Page 73 of Full Throttle

Liam lifted Colby off of her feet and walked over the threshold of the door, closing it with his foot. He held Colby as close as possible while another torrent of tears overcame her. He wasn’t sure how long he held her. It could have been seconds or hours, but Liam knew he’d hold on for as long as she needed him.

Carefully, he went over to the bed and lowered himself down, bringing Colby with him. She sat on his lap, and he continued to cradle her in his arms. Her heart rate slowed, and her breathing began to even out.

Colby sniffed. “Rodney had a smile and an energy that could change a room.”

Liam lifted a corner of his lips.So, do you.

“There was no one like him, and he didn’t deserve what happened.”

Liam was hesitant, but now that Colby seemed a little more in control, he finally asked the question she probably didn’t want to answer. “What happened?”

She blew out a long-exaggerated breath. “Rodney loved cars. He loved to drive fast, and he was good. At an early age, Mr. Daughtry saw that Rodney had a real talent. He didn’t care about all the politics of NASCAR. Too bad he was only one of a few who didn’t care about the color of Rodney’s skin.” Colby sighed as her mind traveled back to the past. “He began to groom Rodney for the circuit. So many people hated that and made things difficult. All the racism never seemed to bother Rodney. I’m sure it probably did, but he would just suit up in his Daughtry uniform and drive. Rodney had some success, and a lot of people didn’t like it. He pushed, pushed, and pushed before finally qualifying for a major. We were all so proud.” A large droplet of water fell onto Liam’s arm. Colby’s voice changed. It sounded so small. “I was fifteen when it all happened. Straightaway, there was madness on the track. So many teams worked together to jam him up. Still, Rodney managed to get out of a lot of traps. On lap twenty-two, Lorene Greene and his team took it to another level. I guess they drew the short stick. This was before all the changes that have been made to cars in the event of a crash. Lorene began to bump Rodney’s car aggressively. He spun out of control and hit a wall.”

Colby closed her eyes as she was transported back to that time and moment. “His car exploded. They weren’t able to get him out in time. We had to have a closed casket funeral because he was so badly burned.”

“My god.” Liam pulled Colby tighter and kissed the side of her head. “I’m so sorry, baby.”

“Me too.” She sighed. “No one ever paid the price for killing my brother. There were some fines, some sanctions, but no justice. After it happened, I spent every second I could training to avenge my brother’s death. Sure, I want to make history, but that’s not therealmotivation behind everything I’ve done. For a few years, I got sidetracked, met a guy, and tried to create a new life for myself. But I’m a James. Racing is in my blood. I decided to get back to my roots and become the best that NASCAR had ever seen. I wanted to be so good that there would be no denying me. My plan was to pick up where Rodney left off with one exception.” Colby lifted her head to stare into Liam’s eyes. “I am going to give Lorene the same mercies he gave my brother.”

“Your goal is revenge?” he asked.

Without flinching, Colby responded, “Yes.”

“What happened to him was horrific, but he died doing what he loved. Would Rodney want that for you?”

“You can’t possibly understand.” Colby glanced down at her fingers. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It matters. Can you live knowing you killed someone?”

“Lorene? Yes.”

“I don’t believe that. I also can’t believe Rodney would want you to have blood on your hands.” Liam chose his words carefully. “I have faith in you.”

Her head jerked up. “That’s hard to believe when you and Brian had no plans to let me drive in this race. He told me everything about the stupid bet and how that could have devastating consequences when it comes to your family’s business.”

“You haven’t known me long enough to know that I always have a contingency plan. In some cases, more than one.” Liam cradled Colby’s face in his hands. “Please, trust me.”

She held his gaze until he lowered his head and gently placed his lips over hers.

After their kiss, Liam pulled back slightly. He rested his forehead against hers. “I didn’t plan on falling in love with you, and I certainly didn’t think I would have a hand in helping you make history. I know how important this moment is. I want a future with you. Which is why I hope you can let go of the past, and focus on building the future you deserve. One that Rodney would want for you.”

“I don’t know if I can,” she said.

“I believe my woman can do anything.”

“Do you really deep down in your soul believe that?”

“I can prove it.”

Colby was skeptical. She echoed him. “You can prove it?”

He nodded. “If you’re up to it. I can absolutely prove it.”

She pressed her lips together. “How?”

Liam reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and dialed a number. Impatiently, he waited for someone to pick up. The moment they did, he began to speak. “You know that thing we’ve been working on? I think we’re ready. Can you meet us at the place? Great. See you in about twenty minutes.” Liam disconnected the call, resting his head in the crook of Colby’s neck. “Let me take you someplace special.”

She wasn’t sure if she had the strength to leave her hotel room. “I don’t know, Liam.”

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