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“You can’t leave the awards ceremony early,” my dad hisses as I start backing away from the table. He may have checked out of the team early and is only the owner for the next three hours, but I had to allow him and Mum to attend the FIA Annual Prize Gala.

“I can do what I like,” I reply, smoothing my long, off-the-shoulder black dress with a thigh-high split. “I’m still your feisty daughter, Dad.”

I scoop the last bit of chocolate and raspberry torte onto my spoon and shove it into my mouth with all the delicacy of a karting driver to make my point.

“Besides,” I add with my mouth full, “my team have got their silverware.”

I nod to Connor, who stands by the door with his Action of the Year trophy for his trick when he moved from third to second in the last race of the season. Due to Dad’s apologies, I missed it, but Connor’s made me watch it fifty times since and at every angle. Not that I’d miss the opportunity to witness my man conquering the track. He caught me enjoying it on slow-mo when I was supposed to be sleeping quietly next to him. I got a substantial reward for that over the end of the bed.

Connor waggles his eyebrows at me as Niki jostles him.

“Jacs is out front. I’ve got to go,” I whisper to my dad.

“Let her go, honey. She probably won’t be able to sneak off again, and she’s done enough this year. She deserves some fun. Remember how you were worried work would be too much for her?”

My dad sighs and kisses her on the cheek, reminding us of what I’ve realised over recent weeks. My mum was always the boss, but now she gets to act like it.

“Fine. Go, but protect your brother and ensure he doesn’t do anything stupid. He’s been acting out of sorts since he got back, and he won’t tell me what’s going on,” he says with a huff.

“Yes, Dad.” Though, Niki still won’t tell me anything. Connor and I tried to get his plans out of him or learn what happened while he was away, but he just shrugged. I kiss Dad and Mum on the cheek. “Love you both. Keep an eye on Tawny. She’s breaking hearts all over this room.”

With her auburn hair swept to the side and a green cocktail dress highlighting her slender figure and sweeping neckline, she’s the belle of the ball. Her dazzling countenance has caught everyone’s attention. With her slowly emerging sunshine personality and exceptional driving ability, she’s in demand personally and professionally. But she’s also as loyal as they come. With her and Connor driving for me next season, we’re going to cause trouble, and I can’t wait.

“She can handle herself,” my dad replies. “She reminds me a lot of you.”

“Touché,” I reply as I sneak out of the room.

At Dunsfold Aerodrome, I pull on a racing suit. It’s similar to the one I wore as a teenager. I smile at my tattoo as I zip up my white and turquoise suit. My racing history isn’t a curse around my neck anymore but another chapter in my life that makes me who I am. Connor gave me that feeling back. I make a mental note to tell him. I can imagine his swagger after he hears it.

I bump into Niki as I leave the building. In the gap in the doorway, Jacs walks a giddy Connor around the Hypercars we were gifted for the race earlier this evening.

“It’s like the old days,” Niki says, smiling at my racing suit.

I grin. “That’s why we’re here. We three haven’t raced each other since I was seventeen. It’s time I prove I was and always will be the best.”

He elbows me. “Of course you will, sis.”

“Tonight is like an honouring of the past and a celebration of the future. And we get to be reckless adults driving Hypercars instead of sitting in a boring awards ceremony,” I announce to him.

“Do you ever miss the old days?” Niki asks. His face drops, and he refuses to make eye contact. “Things were easier then.”

“I do, but I like this time now. I’ve found something and someone that gives me joy, and every morning, I wake up knowing I couldn’t get luckier.” I bite the inside of my mouth. “Have you ever found that someone?” I ask tentatively.

Niki catches my eye. “Maybe for a brief moment.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” I hold my breath.

“I might next week. I need advice about my future. Is that okay?” I’m not used to seeing my brother’s vulnerability. I dig my nails into my hands to stop from hugging him.

“Yes, always. Come over whenever you want. I’ll listen and help in any way I can.”

He turns away. “Cool, but if I don’t turn up, don’t worry.”

“Whatever works for you.” He’s recoiled from my hugs since returning so I touch his shoulder briefly. I don’t know who he is anymore. “I love you, Niki.”

“Backatcha.”

“Could you have a word with your boyfriend?” Jacs says when we get outside.

It’s so cold that my breath condenses in the air. Christmas is coming, and it will be my first with Connor. I’ve got several surprises planned for him. There is a tropical island calling our name, for a start.

“What’s he doing now?” I say, staring at my man with a grin I can’t wipe from my face.

“What?” Connor throws his hands in the air. “I just asked if the seat went far enough back for someone to sit on someone else’s lap.”

“You’re too horny for my liking,” Jacs snaps, pointing at him. “I’ve established this year that I’m never dating again. I will be happy and alone with my car engines and books. All men are arseholes, and all women are players.”

I hold my hand up.

“Except you three,” Jacs adds. “But I don’t want to date any of you.”

“I don’t want to date you, either,” Connor grumbles.

“Agreed,” Niki says. “Some of us have busy enough heads as it is.”

Connor and I lock eyes.

“Anyway, enough of this shit. Are we driving or what?” Niki huffs.

“Yep. Me and Connor first, then you two, and then Jacs will start the race where I beat you and Connor,” I reply, walking towards the turquoise Aston and growling. It’s the sexiest car I’ve ever seen. “Start your engines.”

Connor and I line up next to each other. Jacs has sourced helmets with radios so the drivers can talk.

“I can’t wait to own you on the track as much as I own you off it,” I say into the radio, glad Niki and Jacs can’t hear us.

I push my hands into my gloves and grip the wheel.

“Baby, you don’t own anything. When I win this race, I’m taking you home, flipping you onto your back, and crawling up your body. I’ll play with your soaking wet pussy until you’re screaming that I’m the boss of you.”

“Your dirty talk isn’t working, Connor,” I lie. I’m wet already at the prospect of being under him while he makes me beg.

“Of course it isn’t, Coults. But on a scale of one to ten, where ten is so horny you’ll burn up faster than my tyres on this track, what number are you?”

I bite my lip and imagine his mouth between my thighs. “Eleven.”

“That’s my good girl.”

I laugh down the radio. “I love you, Connor.”

“I love you, too, Coults. Now, show me exactly what the woman I adore can do when she’s in a Hypercar. But don’t do it too well, or my hard-on will hit the steering wheel.”

I can’t stop cackling with laughter. Connor fucking Dane makes me horny and happy all at once. “Challenge accepted. Now, start that engine, because I’m about to give you the drive of your life.”

“Fuck yes.”