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His fingers slip between my thighs to press inside me. I’m so wet he slides right in.

“Right now?”

“Yes,” I lie. “Friction and drag.”

“I see.” He pulls both fingers back toward me in a way that has me curling up to him. “It’s fucked up how much I like that.”

I laugh, grabbing on to him to keep from falling when my knees give out. “That’s what turns you on.”

“Pretty much.” His thumb finds my clit, rubbing slow circles in time with his fingers pumping in and out.

Somehow, it’s better every time with him.

“You don’t have to be quiet.”

I exhale shakily. “Because Theo’s in the room next door?”

His teeth flash white in the dark.

“You’re beyond redemption, Ashford,” I whisper.

His lips brush mine, his eyes soft shadows. “Try anyway.”

40

Shay

The next morning, the flags are flying in São Paulo.

It’s a bright sunny day for a race. It feels as if the gods have blessed this as the final outing of the year.

I woke up in Jameson’s room early, the expensive sheets soft under my skin and the curtains blowing in the breeze. He was asleep beside me, his dark lashes resting on his cheeks.

He’d told me he had trouble sleeping. He looked pretty peaceful to me as I traced a finger along his jaw. “You’re cute when you’re sleeping,” I murmured when his eyes blinked lazily open.

“You’re cute all the time.” He rolled me onto my back and, despite my meager protests that we were going to be late, proceeded to show me exactly what that did to him.

I reluctantly went back to my own room, where I showered and put on a linen dress and heels before meeting Megan and Eden out at the front of the hotel.

As we make our way in a limo heading to the track, the media notifications are blowing up.

“Results are in: ARI is cleared of all wrongdoing,” Megan reads off her phone. “You have thoughts on this?” She prompts the single Ashford in the car.

“Nope.” Eden only smiles as she looks out the window.

The track is packed full of fans, tens of thousands crowding the area where it will take place. Like yesterday, the seating is full, plus spectators watching from the hills lining the track, well behind safety barriers.

It’s an atmosphere of celebration in the garage. The race that will determine the team of the year is still to be won, but the tension has eased a degree.

Megan, the other finalists, and I get introduced to the ARI team. It’s a big crew, and a little overwhelming. I repeat the introductions in my head.

Jameson and Theo are already trackside wearing headsets. Jameson catches sight of me and his eyes turn warm and knowing.

He waves me over. “Check it out.” He pulls his headset off one ear and offers it to me. Instantly the team radio is there, talking about last-minute prep. Excitement pounds through my veins.

“This will be you next year,” I remind him during a break in the conversation. “You ready for it?”

“Yes,” he says seriously, tugging me against him.