006

Ethan POV

“ You tricked me again.” Ryan’s voice hit me an I felt like he was accusing for his failure. I knew if he realized I won, he wasn't going to accept that.

I cocked my head slightly, one hand still on my bike's throttle, the other flipping up my visor. Tricked him? A slow smile spread across my lips. He really thought every win of mine was a con.

“How?” I asked, my tone light and teasing, but honestly a little confused. I had only taken the line he had left open. I even thought he knew, that wasn’t a trick, it was just racing.

But Ryan… Ryan always saw a plot when it came to me.

He glared back at me, his chest rising and falling, driplets of sweat trailing down on his cheekbones. His fingers clenched so tight around his helmet I thought it might crack.

He looked like he wanted to throw it up at my face. And I couldn’t stop staring at his attractive features, hiss eyes looked like he lacked sleep, his hair was a bit damp, curling at the edges with his lips, parted.

He was the true definition of furious and gorgeous.

God, you are so beautiful when you’re angry, I thought, biting back the thought that was already creeping to my mind—kiss Ryan.

“Good race,” I drawled finally, deliberately dragging out the words. “Better luck next time, princess.”

His jaw flexed at the nickname. Oh, I remember he hated it, that should be a good reason why I should keep using it. It will be my tiny way of poking at him, seeing if he’d spark.

He muttered something under his breath, probably a curse at me. He always did that after a race.

The crowd was already swarming closer, spectators and my coach, and friend mechanics at the garage.

I killed the engine and swung a leg over the bike, landing lightly on my boots. “You almost had me, though,” I said, lowering my voice so only he could hear. “One more lap and who knows…” I whistled.

He snapped his eyes up at me, like I had just challenged him to fight. That look in his eyes—half rage and something softer, it sent a rush of heat through my chest.

Rivalry and competition, he probably told himself.

But my stubborn mind could only whisper attraction.

I took a step closer, close enough to smell sweat and cologne on his skin. “Relax,” I said softly, leaning in just enough that only he would hear. “It’s just a race.”

His throat bobbed. “You’re impossible,” he muttered.

“And you’re obsessed,” I said before I could stop myself, then grinned to soften it. “I meant.... with beating me, of course.”

He blinked, taken off guard, then scowled. “In your dreams.”

I chuckled, tilting my head. Already there, I thought.

Champ called Ryan from behind, breaking the tension. Ryan tore his eyes off me and turned away, still gripping his helmet like a lifeline. I watch him stalk off with tight shoulders. I couldn’t help the low laugh that escaped my throat.

I threw my helmet under my arm and walked toward the edge of the track, letting the crowd congratulate me. All the while, my gaze kept flicking back to him and his tense back, the way he ignored everyone and walked hastily like he was avoiding someone. I kind of know who it would be—Jessica.

Jessica was already walking toward me. Her ponytail swung with every step, and she held a bottle of water like it was a trophy behind her, Kyle and Marco leaned on the fence, smirking like they were watching a drama about to unfold.

“You won, Ethan,” Jessica said, breathless as she handed me the bottle of water.

“Thanks.” I twisted the cap off and took a gulp, wiping sweat from my forehead.

“So…” she tilted her head, studying me. “Now what?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Now what?”

“You won. That means you beat Ryan, so..... doesn't that mean…” she trailed off, waiting.

I sighed. “Jessica, it wasn’t only Ryan I was racing, It’s a team race. Winning doesn’t mean I'm dating you. Maybe Ryan thinks so, but… I don't”

“Of course it counts!” she snapped, her voice sharper than before.

I held up my hands. “I just…” I paused, choosing my words carefully. “Jessica, it’s better we stay friends. You should keep your feelings for someone who loves you back.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t understand. Then why race Ryan for me? Why fight him like that?”

I met her gaze steadily. “I didn’t race for you. I raced because I wanted to beat Ryan. That’s all.”

Her mouth fell open, I could see hurt flashing across her face. “Asshole.” she whispered, "you really are an asshole."

Before I could react, she snatched the bottle of water out of my hand with the left over water still inside and then, dumped it over my head.

I felt the cold water run down my hair and neck, soaking my suit.

I blinked stunned, then slowly wiped my face with the back of my glove. Kyle and Marco burst out laughing behind her.

Jessica spun on her heel and stormed off, her shoulders moving aggressively with her body.

I stood there fighting a smile, the water dripping down my hair. Ryan was gonna love this, I thought.