Page 69 of Rear View
“Right, six, plus, into left, four, sharp, fifty,” Alec said, giving me the heads-up for the final leg of the road in front of us.
I took the turns as we ran the Shakedown, sun blazing above, my eyes fixed on the terrain. Both feet worked the pedals, ’cause one wasn’t fast enough. Tall trees lined the road right to the edge. I drove the shifter forward, kicking it up a gear before I passed the finish line and pulled the e-brake, snow flying in a wide arc. I hadn’t gone all out, but I’d set a good pace. Enough to get a feel for how the race’d go the next two days.
Alec closed the book with his pace notes, and we eyed each other.
“That felt good,” he said.
It felt real fuckin’ good. I clapped him on the back, and we drove to the Parc Ferme, where our team waited, tugged off our helmets and climbed out. Tools and screens lined the wall next to extra parts and tires. The bay doors sat open, letting the cool air in.
Things had gone aces since we’d landed in Emerald Cove. I’d been riding high after leaving Ryah Tuesdaynight. Christ, I hadn’t been able to wipe the shit-eating grin off my face, ’cause she was my girl. Mine.
Yara and the mechanic’s team streamed past, headed for the car. “Looking good, boys,” she said, teeth bared in a smile.
Trina’s heels clacked as she approached. She adjusted her tight green wool dress as she stopped in front of us. “Hello, Xavier. Alec.”
I gave a nod and lifted my chin. “What’s up?”
“The WRC’s seen exponential growth in their following and viewership numbers since your commercials went live. Specifically with the female demographic. Social media’s exploding with footage of your races. Your faces are a commodity.”
I straightened, my brow dipping low. “That a good thing?”
“It’s agreatthing,” she said. “We’ve received three bids from potential sponsors, asks for two more commercials and a request fromNSMto do an interview.”
Jesus.National Sports Magazinewas top tier for any athlete. Thatwasgood. Attention meant money. Money meant resources, and resources meant speed. I could handle that.
Yeah, it’d put my face front and center for my old man, but the relentless dick’s brother had found me anyway. If I was lucky, my being known would make it harder for him to fuck with me, and by default, Ma.
Trina set her hand on my bicep. “You’ll be chatting with Vikram Kumar this evening, Xavier. Alec, you’re immediately after. The magazine wants to discuss your careers and the impact of bachelors in sport.”
I frowned and pulled my arm back. “I’ll do the interview, but I ain’t a bachelor. I’ve got a girl.” The best girl.And damn, if that didn’t feel good to say. The keep-her-forever kind.
“And I’m engaged,” Alec reminded her.
“Oh.” She paused. “I was unaware.” A rustling of papers sounded. “I’m sure we can figure something out.” Earl waved her over from across the room. “I’m needed elsewhere.” Her gaze met mine. “I’ll fetch you in your room tonight. Eight PM.” At that, she turned and sauntered away.
“Shit.” Alec hit me with his elbow. “X.”
Following his line of sight, I spotted Castillo where he waited in the entrance to the Parc Ferme, his attention locked on me.
My stomach twisted, ’cause no way that was good. Tugging my racing suit’s zipper low, I headed toward him.
He buttoned his black wool coat, and adjusted his aviators. “Xavier.”
My nod was tight. “Castillo.” I leaned a shoulder against the open garage frame, crossed my feet at the ankles, then peered around, making sure no one would hear before I looked back at him. “What’s up?”
“I figured I’d come by and give you the news myself.” He loosened the knot of his tie. “The parole board ruled.”
I clenched my hands into fists, readying myself, ’cause Castillo didn’t pull his punches, and my gut told me a hard one was coming.
He stared past me. “Your dad’s getting out on good behavior. No restrictions.”
My fists clenched tighter, the skin creaking loudly. Good goddamn behavior? Fuck that. The guy was human garbage on his best day. He’d just been thrown in theclink with bigger-and-badder assholes. Not as fun to fuck around with them when he’d be guaranteed to find out.
I took a beat, then a breath.
“You alright?” Castillo asked.
I lifted a shoulder. I wasn’t worried about me. I could handle my old man. But Ma… “Any idea what his plans are?”
