Page 167 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Helplessly, I walk backward, as Ambrose passes his helmet to Vito, before joining me.

“Don’t hit the barrier,” Ambrose calls to Vito like that’s helpful advice.

Vito climbs into the leather seat of the Porsche. “I won’t but I will win.”

Then he spins the car in a squeal of tires and smoke, before backing it up to the far side of the track like he’s a stunt driver.

Ambrose slips his arm around my shoulders. “He’s good.”

I hold my breath.

Then Vito drives at incredible speed toward the barrier.

“Fuck…” I clutch onto Ambrose.

At the last moment, Vito slams on the brakes.

There’s the stink of burning rubber.

My heart is in my mouth.

I rush forward, staring at the way that the nose of the Porsche is stopped only a foot from the barrier.

Vito swings himself out of the Porsche, dragging off his helmet and throwing it to Ambrose, who catches it. “Thatwas fucking amazing. It’s a better buzz than a Saturday night dancing. I’d forgotten how much I love it.”

He’s vibrating with the kick of coming so close to the edge.

I’m simply terrified that Ambrose is about to risk the same thing.

Ambrose strides to Vito, grabbing him by the hair and hauling him into a kiss that’s all clashing teeth and growl.

“You’re a remarkable man, Vito.” Ambrose kisses Vito again, more slowly this time. “I’m proud to call you my bonded Alpha. But I’m still going to kick your ass.”

Vito snorts. “Not a chance.”

“Take our Juliet and watch a master at work.”

Ambrose pushes Vito toward me.

Vito grabs my hand, and together, we stride across the asphalt to give Ambrose room.

Ambrose fits on his helmet, before climbing into the Porsche.

My heart is beating fast.

Ambrose drives the Porsche into position more slowly than Vito did.

“He’s doing his best,” Vito says. “I won’t embarrass him, after I win.”

But then, all of a sudden, the engines roar, and the car speeds towards the barrier at a terrifying speed.

He’s not slowing down.

“He’s going to hit it.” Vito’s eyes widen. “Fuck, why’s he not…?”

Please, let Ambrose stop in time…

Then in a move that’s as breathtaking as any ballet move that I’ve pulled off, at the last moment, the Porsche slides to the side and skids to a stop.

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