Page 30 of Full Throttle 2

“I can handle my own business. Unlike you, I don’t hide behind my brother for shit!”

“Oh really? Well, if you think you’re a better man than me, prove it!”

“I don’t have to prove shit. But just so we are clear, I’m a better man than you 365, 24/7, Monday through Saturday and twice on Sunday.”

“We’ll ask Lila about that.” Anthony continued to laugh.

Lila was Brian’s kryptonite. He couldn’t think straight where she was concerned.

“I just bought a stockcar,” Anthony said.

“I don’t give a fuck!” Brian was still white-hot.

“If you’re all that, it should be easy to prove. Beat me in a race. You win, and I’ll give you ten million dollars. I win, and you give me all your Lockwood shares.”

Brian laughed. “Since Nick’s death, everybody knows the Luccesses ain’t got that kinda cash. Word on the curb was the Luccesses have money and no way to clean it.”

Anthony’s lips tightened around the corners. “Everybody knows you’re a trust fund baby, and Liam manages your money! He gives you an allowance like a child.”

Anthony’s words struck a nerve. “You little fat fuck! Me and you...you’re on. Name the time and place.” Racing? How hard can driving a stock car be? This might be like taking money from a baby. And that money would come in handy. Brian could finally get out from under the shadow of his brother. He could do his own thing.

An evil smile spread across Anthony’s face. He turned to the people standing around them. “Y’all heard that? You’re all my witnesses. Brian Lockwood has agreed to take me up on my bet.” He turned to Brian. His eyes narrowed to slits. “The time and place are six months from now, and NASCAR. The premier league.”

“You’re kidding. We aren’t NASCAR drivers,” Brian said in disbelief.

“I didn’t saywe, as in you and me had to drive against each other. You can pick anybody you want. Think of it this way: Team Lockwood vs. Team Luccesse.”

As the crowd around them shouted and shook hands, placing bets of their own, Anthony leaned into Brian, whispering, “And if you back out, Gabe will pay you a little visit.”

Brian had stood still, sobering up quickly. He’d been set up, but he couldn’t back down. Not with everyone watching.

The rest was history. A corner of Brian’s lip edged up as he shook his head at himself. It was a stupid decision, but it reaped so many rewards. However, Brian wasn’t the least bit sad that Anthony was no longer walking the face of this earth.

He now owned Lockwood Racing. It was his pride and joy, but Brian had to figure out how to make it successful. He had already burned through his reserves and had to tap into his trust. Unlike Liam, Brian wasn’t a billionaire. If he didn’t find several sponsors soon, he wouldn’t even be a millionaire.

It was time to lock in and close the deal with Mac Glenmore.

Chapter Fourteen

The hostess greeted Brian. She always had a saucy smile just for him. “Mr. Lockwood. It’s so good to see you.”

“Thanks, Darla.” He ignored the emphasis she put on her words. “Has my guest arrived?”

“Yes, just a few minutes ago.” Her voice was husky. “I personally showed him to your private dining area. I’ll take you to him.”

Brian smiled warmly. “Thanks, but that’s not necessary.”

“I’ll do anything for my favorite customer.” Darla added an extra wiggle to her walk as she led Brian over to his guest.

Darla was cute, but she didn’t hold a candle to Lila, and he was not the least bit interested. Brian thought he’d made that perfectly clear, but Darla was persistent. It was one of the reasons he’d limited his time at the restaurant. Unfortunately, it was the perfect place for a meeting with Mr. Glenmore.

Mac Glenmore stood when Brian arrived at their table.

Brian turned to Darla. “Can you have someone bring me a cup of black coffee?”

She nodded and batted her lashes. “Of course.” Then, she sauntered away.

Brian extended his hand. “Mr. Glenmore.”

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