Chapter 112
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The training isited for two andid Hymers, and I’d refused to stop until Id gotten the hang of several basic maneuvers.
My body was wore in places I’d never felt before, my hands were cramped from gpping the handlebars so tightly, and there was a thin layer of sweat under
ry badet, but I had never felt more alive.
Derek had been genuinely surprised at how quickly I picked things up. By the end of our session, I could start Claire smoothly, navigate simple turns
without wobbling, and even come to controlled stops without stalling the engine
“You’re a natural, he kept saying, shaking his head in amazement. Most people like weeks to get comfortable with the basics, and
like you’ve been riding for months.”
The praise sent warmth flooding through my chest, but it also made me hungry for more.
“I think I’m ready to start racing, I announced as I pulled off my helmet, my hair sticking up in every direction.
Derek burst out laughing, a sound so genuine and surprised that it echoed across the empty practice area. “Racing? Athena, you can’t race until you’ve practiced for months. Maybe even a year.”
“Months?” The word came out like a protest. The idea of waiting that long when I could feel how right this was, how natural it felt to be on two wheels,
seemed impossible.
I couldn’t wait months. Not when I’d finally found something that made me feel this free, this powerful, this completely myself.
“I don’t think I can wait that long,” I said honestly.
Derek studied my face, probably seeing the determination there, and after a moment his expression shifted from amused to thoughtful.
“Okay, how about this,” he said finally. “When you’re absolutely certain you’re ready, when you’ve put in enough practice time that I’m confident you won’t get yourself killed, I’ll bring some people to test with you.”
“What kind of people?”
“The beginners. We call them the babies,” he said with a grin. “New riders, people just starting out in competitive racing. You’d start from the very bottom
and work your way up.”
I didn’t mind starting at the bottom. Hell, I’d crawl if it meant I got a chance to race eventually.
‘Deal,” I said without hesitation, extending my hand for him to shake.
‘Deal,” he agreed, his handshake firm and warm.
When it came time to leave, I realized I couldn’t take Claire home with me. The thought of Orion or Tristan seeing her before I was re anxiety shooting through my stomach.
I wasn’t prepared for those conversations yet, wasn’t ready to defend my choices or listen to lectures about safety and responsibility.
lain sent
“Could you keep her here for me?” I asked Derek, running my hand along Claire’s seat one more time. “Just until I figure out how to handle things at home?”
“Of course. She’ll be safe in the garage with the other bikes.”
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Chapter 112
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The ride home in Derek’s car was comfortable in a way that surprised me. He did’t push for conversation, seemed content to let me process the evening in my own time, But when we got to my apartment building, he insisted on walking me to my door.
“It’s late, he said when I tried to protest. “I want to make sure you get inside safely.”
I couldn’t argue with that logic, especially not after everything he’d done for me day. The least I could do was let him be a gentleman.
Standing in front of my apartment door, fumbling with my keys, I felt awkward about how to end the evening. Derek had given me something incredible today, something that felt like the beginning of a whole new version of myself, and a simple thank you didn’t seem adequate.
Comments
blackmoonsage
ants >
jeez he was making sure your safe even if you can defend yourself a men has more strength two is better then
one
