Chapter 123
The truth was, I wasn’t sure I wanted to become a celebrity. The racing community was tight–knit now, but going international would mean media
attention, interviews, people digging into my background.
There were parts of my past I preferred to keep buried, chapters of my story had no interest in sharing with the world.
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For now, I was content with the way things were. My life felt balanced challenging work during the day, thrilling races on weekends, and the growing satisfaction of proving myself in a world where respect had to be earned rather than given.
Tonight was my seventh race, and I knew it would be the most dangerous yet! The competition had been escalating each week as word spread about the mysterious female rider who was dominating the local circuit.
More experienced racers were showing up specifically to challenge me, and the races were becoming faster and more aggressive
But instead of fear, I felt excited. Danger had become my friend, a companion that sharpened my focus and heightened my might feel scared, I felt alive.
al people
“Hope you’re prepared for tonight, Derek said as I was heading toward the starting line. “This field is the strongest you’ve faced yet.”
‘More than prepared,” I replied with a confidence that would have seemed cocky coming from anyone else. But I’d earned the right to be confident.
Derek hugged me, as had become our tradition before each race. “Just be careful out there. I know you love the thrill, but I need you coming back in one
piece.”
The race itself was everything I’d expected – fast, dangerous, and absolutely exhilarating. The other riders pushed me harder than ever before, but I rose
to meet their challenge.
By the time we crossed the finish line, I was victorious once again, extending my winning streak to seven races.
I ran toward where Derek was standing, talking to someone I didn’t bother to look at in my excitement.
“Derek!” I yelled, running straight into his arms for our post–race celebration hug.
“How was I?‘ I asked, though I already knew from his expression that I’d impressed him once again.
“Amazing, as always,” he said, but there was something different in his voice. Something softer, more intense.
“Thank you,” I started to say, but then I noticed the way he was looking at me. There was something in his eyes I’d never seen before, something that
made my breath catch.
“Why are you looking at me that way?” I asked slowly.
‘I want to kiss you,” he said simply, the words hanging between us.
I should have stepped back. Should have reminded him that we were friends, that I wasn’t ready for anything more complicated than that.
But instead, I found myself curious. I wanted to know how it would feel, kissing someone who cared about me without any games or complications.
When Derek reached up to lift the edge of my face mask, I didn’t stop him. His movements were slow and careful, giving me every opportunity to pull away if I wanted to.
When his lips touched mine, the kiss was gentle, almost hesitant, like he wasn’t sure if this was really okay. But I didn’t push him away. Instead, I jet
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Chapter 123
fimm kiss me, and after a moment, I kissed him back.
It was nice. Sweet Uncomplicated in a way that felt like a relief after months of emotional turmoil.
The single word spoken behind me made every drop of blood in my body freete solid.
I knew that voice. I would know it anywhere, in any crowd, under any circumstances.
I turned around slowly, my heart hammering against my ribs, and found myself staring directly into the shocked face of Tristan Hayes.
