Zara
My stomach is all tied up in knots.
Ares and I were already on shaky ground after he walked in on me with Chance and Lev earlier on.
But this might be the final nail in the coffin of our relationship.
The look on his face when my leather jacket rode up, and he saw the CAL tattoo on my lower back is something that will stay burned in my memory forever.
I’m no stranger to disappointing the people I love.
My parents can definitely attest to that. Mom has had to deal with my rebellious streak since day one, and Dad… I’m not the son he wanted.
The fact that I have more skills on a motorcycle than a lot of men who ride professionally doesn’t matter. Motorcycle racing is a world that still buys into old sexist stereotypes. To make it as a woman in racing is still a million times harder than if you were born with a cock between your legs. And while my father might love me, he’s always seen my desire to follow in his footsteps as cute. That’s why I wanted to race using an alias, to show him and the world that women can be just as skilled, just as badass as men. Whether it’s on two wheels or in any other field. If I could win races, Dad would have to take me seriously one day, right?
But if I accepted that following my dreams meant disappointing the people I love, I was never prepared for the look in Ares’s gray eyes when he lifted my helmet off my head.
I should have told him everything about that day in Bridgeport when I saw him again. All the reasons why I chickened out are nothing but excuses.
For as hard as it is to admit, Ares has every reason to be mad at me for lying.
“Ares, wait.” I plead.
“What the fuck are you all still doing here?” He barks. “Get out of here. Go home before I change my mind and take you to the station.”
I can’t. I have a horrible feeling that if I go before he hears me out about my reasons for doing this, our relationship will never recover.
“Not so fast.”
I take an instinctive step back when Cal’s dark, calculating gaze sweeps over me.
Mason Morelli and his men are right behind him, and I know that there’s no way out of here until I hear what they want.
“I’ll be damned if my little cocktease groupie of the past isn’t full of surprises.”
The way he’s looking at me causes a shiver to work its way down my spine.
I feel unsafe. Dirty.
Two years ago I mistook that feeling for excitement and attraction, but now I know better.
I stare him down, not letting him intimidate me.
Cal might be taller and bigger than me, but we both know that on the racetrack he’s always going to eat my dust.
“What’s up, Zara?” he smirks, leaning closer to whisper into my ear but speaking loudly enough for everyone around us to hear him. “Did the cat get your tongue? If I remember correctly, that tongue could do some pretty fun things in my trailer after a race.”
I take another step back when he tries to grab my arm, but he never gets to make contact because Ares yanks him back.
“Touch her and I’m gonna fucking kill you, Fox.”
Rather than pick a fight like I expected, Cal crosses his arms over his chest, his lips curled in a cruel smirk.
“Interesting reaction, Officer Hunter. I see you haven’t lost that irritating knight in shining armor syndrome, huh? Does this mean that our little Zara here picked you over your little brother and your friend? Or is she hopping from one bed to the other? I’ve heard her mother married your father. I guess you rich people like to keep things in the family.”
Ares’s fists are clenched tight, ready to strike. “Say one more fucking word about Zara or about my family and find out what happens. This is your last warning, fuckhead.”
Cal’s smirk widens. “Nah, it’s not worth it. She is not worth it. I’m not here to cause trouble. Besides, I understand why just the sight of me pisses you off. I’d feel the same way if I were you.”
