Danger (The Driven World)

She raises a brow. “The same thing you’re doing to me.”

But she has no idea the effect she’s having on me. She cuddles in next to me, and passes right out.

But me, no, I stay awake. It’s the silence I’m not used to. Normally my mind’s a hodgepodge of madness, but tonight there’s nothing.

And for the first time in my life I breathe in a sigh of relief and pass out.

Chapter 26

Monterey

We make it to Plymouth, Wisconsin, in no time. I wish we could have stayed in Chicago forever. Just me and him. In this happy little bubble. However, that’s not the way life works.

When we arrive at the track the next day to meet with the team members and pit crew the cameras are once again thrust into our faces.

Danger doesn’t seem to mind. It’s like fame comes so easily for him. Me, on the other hand, I have a few more issues with the matter. The last time I had so much media coverage was when Thad’s news of his infidelity hit the fan. The media made it out to him being the hero, and I was the boring ball and chain that held him back.

They took his side. Hell, all of America took Thad’s side.

However, everything appears to be fine now. The media acts like they love me. And I know it’s all because of the man at my side. It has nothing to do with me at all.

Or who my father is.

It’s only about Danger.

We walk inside the garage where my father and Crank wait for Danger. Warren’s sitting in a chair, a large cowboy hat hung low over his eyes.

“Look who’s here. It’s Danger.” Warren stands from his seat and lifts his cowboy hat over his head like he’s removing it just for us.

I don’t appreciate his tone. Warren should be lucky he’s on this team. In fact, he should be thanking me for his placement on this team. But, that’s just it. It’s the placement. Back up.

He was one of our lead drivers before we signed Danger. And I guess Warren’s never let anyone forget that he was replaced.

I personally think he needs to get over it. Danger’s a better driver.

It’s simple business.

“Warren,” Danger’s voice is calm, like he’s trying his best not to call Warren out on being such a baby, “how’ve you been?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Boys, let’s get this meeting started,” I interject, wanting to get these two egos in check.

My father agrees and starts right on in with the things the driver’s need to know. I step out of the meeting to stop a reporter from coming inside.

“Amy Jenkins, you know you can’t come into meetings with the Grander team.”

Her short red-bob hairstyle swings on her shoulders as she smiles. “I was lost.”

I raise a brow. “Uh, sure you were. Let me help you find your way out.”

I lead her to the other side of the garage, next to the exit. “Danger and you seem really happy.”

I smile, and there’s no need to fake it, because the smile is genuine. “We are.”

“I’d love to do a piece on the two of you.”

I nod. “Sure we can get something together. Maybe after the season?” I don’t feel like wasting my time with an expose with everything else we’ve got going on.

“Or maybe something sooner.” She slips me her card. “I’ll be in touch.” She walks away and I watch her.

A piece by a national news outlet is normal. I’m not upset Amy asked, I actually am surprised she waited so long. I guess the media had to make sure this thing was real before they wanted fluff pieces for their magazines.

A quick affair isn’t the type of news they’d want. Sure, gossip rags make most of their money off of affairs. I’d guess they made tons of money off of Thad’s affair while dating me. But not the news outlets. No, they want substantial. Something that will sell papers over the long haul.

I head back into the meeting, wondering how much longer they’ll be. I want to talk to my father.

As soon as I enter, Danger and Warren are shouting at one another.

“Take it back,” Danger yells. He’s got Warren pinned up against the wall by his throat.

Oh my God. “Danger, let him go.”

Crank and the rest of the crew are already trying to break things up.

Danger hears my voice and lets Warren go. “Stay away from us.” And then his eyes crash into mine and I see years of pain hidden deep inside.

Has he always had so much pain hidden there?

He grabs my hand, pulling me along with him out of the garage.

“Slow down,” I say, releasing his hold on me.

“I just need some air.”

We stop behind another garage. We’re alone, just the two of us, and Danger wraps his hand around my waist.