Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

I laugh up to the ceiling. My chest fills with a new kind of warmth at the idea of having my best friend living on the same continent as me.

I didn’t even need to make a wish for it to come true. All I needed was Santiago—a man set on proving the magic isn’t the wish itself, but the people who make the dream come true.

51

Santiago

Seven Months Later

“The kids are ready for you.” Chloe walks into my Bandini suite.

I smile up at her as I zip up my race suit. “They’re all out there?”

She nods and offers me her hand. “Ready to watch their favorite guy race in his first Grand Prix.”

I finish strapping on my iWalk before standing up from the couch. Together Chloe and I exit the Bandini motorhome where I get ready and relax before races.

We walk down the main road toward the series of stages where racers and sponsors meet fans.

Chloe swings our hands between us. “Are you ready for your first season back?”

“Yes.”

People stop and stare. Some openly gape at my iWalk while others avoid direct eye contact with me. It should make me uncomfortable, but one look at Chloe’s grinning face has me ignoring them.

Who cares about the rest of the world when mine revolves around this girl?

She leads me toward the stage. “Are you nervous?”

“Surprisingly no.”

“How do you feel about the car?”

“Are you sure you want the answer to that? You might get jealous.”

Her shoulders shake as she laughs to herself. “Me? Jealous of a car?”

“I loved her before you,” I tease.

She sticks her tongue out at me. “She might be your first love, but she won’t be your last.”

“Someone is cocky.”

“I’ve earned my place.” She winks.

A rush of laughter erupts out of me.

We stop at the entrance to the stage. I tug her into my body and place a kiss on her head. Wanting to soak in the moment, I take a few deep breaths.

Chloe fiddles with the zipper on my suit. “Just a fair warning. I might have done something extra special for today.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask you.”

“Why don’t I show you instead?” Chloe’s devious smile sets me on alert.

Hand in hand, we walk up the steps of the stage. Hundreds of kids scream at the top of their lungs as I enter the massive stage. They’re not wearing the Bandini gear I sent them as part of the charity welcome package.

No.