Redeemed (Dirty Air #4)(70)

I can’t let Santiago cloak himself in darkness and secrets when he’s meant to shine, even if it means putting my own agenda aside. Plans don’t always go accordingly, and I refuse to give up on helping him. Priorities change and revealing my identity to my dad isn’t the most urgent thing in my life anymore.





I’m officially an F1 addict. Today couldn’t be any better, with our own private room to watch the race. There’s free champagne and exclusive access to Noah’s team radio. I’ve never been one to lap in luxury, but Santiago had me convinced the moment he passed me a mimosa. A race day is like brunch minus the pricey bill.

Massive TVs play the footage from the F1 cameras and drones. The crew sets the racers up in a crisscross fashion throughout the grid, with Noah’s car leading the pack.

Santiago shakes his head. “No one can beat him off his pedestal, even after all this time.”

“There’s only one man who has the best chance, and he’s standing in this room.” Maya sips her mimosa.

Santiago scowls at his sister. “Are you trying to get a rise out of me?”

“If I’m getting a rise out of you, that means something about this situation still bothers you. Ever thought of it that way?”

“No. I’m thinking my annoying little sister forgot her manners for a second.”

“Santiago,” I hiss under my breath. “Cut it out.”

Maya waves me off, shooting her brother a glare. “You belong out there.”

Santiago looks toward his mother for help, but she shrugs and focuses her attention back on Marko. Smart woman. I’m tempted to go over there and join them.

“Mami’s not going to save you from this conversation. Just be honest with me. Do you miss it?” Maya turns back toward the TV.

One by one, the five lights above the cars shine before shutting off. The cars squeal as they speed past the grid and through the first corner. A dashboard camera gives fans and us the perfect view of Noah’s front wing as he passes the first straight. He speaks to his engineers, relaying stats off his steering wheel.

Santiago’s eyes remain glued on the TV. His body grows more tense as Noah goes around the circuit again and again. “Of course I do.” He speaks low, his voice barely a whisper under his breath.

“Then will you please at least check out the car he worked on? Please? If not for him, do it for me.” Maya’s eyes soften.

Santiago doesn’t look at his sister.

I tense as his eyes drop to mine. He clasps onto my hand, hiding the trembling from his family. His jaw tightens as he scans my face before focusing on his leg.

I grow uncomfortable as the silence continues. Giving Santiago some space, I focus my attention back on the race. Noah continues down the track. Everyone’s excitement grows, especially Marko’s, as his dad fights off the other racers. No one dares pass Noah’s car. I clap my hands together as Maya squeals in delight as he passes through the next lap without a problem. I look up at Santiago, expecting him to be watching the race, but his eyes are trained on me.

“I’ll test out the car under one condition.” Santiago speaks to his sister, but his eyes don’t leave my face.

Maya looks up from Marko at her brother. “What is it?”

“I’ll try the car if Chloe comes to the track with me.”

My mouth gapes open, and I take a deep breath. The sudden motion makes my lungs burn, and I cough. “Come again?”

Santiago’s frown grows into a smile as he nods his head. “I’ll test out the car if you come to the garage with me.”

Oh, fuck.

I guess Santiago isn’t done with me after all. Quite the opposite. This smug male is actually going to try to beat back his fears. And based on the way he’s staring at me, I can tell it’s more than just because of sex.

Something else lurks behind his eyes. I can’t figure it out no matter how long I stare at him. It seems like I was all wrong earlier, mistaking his silence as indifference. Rather, it turns out it was something much more dangerous.

Scheming.





I leave the party room to use the restroom while Santiago’s family celebrates Noah’s win. During my bathroom break, I connect to Bandini’s free Wi-Fi. My phone pings over and over again as Brooke’s texts flood my phone. Each has a different time stamp spread throughout today. I lean against the sink counter and open up my missed messages.

Brooke: I was in the shower this morning when I dropped my phone after I saw your face plastered all over the internet! The screen cracked and I stubbed my toe but it was worth the shock factor. Call me ASAP!! I WANT DETAILS.





Brooke: Seriously I’m jealous of your legs. They look a mile long. And that dress is a stunner by the way, and the guy next to you doesn’t look half bad. New sexy couple alert!





Brooke: Why haven’t you answered :( Long distance relationships suck.





Brooke: I need to digest this information with you. Please tell me you got some action after looking like THAT last night.





Brooke: Okay your mom just stopped by while I was icing my toe. I’m kind of scared of how excited she looked when she mentioned your new beau. Call me!!





My stomach sinks. I can’t believe my mom stopped by unannounced. I rush to answer Brooke.