Throttled (Dirty Air 1)

Liam puts both palms in the air. “Woah, no need to take it out on me. Or make it personal for that matter. If you need to fuck someone, pick a girl up at one of the events. They’re easy ass.”

Therein lies the problem. I have no interest in hooking up with a random chick, and I haven’t for a while. When was the last time I slept with someone casually like that?

Liam mistakes my silence for acceptance. “Listen, bro. A word of advice—even though you’re being a dick right now. People like Maya don’t casually hook up with people like us. She’s the type to get feelings and end up wanting more.” Liam shudders dramatically.

“What’s wrong with feelings?”

He looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. Granted, I guess I usually don’t care for women’s feelings.

“They develop into more. Then it becomes proposals, sacrifices, babies crying. The works. One day you wake up and wonder where time went. You’ll be forty years old, your wife will barely fuck you anymore, and next thing you know, you’re masturbating to porn every day to get by.”

I still jack off now. Not exactly a trade-off.

Liam comes off uncharacteristically bitter, which I find weird because his parents have a perfect marriage. I mean, I’m already thirty. Not like I want to be alone for the rest of my life, only while I compete in racing and live on the road.

“Not sure how hooking up with Maya turned into a ten-year life plan. But thanks for your concern.” I pat him on the shoulder while rolling my eyes.

“I want to warn you. She’s one of those girls that’ll bring you to your knees. I’m telling you. You’ll be turning in your man card and wondering where you went wrong. Swapping out new girls for the same chick. Same pussy for the rest of your life.”

His vision of marriage is kind of dark, unlike his usually optimistic self. Don’t know what crawled up his ass today. I leave him behind, my mood tainted by his words.

The day of the Monaco race, I search around for Maya because I don’t see or hear from her. I end up in the Bandini bar area in a last-ditch effort to find her. Sophie sips espresso at one of the tables, casually flipping through a magazine, not a care in the world.

“Have you seen Maya?” I keep my voice low as I plant my butt in the chair across from her.

She sips her drink. “Like recently?”

Why is she playing dumb? “Yes. Within the last few hours?” It takes effort to keep my teeth from grinding. My dentist won’t be happy with me next time he sees me.

She finds my reaction funny, her eyes betraying her amusement. “Why do you want to know?”

“Answer the damn question. Not that hard,” I blurt out.

Her eyes roll at my rough tone. I’ve visited her house during the holidays, so we’ve known each other casually for years. She reminds me of an annoying third cousin because we’re not close enough to be considered siblings.

“No need to get your race suit in a twist. She decided to watch like a normal bystander today, wanting to film the experience for her vlog.”

Doesn’t Maya know that’s not a good idea? People will recognize her; drunks will try to grope her. I don’t like the thought of her being out there by herself.

“Why aren’t you out there with her?” AKA why are you sitting here drinking coffee while your friend is out by herself in a crazy crowd?

“I was going to hang out in the pit with my dad. This is one of the biggest races of the year, so I’m sure it’ll be crazy down there.”

I pull out my phone before she finishes her sentence. She watches as I tap around on the screen.

I break the silence after a few minutes. “What’s your number?”

“Seriously, you try to hit on me after you ask where my friend is? You were dry-humping her the other day.”

My jaw clenches. “No. You’re skipping out on the pit today. Your dad sent me a ticket, beyond enthused that you want to see the race like a true fan.”

I smirk at her wide eyes while she tells me her number. She doesn’t speak another word, thank God. Maya can avoid me all she wants, but it doesn’t mean she has to do it alone. I’ll get my way eventually. These types of games don’t phase me because I have enough stamina to outdo her.

My lips twitch as I think up a plan to get her alone after the race. She can evade me all she wants, but it doesn’t mean I need to. Two can play this game.

17

Maya