

I whipped my head around, my stomach twisting in disbelief.

Jace had jumped in after me.

No hesitation. No pause. He was cutting through the water with powerful strokes, closing the distance between us far too quickly.

A new wave of panic shot through me. I thrashed harder, trying to move faster, but the river's current had me in its grip. Still, Jace was stronger — he was gaining.

I barely had time to suck in a breath before a firm hand clamped onto my wrist.

"No—"

Water surged up my nose as he yanked me toward him, his grip unbreakable. I kicked, struggling, but he didn't let go.

With forceful strokes, he dragged us both to the riverbank, pulling me onto the cold, muddy shore. I coughed, shivering, water dripping from my hair.

Jace loomed over me, water streaming down his face, his hair almost black.

"Did you really think I'd let you get away?" he murmured.

The cold seeped into my bones, but Jace's body pressed against me, radiating warmth.

Water dripped from both of us, our clothes clinging to our skin. My silk robe had slipped from my shoulders, half off me, useless against the cold. And my nightdress was drenched, clinging to every curve of my body.

Jace's eyes trailed down. He had been calm the whole time, but his gaze suddenly darkened.

Then, he kissed me.

I gasped against his lips, my breath hitching. His mouth was hot, the contrast against my chilled skin making my head spin.

I loved it. I hated that I loved it.

But I had to think.

The sky was still bright. At least another hour before sunset. If I let Jace have his way, I knew I would lose the game.

I pressed my hands against his chest, trying to push him off. He didn't budge. Instead, he grabbed my wrists and pinned them above my head against the damp, mossy rocks.

"Jace—" I started, but his lips were back on mine, stealing the words before I could finish them.

His body pressed against me, solid, unyielding. Even through the soaked fabric, I could feel his heat, the barely restrained strength he was clinging onto. It made my stomach flutter, and my body betray me.

Then his free hand moved, sliding down, cupping my breast through the thin fabric. A whimper escaped me before I could stop it.

Jace smiled against my mouth. He had me exactly where he wanted.

And he knew it.

His hand moved away from my chest, burning my skin as it trailed down my side. When his fingers hooked around my panties, my breath caught. Without a second of doubt, he began pulling them down and I seized the opportunity.

I twisted my body, using the slickness of the wet moss beneath me to slip from his grasp and lose my underwear in the process. He swore under his breath, but I was already moving, scrambling across the rocks, ignoring the sting of cold air against my skin. My limbs were heavy, sluggish from the river's chill, but I pushed forward, my breath coming in frantic gasps.

I didn't make it far.

Jace caught me before I could find my footing, his arms locking around my waist as he dragged me back against him. My back pressed to his chest, his breath hot against my neck as he let out a low chuckle.

"You're pretty desperate," he murmured, his tone dripping with approval. "I like seeing you crawling like your life depends on it... It's a nice view."

His arms tightened, and I felt something solid and warm press against my butt. My mind spun, searching for another way out, another edge I could grasp.

Then, an idea struck.

If I couldn't get away, maybe I just needed to play for time.

Taking a deep breath, I turned in his grasp until I faced him. Jace raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"What now?" he asked, watching me like a predator humoring its prey.

I didn't answer. Instead, I leaned in, pressing my lips to his.

It was a gamble, but it worked — Jace responded instantly, his grip loosening just enough. I moved quickly, pushing him back with me until we rolled over onto the damp grass, reversing our positions. Now I was the one above him.

Jace let out a short laugh, his eyes gleaming.

"What are you up to?" he teased.

Swallowing my hesitation, I reached for the buttons of his soaked jacket, slipping it off his shoulders. His smirk deepened.

"Oh, now this is interesting," he said, his voice low.

I ignored him, my fingers brushing against his skin, tracing the way the water clung to him. I thought about the way he kissed me, the way he always found ways to make me unravel. Maybe, just this once, I could turn the tables.

My lips brushed his neck and I teased and kissed him there as best I could, my hips slowly rolling along him.

How long could I really distract him with kissing alone?

But what else could I do?

My mind suddenly wondered back to the first night Jace and I had slept together. When I watched Wikus with Lara... My face heated up as I remembered one of the things she did...

Could I do that too?

Steeling myself, I let my hands travel down his torso, tracing the hard ridges of his muscles while my lips continued to taste his neck and shoulder. My heart raced like crazy as I unbuckled his pants.

Jace exhaled a laugh, his hands gripping my hips.

"You're cute when you try," he teased. "But we both know you're terrible with your hands."

My face deepened a shade of red at the humiliation, but I didn't stop.

I left kisses lower down his body. Focusing on his chest, his waist, and going past his V line.

Jace watched me the whole time, keeping eye contact. He was enjoying this, but he wasn't letting his guard down completely.

"You really think you can beat me at my own game?" he murmured, his fingers tracing slow circles against my hips. "I know exactly what you're doing."

I swallowed hard but didn't let myself hesitate. If he knew, then I had to try even harder.

Without wasting anymore time, I pulled him free from his boxers and put my mouth around his tip.

Jace stiffened beneath me, his amused smirk faltering. His hands, which had been gripping my hips, tightened.

"Luce, what are you—"

I had no idea what I was doing, but I tried imagining what would feel good. My tongue slid over him, and I blinked in surprise. It didn't taste as bad as I imagined. Mostly, I tasted river and something clean.

Wait, focus, I reminded myself.

While my mouth kept him busy, my hands carefully went down to his shoes...

His breath hitched as I tried tasting more, curiosity driving me.

"Where the hell did you pick that up..." Jace groaned, his hands moving to my head and holding me, unsure whether to push me away or pull me deeper.

Heat gathered in my stomach with an unexpected rush.

Hearing him like this... Like he was at my mercy... It fueled me even more.

I tucked my wet hair behind my ear and closed my eyes as I tried taking more of him in my mouth. It felt like my jaw needed to get unhinged just to fit him.

But what now? I remembered Lara's head moving. Do I do that too?

"No teeth," Jace said, his voice breathy as his fingers tangled in my hair, a low groan escaping him. "Just..."

I tried making more room in my mouth, avoiding using any teeth, and started moving along him. He groaned, his hips rocking slightly.

Was this what Wikus meant by eating someone?

My heart raced even harder, a tingling heat spreading between my legs.

This was fun... Hearing him so affected... Feeling him tense and twitch... I wanted more of it.

"Luce... That's..." His voice was rough. "That's enough..."

It was far from enough for me.

I felt like I was only just getting the hang of it.

More confident than before, I moved my head faster and imagined myself sucking on a treat. Meanwhile, my hands moved to his hips, slipping into his pocket. My tongue swirled along, fascinated by the texture... The veins and the way I could feel the blood pumping through him. I couldn't stop.

I stole a glance upward, and for once, Jace wasn't grinning. His head was tilted back, his lips slightly parted, his amusement shifting into something more desperate. He muttered something under his breath, barely audible over the sound of the river behind us.

Was I really the one making him this weak?

I pushed myself a little harder, taking in as much of him as I possibly could — though I doubt I was even halfway.

Jace looked up for a second and our eyes locked.

But I didn't stop. I went even faster than before, my eyes tearing up from the effort I was putting in.

"Jesus, Luce..." he breathed, biting his lip.

His grip in my hair tensed for a fleeting moment, and then—

Jace let out a low groan, his body going rigid. I barely had time to react before something hot filled my mouth. Surprised at the sensation, I pulled back and spat it out onto the grass.

Jace burst out laughing, his usual smugness returning at full force.

"Did you have to spit it out like that?" he chuckled.

I wiped at my mouth. It didn't taste bad... but it definitely was weird.

My eyes darted back to Jace who didn't seem to notice anything yet.

It's now or never...

Without wasting any more time, I scrambled back to my feet and darted back up the river. Cold air slammed against my exposed skin, the soaked fabric of my nightdress doing little to keep me warm.

"Now where do you think you're—" Jace called through laughter but suddenly hesitated. "Oh, so that was your plan." He laughed even louder than before.

I risked a glance over my shoulder and smirked.

His shoelaces were tied together.

"See you back in the city!" I called.

"You better run faster than that, Luce!" he teased back.

I suppressed a chuckle and focussed on running again, sparing a brief glance at my hand and the car keys I'd snagged from his pocket.

If I could retrace my steps back to his car, I could maybe win... Although I didn't know how to drive, if I just locked myself inside until sunset, he shouldn't be able to reach me, right?

Fueled by my new plan, I ran through the forest. My breath came in sharp bursts, my bare feet barely feeling the cold earth beneath me. The sun had started dipping lower, casting long shadows between the trees, and for once, I felt a flicker of hope.

Finally, I spotted Jace's sleek red car in the distance, exactly where he had left it. Relief surged through me as I sprinted toward it, fumbling with the keys in my hand. My fingers shook as I pressed the unlock button, the soft beep confirming my freedom was within reach.

I was so close...

Just one more inch...

Just as I reached for the handle, strong arms wrapped around me from behind.

I gasped, struggling, but Jace lifted me with ease and spun me around, pressing me onto the warm metal of the car's hood. My back hit the bonnet, my damp nightdress clinging to me as Jace loomed over me with that maddening smirk.

"Clever," he murmured, his rich brown eyes gleaming. "I had to actually try this time."

I twisted beneath him, trying to shove him off, but his body was solid, unmoving. He pinned my wrists with one hand, his breath warm against my cheek.

"You know, I probably could've caught up to you sooner," he whispered, "but I couldn't stop laughing at the thought of you running through the woods without panties."

My face burned.

"Jace, let me go—"

But he wasn't listening. His free hand trailed down my body, his fingers slipping between my thighs. I gasped, my body tensing as he brushed against me, his smile widening.

"Still wet from the river," he murmured, his fingers teasing. "Or is it for me?"

I let out a sharp breath, my body betraying me with the way it reacted to his touch. Heat spread through me, a frustrating mix of anger and desire.

"Stop— someone might see us," I pleaded, my voice trembling as I squirmed beneath him.

Jace laughed softly.

"The only people who use this road are from the asylum. And trust me, it's not a busy place." His lips found my throat, his breath hot against my skin as his fingers continued their torment.

"Jace, please," I gasped. "Just... just give me another chance to run."

He lifted his head, his smirk softening into something almost affectionate.

"No more chances, Luce."

I struggled against him, twisting and pushing, but he barely budged. As if my resistance was nothing, he leaned down and kissed me, his lips rough, his teeth nipping at my throat. And all the while, his fingers continued to torture me beneath my soaked dress.

I clenched my jaw, desperate to fight it, desperate to hold on. But Jace knew exactly what he was doing. He always did.

"You're really holding out, huh?" he murmured. "I guess you already got your fill with Wikus."

His words sent a jolt through me, confusion cutting through the haze of sensation.

"What?" I barely managed, my breath ragged.

Jace leaned in, his voice low, almost dangerous.

"Who makes you moan more? Him?" His body pressed closer, and I felt the tip of him nudge against me, replacing his fingers. "Or me?"

Before I could answer, before I could even process what he meant, he pushed forward, and I lost my mind.

Every thought I had vanished, replaced by sensation, by the overwhelming fullness that left me gasping.

I clung to the car beneath me, my fingers digging into the metal as I gritted my teeth, desperate not to lose control. The sun hadn't set. There was still time.

Jace moved lazily, every motion slow but forceful, coaxing every reaction out of me with maddening precision.

"Come on, Luce," he murmured against my ear. "Tell me. Who feels better?"

What did he mean?

Wikus and I never—

Wait... Did Jace think the two of us had sex last night? Was there some sort of misunderstanding?

Jace's grip tightened, his movements pushing me closer to the edge I couldn't afford to cross. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to hold on, but he wasn't making it easy.

If I lost this game, Wikus would die.

Over a misunderstanding...

I couldn't let that happen... I had to make him understand the truth...

Just as my mouth parted, Jace suddenly gripped my throat. His hips were moving faster, his eyes glazed over in both pleasure and frustration as he watched me.

"You're tensing up," he teased. "I can feel it... I've been inside you enough to know when you're close. It looks like I'll be winning this game after all."

I gasped, barely able to think as his movements pushed me closer to the edge. My mind was spinning, but his next words sent a chill through my veins.

"I hope Anna makes it painful," he whispered, his voice as cruel as it was casual. "Maybe I'll give you a piece of him if you beg for it. Got any favorite body parts?"

That snapped me out of my haze. My hands pushed weakly against him, my voice hoarse.

"Wait — Jace, there's a misunderstanding."

He didn't slow down.

"What misunderstanding?"

I swallowed hard, struggling to find my voice.

"I never—" I gasped, shaking my head, trying to focus. "I never had sex with Wikus. Nothing happened between us."

Jace hesitated, his body stilling just for a moment.

"You're lying," he said, though something in his voice wavered.

"I'm not," I choked out. "I fell asleep next to him, that's all. I swear it — on my soul."

His fingers flexed around my throat, cutting off my breath for a moment. My pulse pounded in my ears.

"If this is true, why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked.

I coughed, struggling against his grip.

"I—I didn't realize... I didn't know you thought that—"

Jace's hold tightened just enough to make my vision blur at the edges. Then, suddenly, he laughed. A low, bitter sound.

"Of course," he muttered. "I should've known you were dumb enough to let something like that happen. I suppose it's my fault then. This isn't even the first time..."

He chuckled. 

"I can't decide if I want to kill you or fuck you right now. Maybe both."

Despite the threat, relief flooded me.

"Does that mean you won't kill Wikus?" I asked breathlessly.

Jace grinned.

"I didn't say that." His grip on me shifted. "Besides, our game isn't over yet."

And with that, he pinned me down harder, his pace turning punishing.

I cried out, barely able to hold on. I clenched my teeth, desperate not to lose, but he knew exactly how to break me. Every movement, every teasing whisper against my skin, sent me spiraling. He was relentless.

"You're struggling," he taunted, his voice thick with satisfaction. "Why not just give in?"

"Please," I gasped, clutching at him. "Just—just stop this game. Wikus didn't do anything wrong."

Jace didn't stop.

"Don't care," he said simply. "Still annoyed."

I whimpered, my body trembling.

"If you kill him, I won't forgive you."

His response was to press deeper, forcing a sharp cry from my lips.

"Do I look like I care about forgiveness?" he murmured against my throat. "I'm already headed for hell."

I could barely breathe.

"It's not too late," I pleaded, grasping onto anything that might reach him. "You can still save your soul..."

Jace laughed against my skin.

"I'd rather have you begging for forgiveness," he said.

He pounded into me relentlessly, making me tremble beneath him.

I was losing control. My vision blurred, my body seconds away from giving in. I tried to push him away, but he held me down.

"Stop," I whimpered. "Please—"

"Keep begging," he whispered, and I could hear the smirk in his voice.

So I did. I begged him to stop. To let me go. Anything to make it end.

He slowed just enough to ask, "Do you really want that?"

I bit my lip.

The sun was sinking lower, but not fast enough. If I could just hold on a little longer—

No... I was already at my end.

"Spare him," I pleaded. "I'll do anything you want. Please."

That made him pause. He tilted his head, his damp hair brushing his brow.

"Anything?"

I nodded frantically.

"Anything."

His fingers traced my cheek, his touch deceptively gentle.

"Kill someone for me," he said.

My breath hitched.

"What?"

"You heard me." His tone was almost playful. "Kill someone by New Year's. If you don't, I'll kill Wikus. And you."

A knot twisted inside my chest.

"I—I can't—"

"You don't have to do it now," he said easily, as if he were asking for a favor. "Just by New Year's."

I was trapped.

There was no way out.

But... I suppose agreeing, even if I didn't mean it, would at least by Wikus some more time.

"Okay," I whispered. "I'll do it."

Jace smiled. 

"Are you lying?"

"I'm not!"

"Then we have a deal, Miss Starling. And the best way to seal a deal..." He leaned down, biting my lip until a coppery tang coated my tongue. I gasped as he pulled back. "Is in blood."

Before I could even process what had just happened, he moved again. Faster than before. One of his hands went down to stimulate me even more while his tongue slid into my mouth.

That was all it took.

The relief, along with the overwhelming feeling inside... It snapped the last string I was holding onto. I came undone beneath him, my body no longer under my control.

Jace groaned, his grip tightening as he found his own release, burying himself deep inside me as I trembled in the aftermath.

My chest heaved, my eyes barely staying open.

The sun dipped lower, shadows stretching across the road.

Was it finally over?

The low hum of an approaching engine sent a jolt of panic through me. My breath hitched, my body tensing beneath Jace as my eyes darted toward the road.

A car.

Jace noticed too, but unlike me, he didn't panic. His grip tightened around me, and before I could react, he lifted me effortlessly, carrying me off the hood of the car and shoving me into the back seat. The door slammed shut just as the vehicle sped past, its headlights flashing through the trees before disappearing into the distance.

I barely had a moment to catch my breath before Jace was on me again. His weight pressed me into the leather, his lips trailing down my throat.

"Jace, wait," I gasped, pushing weakly against him. "You have to call Anna. Tell her to stop. Wikus—"

Jace chuckled, his breath warm against my ear.

"Not yet," he murmured, his hands sliding lower. "I'm not satisfied."

My mouth parted.

"There's no time—"

"Then you'd better work hard," he said, his tone mocking.

I tried to reason with him, but he was relentless. My protests dissolved into gasps, my body betraying me once again. Even as he pulled me under, even as I clung to him, my mind spun with desperation. I couldn't lose sight of why I was here.

"Please," I whispered against his skin. "Please, Jace..."

He didn't answer. Or maybe he did, but I was too lost, too frantic to understand his response. My hands gripped his shoulders, nails digging into his skin as wave after wave of sensation tore through me, but my mind never left Wikus.

Was Anna already on her way?

Was he even still alive?

Even after I finished twice, Jace wasn't done. I was beyond exhausted from all the running, and still damp from my dip in the river, but he didn't seem to care.

Perhaps this was his way of getting back at me...

I begged and pleaded for him to call Anna. Bargained between ragged breaths, but he only smirked, taking his time, drawing it out, forcing me to feel everything.

I barely held on. My body ached, my heart pounded. I lost count of how many times he pulled me over that edge, my mind blurring with exhaustion and fear.

"Keep begging," he taunted. "It'll only make me harder."

My voice grew weaker, my consciousness slipping. And just before everything went black, my last thought was still on Wikus.

And whether or not I was already too late.

***

Heyyy

Anywayssssss... Are there any Wikus girlies still around? XD I think most of y'all are running away by now ahaha.

SUMMARY FOR THOSE THAT SKIPPED: Jace chases lucy through the forest and tells her if she 'finishes' he'll kill Wikus. So she tries to get away. While excaping, she jumps into a river but jace drags her out and kisses her on the river bank. Some foreplay goes on and Lucy uses the opurtunity to tie his shoe laces and grab his car keys before running away again. But just as she reaches the car, Jace catches her and they have sex on the bonnet. She begs for Wikus' life and Jace says he'll spare him if Lucy agrees to kill someone before New Year. She agrees even if she doesn't think she'll follow through. They then continue to have sex until she passes out in the backseat of the car XD

~Holly Shmit