“Let’s get ready to roll,” Killian demands, the enthusiasm in his voice dragging us all toward action.
Once we’re all dressed and our nerves are steeled, I take a deep breath, connecting with the ferocity inside me.
“Remember what we’re doing this for,” I say, my voice steady and commanding. “This isn’t just about the race—we’re making our way back to reclaim your lives.”
Cali steps closer, her touch igniting something in my chest, and we clasp hands, creating an unbroken loop of earnest determination.
The rideto the race location is quiet, everyone on edge and stoned out of our fucking minds. When we pull up and park the shitty stolen car, I take a deep breath, missing my life I had just days earlier, especially when I see the bright headlights of all the cars and hear the satisfying roar of their engines.
We get out of the car, pulling our masks on over our faces, wanting to conceal our identity from anyone we come acrosswhile still nervously looking over our shoulders. The guys help Dom to the sidewalk, where he sits on a bus bench with his phone clutched like a lifeline in his hands, anxiously scanning the crowd. Cali stays with me, slipping her hand in mine as we make our way over to Blue, a longtime friend and street racer.
Together, we walk toward the crowd, bracing for the darkness wanting to consume us. As we step deeper into the night, the air shifts, charged with the scent of rain and burning rubber. My heart thrums to the rhythm of the storm, and I know we’re ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.
A distant roar of engines fills my ears—tonight, the lines between chaos and control will blur, and we’ll reclaim our fate on the asphalt. The race is about to begin—a race not just for cars but for lives, vengeance, and our freedom. The night awaits, and so does fucking destiny.
"What's good, man?" Blue hollars, knowing it's me even with my mask on.
He gives me daps and slips a few sets of keys into my hand before pulling away, flashing me a wink. "I got you two cars and two bikes; I hope that'll work." He nods just behind us, focusing on a blood red Mustang and a matte black Charger, parked behind two jet black bikes that are calling to me to ride them.
"Shit, you sure about this?" I ask, double-checking even though I know he doesn't give a shit.
"All yours, my man. Good luck tonight," he says as he walks away, flashing another wink.
"Fuck those are gorgeous," Cali says, motioning for Ash and Killan to join us.
The four of us meet up at the cars while Dom sits on the bench, still being our eyes in the darkness and chaos. Immediately Ash and Killan snatch the bike keys out of my hand, claiming theirs without a fight. Smirking, Cali takes the keys forthe Charger and slides into the driver seat, her hands gripping the steering wheel.
"I guess I'll take the Mustang," I laugh, admiring how sexy Cali looks behind the wheel.
"Are we racing the bikes too?" Ash asks, already sitting on his.
"Nah, just the cars. The roads are too wet for the bikes, but we can take them back to the cabin with us."
"So who's driving and who's riding with who?" Killan asks, curiosity lighting up his eyes.
"I'm driving mine, and you can ride with me, Kill," Cali says, a hint of mischief in her voice.
"So I guess that leaves you riding with me," I laugh, gesturing toward Ash.
He raises an eyebrow, smirking back at me. "I'll be your bitch tonight, Five."
“Don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re in a sweet ride," Cali grins, seductively licking her lips.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I reply, my confidence surging alongside the adrenaline buzzing through the air. The thrill of the impending race grips me tightly.
Cali shifts the Charger into gear, the engine purring with a promise of power. She catches my eye in the side mirror, and a spark ignites between us—resilient, unwavering. The mood shifts as the racers start to gather, the weight of our shared mission pressing down on our shoulders, adding to the electric atmosphere.
“Listen up, everyone!” a voice booms from the side of the road, cutting through our chatter. It’s Marco, the self-proclaimed king of the underground races. “We’ve got the storm on our backs, and it's time to settle some scores!” He gestures dramatically toward the waiting cars, the crowd surging with excitement.
Killian wraps his arm around Cali as she leans closer, her resolute gaze focused on Marco. “Let’s put on a show,” she whispers as we pull up with the rest of the racers, blood pounding in my ears, matching the rhythm of the impending race.
The road ahead gleams under the moon, slick from the rain but inviting. I glance back at Dom one last time as he holds his phone like a talisman, ready to relay every detail.
“You ready to keep an eye out for us?” I call out.
He nods with a venomous grin that rivals any racer’s, the determination shining through his pain. “I’ll know everything. Just fucking win.”
With that, I hear the revving of engines as we all line up, our hearts racing with anticipation. Marco raises his arm, signaling us to get ready. Somewhere in the back of my mind, the adrenaline awakening a part of me I thought got lost in the chaos. My fingers tighten around the steering wheel, and I glance over at Ash, who nods, adjusting his grip on the door handle.