Page 13 of Fast

I watch Atlas Hunter, curious about what kind of reaction he will have to Cal’s provocation. I can see the way his twin Ares is grinding his jaw, his hands curled into fists, itching for another physical confrontation with my ex.

Atlas seems to be the calmer twin and the moment his mind is made up, he smiles. “You’re on, asshole. I can beat you with my eyes closed. Hell, I can beat you with a passenger tied to my back and on one fucking wheel.”

Shit. Maybe Atlas isn’t so calm after all.

“That’s a great idea.” Kristy claps her hands, her eyes wide with excitement. “I know exactly what we should do. Is anyone wearing a belt? I need two, please.”

Two guys in the crowd scramble to take their belts off for the attractive Blue Lighting exec.

“Let’s up the ante,” she smiles at one of her assistants, who’s started filming this entire thing when Kristy proposed the race. “Each of you will take a passenger with you. A girl would be best, because we tend to be lighter than guys, no offense. Your passenger will be secured to you with these belts. You’re going toride back to back with the belt around your waists. The bridge is your finish line. To win, you need to ride under the bridge first. Any stretches on one wheel will count as a bonus, should you get to the finish line at the same time. Choose your passenger wisely, because she’s going to be like one extension of your body. The winner has to pass under the bridge on one wheel. Bonus points if his companion unbuckles her belt and manages to stay on the bike. If she falls off, you’re eliminated. Unless the other girl falls off too. It’s all about speed and balance. It’s all about skill. Your Blue Light Helmets will keep you safe.”

Chance doesn’t look convinced. “You’re supplying helmets, but what if someone falls off? Aside from the chance of a broken bone, sand is abrasive as fuck.”

Kristy smiles. “You’ll also be given Blue Lightning new protective clothing. We have a new, cutting edge exclusive fabric that’s lightweight and resistant to cuts and abrasions. You can also opt to use knee and elbow protectors.”

Atlas smiles at his girlfriend. “Sounds cool. Do you want to try?”

“No.” Heather shakes her head, her arms crossed over her chest. “I’m not riding on the back of a dirt bike during an illegal race. Are you fucking insane? My Dad’s a sheriff. This is being filmed. If he sees that, he will kill me. And he’s never going to let me see you again.”

He looks conflicted. “Huh. You’re right. On second thought, I can’t do this. We haven’t cleared this with our new team manager. Technically we’re already under contract, we’re allowed to finish the Super Bike races, but we need their permission to participate in any other event.”

Kristy intervenes. “Hey, we’re a serious company and our challenges are famous around the world. We keep things above board at all times. Before bringing the dirt bikes, I checked the town’s laws. Dirt bikes are allowed on the beach in Bridgeport,as long as beach goers’ safety isn’t compromised. Since it’s nighttime, and we’re the only ones here, we aren’t breaking any laws. Races are allowed as long as there’s no money involved. We’re racing for bragging rights and for a chance at a sponsorship contract. Blue Lightning isn’t endorsing or encouraging any forms of bets or money exchanges connected to this event and isn’t responsible for any such things, should they occur here tonight.”

I don’t know if she’s saying that just to cover her ass on video, or if her disclaimer has any legal value, but everyone’s attention is on Atlas as he hangs his head.

“I have no doubt that you wouldn’t break the law, Kristy,” he sighs. “But I still need to get written permission from my team manager, and I know there isn’t any point in asking. When we signed the contract, they made it clear that we were allowed to finish the few races left in the Super Bikes League and nothing else. They don’t want to risk losing one of us to an injury. So I’m afraid Ares and I are both out.”

While Heather looks satisfied with her boyfriend’s decision, Cal has every intention of being a total jerk.

“Ha.” He laughs. “First you let your little brother earn your pole position, then you bow out of a little race on the side. I don’t think this has anything to do with your stupid contract. I just think you’re too chicken to race me in a situation where our skills are the only deciding factor.”

Atlas shrugs. “Whatever. I’m not blowing my chances to race with the greatest, just to prove that you’re a fucking loser, Fox. I’ve proven it enough times on the race track, and you’ll eat my dust tomorrow. I just would hate it if that means that we lose our chance to be the face of Blue Lightning’s new helmet.” He says, turning to look at Kristy.

“Maybe we can still have a chance,” Levin intervenes. “You and Ares can’t race, but I don’t have a MotoGP contract to dictate where and when I can race.”

Ares and Atlas both clap Lev’s shoulders. “That’s true. You can represent our team in this challenge. What do you think, Kristy?”

The Blue Lightning exec thinks about it, playing with the ring at the corner of her bottom lip. “Hmm, I guess that could work. However, my heart was really set on having one of the Hunter brothers as a contender. Wait a second,” she snaps her fingers, her lips curling into a cunning smile. “I have the solution to our problem. There’s another Hunter brother who isn’t under contract and has already proven himself to be a first class racer today. I think Chance should race. And if you win, those blue eyes would look great on our build boards.”

CHANCE

Excitement courses through my body.

Regular races are fine, but I prefer riding just for fun. This sounds like a lot of fun. “Sure,” I nod. “I’ll race.”

Of course, Cal Fox is already shitting his pants. “Ha. How convenient,” he sneers at Atlas. “You’re sending your little brother to settle your fights again.”

He smirks. “I think the real problem is that you’re scared of getting your ass kicked by my little brother. For the second time in the same day, and on video. Don’t worry, buddy. I’ll kick your ass tomorrow. Tonight it’s Chance’s turn.”

“Cool.” Kristy smiles, satisfied with the outcome. “These are next year’s new helmet designs. Tonight, they just have the classic Blue Lightning logo. Imagine them with your initials on them too. They’re the best technology can offer both for comfort, performance and safety.”

I take the two helmets she offers me. They really are more lightweight than anything I’ve ever worn before, and I love their sleek, aggressive design. If gladiators still existed in this day and age, I bet they would wear something like this.

“Have you decided who are you going to take along for the race?” Kristy asks.

I would like someone used to ride on the back of a fast bike. Being tied together can be a hindrance if they don’t know how to move.

My eyes drift to Heather, but she shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Chance. I would, but I mean it. My parents will ground me forever if they see this. Even if Dad isn’t Bridgeport’s sheriff and if we aren’t technically breaking any laws.”

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