Chapter 38 Percy
Percy’s POV
The idea of Adeline racing in a professional competition does not sit well with me. Not because I think she's not good at it. I’ve seen her ride, and she has one of those raw and terrifying talents that most professionals spend decades trying to cultivate.
It's because she's not well enough to consider getting on a bike so soon. Her tibia is healed, yes, but the stiffness and the psychological trauma of being run off the road by a maniac—those things don't vanish in a month. I took my time to explain to her what was happening in her body some days ago. She only laughed and told me even her doctor didn't know that about her. She's a strange one, my girlfriend.
I would consider changing her mind, but the gleam in her eyes is one that tells me it would be very hard to change her mind. Adeline is very competitive and always chasing adrenaline.
I watch her across the kitchen island. She’s holding the black card Dante gave her, twisting it between her fingers. Her eyes are distant, probably lost in a daydream of speed and beating others on the track.
I want to take the card and burn it, then wrap her in bubble wrap and keep her in the penthouse where nothing faster than the elevator could touch her, but when she looks up, I have to admit that she looks happier. The haunted look that has lingered since the crash has been replaced by a spark.
"I know what you're thinking," she says.
"You can't possibly know that I'm thinking of locking you away in the bathroom."
Her eyes widen before she smirks. "I'd pick the lock." She shrugged.
"Adeline, it’s been two months since the surgery. Your leg..."
"Is fine," she interrupts. She walks over to me with a limp that a person that just met her wouldn't notice and places her hands on my chest. "Percy, look at me. Mason took everything from me for a long time. He took my safety and my confidence and even tried to take my life. If I don't do this... if I don't get back on a bike and prove that I can still own the road, then he wins even from inside his cell."
I look down at her. There's no way she's backing down from this, so I have no other choice than to respect it. I hate it, though, but I respect it.
"One month," I negotiate, covering her hands with mine. "We hire a private trainer and get you the best gear money can buy, and if the doctor says your leg isn't ready, then you're not ready. No arguments."
She beams and kisses me on the lips. "Deal."
One Month Later
The competition Dante invited us to was held at a private track in upstate New York hidden behind miles of pine forest and security gates.
The Blackwood Invitational. We pull up in my SUV, towing a trailer with a brand new custom-built Ducati I bought her last week.
As we pull in and scan the field, I can tell that this is miles away from the racing we do illegally, this is a playground for rich, bored people who want to feel something other than their misery.
"Nervous?" I ask as I park the truck.
Adeline looks out the window with her jaw set. "No." She's lying because I can see the tremor in her hands. She’s wearing a new racing suit of black and silver and is armored to the teeth. I made sure of it.
As we unload the bike, Dante approaches us. Somehow, he still manages to look out of place in his Italian suit where others are in racing or casual wear.
"The Ghost," Dante smiles, spreading his arms. "I knew you wouldn't resist."
"Dante," I acknowledge him with a curt nod. I stay close to Adeline, my hand resting on the small of her back. "We're here. What's the format?"
"Time trials today," Dante explains smoothly. "Head-to-head tomorrow. The winner takes the purse and, of course, the glory." He steps aside, gesturing to a young woman standing behind him. "But first, allow me to introduce my sister. She’s helped organize the event."
The woman steps forward. She's beautiful, no one can contest that, with her tall frame and sleek black hair cut into a sharp bob. Her eyes are dark and foxy. Like her brother, she's in formal wear that looks out of place. Her red dress is more appropriate for a cocktail party than a racetrack, but she pulls it off.
"Sienna," Dante says. "This is Adeline and Percy Akilov." I want to correct him, but Sienna ignores me completely.
Her eyes lock onto Adeline. I would have missed her widening eyes if I wasn't looking at her. She looks at Adeline like one would look at a rare piece of painting.
"Adeline," Sienna purrs, extending a hand. Her voice is low and husky. "I have heard so much about you. Dante showed me the video of your run in Queens. It was absolutely stunning."
Adeline takes her hand, looking surprised but pleased. "Oh. Thank you. I’m just... happy to be here."
Sienna doesn't let go of her hand. She steps closer, invading Adeline’s personal space, but Adeline doesn't seem to notice.
"You’re even more beautiful in person," Sienna says, her eyes raking over Adeline’s face. "The video didn't do you justice. You have such... intensity."
I feel a prickle on the back of my neck, and it's not the nice one. My gut never fails me, either, so I quickly steer her to the side.
"We need to get the bike to inspection." I step forward and subtly force Sienna to break the handshake. I put my arm around Adeline’s shoulders. "Nice to meet you, Sienna."
Sienna finally looks at me, and her expression sours. She dismissed me with a gaze.
"Mr. Akilov," she says flatly. "The inspection bay is that way."
She turns back to Adeline, the dazzle returning instantly. "I’ll be watching you, Adeline, from the VIP box. I made sure you have the best garage placement. Anything you need, be it water or towels, even a mechanic, you just ask for Sienna. Okay?"
"That’s really kind of you," Adeline smiles, clearly charmed. "Thanks, Sienna."
"Good luck," Sienna whispers. She reaches out and brushes a stray lock of hair from Adeline’s shoulder. It's fast enough that Adeline can't do anything about it.
Dante and Sienna walk away toward the tower.
I watch them go and watch Sienna glance back over her shoulder, her eyes lingering on Adeline.
"She's nice," Adeline says, adjusting her gloves. "It’s nice to see another woman running things. Usually, these places are a boys' club."
"Yeah," I say, keeping my voice neutral. "She seems... very involved."
"You’re frowning," Adeline teases, poking my chest. "Stop being a grumpy bodyguard. I made a friend."
"I’m not grumpy," I lie. "I’m focused."
I don't tell her that I didn't see a potential friendship in Sienna’s eyes. The woman wants my woman, and after the mess we just dealt with in Mason, I have zero patience for another obsessed idiot.
"Let's get you on the track. I want to check the brakes myself."
"You checked them this morning."
"I’m checking them again."
As Adeline mounts the bike and revs the engine, I look up at the glass VIP box high above the track to find Sienna standing right at the window; her eyes are fixated on Adeline without blinking.