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The workday dragged on longer than usual, and I found myself checking the clock every few minutes. My mind kept wandering to the flexeers sisting in my apartment, to the note that had made me smile despite myself, and to the man who had sent them.
I’d stayed at my office throughout, avoiding both Tristan and Orion at once.
At exactly five o’clock, I heard a familiar knock on my office door. I looked up to see Tristan standing there, looking perfectly put together despite the long day.
“Ready to go?” he asked, but there was something in his tone that suggested this wasn’t just a casual offer to drive me home.
“Go where?” I asked, though I had a sinking feeling I already knew the answer.
‘You know where, Ath. You need to tell Orion about your racing.”
I did know. I’d been avoiding it all day, but I couldn’t put it off forever. Orion deserved to hear it from me rather than finding out some other way.
“I know,” I said quietly, gathering my things. “I just hoped maybe I could wait a little longer.”
“The longer you wait, the harder it’s going to be, Tristan said gently. And the more hurt he’s going to be that you kept it from him.‘
He was right, of course. The fact that I’d been racing for weeks without telling him was probably going to sting more than the racing itself.
The ride to Orion’s house was quiet, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I could feel the tension in Tristan’s shoulders where my arms wrapped around his
waist, and I wondered if he was as nervous about this conversation as I was.
When we pulled up to Orion’s house, I could see warm light spilling from the windows and hear the faint sound of children’s laughter.
It was such a peaceful, domestic scene that I almost felt guilty about disrupting it with my news.
Sarah answered the door with Lily on her hip, both of them smiling when they saw us.
“Well, it’s nice seeing you two together” Sarah said, stepping aside to let us in.
I smiled but said nothing about her comment. “Where is he?”
“He’s in the living room with Liam. They’re building some elaborate castle with blocks.” She looked between Tristan and me, her expression growing more
serious. “This looks like it might be an important conversation.”
“It is,” I said. “I need to tell him something.”
Sarah nodded understanding. I’ll take the kids upstairs and give you some privacy. Babe!” she called toward the living room Athena and Tristan are here to
see you.”
I heard Orion’s footsteps before I saw him, and when he appeared in the doorway, his face lit up with genuine pleasure at seeing us.
“Welcome love” he said, pulling me into one of his bear hugs.
I need to talk to you about something,” I said, my stomach churning with nerves.
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Chapter 136
Orion’s expression immediately grew more serious. “Okay. Let’s sit down.”
We settled in the living room, Sarah having efficiently herded the children upstairs with promises of stories and snacks. The sudden quiet felt heavy.
“What’s on your mind? Orion asked, leaning forward with his full attention focused on me.
I took a deep breath and dove in. “I’ve been racing motorcycles.”
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The silence that followed was deafening. Orion stared at me for several long seconds, his expression cycling through confusion, surprise, and then something
that looked like anger.
‘You’ve been what?” His voice was dangerously quiet.
“Racing. At the track downtown. I’ve been learning for about a month now, and I’ve won seven races.”
“Seven races.” He repeated the words like he couldn’t quite process them. “Athena, do you have any idea how dangerous that is?”
“Of course I do. But Orion…”
“No.” He stood up abruptly, running his hands through his hair in a gesture that reminded me painfully of Tristan. “Do you know how many people get seriously injured or killed racing? Do you know what could happen to you out there?”
I felt tears prick at my eyes, but I forced them back. I’d known this would be his reaction, but it still hurt to see him so upset.
‘She’s good at it, Orion.”
Both Orion and I turned to look at Tristan in surprise. I hadn’t expected him to jump to my defense, especially not when he’d been so concerned about my
safety himself.
‘She’s really good,” Tristan continued, his voice steady and calm. ‘I’ve seen her race. She’s careful, she’s skilled, and she has natural instincts that can’t be
taught.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
