Page 57 of Fatality

I straighten.

“This doesn't change shit. You'll all get your credits.” I spread my arms slightly. “We've got enough money to survive for five fucking years.”

I step over the rookie, dismissing him completely.

“So, the next fucker who questions my leadership will end up in a worse state than the rookie over here.” I sweep my gaze around the garage. “Are we clear?”

A chorus of Yes, Boss! echoes through the warehouse.

There.

I reminded them who's in charge. I built Crimson Velocity from scratch, this is mine.

My gang.

I will not be defied, I will not let them think I'm weak.

I don't think, I act, and I take.

That's fucking it.

Varek turns and goes back to work on his car.

Ren heads toward the rookie, helping him back to his feet and telling him to get back to work and shut his mouth.

But Neo? That fucker comes straight toward me.

“Evren,” he says, his lime-green eyes locking onto my hazel ones, deadly serious for the first time in a long while. “What the fuck was that?”

He crosses his arms.

“Talk to me. You're always asserting your leadership through violence. Fine.” He shrugs. “But you came back after giving up a race like you got hit by a car.”

He points at me.

“You. Evren Calder. The guy who usually takes whatever he wants.” His eyes narrow.

His gaze drifts to the dried blood on my face.

“And you've got blood all over your fucking face.”

“It's none of your business, Neo,” I reply coldly, narrowing my eyes. “I do whatever the fuck I want. The gang isn't going to die because of two weekly races.”

“In three months, there's the seasonal race.” A grin tugs at my lips. “And I intend to win it.”

“Yeah, you do whatever you want.” He sighs heavily and runs a hand through his hair.

“Next week, I race. You don't.” He raises a hand before I can interrupt. “And you'll be able to focus on whatever the hell caught your interest tonight.”

His expression softens slightly.

“It's not an order from the second to his boss.” A pause. “It's coming from your best friend.”

He turns his back on me and walks away.

“Whatever.” I scoff as I shake my head.

What the fuck am I supposed to say? Neo knows me.