Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

I grin, praying he doesn’t get too mad at the shitstorm I started. “Well, he didn’t have to share much because he showed me the reruns. I’d say he’s sorry about the crash, but then I’d be lying.”

Noah and Santiago laugh together. A few crew members’ heads snap in our direction. I can see why. Noah and Santiago enjoying themselves is quite the sight.

Someone calls Noah away for a pre-race interview with a local news channel. Santiago grabs Marko and throws him in the air, switching between helicopter noises and a speeding jet.

Ugh. Why does he have to be so perfect all the time? It’s hurting my self-restraint.

A teeny tiny part of me is tempted to call off my stupid bluff and give into our attraction. But then Santiago bristles when a crew member walks by, noticeably checking out his leg as if the worker has X-ray vision to see past his jeans. The way Santiago scowls and shields himself from more scrutiny has me solidifying my choice.

If Santiago wants to have a more serious relationship with me, whether sexual or otherwise, he needs to accept himself. Because at the end of the day, no one wh

o looks and acts like he does should hide themselves from the world. It’s such a damn shame right up there with Brad Pitt leaving Jennifer Aniston and ABBA breaking up.

I can’t let Santiago cloak himself in darkness and secrets when he’s meant to shine, even if it means putting my own agenda aside. Plans don’t always go accordingly, and I refuse to give up on helping him. Priorities change and revealing my identity to my dad isn’t the most urgent thing in my life anymore.

I’m officially an F1 addict. Today couldn’t be any better, with our own private room to watch the race. There’s free champagne and exclusive access to Noah’s team radio. I’ve never been one to lap in luxury, but Santiago had me convinced the moment he passed me a mimosa. A race day is like brunch minus the pricey bill.

Massive TVs play the footage from the F1 cameras and drones. The crew sets the racers up in a crisscross fashion throughout the grid, with Noah’s car leading the pack.

Santiago shakes his head. “No one can beat him off his pedestal, even after all this time.”

“There’s only one man who has the best chance, and he’s standing in this room.” Maya sips her mimosa.

Santiago scowls at his sister. “Are you trying to get a rise out of me?”

“If I’m getting a rise out of you, that means something about this situation still bothers you. Ever thought of it that way?”

“No. I’m thinking my annoying little sister forgot her manners for a second.”

“Santiago,” I hiss under my breath. “Cut it out.”

Maya waves me off, shooting her brother a glare. “You belong out there.”

Santiago looks toward his mother for help, but she shrugs and focuses her attention back on Marko. Smart woman. I’m tempted to go over there and join them.

“Mami’s not going to save you from this conversation. Just be honest with me. Do you miss it?” Maya turns back toward the TV.

One by one, the five lights above the cars shine before shutting off. The cars squeal as they speed past the grid and through the first corner. A dashboard camera gives fans and us the perfect view of Noah’s front wing as he passes the first straight. He speaks to his engineers, relaying stats off his steering wheel.

Santiago’s eyes remain glued on the TV. His body grows more tense as Noah goes around the circuit again and again. “Of course I do.” He speaks low, his voice barely a whisper under his breath.

“Then will you please at least check out the car he worked on? Please? If not for him, do it for me.” Maya’s eyes soften.

Santiago doesn’t look at his sister.

I tense as his eyes drop to mine. He clasps onto my hand, hiding the trembling from his family. His jaw tightens as he scans my face before focusing on his leg.

I grow uncomfortable as the silence continues. Giving Santiago some space, I focus my attention back on the race. Noah continues down the track. Everyone’s excitement grows, especially Marko’s, as his dad fights off the other racers. No one dares pass Noah’s car. I clap my hands together as Maya squeals in delight as he passes through the next lap without a problem. I look up at Santiago, expecting him to be watching the race, but his eyes are trained on me.

“I’ll test out the car under one condition.” Santiago speaks to his sister, but his eyes don’t leave my face.

Maya looks up from Marko at her brother. “What is it?”

“I’ll try the car if Chloe comes to the track with me.”

My mouth gapes open, and I take a deep breath. The sudden motion makes my lungs burn, and I cough. “Come again?”

Santiago’s frown grows into a smile as he nods his head. “I’ll test out the car if you come to the garage with me.”