Page 9 of Refuel

“Call me Kamden, like you were doing over and over again that night.” His eyes raked over my body.

“Do you two need to be left alone?” Essence queried.

“No!” Malik and I said at the same time.

“Look, am I racing or not?” I demanded, panic swelling inside me.

“What do you think about this, Colton?” Jackson raised himself to his feet, sliding his hands in his pockets.

“If she wants to drive, I don’t see why she can’t. I’m all for anyone who wants to drive,” Colton stated, and I released a breath as he winked at me.

“Colton, you know this is a dangerous sport,” Kash informed him.

“You do it, so what’s the difference?” I insisted as I stepped in front of him, closing the distance between us.

“Baby, I’m trying to keep that pretty little face of yours from getting scratched,” Kash said, lifting my chin, staring into my eyes. I never noticed the way his eyes were completely black as he touched my chin. I twasn’t sure if he was being sincere or trying to get me out of the way.

“Arianna, not baby,” I blurted, removing his hand from my face.

He smirked and raised his hands in apology.

Essence pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle her giggles. “You two are cute. Make sure I’m the godmomma!” Essence said. I groaned at her statement as I turned around, remembering I wasn’t alone.

My brow creased in anger. “Essence,” I said as I glared at her.

“One race, you two stay away from each other, and maybe this mess will die down. Arianna, don’t forget you still have a job to do with the charity event,” Jackson stated as he gave out the rules.

“No worries; that won’t happen again,” I said.

“No doubt; it was a Vegas moment that stayed in Vegas,” Kash agreed.

Malik sighed and walked out of the room with disappointment across his face. I knew we’d need to have a conversation later, but I was too excited to get started.

Colton headed out with Rylee next to him, and I strolled out of Jackson’s office. I felt an instant shock from someone grabbing my arm and pushing me up against the side corner of the wall, away from Jackson’s office. Kash ran his thumb down my arm, up to my cheek before lifting my chin.

“What do you think you’re doing, little baby?” Kash questioned.

“What are you talking about, Kash?”

“You knew who I was when we went to the hotel room. Is this some way to get back at your parents and brothers?” Kash asked.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Kash.”

He bit his bottom lip, leaning in close as his lips barely grazed mine.

“Call me Kamden, Ari,” Kash answered.

I grimaced that he felt he had the right to give me a nickname and pushed him back to put a little space between us.

“The name is Arianna.”

Kamden chuckled and held out his hand.

“Kamden Coleman. Nice to meet you officially, Arianna Pierce.”

I stuck my hand out, letting it fall into his embrace. That same sheering shock from before spurred in my stomach, and I removed my palm, wiping it on my leg.

“Too hot for you,” Kamden stated.

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