Page 83 of Ignite

“Maybe. I kind of hope so.”

Jax taps me on the shoulder.

“It’s the best loss you’ll ever have.”

I tossmy clothes in the laundry and hold my breath as I submerge myself into the ice bath.

“Jesus, fuck!”

I’m shivering by the time I’m sat down, but my muscles need this to survive another day.

My fight is in two days.

Grayson thinks I’m good enough. And they’ll all be there on the night. Maybe I really do have a shot at turning my career around.

It feels good—doing something the right way for once. I think Mom would be proud of me. If she could look past my other activities, I’m doing one thing right, at least.

After a few minutes, before I go completely numb, I jump out and wrap myself up.

All I can think about is Hallie saying she was busy. Too busy for me? Or is she avoiding the whole date thing?

Fuck it.

Let’s see where she is.

Maybe I’ll have to keep her Shelby a little longer.

Chapter 26

HALLIE

Nerves consume me as I slip into the parking lot.

I hold my breath. This car is so damn loud it’s like a beast waking up.

Hundreds of people are here. Every single one of them is watching.

Well, the blacked-out windows help.

She’s a stunning car—sharp edges, aggressive stance. But I’m nervous.

I tried the corners over and over last night. Some are so tight, they almost bite back.

I’m used to my Shelby. She’s not easy, but she’s powerful, wild but loyal. When I drive her, we become one.

Corners I used to lose the back end on? I’ve perfected them.

This? She’s different. Delicate but fierce.

For twenty thousand dollars, it’s worth a shot.

I ease her into the space next to Pete’s car and kill the engine.

That’s when the nerves flip to pure excitement—the roar of engines, the screech of tires.

I spot Pete and his man bun, leaning against the hood of a Bugatti, chatting with some tall guy.

I walk over, squeezing the keys in my hand.

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