Page 5 of Danger

I laugh a little under my breath, my eyes meeting Danger’s dark ones from across the room. I decline my father’s offer for a drink.

“I have an idea,” my father states as he swirls the amber liquid of his drink around in his glass. “It’s a risky one.”

I’m all ears. “What is it?” I’m half-hoping my father will tell me we’re cutting Danger from the team. I almost wish for it.

“Well, we know controlling the media on Danger is impossible. Everywhere he goes he’s like a media nightmare come to life. I think they follow him because they know there’s a good story coming.”

Danger smiles.

“Well, maybe you should ground him to his room.” I cross my arms and Danger’s smile fades instantly.

“We need to showcase him in a better light,” Bill adds.

“That’s what I’m thinking.” My father turns to face me. “Monterey, what if we say the two of you are engaged. You two are madly in love. The media loves a good redemption story. Bad boy tamed by the daughter of a racing tycoon. It’s perfect.”

I think I stopped listening after the word engaged. My eyes widen. “I...uhh.” My mouth snaps shut and no more words come out.

Does the media even like me?

Danger’s having the same reaction on the other side of the room. “Engaged to her?” He jabs a thumb over his shoulder, pointing it directly at me. “No one will believe that one.” He appears horrified.

This angers me and instead of acting out, I plaster on my best sweet smile. “Why wouldn’t anyone believe it?”

Danger stands, controlling the room as he moves across the hardwood. “Because you and I don’t fit, sweetheart.”

“Don’t call me that.” There has to be another idea. “Dad, can’t you justmakehim be good.”

Danger laughs along with my father like together they’re in some boy’s club where no women are allowed. They should be smoking cigars and drinking bourbon, instead of trying to ruin my life.

“Don’t you think we’ve tried?”

“Well, cut him from the team,” I snap out.

Danger’s dark eyes widen. “No, I can pretend to be engaged for a little while.”

“You can’t seriously be on board with this idea.” I turn to face him. This is a very bad idea, it has disaster written all over it.

“Sure, maybe it’ll be fun.”

My father laughs. “Yes, but nottoomuch fun. Monterey, just think about it. The two of you will make headlines. The couple that was never expected. Think about how many women will be jealous of you.”

I roll my eyes. “I have some conditions.” When my father gets the glint of gold he has right now in his eyes I know there’s no arguing. And I won’t go down without a fight.

“Sure, anything,” my father answers. “Bill, take notes of her conditions and we’ll have Danger sign them.”

“I won’t have him cheat on me. I don’t need to be made a fool of in the public eye.” Again. “Even if you think you’re not going to get caught by the media, that doesn’t mean you won’t.”

Danger nods. “No women.” He shakes his head, running his fingers through the sexy mop of black hair disheveled all over his head. I’m sure asking Danger not to sleep with women is like asking the pope not to pray.

“No women. And no kissing. And no touching. We can hold hands once, maybe. And absolutely no nicknames. And I don’t want any contact with you at all really.”

Danger laughs. “Oh sweetheart, we’re gonna have to put on a show. No one will believe this facade if I’m not all over you in public.”

I step closer to him, poking his rock hard chest with my finger. “If you lay one finger on me,” I step even closer, “I’ll break it.”

He smiles, his eyes challenging mine, this man is infuriating. “Iwilltouch you and kiss you and pretend like we are a happy couple in love. Because we need to make sure the media believes it. Buckle up, baby, this will be the race of your life.”

I hate that my body betrays me at this very moment and I might actually be looking forward to this.

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