Fast & Wet (The Fast 2)

“Cole’s always watching, monitoring, keeping an eye on things. I think he likes watching Olivier sink his own ship.”

As I say that, both Cole and Lennox look out the door at us, like they know we’re talking about them. And then they start wrapping things up with Alessi, saying their goodbyes, and I know we all need to leave for Russia soon.

Our time is up, and the next race waits for no one. It’s there breathing down their throats, and mine, too.

“Mallory,” I turn to her before the men arrive, “I can’t explain it, and it won’t make sense even if I try to, but the rain is making things worse.”

“The wet tires, you mean?”

“No, I think it’s all the compounds. But they’re even worse when they’re wet.”

Mallory nods. I can see that she remembers all the accidents and blowouts and other unusual failures that have plagued the track this season. And, of course, there’s Alessi right before our eyes, who is in a hospital bed right now over another incident that happened under wet conditions.

“Figure this shit out, Emily. There’s too much at stake, and I can tell you better than anyone, the truth will never come to light if you don’t push for it, drag it into the light. Bad things happen around here in dark corners. Let me know if you need an extra flashlight.”

“I will.”

Everyone says their goodbyes, Mallory and I even exchange a hug, before we head to the airport to leave for Russia.

Mom and Dad have been calling, but I’ve been avoiding them. As another call comes in from them now, I reject that, too.

Honestly, I’ve been plenty busy with Cole and Professor Tillman the last few days, but I still have a nagging feeling about my parents that I can’t seem to shake.

It started out as a niggling suspicion, quickly enough dismissed like a breeze passing through. But no matter how much I ignore it, the thoughts are creeping back in and setting up camp in my gut.

Why didn’t Cole get the letters I sent? Why did Mom call him, how would she even know his number is the same? Why is the Major General mysteriously silent after years of terrorizing me about Cole?

There may be other secrets hiding in dark corners, but do I want them dragged into the light, too?

Live in the moment, Em. Stop thinking.

Things are so good with Cole right now. Meanwhile, Alessi is in the hospital over something I might be able to help with, something I might be able to stop from happening again. Cole, Lennox, and every other driver on the grid could be in harm’s way.

That’s my answer.

Any demons who might be lingering in the dark will have to stay there and are probably figments of my overactive imagination, anyway. It’s time to put my head down and get to the bottom of Concordia and these tires.

Twenty Five

“Braved the forest, braved the stone. Braved the icy winds and fire, braved and beat them on my own. Yet I’m helpless by the river. Angel, angel, what have I done? I’ve faced the quakes, the wind, the fire. I’ve conquered country, crown, and throne. Why can’t I cross this river?” Puscifer - The Humbling River

London

Cole

Rain trickles down the uncovered windows that let in a gray haze of dewy morning light. It’s silent, save the occasional clap of thunder or a boat making its way down the Thames.

Emily’s been pressed into me all night. Every night since we’ve been home.

She wiggles her little ass into me harder, trying to bite back a smirk as if she doesn’t know exactly what she’s doing to me.

Reaching between us, I slide my fingers between her thighs, which she so willingly parts for me. “You’re always so wet for me, gorgeous girl. You h

ave any idea how much that turns me on?”

“I might need some convincing.” Her voice is soft in the mornings, her hair fanned out around the pillows, her body small and warm under my arms.

Angling my hips, I slide into her from behind and groan as her tight heat envelops me.