Page 46 of Take My Crown

“Can all racers proceed to the booth where the route is now available for viewing,” announces the DJ.

“That’s my cue,” says Archer. “Now I get to see what Romy planned for us.”

“Wait–are you meant tomemorisethe route?” I ask.

“No.” Archer laughs. “The route’s clearly marked and there are checkpoints along the way. This is just to give us advance warning of where we’re supposed to be so we can strategize. I told you–the hosting House gets an advantage. Romy will have run this route multiple times because he thinks it’ll give him a chance of winning. But it won’t matter–I’m still going to be first across the finish line.”

There is something undeniably sexy about Archer’s confidence. I can’t stop myself from kissing him before he went off to join the other competitors.

I watch his butt as he walks, loving the way it looks in his biker gear.

“So you think you’ve pinned down the elusive Archer Knight, do you?”

I turn to see Ally standing next to me.

“He’ll break your heart, you know,” she sneers. “Healwaysdoes.”

“Yeah, right,” I dryly reply.

“Oh, you’re in love with him!” She laughs. “You poor thing. You’re in even more trouble than you think.”

“Thank you for your concern, but I’m fine,” I reply. “You’re just jealous Archer’s found someone better than you.”

“Meow!” Ally tried to be sarcastic, but there is a tinge of hurt to her tone that tells me I have hit the mark. “I guess we’ll see who’s best when Declan races past the finish line and I’m waving at you while Archer tries to keep up.”

“In your dreams,” I say even when her comment hits home. As much as I’ve tried to push Declan from my thoughts and heart, he is still there. Therefore, every time I see him with Ally, I want to hit her. “From what I’ve heard, Declan hasn’t got a chance of winning this thing. Speak of the devil…”

“Look at this! Two of my favourite people hanging out together.” Declan comes over and puts his arm around Ally, but his eyes stay fixed on me. I look away first, needing to put space between us.

“Yes, I was just letting Ivy know she’s backing the wrong guy.” Ally smirks and puts her arms around Declan’s neck, casting me a glance that tells me he is all hers.

She is welcome to him. I don’t date cheaters.

“Well, I knew that, babe.” Declan kissed Ally, but he is looking at me all the while. Ally doesn’t notice–she is utterly smitten.

“Are you ready to ride with a winner?” Archer came to join us, wrapping his arm around my waist. “I’ve looked at the course and nobody stands a chance. Romy’s put in a lot of straights because he thinks it’ll give him the advantage with his new bike, but there’s a few tight turns he’s going to struggle with. This one’s a foregone conclusion.”

“Cool!” I wiggle my fingers to wave goodbye to Ally and Declan. “We’ll be waiting for you at the finish line.”

My stomach clenches, my heart pounds, as I get up behind Archer on his bike. The three House heirs are lined up at a line painted on the ground, each revving their bikes. Romy’s Tomahawk is an impressive beast, but I trust Archer when he says he can beat him.

Ally is perched behind Declan dressed in some ridiculous small skirt and bra with glitter all over her skin, but Romy is riding alone. When he sees me looking at him, he swivels in his seat and patted the space behind him before pointing at me.

I have no time to think about why he is making such a big deal out of wanting me because the DJ spoke into a loudhailer, announcing the start of the race.

“Here we are at the start of another Bomber Derby.”

The crowd started cheering and whooping; the noise deafening.

“Will Archer win for an eighth time in a row or will one of the other Houses edge him out? It’s time to find out. Everyone join me for the countdown.” The spectators chant along with him. “Three… Two… One… They’re off!”

I almost lose my grip as Archer’s bike lurches forward. Three bikes roar as they all speed down the road and into the heart of the industrial estate. It’s neck and neck until we come to the first bend, then suddenly Archer guns it, turning so sharply we almost slide along the floor.

As we pull out of the turn, we are ahead of Romy and Declan. Archer opens up the throttle, sending the bike surging forward.

As Romy and Declan try to take over, Archer swerves across the road, making it impossible for them to get past.

Another turn comes and again Archer takes it so fast, I am worried we are going to skid, only for Archer’s skill with the bike he is able to pull us out safely.

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