Still, just to be safe, I said, “What’ve you got in mind?”
His grin turned wicked, and the markings along his skin lit up in a shade of teal I recognised as playful. Mischievous in the best kind of way.
Over the past few months, he’d walked me through what each colour meant, explaining their shifts with shy patience. And every time a new one appeared, especially when he was flustered or turned on, I felt like I’d unlocked some rare treasure.
It was incredible watching him grow into himself, especially when I thought back to our first meeting last season. Back then, he’d been colder than a moonlit crater. But now, he was unfurling like a flower stretching toward the sun.
At least around me.
He still wore his scowl like armour in front of everyone else, chasing people off with a single glare. But in private, when it was just us, he lowered his walls and let his real self peek through. And damn, he was such a goof when he wasn’t trying so hard to stay guarded.
“How about a bet?” he said, casual but sly.
“Alright, rookie. I’ll bite,” I replied, already intrigued. “If I win today’s race, you’re going to dress up in the prettiest pair of lace panties I can find . . . and let me tear them off with my teeth.”
His skin flushed a vibrant pink, glowing like embers, and I swear I felt his cock twitch against my thigh. “Alright, hotshot. You’re on.” Then he tilted his chin up, all faux innocence and smug confidence. “But if I come out on top . . . I get totopyou.”
The words hit me like a sucker punch to the gut, stealing the air from my lungs, and my cock jerked hard in my jeans, pressing against his stomach. He noticed. His smirk said it all—wicked and victorious.
“It’s on, then,” I said, though it came out more croak than confidence. My voice cracked on the last word, so I cleared my throat and gave my head a quick shake.
Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about how good he’d feel inside me.
“I’ll see you at the finish line,” I added, smirking. “When you come in second.”
“Thems be fightin’ words, Mercer.” He narrowed his eyes in a mock glare, the corner of his mouth twitching like he was holding back a grin.
I stepped closer, closing the last inch between us until we were nose to nose.”I’ll fight you when we get home, little comet. No doubt about that.”
His skin deepened to a dusky pink, starlight spinning fast in his eyes. “You promise?”
“I already cleaned the windows,” I said with a wink.
Rev snorted and slapped my chest, laughter bursting out of him before he could stop it. “You’re such a twat.”
“And you love me anyway.”
His smile softened as he reached up, fingers brushing my cheek in a touch that still made my heart skip. “Yeah. I do.”
“Rev!” Tavoris called from across the paddock, just as Sam stepped out to check on me.
“Coming!” Rev called back, though his eyes never left mine.
“Time to get to work, baby,” I murmured, low enough for only him to hear.
And he reached up, pulling me down into a soft kiss laced with so much love and quiet promise it made my heart thud hard against my ribs. Like every time was the first time.
“I love you,solvenari,” he whispered. “See you at home.”
Then he turned and walked away, disappearing into Zenith’s garage to begin the long months ahead.
I stayed there for a moment, watching him go.
Home wasn’t four walls or a familiar stretch of racetrack. Home was the man who’d just walked away, carrying half my heart in his hands.
The only difference now?
Rev always came back to me.
And this time, I’d be right here, waiting to catch him when he did.
THE END
