Page 45

CHAPTER 45

Senna

Another podium for Connor and the team. I can’t wait until he returns to the garage, but he’s got press interviews first.

My phone vibrates with a call. It’s my dad. It’s always Dad.

“Hi,” I say, struggling to keep the tension hunching my shoulders out of my voice.

“Tawny should have done better,” he says.

“Hello to you, too.”

“Senna, the board are moaning because you brought someone into the team that’s never driven in F1,” he snaps.

“I’m aware. They told me at the meeting this week, and I told them to get over it, as she is an exceptional driver. Did you see her today? It’s only her third race with us, and she came seventh. Antoine barely scraped that in his last races.”

“I’m not happy you fired him.”

I cover the mouthpiece and scream. Silas, Connor’s trainer, looks over at me, and I give him a fake smile. I have to do this alone. My dad doesn’t need to be the team’s problem.

“And I’m not happy that he nearly killed Connor, who was third again today.” And drove like a sexy speed demon. “Don’t you think it’s time you left me to lead the team rather than get involved in everything?”

“I spoke with Antoine and his dad. Antoine wants to meet with you to apologise. He’s sorry for what happened,” he says, ignoring my request.

I don’t believe that for a second, but there’s no point explaining this. I knew Antoine wouldn’t leave it alone when I fired him.

“He knows where to find me. But I’m not taking him back. I’m building a team, not managing an arrogant prick,” I snap.

I spy Macca staring at his phone with a frown. He’s always the first to celebrate the team.

Dad continues, “Another thing?—”

“No, I’ve got to go. Tell me another time. Love you.”

But he hangs up without hearing my last words.

Silas comes over. “Are you okay, boss? Is there anything I can do?”

I shake my head. “No, but thank you.” It’s my job to act as a buffer between the board and my team. “Is something wrong with Macca? He seems down.”

“It’s to do with his kid’s birthday. But you didn’t hear that from me.”

“Thanks, Silas.” I raise my voice as Silas walks to Tawny’s trainer. “Macca, can I have a word?”

Macca quickly tucks his phone in his pocket as if he’s been caught doing something he shouldn’t. No doubt a legacy of my dad’s management. Rule with fear, not with support. That’s not my way.

His brow furrows as he joins me. “Did I do something wrong? Connor had a good race. I was only joking on the radio.”

“Macca, you were incredible today. We’re lucky to have you as our chief race engineer. Connor knows he’s got the best.” A hint of a smile plays on his lips.

“Oh, well. You know, I’m all right.”

“You’re the best, Macca. I want to hear you say it.”

He presses his lips together, but his smile appears anyway. “I’m the best, boss.”

“Damn right,” I say. “But if something is up, you’d tell me.”

He shrugs. “It’s just family stuff.”

“Family is what enables us to do this and do it well. What’s on your mind?”

He avoids eye contact and wrings his hands.

“Macca,” I press.

“When we’re in Austin in a couple of weeks, it’s my kid's birthday after.”

“Monday after the Sunday race. She’ll be three years old.” I don’t know the birthdays and ages of all my team, but some stick with me.

He grins. “Yeah. I know it isn’t a milestone, but I’ve never missed her birthday. Half the day will be gone when I get home from the race. I wanted to be there when she woke and opened her presents.” He shrugs again. “But it’s nothing. There will be other birthdays.”

My dad never raced home for my birthdays, and while I understand why, more than ever now I’m the boss, it’s not the life I want for my team. “Your girl matters. We’ll get you home for it. I can’t have you miss the race?—”

“I wouldn’t want to. My wife and I knew this life when I joined. She makes my dreams possible.”

Like my mum did. Always behind the scenes.

“I’m glad you’ve got her. But I have a private jet, Macca. As soon as the race ends, we’ll get you a helicopter to the airport and you’ll be home to wake up with your girl or we can bring your wife and daughter here and book a suite in my name.”

Macca embraces me with tears in his eyes. “Thank you, boss. I just…thank you. You’ve made this team a place I want to be. You’re the best.”

I hug him hard. “It’s the least I can do.”

“There’s no other bosses like you, and we’ve never had anything like your support. And thank you for what you’ve done for Connor and Tawny. You’ve made this a team to be proud of.”

“Ma belle,” Antoine calls out, and my head throbs.

I wipe a hand down my face as he walks over.

“Do you need me to get him kicked out?” Macca asks, and I nearly hug him again.

I shake my head. “I’ve got this, but thank you.”

He nods and steps away, shooing a couple of other staff so no one can overhear my conversation.

Antoine attempts to kiss my cheeks, but I step back, folding my arms. “No, Antoine. I don’t want your greetings or whatever bullshit you have up your sleeve. What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to apologise.” His smile is as fake as his words. His eyebrows waggle. “I promise not to willy wang.”

I set my jaw and give him the sourest look in my arsenal, but it goes unnoticed. “Apologise, then.”

“You are cross with me. How can I make it up to you?”

“You can apologise and then leave. You’ll never return to this team, and I’ll never trust you again.” A dark look crosses his face, but I need to say this, or his family will keep pushing me through my dad. “I don’t care what deal you think you have with my dad. I run this team, and as long as I do, you’ll not be welcome back into my offices, garage, or anywhere else related to Coulter Racing. You’re dangerous and always have been.” I drop my voice. “I know you’re the real reason my racing career ended. You’re an arrogant prick who thinks he’s better than everyone else. Get out of my garage before I kick you out.”

Antoine grabs my shoulder hard enough to bruise it. “Senna, you’d best be careful who you’re speaking to. You might not be boss forever.”

“Get your fucking hands off her!” Connor strides over. His face burns red.

Over Antoine’s shoulder, I see every member of the garage stare at Connor and then me and Antoine.

“I can handle this, Connor,” I reply, but he’s already grabbing Antoine’s designer cashmere sweater.

“Get your hands off me, pretty boy,” Antoine replies, pulling himself out of Connor’s grasp before brushing himself down.

“Go now, or I’ll pick you up and throw you out myself,” Connor snaps.

“Connor, I’ve got this. I can do it by myself.”

“But you don’t have to,” Connor replies, and I stare at him. “You have a team that will fight for you.”

He points at the whole garage, who look at the ceiling or floor before picking up tools or their phones to appear like they’re not watching.

“Antoine, come with me,” I say. Antoine doesn’t move. Instead, he eyeballs Connor. “Now, unless you want Connor to make good on his word and have the world’s press watch you on your arse.”

Antoine follows me through the garage. Connor watches us go with pinched eyes and a sneer that I know I’ll have to sort out.

“I meant what I said. You’re not welcome here, and you’ll never drive for me again. If you push me, I’ll ruin your name. I’m sure it wouldn’t take long to dig up dirt on you.”

Antoine smirks. “Things will change by the end of the season. Tell your dad I said hello. Actually, I’ll tell him when my dad and I meet him for dinner.”

He walks away, and I return to the garage to find Connor pacing. I want to grab his hands, hold him still, and tell him it will be okay, but I can’t in front of my team. Instead, I trace my tattoo in front of him. He looks down at it and back into my eyes.

I take a deep breath. “Connor, I’m grateful you were there for me, but you don’t need to protect me. I can do it alone and need to be seen to.”

He drops his head and says between gritted teeth, “You also need to know that I’m here for you and that you’re mine.”

I check behind me, but if anyone heard the last part, there’s no sign.

“If something goes wrong, then it’s on my head. I can’t lose the respect I’ve worked hard to earn.” I don’t add that if something goes wrong between us, I won’t have anyone.

He nods. “I know.”

“Thank you.”

I place my hand on the desk beside his, and his little finger brushes mine. A warmth spreads through my chest, and he stares at me like I’m all he needs.