BLITZ
Five years later, we were at Burnside Circuit, one of Kane’s illegal playgrounds, all shadows and grit.
The makeshift track lighting came from barrel fires scattered along the broken asphalt, flames flickering and casting dancing shadows over rusted warehouse walls.
The air was heavy with exhaust fumes and the electric anticipation of the crowd gathered for tonight’s underground race.
I’d been in countless races here, yet the thrill never faded.
Tonight, Aubrey stood near the barriers, the glow of firelight painting golden streaks through her hair, making her look wild and untamed, my property patch gleaming proudly across her back.
She caught my eye and gave me that sweet, wicked smile I’d fallen so damn hard for, drawing me toward her like gravity.
I sauntered over, loving the way her gaze heated as it traced over my racing gear, lingering just long enough to make my blood surge.
I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against me.
“You look so fucking good standing here, sunshine. I might have to race more if it means you’ll look at me like that. ”
She laughed softly, her eyes sparking with mischief as she slid her hands up my chest. “Guess I just love seeing you in that gear. It’s incredibly sexy.”
My fingers tightened on her hip, pulling her even closer as my voice lowered to a heated growl.
“Can’t hold a candle to how fucking sexy you are whenever you’re wearing my patch, sunshine.
And with both kids at my parents’ place tonight, I’m especially looking forward to seeing you in nothing else. ”
She shivered lightly in my grip, her eyes growing darker with desire as a breathless laugh slipped from her lips. Before she could respond, we both heard a low, pained groan behind us. Tripp stood there, making an exaggerated face of disgust.
“Do you mind? I’m still trying to pretend my baby sister has never had sex,” he muttered, shaking his head like he could erase the image from his brain.
Aubrey snorted, amusement brightening her face as she turned toward her brother. “Pretty sure that ship sailed two kids ago, Tripp.”
He folded his arms and smirked playfully. “Ever heard of immaculate conception?”
I chuckled, leaning closer to Aubrey while shooting him a knowing grin. “Definitely not how I put the third baby in her belly.”
Tripp’s grimace twisted into something softer, genuine delight flashing across his face. “I’m gonna be an uncle again? Sweet.”
Aubrey laughed, stepping forward to wrap her arms around him. “Yeah, you’re gonna be an uncle again.”
Before Tripp could respond, an announcement crackled over the old speaker system, calling racers to their cars. Tripp winked at Aubrey as he stepped back, raising an eyebrow. “Any chance you’ll finally root for your big brother this time?”
Aubrey shook her head. “Sorry, not this time.”
I growled low in my throat. “Not fucking ever.”
With one final scorching kiss that promised more to come later, I jogged toward my car, the familiar anticipation humming through my veins. Sliding behind the wheel, I fired up the engine, letting the powerful rumble of horsepower steady my pulse.
As the race began, my focus sharpened, adrenaline pumping fiercely through me. Tripp shot ahead early, edging up to Axle, fighting for dominance. I hung back patiently, preserving my car, letting them burn through their tires and energy.
When the right moment finally arrived, I struck swiftly, cutting past Tripp in a sudden burst of raw power, overtaking Axle just seconds before the finish.
I crossed the line with both of them trailing behind me, their curses and laughter blending into the roar of the crowd and the surge of my own triumph.
Aubrey was already waiting, screaming my name and jumping in excitement. I climbed from the car and didn’t slow my pace until she was in my arms, lifting her easily off the ground and kissing her deeply. The heat of her mouth against mine burned away every thought except one—mine.
A throat cleared loudly behind us, followed by Axle’s amused voice. “Break it up, Blitz. Let the rest of us losers save some dignity.”
I grinned at him unapologetically, scooping Aubrey higher into my arms as I turned toward our car. “Sorry, man. Celebration’s not over yet. My old lady and I got plans.”
Her laughter vibrated against my chest as we exchanged whispered “I love yous,” and I carried her toward privacy.
Walking away from the noise, I realized this life we’d built together—the love, the family, and even the danger—was far better than anything I’d ever imagined.
I’d fought for it, bled for it, and now, with Aubrey wrapped tightly in my arms and our future brighter than ever, I knew the best was yet to come.