Page 92 of Start Your Engines

“Antoine, come with me,” I say. Antoine doesn’t move. Instead, he eyeballs Connor. “Now, unless you want Connor to make good on his word and have the world’s press watch you on your arse.”

Antoine follows me through the garage. Connor watches us go with pinched eyes and a sneer that I know I’ll have to sort out.

“I meant what I said. You’re not welcome here, and you’ll never drive for me again. If you push me, I’ll ruin your name. I’m sure it wouldn’t take long to dig up dirt on you.”

Antoine smirks. “Things will change by the end of the season. Tell your dad I said hello. Actually, I’ll tell him when my dad and I meet him for dinner.”

He walks away, and I return to the garage to find Connor pacing. I want to grab his hands, hold him still, and tell him it will be okay, but I can’t in front of my team. Instead, I trace my tattoo in front of him. He looks down at it and back into my eyes.

I take a deep breath. “Connor, I’m grateful you were there for me, but you don’t need to protect me. I can do it alone and need to be seen to.”

He drops his head and says between gritted teeth, “You also need to know that I’m here for you and that you’re mine.”

I check behind me, but if anyone heard the last part, there’s no sign.

“If something goes wrong, then it’s on my head. I can’t lose the respect I’ve worked hard to earn.” I don’t add that if something goes wrong between us, I won’t have anyone.

He nods. “I know.”

“Thank you.”

I place my hand on the desk beside his, and his little finger brushes mine. A warmth spreads through my chest, and he stares at me like I’m all he needs.

CHAPTER 46

Senna

Two podiums from four races.We’re a month into the second half of the season, and I beam with the rest of the crew as Connor shakes his champagne and covers the two drivers from Vessa.

“He’s doing well,” Jacs says in my ear as I laugh.

“He is. And so is Tawny.” The first female driver in Formula One for years is consistently top eight in every race. “It’s a matter of time before she’s up there.”

“I hope she’ll be less of a tosser when she is, but it’s unlikely.”

We laugh as Connor chases Luca, threatening to make him drink from his shoe. No one’s done that since Daniel Ricciardo was on the podium, but Connor’s so damn giddy, and it’s infectious.

“He’s happy.” We both know she’s not talking about racing.

Connor catches my eye and winks. My belly flutters.

“He is.” The engineers and pit crew are oblivious. We’re getting away with our secret, spending every evening together this past month except when we’re travelling. “We both are. Thank you for giving me a talking-to before we returned from summer break.”

I needed her phone call on the last day.

“I told you what you already knew. It doesn’t have to be everyone’s business. You want to be with him even if you’re just calling it dating. Denying that would have made you both miserable, and we had enough of that at the start of the year.”

I elbow her. “You’re very wise.”

“I know,” Jacs replies while pretending to blow on her nails. “Are you keeping the ‘no hotel beds sharing’ policy when you’re away with the team to stop you getting caught?”

“Yeah, but it’s annoying as hell. We both sleep much better together. Although we take it in turns to have cuddly Coults.”

Jacs makes a gagging noise. I raise my eyebrows at her.

“Poor Senna and her bad boy with the giant dick.”

“Oi, you. You’ll be happy to know that tomorrow we’re meeting back at his summer house by the lake for a few days. For rest and?—”

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