#1 Furished
Asher disappeared for a minute and came back in a black–and–crimson riding suit that looked built for speed. Ava noticed his ash–blond hair brushing the back of his neck, his green eyes alive with excitement.
“Wow, Asher. You look fierce.”
Praise from his little cousin went straight to his head. He grinned as he’d just won a medal. “Come on. I’ll give you a ride.”
Ava rushed to change too, pulling on a black suit that fit snugly. “We’re twins today. I’ll root for you and watch you blow past everyone.”
He reached out and flicked her cheek. “There it is. Some fire. You’re usually way too quiet.”
She gathered her hair into a high ponytail. No time for anything fancy–otherwise, she might’ve tried the dreadlocks.
Minutes later, Ava climbed onto Asher’s bike and secured her helmet. The engine roared as they sped off. with wind whipping past her. The rush of heat and speed pulsed through her veins, delivering a powerful thrill she had never experienced before, whether in this life or any other.
The race grounds looked nothing like a casual meetup. Engines screamed. Music thumped. Crowds packed in tight, buzzing like a festival.
Ava pulled off her helmet, her eyes wide. “You sure this is just a hobby race?”
Sponsor banners lined the track, bright and bold.
“It’s not official league stuff, just a large amateur circuit. The prize money is significant. Sometimes pros show up,” Asher replied, dodging through the crowd with his helmet under his arm. “Stay close.”
Ava kept to his back, afraid she’d lose him if she blinked.
He flashed a pass to the crew, who waved him through toward the inner track. Ava slipped in after him. Someone behind them complained loudly about being cut in line and about special treatment.
Ava sped up, pretending she heard nothing.
“Asher. Didn’t expect to see you.” A tall man in a blue–and–white jacket stepped forward, palm raised.
Asher responded, “Erik. Long time.”
Erik Calderon had pale skin, sharp features, and a massive build, standing a little taller than Asher.
Ava gave him a quick look, then turned away. Not bad, but not better than Asher
Her attention drifted to the track, where mechanics swarmed around a sleek race car. She stared, fascinated.
Erik caught sight of her after a few words, and a grin slowly appeared. “Aside from Jane, since when do you bring girls here? Is she your girlfriend?”
Asher shot him a look full of disdain. “Is that all your brain runs on? She’s my cousin.”
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15:51 Thu, Jan 8 G
Chapter 54 Redline
Finished
Erik burst out laughing and threw an arm around him. “Now that’s the Asher I know. Come on, introduce
me.”
Asher shrugged him off. “Back off. Try anything, and I’ll make sure your day ends badly. You’re way out of your league. Drop it.”
He turned. “Ava, stick with me.”
“Right.” She hurried after him, pulling her gaze away from the cars.
They moved deeper in, Ava trailing close.
Most people here were tall, broad men with rugged looks. A few girls lingered near the rails, laughing and pointing toward the track.
They stopped near a row of vehicles.
“Asher’s here.”
“Hey, Asher.”
“Asher.”
Voices stacked one after another.
Ava watched as he exchanged fist bumps and nods like he owned the place. Only then did she realize how much presence her cousin carried here.
“Asher, your ride’s ready,” a skinny guy with a bowl cut called, nodding hard. “All checks done.”
Asher nodded, then turned to Ava. “Want a spin? The main race hasn’t started yet. I can run you around the
track.”
Several pairs of eyes slid her way, trying to place her beside Asher. With his reputation looming over them, no one dared get bold. Everyone kept it careful and respectful.
“Is that allowed?” Ava asked, excitement tugging at her voice.
“Relax. We’ve got time.” He smiled.
Introductions didn’t matter. Asher slid into the driver’s seat. Someone opened the passenger door. Ava jumped in, buckled up, and gave a quick thanks.
The engine roared.
Asher slammed the accelerator.
The car lunged forward, pinning her back as the track blurred into streaks of color.
Behind them, a few voices drifted through the noise.
“Man, Asher’s lucky. Another pretty one. It’s been years since then. She doesn’t even seem related. Bet that’s
not his sister.”
い
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