Page 55

Same day
Once we’re on the garage level, I flick on the lights and move to the safe. I press my thumb against the pad and it unlocks, revealing the glittering keys to the cars. There are almost too many to choose from.
“How about the Charger tonight?” she asks, running her hand across the freshly waxed black paint.
“I’m a mood driver. And that one is …” I pause, knowing what it represents as I glance back at her. “Fitting.”
I laugh and walk toward her, twirling the key ring around my finger. She holds out her palm.
“That’s a no.”
“You’re smart for saying no. I’d have driven it like I’d stolen it.”
“I know you would’ve,” I tell her, knowing she wouldn’t go easy. It’s not in her nature.
I unlock the car and open the passenger door, and she struts over, sliding against the smooth black leather seat. The hint of citrus on her skin drives me fucking crazy as I shut the door.
When inside, I insert the key into the ignition and turn. The engine growls, and I love the feel of the thick steering wheel under my grip.
I turn to her. “Are you ready?”
Alexis nods and I push in the clutch, revving the engine, warming it up, and slipping it into first gear. It feels like butter.
She laughs. The smile on her face is so damn genuine, and I love to see it. “This is afuck around and find outkind of car.”
“I only drive it when I’m searching for trouble.”
“Mmm. That explainsa lot.” Her brow arches. “I think I chose wisely.”
“Absolutely.”
I scan my card and the garage door opens to the paparazzi standing at the end of the street, snapping photos of us as we leave. In the rearview, Brody pulls up behind me in his blacked-out Range Rover. I burn off into the street, peeling out, leaving rubber and smoke behind. I almost forgot how powerful this car is.
“They’ve been waiting since we arrived on the bike?” Lexi asks, glancing behind us in the side mirror.
“Yes. They never tire. Twenty-four hours a day, they’re ready to follow me wherever I go.”
“Why?” she asks, not understanding.
“The general public has been obsessed with my family since before I existed. We’re considered American royalty.”
“And you hate it,” she says.
She knows I do. It’s clear.
I glance over at her. “You’re now being followed after that show you gave them last night.”
She doesn’t meet my eyes, but I notice the smile playing on her lips. “It was astage kiss.”
My hand rests on the knob of the shifter as I move into second gear. “Do you slide your tongue into all of your costars’ mouths?”
“A job is a job.”
“When we’re married, that stops immediately,” I say, meaning every word. No way in hell will I allow that with anyone else. Pretend or not.
“If,” she corrects. “If.”
As we turn onto another street, Lexi rolls down the window, holding her hair in her hand so it doesn’t blow around the car.