Page 6 of Racing Hearts

I grab a drink from the fridge and down it before eyeing my car for tonight. It’s a Nissan Skyline. I traded it for a car I spent years rebuilding. When I got it, it was nearly fucked, but I managed to bring it back to life, and now it’s my pride and joy. Wrapped in metallic black that shines blue and purple in the light, with hand-painted flames down the side, it’s my baby in every sense of the word. It’s also how I can afford to send my sister to such a nice school. It took me a few years after dropping out of school to earn it, but I’m here, and now, so is she. That doesn’t mean I can afford to stop though. I want to own my own shop one day. It might not happen, but until then, I need to keep working and racing.

Sliding on my black-and-white striped leather jacket, I grab my key and sink into the leather seat in my Skyline. The engine purrs to life, and I hit the button for the garage door and pull out onto the quiet street. It’s empty around here, just some other businesses dotted around, but they are usually gone by nightfall, which works well for me. I hit the button again, and the garage door lowers and locks as my lights shine across the dark street, catching on the fluorescent lines.

Hitting the radio, I crank up the rock and lean back in my seat, ready for a long night.

It’s busy tonight. The deserted stretch of road is filled with cars pulled to the side, their hoods up to show off their engines and speaker systems. Music pumps from each one as I roll down the middle and pull into an empty space, reversing without even looking. My eyes scan the crowd. It’s a mix of guys and girls, racers and viewers, but I find what I’m looking for. Sanjay is in the middle, taking bets and talking to drivers.

Bingo.

He’s a few heads taller than the others around him since he’s such a lanky fucker. His hair is braided back tonight, and he’s in a loose boiler suit and some brand-new kicks. Sliding from my car, I ignore the crowd as they recognize me, instead heading his way as he grins at me.

“There he is, the man of the hour, your god, Alek!” he calls, and the crowd turns to me. I ignore them and the looks I get. I’m used to it, used to the attention and the girls wanting to fuck me. I clasp his hand, sliding money between our palms.

He nods with a grin. Sanjay might be a vain fucker, but he’s also smart as hell. “How many tonight?”

“How many do you have?” I ask, looking around. I know some of the drivers here, and they groan when they see me since I’m undefeated, but there are a few newbies as well, all cocky enough to think they can claim my title.

“Five races so far,” he replies with a shy smile. It’s always a good night for him when I turn up, which is why we get along so well.

“Count me in for all. High stakes, I need the cash,” I tell him. Alice’s tuition will come around again soon, and I want to make sure I’m prepared, not to mention the new laptop she wants and her rent for the new place she’s eyeing.

“You always do. Are you sure you don’t run some sort of chop shop?” He smirks. “Or is it for that sweet little sister you are always bragging about? When are you going to introduce me, brother?”

“Never, you’re a pig.” I smirk as he laughs, and I head back to my car, ignoring the looks and calls. Never give them an inch or they will take a mile.

I’m untouchable to them, the ice-cold asshole who owns these roads, and that’s how I like it.

I don’t have time for softness or friendship, not in this industry, because it will get you killed.

FOUR

The party is like all the others, with drinks, music, and straight guys getting looser with me as the night goes on. Usually, I’m all for it, the life of the party, but I’m not in the mood tonight, too annoyed about what happened earlier.

He’s such an asshole. I helped his sister, and he threatened me.

Who the fuck does he think he is? He can’t get away with being a dick to everyone he meets just because he’s tall, dark, and handsome. Other people might let him get away with it, but I won’t. I don’t care how good-looking he is or how amazing he smells. He’s a fucking bully through and through.

I have no idea how Alice is related to him. They are nothing alike.

“Come on, have another drink,” Matty, a football player, slurs, pushing the Solo cup into my hand, his eyes twinkling with intention. He wants to get me drunk so he doesn’t feel as bad when we hook up, and he can pretend it never happened tomorrow or that it was the alcohol.

Hell, he could even say I made him.

I’ve fallen for it before, thinking they genuinely wanted me, but I don’t anymore. I learned quickly that some people will never change, and Matty is one of them. He cried once after we hooked up, telling me how he wished he would like girls the way he liked boys, and while I feel genuinely sorry for him since he’s struggling with his sexuality, I can’t let him use me to work it out.

I have too much self-respect for that.

I didn’t used to, but I do now.

I deserve to be with someone who knows exactly what they want and isn’t afraid of it. I don’t deserve to be someone’s dirty secret.

Pushing the cup away, I get to my feet, ignoring my friends looking at me with questioning eyes. “I need some air,” is all I tell them, annoyance still running through me at that asshole for ruining my night with his bad mood.

Maybe he needs to get laid. It might cheer him the fuck up.

Heading outside, I lean back against the side of the house, my hands in my pockets. My eyes close as I tip my head back, letting the cool breeze wash away the stench of sweaty bodies and too much alcohol. Maybe tonight just isn’t for me. I’m clearly in one of my moods, as Lally calls it, something I can’t help. I’ve been like this for as long as I can remember. Once I spiral, there isn’t a way for me to stop. I don’t know why, but I can’t seem to control the emotions roaring through me.

I only realize my mistake once something hits me. I’m alone on the dark side of the house, the music is loud, and my eyes are closed.

---