The week flew by in no time it seemed with Mercenary here to keep me company, and not that I would admit it to him, but having him around made me feel a little safer after the run-in last weekend. It’s Saturday once again and normally the night I’m most excited for, but part of me is wondering if more Iron Fists will show up again. I shouldn’t be concentrating on the bikers but on racing. I can’t help the nag at the back of my mind though.
The Oath Keepers sent Torch and Odin again to watch from the stands while Mercenary races. I don’t think any of the other drivers realize who Mercenary is which is exactly what Viking wants from what I understand. I doubt Mercenary will find out anything from the other drivers, but if he’s racing, then no one will think twice about him being around and down in the race area. They seem to have random ears placed everywhere.
“There’s still time for you to change to my race.” I goad him on, looking to get a rise out of the big beautiful man as I head for my car.
“I’d hate to beat you and take your spot.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” I argue, and he grins. That small smile has had my core soaked for him all week—aching to feel his touch. I tell him to get a life and attempt to play it cool, but in reality, he has my head spinning for him. Sexually charged atmosphere would be an understatement how my apartment feels having him in my space and so close.
“You can have the first race, I’ll take the second. It can be our thing each week.” He winks, and I roll my eyes. “Kind of like peanut butter on our fingers.”
I wave him off. Folding into my seat, I close the door, encompassing me in brief silence. The car drowns out the music blaring through The Pit’s speakers. Everyone knows that, and the flashing lights mean it’s nearly race time.
Running my hand lovingly across the old Nova’s dash, I turn the ignition, and she flares to life with a sexy rumble. I line up, getting ready to race and wait for the other three to follow suit. I’m minding my business, taking deep breaths when another engine roars to life. A winding, high-pitched squeal briefly takes its place. The distraction has everyone’s attention, and then right before my eyes, the car in question blows up. There’s a massive boom and then screaming as people in the stands rush toward the exits. It’s chaotic, and instantly my heart is thrumming so quickly, it feels as if it’s going to leap out of my chest. My stomach twists with worry, my throat constricting as people rush everywhere.
I scan the entire arena and watch as Mercenary sprints for me. I’m the only one who’s made it to the line so far, and I turn my car off quickly to hop out.
“You okay?” he thunders, gaze filled with uneasiness. He stops in front of me, his hands falling on my shoulders as he looks me over—concerned.
I nod, my heart still beating a million miles per hour. “I’m fine; so is the Nova.” I gesture to the shiny vehicle, and his brow furrows more, glancing behind at the vehicle.
“I didn’t ask about the car, Chevelle. I want to know if you’re okay—you.”
“I know, I meant when I started it, it sounded fine too. There was that squeal then the bomb and, well, mine was fine.” I’m rambling, my brain scrambled on what I should be doing—pulling me in a hundred directions all at once.
“Good.”
“What do we do? Call the fire department? How did this happen?”
“We just stay here and wait for my brothers to make it to us. They’ve already texted the club, so they know what’s going down if we need some backup.”
“I have to check on the other driver. The hood blew off with the explosion. I can’t believe it blew up like that...that could’ve been me.”
“I know, I saw it all happen. The other driver got out. I watched him run to the side and then I was coming to make sure you were safe.”
“Thank God.” I pant, my hand still on my chest, feeling as if I’m going to have a heart attack. “You could’ve been hurt, what if it was me?”
“I’m fine; I had to get to you in case your car went off next. You’re okay, you got out, he got out, everyone is fine.”
My fist flies into his chest. “You idiot! You could’ve been killed if my car had blown!” His gaze grows tense, and he yanks me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me. I should fight him. I don’t need him to comfort me. I don’t need a man for anything. Ignoring those thoughts, I stay rooted, leaning into him until Torch and Odin find us. I don’t know what I’m more freaked out about, that I could’ve just exploded in my car or the fact that he could’ve been killed coming after me like that.
“You two all right?” Odin asks, and I feel Mercenary move as he nods and replies.
“Yeah, brother.” His voice is gruffer than usual, his muscles tense. “The fuck was that?”
“We don’t know. Scared the shit out of us too. Viking is calling the sheriff to give him a heads-up that we’re here.”
“Should I be worried about getting arrested? Will The Pit get shut down?”
He shakes his head. “Nah, Vike is cool with him. The sheriff will bring a few deputies with him that he has under his thumb. Not that any of this is our fault, but it’s always a plus to have the cops with you instead of against you.”
I step out of Mercenary’s hold, my body stiff as the guys stare me down as if I’m going to break. I may be caught off guard and worried, but I can still take care of myself. “I need to check on all the employees, make sure no one was injured.”
Mercenary huffs and his hands fold over his chest causing his biceps to bulge massively. “Have Ace do it. I want you close in case this was only the first bomb of many.”
“You think because you’re big and hot and bossy that you can just come in here and take control of things?”
He nods. He freaking admits it! “You think I’m hot?” he asks, and I snort.