Page 90 of Ignite

Chapter 30

HALLIE

Second place. It’s still five thousand. Enough to pay Lily back.

And the thrill? That was priceless.

I cut the engine and climb out, breath catching as the high starts to wear off. I need to find Pete. Cash first, consequences later.

But the second the door shuts, the hairs on my arms rise.

“Hallie. What the actual fuck do you think you’re doing?”

That voice. That accent.

Oh, shit.

I turn slowly, hands protectively cradling my stomach like they’ll shield me from the storm stomping straight toward me.

Conan.

He’s furious, his jaw locked, eyes burning. Rage radiates off him like heat from asphalt.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, unable to meet his eyes.

He stops in front of me, towering, and I brace for the explosion.

“Sorry? You nearly gave me a damn heart attack on that last fucking corner. A McLaren handles way smoother than your Shelby. Remember that for next time.”

Next time?

My head jerks up. He’s grinning.

“You’re not mad at me? For using your car?”

He shakes his head, stepping in closer.

“I’m mad you didn’t invite me to join.”

His fingers brush my hair over my shoulder, knuckles grazing my neck. I shiver.

“The fact you took my car to illegally race it is one hell of a turn-on. And you would have won if you didn’t understeer that corner at the end. Fuck, if you’d have won, I probably would’ve made a mess in my boxers.”

I squint, trying to gauge if he’s joking. He isn’t.

“So just to clarify. You don’t care about me racing? I’m not about to get a spiel on how dangerous and illegal it is? And you’re not going to demand I stop?”

His hands settle heavily on my shoulders.

“I’m far from an angel. You’ve got skill. It clearly makes you happy. That’s what matters. That beautiful smile of yours is worth the mini heart attacks you give me.”

My whole face warms. I smile so wide it hurts.

“So I can keep the McLaren? Do a swap?”

I bat my lashes, pushing my luck. His smile falters.

“No.”

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