1
HADLEY
Pressed close to the concrete barrier at Brake Point Run, the roar was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Engines screamed in the distance as drivers warmed up, the rumble vibrating straight through the soles of my sneakers and into my bones. I fiddled with the bulky ear protection Jana had shoved into my hands when I joined her down here.
“You’re gonna wear a hole in that thing if you keep twisting it like that,” Jana called over the noise. She was already suited up to race, looking every bit the badass I secretly wished I could be. “Here, let me fix it before you strangle yourself.”
I laughed as she stepped in and adjusted the straps with practiced fingers. “I swear I’m not usually this helpless. It’s just more chaotic than I expected, in the best way. Is it always like this? The place feels like one giant adrenaline shot.”
Jana snorted, giving the strap one last tug before stepping back. “Always, but it’s even better behind the wheel. Driving for Redline Precision is a thrill, but I love it when I get the chance to drive in an underground race.”
“Because you’re hell on wheels, sweetheart.” The big, tattooed biker she was married to wrapped his arm aroundJana’s waist and brushed a kiss against her cheek before dipping his chin in my direction.
“Thanks for letting me come tonight, Nitro.”
“Just stick close,” he warned.
Jana nodded. “This side of racing isn’t what you’re used to. Most of the rules have been thrown out the window, so it’s pure speed and balls-to-the-wall chaos.”
I looked around us with wide eyes. “Yeah, I noticed.”
She tilted her head and studied me with a teasing glint in her eye. “You still good? Or are you about to bolt back to your fancy life and pretend you never met me?”
“No way.” I shook my head so fast my ponytail whipped my shoulder. “Are you kidding? This is incredible.”
“That’s my girl.” She poked my arm lightly. “You’re hooked, aren’t you?”
“Completely,” I admitted, my cheeks heating even as I grinned back at her. I leaned a little closer to the barrier, my eyes widening again as another driver revved his engine hard enough to make the ground tremble. “No one’s watching to see if my posture is perfect or if I said the right thing. I can just exist here. It’s the first time in forever that I don’t feel like I’m playing a part.”
“This world gets under your skin and stays there.” Jana’s expression softened before her smirk slid back into place. She pulled on her gloves, flexing her fingers inside the leather. “Stay back from the barrier unless you want your eardrums blown out, or worse.”
“Kick ass out there. I’ll keep an eye on your friend,” Nitro reassured her.
“Listen to your scary husband. I want to see you smoke every single one of them. And when you win, you have to let me buy you the greasiest victory burger I can find.”
“Deal.” She winked. “But only if you promise not to scream too loud when I fly past. Wouldn’t want to embarrass that pretty politician’s daughter vibe you’ve got going.”
“Hey, I left the pearls at home tonight.” I rolled my eyes, still smiling. “Go show them what real driving looks like.”
She gave me a playful salute before going up on her toes to kiss Nitro. Then she strode off toward her car, and I watched her go, feeling a wild thrill I’d never experienced before. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t just watching from the sidelines in a perfect dress and a practiced smile. I was right in the middle of the action. And I never wanted to leave.
As Jana disappeared into the lineup, I stayed right where I was. My eyes were fixed on the cars idling under the harsh lights. The engines kept revving in short bursts, each one sending another delicious shiver up my spine. I couldn’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. This place felt like freedom, and I didn’t need to quiet any part of myself to fit in.
It was the complete opposite of home, where everything was carefully orchestrated. My father built his entire world on image. Every public appearance, fundraiser, and family photo was staged like a campaign ad.
“Presentation is power, Hadley,” he liked to say in his measured tone.
My mother was his perfect counterpart. She was polished, composed, and always three steps ahead in how something would look from the outside. She chose my clothes, corrected my posture with a gentle hand on my back, and reminded me with disappointed sighs when my laugh got too loud or my opinions strayed too far from the script.
They loved me in their way. I knew that.
But their love came with expectations. Be graceful and agreeable—the daughter who reflected well on them. I was neversupposed to be too loud or do anything that might crack the flawless family portrait they’d spent years painting.
I had spent my whole life learning how to move inside those walls without rattling them. Smile when expected. Speak when spoken to. Keep the thoughts about how it would feel to shout rather than whisper tucked safely away, where no one could see them.
I wasn’t unhappy, exactly. But I was starting to feel contained in a way I wanted to break free from. Meeting Jana a few months ago had only intensified that feeling.
I’d attended a race with my parents at Redline Speedway, but it had been nothing like this. One of my dad’s biggest donors owned a team racing, so we’d been there to strengthen that relationship since he was up for reelection.
