Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
E van is quiet, too quiet. I know why, and I feel like shit, but I don’t know how to change it. Words aren’t my strong suit. Instead, I turn the wheel.
“Where are we going?” he mumbles. He looks tired and has bags under his eyes, but it’s his frown I hate most.
“I’m guessing you haven’t eaten, so I’m going to take you on a breakfast date,” I admit gruffly. It’s all I can do to look after him.
“Oh,” is all he says, and I hate that most. Evan is many things, but quiet isn’t one of them, not unless something is bothering him.
Everything had been going so well. We were having fun and growing closer, and last night over the phone . . . yeah, I was hoping to explore that further, but right now, I need his frown to turn into a smile. I need my sunshine back.
I park on Main Street and get out, opening his door for him. I block his head as he exits, so he doesn’t hit it, and once we’re on the sidewalk, I put my hand in my pocket to stop myself from reaching for him. There aren’t many people around at this time, but I’m worried he’ll reject me, and I don’t think I could handle that.
The diner we met at for the first time is open, and I push inside, holding the door for him. I wave at a tired waitress and head to a booth, letting him slide in first, then I slide in opposite, locking my feet around his under the table. It’s a small touch, but I need it to know he doesn’t hate me.
He doesn’t pull away, which is a good sign, but he’s quiet, and I’m unsure how to fill the silence. Usually, he handles the conversations and I listen, but today is different. Luckily, I’m saved by the waitress. “Orange juice and omelet please, cheese and spinach.” I look at Evan. “Rich boy?”
He jerks, blinks, and smiles softly at the waitress. I watch her smile back automatically. She can’t help it, and I hate it. Jealousy fills me, even though she’s easily his mom’s age. “Could I get an apple juice and pancakes please?”
“Sure thing, sweetie. Anything else? Maybe some fruit?” she offers kindly, not even sparing me a glance.
“Fruit would be great, thank you so much.” His smile brightens, and I watch her cheeks tint as she hurries away to put in his order.
His smile drops after, and he glances out of the window. “Evan.” I wait for his eyes to drift to me, and I reach for his hand but then stop when the door opens, admitting four college girls. They glance our way and giggle before heading to another booth. Swallowing, I pull my hand back, and he watches me, a knowing sort of bitterness in his gaze. I hate that I put it there.
I’m not even surprised when the waitress comes back and places a huge bowl of fruit in front of him with the yogurt next to it. “On the house, cutie.” She winks and dashes away.
He picks at his fruit as I watch him. “Eat,” I command. Rolling his eyes, he stabs a strawberry harder than necessary and shoves it into his mouth, chewing dramatically.
“You’re such a brat,” I mutter, and he flinches, dropping his eyes to the table. “Shit, rich boy, I’m sorry.” I rub my face. “About everything, okay? That guy took me by surprise and I panicked. I really am sorry.”
He nods, picking at his fruit, but he still seems sad. I’d carve out my heart right now and hand it over if it would get rid of that look. Evan’s face is made for smiling, not frowning.
“How about you come with me to a race tonight?” I lean over and take his hand, uncaring who is watching. “I’ve never taken anyone before, but I want you there.”
His head lifts, his eyes brightening. “Really?”
“Really.” I nod. “So . . . you want to come?”
The smile he bestows upon me makes me feel like a fucking king. If that little gesture can make him happy, I truly am an asshole. He doesn’t ask for anything, and I hate that I keep hurting him. I’ll try to make him happy from now on so he never has to look so sad again. “I’d love to.”
“Good.” I steal a strawberry and then grab another, feeding it to him. “It’s a date.”
Today was long, but I’m excited to see Evan. He was happier during our breakfast date, and I hated leaving him at his dorm, but we both needed sleep. He texted me throughout the day, though, and he seems fine now, which is a relief. I’m excited to show him a different side of me tonight.
I wait for him after his classes, and he hurries over, sliding into my passenger seat. “Is my outfit okay?” he asks, almost bouncing in his seat. “I’ve never been street racing.”
I look him over, desire spiraling through me. My boy always looks good, but tonight he looks extra fine. He’s wearing black cargo pants with white graffiti print over them, a white tank, and a loose shirt over the top. “You look hot,” I murmur, “but you might be cold.” I grab my leather jacket from the back seat, the one Alice bought me and I’ve worn ever since, and hand it over. “Here, wear that too.”
He blinks, his grin growing as he slips it on, and I watch as he buries his nose in the leather.
“You smelling me, rich boy?” I tease.
His eyes twinkle as they look at me. “Hmm.” He nods. “You smell delicious.”
Coughing, I focus on pulling away without crashing as he chuckles. I take us to my garage, and once there, I get out. When he rounds the car, I swear I stumble. My jacket looks so fucking good on him. The sleeves are slightly too long, and it’s baggy, but it works, and seeing it has feelings of possessiveness and satisfaction rolling through me. I can’t stop myself from backing him into my car, gripping his chin, and kissing him swiftly.
“What was that for?” he asks, grinning.
“Just because,” I reply. “Come on.” Taking his hand, I lead him over to my Skyline and open the door. “You’re the first one to ever sit in my passenger seat.”
His cocky smile is worth it as he leans into me. “Good.” He kisses me as he slips inside, and I shut the door before getting in the driver’s seat and reaching over. I fasten his seat belt.
“Stick with me tonight, okay?”
“I’m yours.” He shrugs, and fuck if that doesn’t make me hard.
“That’s right, you’re mine, rich boy, so stay in that seat and don’t look at anyone else,” I order before kissing him again. “And watch your man win every fucking race.”
I see desire in his eyes and can’t help but grin.
It doesn’t take us long to get to the races, and I watch his wide-eyed fascination as I cruise through the streets slower than I normally would, but I want my boy to see everything and for everyone to see him.
When I reverse into an open space, he turns to me, grinning widely. “There are so many cars. Do you know everyone here? Can I go look?”
“No. I hate everyone, all people,” I point out, and his eyebrow rises. “Except you. Stay, and let me go sign up.”
Getting out, I glare tightly at some of the girls heading Evan’s way, and they quickly turn around and head to a different car. Once I’m sure no one will move in once I’m gone, I search the crowd for Sanjay. It’s less crowded tonight, which is good. It shouldn’t be too much for him, and it gives me an excuse to get out of here early and spend some time with Evan.
Sanjay waves when he spots me, and I stomp over, my hand in my jacket as I barge through the crowd. Someone starts to protest before realizing who I am, and then they swiftly step away, leaving me alone with Sanjay and his usual adoring fans.
“I’ve never seen you bring someone, never mind let them in your precious car.” Sanjay grins. “You going to introduce me?”
Rolling my eyes, I hand over my money. “Not a fucking chance. Just two tonight.”
“Two? You usually race all of them.” His eyebrow rises higher.
Glancing over my shoulder, I smile. “Yeah, well, I have something better to do later.” Clapping Sanjay on the shoulder, I head back to my car where Evan is waiting dutifully.
“So what now?” he asks as I climb back in.
“Now, we race.” Leaning over, I cup the back of his neck, uncaring who is watching. “So hang on, rich boy, and let’s see if you can handle me.”
His eyes drop to my lips before meeting mine again. “I can handle you, Anders. The question is, can you keep up?”
Chuckling, I sit back. “I guess we’ll find out, rich boy.” Starting my engine, I pull up to the cars that are already lining up. I spot a familiar one at the back and one at the front. The others are newbies, so not much competition unless there is a wild card. We do pass Skylar’s car on the side though, so I guess he’s racing tonight. “How do you know if you win?” Evan asks, sitting up taller in his seat as I idle at the line.
“You just know, baby.” I smirk as I crank the radio down and look him over. “You look good in my passenger seat.”
“And if you win, I’ll look good in your back seat.”
“Is that my prize?” I ask, eyebrow arching.
“Win and find out,” he retorts, his eyes blazing.
Desire pounds through me as I lean in, almost kissing him. “Then I will never lose again.” Sitting back, I rev my engine and wait for the flag to fall. When it does, I shoot out like lightning. I don’t lose because I need the money, but tonight I’ll win because I want him in my back seat again. I want the prize he’ll give me.
I weave through the cars with deft movements, instinct kicking in as adrenaline pumps through me. Evan lets out a cheer, his head spinning to see the cars we are passing, and yeah, I might show off a little as I pull the handbrake, spinning us in a circle until we face them before jerking us back around and speeding away from the chasing cars.
“Shit! That was sexy,” he says.
Smirking, I focus on the road, the familiar paths prompting me to drive faster and more dangerously, but I’ve never driven so safely before. I would never risk the most precious thing in my life sitting in my passenger seat.
The first race is far too easy, and I spin donuts after the finish line, my eyes on Evan. When I slide to a stop, he reaches over and kisses me on the mouth as the smoke clouds around us from my exhaust. “Good fucking job, baby!” he praises.
“One more, then you’re mine,” I warn him as I pull to the side and wait for the next race. I keep my eyes on him the entire time, just like his are on me. Anticipation builds in his gaze, and heat fills his cheeks as he watches me.
I can’t look away, both of us knowing exactly what’s going to happen if I win tonight. Evan Shaw will be all mine. Maybe that should scare me, since it isn’t something I’ve done before, but with the way he’s watching me and the desire pooling inside me, I know I don’t care. We’ll figure it out together, but I need him.
I need him spread across my back seat while I claim my winnings.
I need the paradise I tasted on his lips.
I need him, and I’m tired of being scared of that.
I know what crossing that line means. This isn’t fun. This is me deciding that he’s mine and I like boys—no, one boy, him.
He must see it written in my gaze because he leans closer, gripping my chin and pulling me down. “Not getting scared, are you, Anders? I thought you never lost.”
“I don’t,” I snap, knowing he’s winding me up.
“All talk.” His eyes drop to my body. “I guess I could go find someone else who could act—” He turns and grabs the handle, but before he can leave, I pull his door shut as my lips meet his ear.
“You’ll be begging for forgiveness for this shit later, you brat,” I warn, loving it when he shivers against me. “Try to leave again and see what happens.”
His eyes meet mine over his shoulder. I see a dare in them, but I simply arch an eyebrow. For once, he backs down, but his hand lands on my thigh, sliding higher and higher. “Then win, Anders, or I’ll find someone who can.”
It’s a challenge, and we both know I won’t back down.
He has given me the excuse I need to win, not just to fuck him.
He’s fucking incredible.
I want to tell him that, to thank him, but I hear the horn that indicates the next race is lining up.
“Well, Anders?” he prompts.
Grinding my jaw and biting down on my retort, I drive us to the line once more. This time, the lineup is filled with racers I know, good ones, including Sky, and I sit up taller, knowing it’s going to be one hell of a ride. That will only make my win that much sweeter as I claim the bratty, pretty boy’s ass.
This time, I don’t fuck around. As soon as the flag is down, I’m off. I don’t show off, just maintain pure concentration as I wind through the crowd, drifting around a corner. I meet Sky’s eyes through his passenger window as we level out, and he smirks as he guns it, shooting past me. I ride his bumper until the next corner and then feint left. When he goes to block me, I jerk right and shoot past him, flipping him off as I go.
Not one to give up, he rides my tail for the next three corners, taking every chance to try and slip past me. The field narrows down to him and me as we level out on the home stretch. It’s one of the tightest races of my career, and he knows it as he winks at me, edging forward. He makes me work for it, my engine overheating as I force us to go faster. We might not be able to stop in time, but I’m not losing this race. When Sky brakes so he doesn’t crash at the end, I speed up, sliding over the line and slamming on the brakes as I jerk the wheel. I control the movement so we spin until we stop just inches away from the screaming crowd.
My heart is pounding, but my eyes lock on Evan. He’s staring at me, his eyes wide with wonder.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
He nods silently, so I reach over.
“Rich boy, are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” he croaks before coughing. “I guess you won.” The lusty smile he gives me makes me laugh, and I climb out of the car to check my engine as he gets out after me. Sanjay waves at me, handing over a stack of cash as he goes to calm the crowd. The other cars stop behind us. Once I’m sure my engine isn’t going to explode, I point at the car and leave Evan there as I head over to Sky, who’s climbing from his.
“Shit, man,” he says. “You nearly went too far that time.”
“Nah, I had it under control.” I accept his arm as a greeting, and he shakes his head as we pull back.
“Fucker, you were determined to win,” he mutters.
“I had something important on the line.” He follows my gaze to Evan, who is watching us, a crowd moving closer to him and my car.
“Uh-huh, I bet. Come on then, let’s go meet your boy.” Before I can stop him, he heads Evan’s way. I quickly catch up.
“Don’t even think about it,” I mutter.
“You scared I’ll steal him?” Sky grins, running his eyes over Evan. Stepping before him, I cross my arms, blocking his view.
I smirk. “No, because you would be dead before you touched him.”
Sky laughs, slinging an arm around my shoulders and steering us to a grinning Evan. “He’s not my type anyway. I like them moody and a little crazy,” he whispers in my ear. I watch Evan’s eyes narrow us so I duck away, not wanting him to be pissed at me after we just made up. Instead, I head his way and lean next to him against my car, making sure our thighs touch.
“Only two for you?” Sky asks.
“Yeah. Thought I’d leave some winnings for you for a change.” My eyes drift to Evan though. I want my winnings. The entire time I talk to Sky, all I can think about is bending Evan over in my back seat and finding out if he feels as good as he tastes .
His eyes find mine as he looks up at me through his lashes, driving me insane, and when Sky chuckles, I realize we have just been staring at each other.
“Jesus, just get out of here, will you? You two are practically undressing each other in front of me. I feel like I need popcorn or some shit.”
Without sparing him a look, I open the passenger seat and wait for Evan to climb in. Sliding across the trunk, I get into the driver’s seat and pull away before his belt is even in place. I leave the racers and Sky far behind as the darkness of the empty roads closes in on us, only ratcheting up my desire. I can smell him all over me, in my car, and on my skin. I want more of it. I grip the wheel to stop myself from touching him because I know as soon as I do, it will be over.
I haven’t been able to sleep or think about anything else apart from us getting hot and heavy in my car. It’s been driving me crazy, and tonight, I’m giving in.
“I like your friend.” Evan grins as I speed away.
“Don’t,” I grunt, unable to form a sentence around my desire, and the little, rich prick doesn’t help when he leans over and brushes his mouth up my throat to my ear. His hand lands on my hard cock.
“Can you drive if I’m playing with you?” he teases.
“Rich boy,” I warn, but his tongue darts out and tastes my pulse.
“Eyes on the road, Anders,” he says when I glance at him. “I’m trusting you not to crash while I play.”
I force my eyes to the road in front of us. My heart races, and desire spirals through me, making it difficult to breathe as his hand massages my dick through my jeans. His mouth glides down my neck and back up before he bites down hard enough to mark me, and the slight pain makes me hiss, the wheel jerking in my grip as he chuckles.
Luckily, no one is on the road or we would have crashed, especially when he opens my jeans and unzips me, sliding his hand inside and gripping my length. I lift my hips as I struggle to breathe.
He hums, licking my ear and biting the lobe. “You’re so big, Anders. I can’t wait to feel you stretching my ass.”
Holy fuck.
Those words send images through my head, ones that have me speeding up. I need to get us somewhere safe before I lose it. I’m not an idiot. As soon as I started realizing I was interested in Evan, I did some research, not wanting to look like a fumbling moron. I didn’t expect to like what I saw so much, and the idea of Evan like that . . .
“You like that? I can feel you. Do you want to be buried in my ass, Alek? Do you want to fill me with your cum?”
“Rich boy,” I growl, my eyes narrowing on the road. It’s so hard to concentrate, it’s not even funny.
Leaning down, he places a kiss on my cock, and I’m lost.
Jerking the wheel to the side, I stop us in the darkness of a dead-end road. My lights are still on, but I don’t care. I rip off my seat belt and reach for him. He gasps as my lips press to his, and then I shove him into the back seat, crawling after him as he chuckles.
“I want my winnings, rich boy.”