Kaia traced the edge of the table with her nail, frowning. “You’re right. But it still sucks. It sucks feeling like everyone else has their shit together. If I score low on the PSATs again…” Her voice cracked. “I can’t. I need to do well. I need to get into Mom’s dream school next year. I promised her.”
I reached across the table, covering her hand with mine. “I’ll help you however I can. Quiz you, study with you—whatever you need.”
A timid smile softened her face. “Thank you. Right now, I think I’ll take a milkshake.”
Reluctantly, I let go of her fingers and flagged the waitress.
I’d buy her every milkshake in the world if it kept that smile on her face.
***
It was pitch-dark when we walked up the driveway. “I wish the day was longer,” Kaia said, voicing my own thoughts as she toyed with the key.
After she unlocked the door, I followed her inside. “We can go out again.”
“If her father lets her.” Russell stood in the foyer, glare fixed on us. “Your sense of responsibility leaves much to be desired.” His gaze pinned Kaia like she’d committed a crime—when all she’d done was spend a day at the beach after weeks of studying. “It’s past eleven. You have school tomorrow. Be more mindful if you want to dance at the showcase next Friday.”
He drained the joy from the room in seconds. The spark in her eyes dulled, and she slipped upstairs without a word.
Fuck. It was my fault. I’d never forgive myself if she lost something else she loved. Being fired was already enough.
“She did nothing wrong,” I told him once her footsteps faded. Protecting her from his wrath didn’t mean I’d stomach the way he treated her.
“Well.” His cold stare met mine. “This is my house, my rules. She lives under my roof—a very nice roof I’m paying for. Are you questioning my parenting, Asher?”
I wanted to tell him to go fuck himself, but I wouldn’t forgive myself if Kaia lost another thing she loved. I clenched my jaw as I turned and went up the stairs without a word.
Passing Kaia’s door, I didn’t knock.
What I wanted didn’t matter—not when she was already struggling and I risked making it worse. The only way I could help was by keeping my distance.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Asher
After another lap where both my timing and technique sucked, I rolled into the garage at the Venburn track. My head wasn’t in the game. Racing demanded focus; mine was with the girl I’d avoided for almost a week.
Ethan walked in as I tugged at the zipper of my suit, ready to change and ride back to Stetbourg.
“Leaving already?” He arched a blond brow.
“Yeah. I’ve got somewhere to be.”
He planted a hand on his hip, eyes sliding over me. “Come on. I hoped we’d race at least once. Unless you’re scared. This track’s not for the weak.”
Ridiculous. I was never scared—but I didn’t want to be late for Kaia’s showcase.
His smug grin made me hesitate. If I refused, he’d take it as a win. I couldn’t afford to look like the rookie he thought I was.
Fuck. He wasn’t giving me a choice.
I grabbed my helmet. “One lap.”
“Awesome.” He rubbed his gloved hands together. “May the best racer win.”
We rolled our bikes onto the grid. He’d waited until now on purpose—after hours on the track, my energy was low. He must’ve seen me half-assing some laps, but that had everything to do with Kaia and nothing to do with my skills.
The steady rumble of the engine surged through me, pumping confidence into my worn-out body. I could do this. And I couldn’t wait to show Ethan what I was made of.
