Page 83 of Ride or Die
Drai comes up and pats my shoulder in congratulations as he stares down Jeff.
"Yeah, 'cause Hawthorne would let her modifyhiscar like that?" He raises an eyebrow at him. I lean into the car and pop open the hood.
“Go ahead. I have nothing to hide. Try to find something to make yourself feel better. You just lost to a girl. Maybe it’s time you start showing women the respect they deserve.” I give him a cocky smirk, and his face turns bright red. He’s about to get in my face when Drai steps in front of him, placing his hand on Jeff’s chest.
“Fuck off, man. She won fair and square. Don’t be a bitch. Just walk away. Don’t fuck with Hawthorne’s girl,” he says firmly. I cross my arms and lean against the car, taunting Jeff with the prideful look on my face. Axel chuckles beside me as Jeff walks away with his pride between his legs.
"Who's on their knees now?" I yell after him. He looks back at me with pure hate as he gets back into his car and drives off. I turn to Drai, who's also watching Jeff leave.
“Thanks, Drai,”
“No problem, you did awesome out there. Hawthorne is going to be so hot for you when he finds out you’ve been racing and winning during his recovery.” He laughs.
“I don’t know. I think he’ll be pretty pissed when he finds out I’m working for Williams now. Hey, I’m sorry to hear about Krissy, by the way.”
He shrugs. “Meh, she wanted to dance and sell her body at the Velvet Room. I’m not down with that. I don't wanna share my girl with other guys, and she told me I can't tell her what todo. But I’ve had no problem finding other girls, so fuck her.” I squeeze his arm and give him a smile.
"See you soon, Layla." He smiles back at me and moves into the crowd, wrapping his arms around two girls I don't recognize.
“Layla! That was fucking awesome!” Daya runs up to me and gives me a hug. “So proud my best friend is the face of women in racing in The Shores. Such a badass you are!” She nudges me with her shoulder before going over to Axel, allowing him to wrap his arm around her waist.
“Thanks girl.” I grin ear to ear. Axel leans over and hands me an envelope.
“I’m so glad I bet on you, Layla. You won me a lot of money tonight. Here’s your winnings. Take that home to your boy,” he says. I take the envelope and it feels heavier than normal. My head tilts, and I give him a questioning look.
“Ten G’s. Williams is going to have a hard time letting you go, that’s for sure.” My eyes widen, and he laughs. “Yeah, I know. Have a good night, Layla.” Axel grins and walks away with his arm wrapped around Daya, who she turns back to wave at me.
When they’re out of sight, I open the car door, and as I’m about to step into my boyfriend’s car, I take in the atmosphere around me. People are partying, laughing, looking under the hoods of some cars, checking out new undermount lighting on others. The next race is about to begin, so I hop into the car and pull away to head home.
Racing isn’t just about the thrill, it’s about the lifestyle, and I understand completely why Colt lives for this high.
CHAPTER
FORTY-ONE
CONFLICT
LAYLA
Two weeks later, Colt is looking a lot better. His cuts and bruises have healed, but he is still in both casts and healing from his gunshot wound. I have been contacted by Williams for my first job, and I am nervous as fuck.
Axel came over to visit with Colt, and afterwards, we sit in the kitchen away from him to go over all the details of how to pull off this job as directed by Williams' team. To ease me into the whole thing, Axel tells me they have decided I will be the distraction and he will be the driver.
I am not comfortable with this plan whatsoever, and my anxiety is making a vicious return the more we talk about it. Something that has been under control ever since I started dating Colt.
Knowing what I have to do makes my stomach turn and bile rise in my throat.
“I know it sucks, Layla, but being a woman allows you to use your sexuality to give me time to lift the car. He lives in a condo with 24/7 security by a private firm. This guy goes to work, home and the bar. He drives himself, he doesn’t stay at hotels, hedoesn’t even fucking travel. The best chance to get him is when he’s out and about at a bar trying to get laid.”
I sigh and interlace my fingers on the table, listening to him go over the plan.
“This guy is into any woman who gives him the right attention. We will get you all dressed up and looking hot as hell. Valet doesn’t look twice at the person, just the car and the ticket. You flirt with him, steal his valet parking ticket, we do the exchange. I’ll take the car back to the docks and you’ll meet me there in the Corolla. Got it?” His lips press into a thin line and he looks at me seriously, like this is the last thing he wants to be doing, especially with me.
“What if that doesn’t work, Ax? I’m not an expert at feeling up strangers for their valet card,” I huff out, stressed beyond belief. This does not sound easy. Whatever happened to the old smash-and-grab? Drive off in the fucking thing?
Obviously, the cars need to be in pristine condition. Sold off at auction overseas for double or triple their price in some cases due to rarity, which makes it this complicated.
I am amazed at the intel they got about the target. They put together these elaborate plans based on his daily habits to help them steal and escape unscathed with no evidence left behind. It’s actually an impressive setup. Regardless, it doesn’t stop the sickening feeling in my stomach. My life has done a complete one-eighty.
