Chapter 59
**Heizel's POV**
As we stepped into the massive garage, the cool air hit me, carrying the unmistakable scent of leather and polished metal. It felt like stepping into a high-end showroom—each car was a masterpiece, gleaming under the fluorescent lights. The sleek lines of the vehicles, the shine of the chrome and paint, were like a symphony of power and precision. I couldn’t help but admire the way they seemed to hum with potential, the polished surfaces reflecting every detail of the immaculate space around us.
Suddenly, the sharp click of footsteps echoed off the walls, and I turned to see Maja bounding into the garage. Her energy was electric, almost tangible in the air as she practically skipped over to the cars. The way her eyes lit up, sparkling like a child in a candy store, made me smile despite myself.
“Can I drive one today?” Maja asked, her voice full of excitement, as she looked up at Matthew with that familiar, pleading expression. “You know, you never let me drive these babies. It’s so unfair!”
Matthew rolled his eyes, a fond smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “You’re not old enough to drive them,” he teased, his voice light but firm. “Besides, you don’t need to be behind the wheel of any of these. Just enjoy the view.”
Maja huffed dramatically, her arms crossed over her chest. “You’re so mean. These cars are basically calling my name!”
I chuckled at their banter. Maja reminded me so much of Taylor—always talking, always teasing, and impossible to ignore. There was something refreshing about her energy, so full of life. It made the weight of the mansion and its luxury feel a little less overwhelming, even if just for a moment.
Matthew turned toward me, his gaze softening as he spoke. “So, Heizel, have you ever driven one of these? If you want, you can try one out. Maybe a little test drive?”
I glanced at him, unsure whether he was joking or being serious. But when I saw the glint in his eyes, I realized he wasn’t kidding.
“Would you let me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
“Of course,” he said casually, tossing me the keys to a brand-new Jaguar. The cool metal of the keys felt heavy in my hand, like a promise. “You choose whichever one you want. I trust you.”
Maja’s eyes widened in disbelief as she glanced from me to the keys, her jaw dropping. “Wait, what? He never lets anyone drive these! Are you serious? You’re actually getting to drive one?”
I shrugged, a rush of excitement filling me as my heart pounded in my chest. I had never been behind the wheel of something like this before. The sleek black exterior of the Jaguar gleamed under the garage lights, almost as if it were waiting for me. I could already imagine the hum of the engine beneath me, the power at my fingertips.
I slid into the driver’s seat, the leather cool against my skin, soft and luxurious as I adjusted myself. The interior smelled faintly of rich leather and something fresh, like new beginnings. The seats seemed to cradle me as I settled in, the smooth texture of the steering wheel beneath my fingers giving me a sense of control that was both thrilling and intimidating.
Matthew slid into the passenger seat beside me, his scent—a mix of fresh cologne and something subtly woodsy—drifting toward me, grounding me as I turned the key. The engine roared to life with a low, thrilling growl, vibrating through my seat and into my bones. I could feel the power thrumming beneath my fingertips, the car eager to take off. The soft hum of the engine, the rumble of power—it was exhilarating.
“Ready?” I asked, my voice barely more than a breath, my excitement rising with every second.
He nodded, a smirk curling on his lips. “I’m ready. You drive, I’ll just be your passenger princess for today.”
I laughed, the sound light and carefree, as I gently pressed on the gas. The car shot forward with smooth, effortless power, the engine purring beneath us like a wild animal on a leash. The wind whipped through my hair as we sped down the driveway, the world blurring around us. The tires gripped the road like they were meant for this moment, every curve of the pavement almost effortless as we raced ahead. The sound of the engine roaring was music to my ears, and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud in exhilaration.
Maja, still in the garage, was shaking her head in disbelief. “This is crazy! I can’t believe you’re driving that car and I’m stuck here.”
Matthew chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the moment. “Don’t worry, Maja. You’ll get your turn someday. Just not today.”
The air was crisp, and the scent of fresh grass and earth mixed with the leather of the car and the sharp tang of gasoline. The combination was intoxicating, and as I pressed the gas a little harder, the car responded with a thrilling roar. The wind through my hair, the hum of the engine, the way the road stretched ahead of us—all of it felt so liberating, like I was free in a way I hadn’t been for a long time.
We drove for a while, the silence between us comfortable, filled only with the occasional hum of conversation and the sound of the tires gripping the road. It was just me, Matthew, and the open road, the world outside fading into a blur. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the road, the warmth of the day still lingering in the air.
“Not bad,” Matthew finally said, glancing over at me with an approving smile. “You might just be a natural at this.”
I grinned, feeling a sense of pride swell in my chest. “Thanks. Maybe I’ll steal this Jaguar from you when you’re not looking.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”