005

Ryan POV

I didn’t sleep that night. I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling, my fists tight under my blanket. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt Ethan’s hand around my wrist again. It was like he had got under my skin and stayed there, I think I don't just want him near me, true. He was evil.

By morning, I was already awake before my alarm went off, my phone buzzed with messages from

~ Champ: Be on track at 7. Don’t be late or else Ethan wins by arrival.

I threw on my jacket and grabbed my helmet. My bike was already waiting outside, thoroughly cleaned from last night, like a soldier ready for war.

The ride to the track was short but my head was loud. I kept telling myself it was just a race and just a chance to shut Ethan up. But my stomach twisted like it knew this was bigger than that.

When I got to the track, Champ was already there, leaning on his bike, checking his wrist, maybe to check if I'll arrive late.

“You look like hell,” he said with a chuckle.

I didn't blame him, he wasn't lying,I did checked my face before arriving, hope my face gets better before Jessica arrives. “Didn’t sleep,” I muttered to his curious face.

I turned to look around, other racers were scattered around, warming up, sone checking their bikes while some chilling with the girls. The air smelled of rubber. I ignored everyone and rolled my bike into our usual spot.

“You’re too wound up,” Champ warned. “Don’t let him mess with your head.....” he moved towards his space and then raised his head up again and whispered, "I meant the way you always let him." A smile escaped his lips.

I didn’t answer him, I knew he was teasing. I was already scanning the crowd for Ethan. And of course, he was there, sitting on his bike across the lane, his helmet under his arm, talking to two guys I didn’t know but always see him with. When his eyes met mine, his smirk appeared instantly and was replaced with a gentle smile.

I guess that was the trick he uses in girls, because he looked gorgeous, too bad, I'm not one of those lovestrucked girls.

I looked away fast, my jaw locked. “I’m going to win him,” I whispered. A sighed escape my lips. Even I was doubting myself.

“You need focus, not rage and drool over Ethan,” Champ said again, his tone sharp but teasing. “Stay clean and think about how to beat him on the track.”

He really was a good friend. Teasing me, I wish I could throw him away, but he had always stood by me even in my reckless decisions.

I gave him a small nod. I wanted to tell him to fuck off, but I wasn't in the mood to argue with him.

The announcement came over the speakers. “Racers, line up, heat one starts now.”

I heaved a sigh and walked my bike to the starting grid. My gloves felt too tight on my palms, my helmet squeezed my head. I locked my eyes on the road ahead.

Where was Ethan? Nevermind, to day was a main race day, I guess Ethan used this as a means for the competition to get Jessica.

Nevermind, I was already going to give up on Jessica, since Ethan likes her, then let him get her. Today, my main purpose was to defeat Ethan which I was going to do.

Other racers fired their engines up around me. I started mine and the vibration felt great in my arms, the easy it had always felt. The light above switched from red to yellow.

I exhaled loudly, and then it switched to Green.....

I launched forward, my tires screaming as wind ripped at my leather suit. My bike moved like it was part of me, every shift smooth, for the first time in days, my brain shut down.

Halfway down the first lap, a flash of red and white leather appeared beside me. It was Ethan of course. He leaned forward on his bike, cool and steady, riding like he owned the road.

I gritted my teeth and opened the throttle and stayed side by side with him, we cut through the straight. I felt him glance at me, his visor reflecting the track lights.

I wasn't letting him get me today, not this time and not today.

I pushed harder, sliding into the curve before him. My knee almost scraped the ground, but I stayed in control. I heard his engine behind me, close like he was waiting for a mistake.

“Not gonna happen,” I hissed inside my helmet.

The lap ended, I crossed first with a smile on my face. One down, more to go. My heart slammed against my ribs but I didn’t dare look back.

It was the final lap now, this was it. It was either going to be a win or lose.

I dropped my weight forward and opened the throttle full. My bike surged forward, the engine screaming loudly, but it held. My eyes burned as I saw the finish line ahead of me.

Ethan tried again, this time from the inside. He was faster now, using my slipstream to pull closer. We were dead even.

My heart slammed in my chest as sweat slid down my face.

We came into the last corner, this was where everything would happen. Just one mistake and it’s over.

I braked later than I should have, but my bike wobbled for a split second. That was all he needed, I concentrated without giving Ethan space to cut through the line.

A bike came out of the corner ahead of me. That was ok, at least, it wasn't Ethan but it looked like his team mates suit.

I opened full throttle trying to catch the tacera but it was too late.

It was already closed to the finish line.

He crossed it first and I crossed just behind.

The flag dropped in an instant.

I slowed down, my chest heaving. My hands shook on the handlebars. I had lost to someone in Ethan's team but not Ethan.

I pulled my helmet off my head and then, Ethan cut his engine and coasted up beside me. Even with the helmet on, I could feel his eyes on me.

I was gasping, sweat ran down my neck as I looked up at him.

He lifted his visor, his smirk wide and sharp and then I realised Ethan was the one who crossed first. “Better luck next time, princess,” he said over the noise.

"What!" I stared back, my jaw tight, trying to catch my breath, trying to keep my hands from shaking. My whole body buzzed with rage and shame and I swear I felt like punching him.

"You tricked me again Ethan."