Danger (The Driven World)

I’ve been racing for years, and this is my first official gameday accident. And I’m pissed, but I can’t quite pinpoint how this day went wrong.

Everything snaps back to reality in an instant.

The fucking reporter, that’s how.

Chapter 18

Monterey

Oh my god. My eyes slam into the worried expression of my father’s. Danger’s car lays in shambles on the inside lap as firemen try to put out a small flame next to his engine.

Danger’s limp body is pulled from the car and I place both hands over my heart, watching on in complete horror.

This can’t be happening.

My heart hammers in my chest, hoping Danger’s ok. But, it’s more than that. I don’t only want him to be ok. I want him to be well enough to keep racing. I want to keep going through this season with him.

I like being by his side. Hell, I’m afraid to admit I kind of enjoy being his fiancee. I know, it’s silly.

It’s silly to even think about this as Danger lies lifeless on the ground. Tears sting my eyes, as my father and I stare on in horror.

“He’s tough. He’ll be fine.”

I know he’s trying to comfort me, but how can he be so sure? I make my way over to the spot I know they’ll bring him to near the back entrance.

I glance over at the other car, Mandarin’s car, lying in a heap next to Danger’s.

The ambulance pulls onto the speedway, and they lift Mandarin onto a stretcher and put him into the back.

His car catapulted over Danger’s and the two of them had a nasty crash. One of the worst I’ve ever seen.

I fear Mandarin isn’t doing well either, and my father and I make our way down to the track.

“How’s Danger and Mandarin?” my father’s voice barks out when we’re closer to Mike. “What happened?”

Mike rubs the back of his neck. “Not too sure. Danger stopped answering me there near the end.”

Mike and my father stare at me. “Did something happen today? He wasn’t really himself before the race.”

The wind rustles over me, bringing a slight chill to my arms. I shrug, not wanting to mention the reporter from earlier. “Not that I know of. Maybe he was just nervous.”

My father and Mike exchange a glance. “Danger doesn’t get nervous.”

I strain my neck to view the activity out on the speedway with our drivers. Danger sits up, and Mike runs out there, and I’m tempted to follow behind.

“Stay here. He’ll be ok,” my father says, holding me back with a touch of his hand to my arm.

“I can’t believe this happened.”

A man tells us he’s taking both drivers to the hospital, and my father and I leave to meet them there.

My stomach’s a complete bundle of nerves as my father’s driver hurries us to the nearest hospital. The ambulance passes us on the road, and as soon as we pull into the parking lot, I hop out.

I race inside, my father quick on my heels. “Danger Hudson and Mandarin Chase,” I say to the man behind the counter.

“Danger’s down the hall.” He taps at his computer keyboard. “Mandarin is on the third floor being prepped for surgery.” Another woman in blue scrubs and red hair motions for us to follow her, and my heart races as we make our way back to where Danger is.

She pulls back a curtain, and Danger sits on the hospital bed. His face lights up when he sees me, and I let out a relieved breath. “Oh thank god,” I whisper.

“Were you worried?” he asks, a sexy grin on his face.

“How is he?” My father addresses the doctor.

“He’s a tough one. Just a mild concussion,” the doctor says, and then gives his full attention to Danger. “You’re lucky.”

I glance at my phone, typing out a quick message to Lilah to see how she’s doing.

The doctor checks a few more things, and my father heads off to find some coffee.

I step closer to Danger. “Are you ok?” I ask him when we’re finally alone.

He stares up at me with what looks like pain in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Why do I not believe you?”

He reaches for my hands, and I place my hands in his. “I promise you, I’m fine.”

“Danger, I was so scared when I saw Mandarin’s car flip over yours.”

“Mandarin? That’s who hit me?”

I nod.

“How is he?”

I pull out my phone from my back pocket, glancing down at it to see if Lilah messaged me back. She hasn’t. “Not sure. We’re headed up to see him after we checked on you.”

Danger tugs me closer, and for a moment this all feels so real. And I like it. I wrap my arms around him, no longer caring about real or fake. This man could’ve died today. He hugs me close.

He nuzzles his head against my chest and I laugh. “What are you doing?” I step back a bit.