Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

Bandini wants me back. Chloe takes a seat on my lap and wraps her arms around my neck. Her presence calms me, forcing my heart back into its normal pace.

James explains everything all over again, and Chloe remains by my side, running her hands through the hair at the nape of my neck.

James confirms all the information for the next two weeks. I’m on autopilot, speaking only when absolutely necessary. It’s not until he hangs up the phone and Chloe tugs it out of my grasp that I finally move.

Chloe shifts on my lap, wrapping her arms back around my neck. “What happened?”

I bolt up from my chair, lifting Chloe up into the air and spinning us in a circle. Her scream turns into a laugh as I move round and round. The added weight bothers my stump, but I ignore it because who the hell cares right now.

“Bandini offered me a contract. They want me to race for them again!”

“WHAT?!”

I spin her around again, loving the way she laughs up to the

ceiling. “James said it’s only for a year, but they want me to be the driver who replaces Noah if the Formula Corp approve me joining again.”

“Of course they’re going to say yes! You should see yourself out on the track. You’re absolutely incredible!” She peppers my face with a bunch of kisses.

“I couldn’t have done it without you. I never thought I would get in a car again, but you pushed me to try.”

“You pushed yourself. I only nagged you about it all.”

I set her back on her feet. “No. That only added to my motivation. But it wouldn’t have been there if it weren’t for you forcing me in the best way to accept myself. So thank you.” I place a lingering kiss against her lips.

She secures her arms around the back of my neck, holding me close. A sheen covers her eyes, but she blinks it away. “Do you know how stupidly proud of you I am?”

“No. But are you willing to show me?” I shoot her a wolfish grin.

“You, Santiago Alatorre, are a secret pervert. Your mother would be ashamed.” She shoots me a breathtaking smile I can’t resist kissing off her face. Damn. This girl has turned me into a lovesick idiot after only a few months. I confused her for something magical, but in reality she’s a miracle.

“We have to celebrate!” She claps her hands together.

“We can after I meet with the Corp. I don’t want to jinx it, just in case they say no.”

She pauses her clapping and turns on her heel, leaving me behind.

“Where are you going?” I call out.

“Hold on!” Her voice echoes from somewhere in the house.

I pace the floor, considering what might happen if the Formula Corp denies the bill. My stomach churns at the idea. Now that I’ve had a taste of racing again, I’m not sure if I could ignore the pull toward the track anymore.

Being denied would destroy me before I had a chance to return to my former glory.

Chloe comes back into the room clutching a bubblegum pink notebook in her hand.

“What’s that?” I point.

“I’m about to share a little magic with you.”

That’s all she has done up until this point. It’s as if she sprinkles pixie dust wherever she goes, turning my life into something worth getting out of bed for. And most of all, turning me into someone that feels worthy of loving not only someone else, but also myself.

Chloe motions for me to sit in my chair. I follow her lead out of curiosity, and she pulls up another seat next to me.

She opens her journal to a blank page. “I want us to make a wish.”

“This is your wish journal?”