Page 318 of Fatality

“Of course I am.”

The air is alive with the roar of overclocked engines and the high-pitched scream of racing bikes revving at the starting grid.

Neon lights wash over hundreds of spectators packed behind barricades and perched on rooftops, their cheers blending with pounding bass that echoes through the industrial skyline.

Holographic displays flicker above the crowd as bookmakers shout the latest odds and Ghost Credit bets change hands in seconds.

Mechanics make last-minute adjustments beneath glowing work lights while racers exchange silent glances, each one knowing that when the countdown begins, only skill—and a little luck—will carry them to the next stage.

Ren is sitting beside me in the Charger's passenger seat.

The race starts in five minutes.

Racers are lining up.

My own people are making their final preparations.

My eyes glow as they scan the crowd, searching for one particular pain in my ass I can't—and won't—let go of.

There.

My breath catches.

She's walking toward the starting area in sneakers, oversized low-rise jeans, and nothing but a red sports bra.

But that's not what steals the air from my lungs, she's wearing Crimson Velocity's colors—Red and black.

I step out of the Charger and stalk toward her.

Without a word, I sweep her off the ground, spin her once, and crash my lips against hers violently.

“You got a death wish showing up here dressed like that?” I set her back on her feet. “Or are you trying to make me forfeit and leave with you? Because I fucking would.”

Riven chuckles and punches my shoulder.

Hard.

The pain dampeners kick in instantly.

“You're a brat,” I spit.

“So leave.” She crosses her arms, one eyebrow arching. “I've been telling you to leave me alone since day one.”

“Leave?” I lean closer, my voice dropping into a dangerous rumble. “The hell I will. I'm in this to the fucking bone. You're mine, troublemaker.”

I reach out and roughly brush my thumb across her lower lip.

“I'm exactly where I want to be. Anyway, I've gotta go.”

I straighten up.

“Or Ren will start scolding me, and when he does, it's all smart words only he understands. I don't need that shit.”

I tilt my head, searching her face. “You gonna watch me win?”

She grins. “You'd better win. If you die...” She points a finger at me. “I'm killing you.”

I laugh.