Page 78 of Redline Baby

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The shop after hours feels like another building entirely. Only a few lights are on. Chrome catches in the shadows. The lifts sit empty and still. I stand near the tool cabinet with my riding jacket draped over a stool, the T-shirt underneath damp around the collar. My heart still hasn't figured out that the ride is over. Soren gathers what he wants into a small bag.

I try not to stare at it. This is becoming increasingly difficult. He pulls a padded stool away from the wall and sets it near the center of the bay. The vinyl is cracked along one edge. Foam showing beneath. Soren sits. Boots flat on the concrete. Knees apart.

"Come here."

I go.

Of course I go.

He draws me between his knees.

His hands settle at my hips.

"Do you understand why we're here?"

"Yeah."

My voice is quiet.

"I was showing off."

Soren waits.

"And testing you."

Still nothing.

"I wanted to know if you'd actually do something."

There. The real answer.

"It was stupid."

"It was."

I wince.

"But I'm glad you understand that."

His hands remain at my hips.

"Before we start, tell me the rules."

I know immediately what he means.

"Yellow means slow down and check in."

"Good."

"Red means stop."

"And if you can't speak?"

"Three taps. Same as Red," I say.

His thumb moves once against my hip.