Things are dangerous onandoff the track at this point.
After pitting, Tessa comes back on the radio. “Be vigilant. He’s behind you now.”
Good. He’s right where he belongs.
“Where are the others?"
“Not your concern,” Tess says.
I grumble, but she’s right.
I want nothing more than to race better than Beau, but he isn’t going to race dirty or try anything with the recent drama involving our teams. It’d be too obvious—and too derailing.
“You’re doing well,” she says.
“Not well enough.”
“You’re welcome for the compliment.”
“And you’re welcome for making you look good on the job, Princess.”
I’m positive she rolls her eyes.
“Lots of chatter on the radio,” she adds. “He’s angry, and he’s coming for you around those corners. Stay focused. Don’t let me down now.”
Never.
“Then keep talking,” I order.
There’s silence.
“Don’t go silent,” I demand. “I need you in my ear, Tess. I’m trusting you.”
I can’t believe I just admitted that.
Either way, my pretty little engineer understands the assignment.
She’s in my ear for every corner, her tone smooth and calm, even when Vinny slips past.
I rush the detection line, and her voice comes next. “DRS, Rome.”
The rear wing flap drops, and I fucking fly.
Tessa gasps excitedly, and like I’m a starving man, it feeds me.
I’m at my top speed and move ahead of him at the last second.
Vinny tries to catch up, but the DRS has already done the damage. He backs off, knowing that if he has contact with my car, he’ll be at fault, and given the way he’s raced today, the FIA won’t let it slide.
“Yes! Good job, Rome!” Her excitement is…cute.
She grumbles next. “He’s a fucking asshole.”
I slow the car and hide my amusement behind my helmet.
“I hope our radio feed doesn’t get aired on national television. What would your boyfriend do if he knew you called him such a name?”
She hums under her breath. “I don’t know. What would your little girlfriends do if they heard you say that you liked me whispering in your ear?”
