Page 8 of Fueled Fury

5

Lainey

Stepping out of my car, I’m already missing the warm, cozy atmosphere of Lucy. That’s where I want to be—behind the wheel. Instead, I cautiously walk across the uneven pavement of the runway, the crumbling dome-shaped hangar making a perfect backdrop and defining its namesake. The Dome is definitely a favorite spot with the locals, but word had gotten out and people drive in from all over to either enter the race or stand by as a spectator. Some place bets, but that’s subsided a good bit since a scandal last year. Most just come for a good time. Me, I’m here for one reason … the rush that comes with the challenge. And hopefully the feeling of victory that follows.

I make my way to the staging area where the party is already in full swing. It won’t be long before the first match is set and competitors begin inching up each bracket, closer and closer to the final race. The race I need to be in. A shiver moves through my body as my hands smooth over the thin layer of my hoodie. It’s not the cool temperature causing the chill, it’s the adrenaline. The anticipation of barreling down the track and capturing the win.

The closer I get to the area where everyone is gathered, the louder the music gets. The thumping bass of the music matches my pounding heart hammering against my chest. How does Dad do this on a professional level? I’m all worked up over an amateur race on the deserted runway. Although, I can’t imagine feeling more excited to be on another track. Whether on live television or for the dancing crowd that grows continuously each week, a win is a win.

Last night wasn’t my first test run, but it was finally the one where I thought I had a grip on myself—but realized that I didn’t. Tonight will be different. I just need to get out there and run the race how I know I can.

“Hey, Lainey!” Hannah calls over the blaring music as she rushes up to me. Eli is nowhere in sight, but he promised he’d be here. And I have no doubt he’ll show. Eli is the dependable one. The person I can count on, unlike the evil Hale spawn born the year prior.

Wrapping my arms around Hannah, I do my best to push thoughts of Austin out of my head, but it’s been a losing battle all day long. Eli seemed less convinced that the mutant would be headed out of town today but reassured me he would be gone soon enough. And yesterday isn’t soon enough because as much as I hate the jerk, I hate myself even more for still feeling the ridiculous pull he has over me. The one I was captured by long before I ended up in his bed and going back for more time and time again.

“Where’s Eli?” I yell over the music, attempting to derail my thoughts. And I really should. There’re more important things for me to focus on—like the reason I’m here, which has absolutely nothing to do with that nuisance. This is for me.

“He’s around here somewhere.” Hannah glances over the crowd, most of whom sway to the beat while others huddle close in an attempt to converse over the blaring music.

“I’ll find y’all later.” I wave to Hannah, pointing over at Ben busily jotting down names in brackets. Each of those names is hoping to advance to face the next opponent until only two remain, then just one.

Rubbing my palms down my jeans, I tell Ben I’d like to race again. He gives me an acknowledging thumbs-up then writes my name down. Easy enough. But it feels immense.

Turning around, I don’t spot Hannah, so I head back to Lucy. A car really shouldn’t provide such a deep level of comfort, but she’s the only place I feel like me.

Leaning against Lucy, I take in the atmosphere, impatiently waiting for the matchups to finally begin. My turn in the lineup should be coming soon.

“That’s a bad habit.”

I bite down on the fingernail that had mindlessly made its way into my mouth before quickly dropping my arm and curling my fingers against my palm, tucking my nails away. Usually, fingernail polish is enough to deter me, but my nerves are shot. The last thing I need is Austin reminding me of all my bad tendencies. Like him—he’s proved to be just as difficult of a habit to break. “There’re far worse habits than biting my nails.”

“Agreed.” The jerk grins, confirming he’s correctly picked up on the meaning of my words.

I turn to pull my door open, but I’m too late. His chest presses against my back, pushing my stomach against my car. “Get off of me.”

“I thought we were going to practice some bad habits.” He tucks his face against my neck, his mouth lightly trailing along my skin as memories of us together fill my mind. “How can it be considered a bad habit when it feels so good?”

“The misery that follows is a superb indicator.” The statement is enough to push away the desire my body feels at his touch because pain is guaranteed in the aftermath.

“It can be different this time,” he hums against my skin.

My eyes focus forward, and with the loud music still blaring, engines roar. Seconds later, the reverberations recede after the Type R and Supra cross the finish line. “No. It won’t.”

Austin mutters something I don’t hear because the sound of my name being called fills my ears, signaling me and my opponent to head to the staging area.

“I have to go.” I attempt to shove back but Austin is a solid force pinning me in place.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he removes his mouth from my skin but keeps me pinned against Lucy as I unsuccessfully attempt to push him back.

“Austin.” Seconds pass as I try to glance over my shoulder but I’m unable to see him. The crowd around us isn’t aware of the maniac preventing me from lining up, as everyone is cheering on the next matchup as they take off. Which means my race is up next. Squirming around, I’m unable to escape his grip. “I have to go. I’m up.”

His fingers dig into my hip as I twist around to face him, finding a blank stare on his face as he says flatly, “You’re not racing tonight.”

“I wasn’t asking. It’s not your decision.”

“Seems like it is.”

Raising my arms up, I ram my hands against his chest, trying to force him back. He swiftly clasps his fingers around my wrist, pinning my hands to his chest as he bends down, his face in mine. “Kiss me and I’ll let you go.”