Throttled (Dirty Air 1)

I leave my past behind at the table of some fancy-ass restaurant. Fuck him to the farthest galaxy and back because the moon is just too damn close for comfort.

31

Maya

“Today we’re here with Santiago since he gets jealous of all the attention I give other racers.”

My brother and I sit at a sleek bar top in the Bandini motorhome. I line up two shot glasses next to a bottle of tequila while Santi smiles at the camera situated on an adjacent table.

“Santi admitted he’s down about not making it on the podium the other day. So we are going to do an exclusive episode of Tequila Talks because we still haven’t learned tequila doesn’t fix our problems. I hope this episode goes better than the last one. I’ll ask him a series of questions where he has to take a shot whenever he refuses to answer. I end the show after four because he weighs a lot and I can’t pick his butt up off the floor. Blame their strict workout regimen and muscle mass.”

My brother flexes his bicep at the camera.

“Warning: I didn’t come up with these questions. I want to clarify since fans want answers to things I do not need to know about my brother.” My lips purse at the horny bunch of fans out there—way more than I expect, all tapping away in my inbox about these guys.

I exaggerate a shudder at his mischievous grin and stick my tongue out at him.

“Favorite thing about your sister?” I bat my lashes at him.

“Hmm, who came up with that question?” His brow lifts.

I shrug and fail to answer.

“I love her passion, fearlessness, and carefree personality.”

Aw, how sweet.

“Who knew you had such kind thoughts about me? Okay, next question. The worst part about F1?”

“Hands down the fact that I don’t sleep in my bed for months at a time. I miss coming home.”

Ah, the not-so glam side of traveling the world.

“What you really miss is your gym and bubble baths.” I smile at my brother.

“Bath bombs don’t feel the same in a hotel bathtub.” He pouts.

I suppress a laugh. “Best part of having a teammate?”

“The shared points you get together. Plus, personal tips and recommendations.” Santi genuinely smiles at the camera.

“Ugh. I hate this one. Your favorite sex position?”

He winks at the camera and knocks back a shot. Good answer.

“Glad that’s past us. Next, any special girl in your life?”

He flips his empty shot glass. “Not since high school.”

“See girls, boys are sensitive just like us. They get their heart broken once and it’s game over.”

He chuckles to himself. “See guys, girls are annoying as ever, no matter the age.”

Oh, burn. “Moving on—”

“What’s going on here?” Noah’s voice makes my stomach flip.

“Tequila Talks. Want to join?” My brother has loose lips after one shot.