Taming the flames

**Maddox's POV**

The fire crackled behind us as the party swirled around, but all I could focus on was Killian's presence beside me. I felt a pull toward him, a mixture of curiosity and caution. After a few minutes of light conversation, he leaned in closer, his voice low.

"Want to go for a ride?" he asked, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "I promise I'll take it easy."

I hesitated, the thrill of the idea battling with my nerves. "On what?"

He grinned, motioning toward a sleek dirt bike parked nearby, the engine rumbling softly. "My bike. It'll be fun."

"Isn't that a little dangerous?" I challenged, raising an eyebrow.

"Only if you're not holding on tight," he said with a playful smirk.

Before I could overthink it, I found myself nodding. "Okay, but if I fall off, it's your fault."

He laughed, standing and extending a hand to help me up. As I followed him, I felt a rush of adrenaline. This was reckless, but part of me craved the thrill.

We approached the bike, and he swung his leg over the seat, motioning for me to hop on behind him. I climbed on, feeling the warmth of the engine radiate through my legs. My heart raced as I wrapped my arms around his waist, leaning against his back.

"Ready?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied, trying to sound braver than I felt.

He revved the engine, and with a sudden burst of power, we shot forward into the night. The cool air whipped past us as we sped over the sand dunes, the world around us blurring into a wild rush. I couldn't help but laugh, exhilarated by the freedom of the ride.

As we climbed higher on the dunes, the stars sparkled above us, and I felt alive in a way I hadn't in a long time. Killian navigated the terrain with skill, the bike soaring over the hills and dipping into the valleys.

After what felt like an eternity, we slowed down, stopping at a secluded spot on a dune. I slid off the bike, breathless and grinning. Killian dismounted beside me, his eyes bright with excitement.

"See? Not so bad, right?" he said, running a hand through his hair.

"Not bad at all," I admitted, still buzzing from the ride. "That was amazing!"

We stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of the party muffled in the distance. The sky was clear, the stars shining brightly above us, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfect.

Killian turned to me, his expression serious. "I've missed this. I've missed you."

The weight of his words hung between us, and my heart fluttered. "You're not the only one," I said softly, unsure where this was heading.

He stepped closer, the warmth radiating from him drawing me in. "I know we have a lot to figure out, but I want to try. I really do."

I could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken feelings pressing down on us like the heavy night sky. "It's complicated, Killian. I'm not sure how to do this."

"I get it," he said, his voice low. "But I want to be here. I don't want to run away again."

In that moment, something shifted. The distance between us felt charged, electric. I searched his eyes, looking for any sign of insincerity, but all I found was honesty and hope.

"Maybe we could start by just being here tonight," I suggested, taking a small step closer.

He smiled, and the tension broke, if only for a moment. "I'd like that."

We stood there, the night wrapping around us, and I could feel my heart pounding. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. In the distance, I could hear the music from the party, laughter echoing, but all I could focus on was Killian and the possibilities that lay ahead.

"Let's get back before they send out a search party," I said, trying to lighten the mood, even as I felt a deeper connection forming.

"Alright," he agreed, stepping back toward the bike.

As I climbed on behind him again, I wrapped my arms around his waist, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The ride back felt different—more intimate. We moved in sync, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was happening between us.

When we reached the bonfire again, the laughter and music enveloped us. Killian parked the bike, and we hopped off, our moment lingering in the air like an unspoken promise.

"Thanks for the ride," I said, meeting his gaze.

"Anytime," he replied, a smile spreading across his face.

As we rejoined the party, I felt a sense of anticipation. Whatever lay ahead, I was ready to face it—with Killian by my side.