Collided: Dirty Air (Book 2)(85)

Sophie collapses against my chest while her arms wrap around my neck. And for once, I don’t know what I like more: having sex or having someone to hug me afterward. We stay like that for a few minutes, regaining control of our breathing. Part of me wouldn’t mind staying here until the sun sets. I wouldn’t be opposed to another round or three, knowing one time with Sophie is never enough.

“We better go.” She lifts herself off my dick, my cum seeping out of her.

“Damn, I’m locking away that visual for-fucking-ever.”

“You’re such a perv.” She pulls up her shorts and settles into the passenger seat, shooting me a wicked grin that reminds me of myself. Her braids are a mess with hair sticking out whichever way. Her lips look swollen, and her cheeks have a natural flush to them. I can’t help smiling, knowing I did that.

I love how she looks and I want to hold on to these moments before she goes back home in two weeks. My lips turn down in a frown, the tight sensation in my chest becoming familiar ever since Sophie came into the picture.

“Cheer up, Buttercup. I’m not going to get pregnant and we can use a condom next time.” Her side-eye unsettles me.

I can’t understand why my throat closes up and my lungs burn at her misinterpretation. Is it because I’m an asshole who makes her think I’m grimacing at the idea of getting her pregnant? Or is it because I don’t want to use a condom with her again?

I put the car in drive like nothing, my mind drifting off as Sophie plays music.

My phone vibrates as Rick’s name flashes across the screen. I click the side button, ignoring his call. Nausea rolls through me at hiding my contract deal from Sophie.

For the first time in my career, I don’t want to think about next week, let alone next year. I don’t want Sophie to go back home, but I can’t stop what I set in motion. Like an F1 fan, I’m helpless while watching a collision. Except this time, I’m the reason, and I get to watch as my car drives straight into a wall.

Because life is funny that way, fucking you over without your consent.





29





Sophie





People underestimate the beauty and rawness of Brazil. Even though I love Rio more than Sao Paulo, the electric feeling of the city brings a smile to my face and puts some pep in my step.

It’s hard to believe how fast time flies when on the road. There are only two races left before I go back home, which means there are two more before Liam decides where he wants to go. He keeps quiet on the matter, shutting down whenever I ask about it. I let it go because he probably feels nervous about his uncertain future and where he will end up.

I want to tell him I’ll be there for him no matter what—whether it’s a McCoy contract or not—but the words get stuck in my throat in fear of rejection. Call me a coward, I’m well aware. When he joked about me loving him when we went skydiving, I nearly confessed my feelings.

Liam and I completed almost every item on the list except for one. With only two more weeks together, I have no idea when or how it’ll happen. He took a liking to the list and prefers to plan everything under the guise of spontaneity.

I mull it over while drinking a cocktail. My seat occupies a corner of the bar at the gala with not a single person sitting next to me, probably sensing my mood. Fans keep Liam occupied while Maya busies herself with sucking Noah’s face off somewhere in secret.

I drain the contents of my tumbler, the mix of rum and coke not easing my sadness.

The clank of two shot glasses being placed in front of me draws my attention toward my new neighbor. I eye Rick suspiciously. His presence is a rarity since he never speaks to me, instead offering me a withheld sneer and a side-glance every time.

Rick motions for a bartender to pour us each a shot. “Just the person I was looking for.”

Amazing how seven words make my skin crawl. The bartender fills our shot glasses with a clear liquid I don’t dare ask about, instead choosing to focus on not throwing up at Rick’s obvious perusal.

“How can I help you?” I give him a dazzling fake smile.

“I love someone who’s willing.” Rick tests my gag reflex. “I want to check in with the woman who stirs up more trouble with her pinky than Claudia did with her pussy.”

I can’t tell if he means to insult or compliment me. Based on his cruel eyes, I’ll go with the first option.

“I’m doing great.” I pull out my phone. “Oh, wow. I hate to leave this conversation, but I didn’t realize the time.” My butt lifts off the stool before a cold hand clamps around my wrist. Rick doesn’t mean to cause pain, but his unsolicited touch makes my stomach roll all the same.

Did I mention I detest agents?

He continues, ignoring my discomfort. “I think you should stay. After all, don’t you want to hear about Liam’s predicament? He won’t tell you, but he has an important choice to make in the next two weeks.”

I say nothing as he reels me in like a nasty fisherman with old bait and a rusty hook. “See, McCoy offered Liam a contract deal despite how he fucked the owner’s niece. Can you imagine being that good at racing? Being so powerful that you can screw around with McCoy’s niece and still keep your job? Wow.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “Anyway, only two other companies offered him a spot, but they’re the bottom two teams. The contracts are shit and Liam knows it. Those deals would ruin his career before he had a chance at another World Championship.”