“You’ve got this,” Marcel reassures me, but I don’t think I do.
My lucky charm isn’t here. I see the way the cars dive down to the first corner and that’s mine and Cowan’s cue to race. We pull from the pits and join the back of the group, putting distance between us so we don’t get caught up. One of the RedForces are off on the gravel but not enough to cause damage. I slip through the gap that he left open and gain three positions on lap one.
“Great pace, Royce. Don’t forget we’re on softs so we don’t want to wear them too quickly.”
Checking my mirrors, I see the front of Ajax’s car and pull forward as I slide up into Kai’s slip stream, but I slow as we approach the corner. The racing aggression begins to bite at the base of my neck, and I have tunnel vision as I focus on Kai’s rear.
“Pick up the pace.” Marcel’s voice is a blur as we approach the straight and I make my move, widening around him and taking him on the outside. “Excellent move.”
“Wasn’t bad, was it?” I chuckle softly, but the laughter is momentary when she flashes before my eyes. Squeezing them shut for half a second, I will for the memories to go away but they don’t.
I shut out the noise and focus on Arden in the distance. He’s next on my list.
I try with all I have but only manage a P6 finish. I still get points, but this is the first time I haven’t been on a podium in a while. I’m awarded driver of the day, though, which made the shit result a little easier to swallow.
Nora pulls me towards the press, and I do what I have to, but as soon as I can, I disappear into my room. I need out.
Dressed in my jeans and socks, I hear a knock at the door.
“Come in,” I call out, pulling my tee over my head and I see Anaïs.
“Oh, sorry.” She covers her eyes and I laugh.
“It’s not like you haven’t seen it before.” I roll my eyes and run my hands down the cotton oversized tee.
“Still, not really appropriate.”
I roll my eyes.
“What do you want, Sinclair?”
“It’s Lexington, actually.” She smirks as she steps into my room. “Just checking in.” She gives me a look.
“I’m fine, kid.” I smile at her.
I’m not fine. I feel like I am dying.
“Why are you lying to me?” She moves across the room, closing the gap between us. “I have known you long enough to see when you’re lying.”
I scoff, furrowing my brow.
“Have you spoken to her?”
“Nope.” My stubborn streak flashes through me.
“Typical Royce,” she mutters, lowering herself on the sofa.
“Leave off, Anaïs.” I throw my hand up and her eyes trail me.
“You always do this. You always find a reason to push someone away.”
Screwing my face up, I go to protest, but she holds her hand up to stop me.
“You did it with me, you fucked around sleeping with God knows who, and then you’ve now done it with Athena.”
Rolling my lips, I avert my gaze to the floor.
“You’re the problem, Royce. Nora and Edel both told me what happened. All she did was try to make you see the brighter side of it.” She shakes her head with disappointment, and it cuts me up. “You’re going to be a very lonely man, Royce Lexington.” She trails off for a moment before she pushes from the sofa. “I hate to say this, but you’ll end up dying with nothing but your trophies for comfort.” She doesn’t give me a chance to respond as she walks out the room quietly, which bothers me more.
