HOLDEN

I paced through the paddock, trying to clear my head. Sunday races carried the weight of the championship, which means every decision on track would count. My race suit hung loose around my waist, the sleeves tied in a knot as I exited the garage. The air was heavy, and my eyes lifted to the sky, hoping the clouds wouldn't betray us with rain. Wet races can be exciting, but it always adds an extra risk.

I heard footsteps behind me and saw Harmony approaching with a clipboard in her hand. She offered it with a casual glance and a look of professionalism. 

“I was told to give this to you.” 

I took the clipboard, eyes skimming the data I'd wanted to check before the race. 

“Thanks, darling.”  I said, looking at her with a cheeky smile. 

Something over her shoulder caught my attention. Weston walked out of his garage, his eyes locking onto us. I could see his deep frown from here and looked at Harmony. 

“Just go with it.” 

Before she could respond, I leaned down and kissed her, my hand sliding behind her to rest on her lower back before gripping her ass, pulling her flush against me. The kiss was strategic, my lips soft, but my movements calculated.  

As I pulled back, I glanced over her head and watched as his face twisted in anger. He stomped back into the garage. Harmony blinked at me, her cheeks flushed, more shocked than anything. 

“What was that for?” 

I chuckled, wiping the back of my hand across my mouth as if it wasn't a big deal. 

“Weston was watching, and I wanted to make his day worse.” 

She bit her lip. 

“You better focus on the race, Holden.” 

My gaze followed her as she walked away. The sway of her hips and the undeniable way she held herself turned me on. I smirked, slipping my arms into my race suit as I waltzed back into the garage. 

My heart pounded as I closed in on Weston, the roar of our engines drowning out everything else. 0.286 seconds. That's all that separated us. This lap was my last chance, and I knew where to make my move. My focus sharpened as I neared the apex of the next turn, the same place I'd passed him yesterday. This time, I didn't go wide. 

I squeezed past him with precision. My tires gripped the track, and I powered ahead, not giving him a chance to counter. With a few corners left, my pulse quickened, adrenaline pushing me forward as I leaned into the final turn. The sight of the chequered flag sent a rush of triumph through me. I punched the air as I crossed the finish line, cheers erupting from the stands. As I waved to the crowd, Jason pulled up beside me, reaching out for a high five. I slapped his hand, grinning under my helmet. The victory tasted even sweeter knowing I beat Weston. 

Rolling into parc fermé, I parked my bike in the first place. My crew cheered as I pulled off my helmet and ran towards them, throwing my arms around as many of them as I could. I was drenched in sweat, but I didn't care. I grabbed my water bottle, pouring it over my head before shaking my hair out. 

My eyes locked with Weston, standing by his crew, glaring at me before heading to the media for his interview. I smirked. The satisfaction of having outplayed him gave me an undeniable edge. And this was only the beginning. 

I was deep in the club with a few of the other riders, the energy high after the successful day. Drinks flowed, and the bass of the music thrummed through the crowd. I was soaking in the celebration when my eyes wandered and caught sight of Harmony, hovering off to the side, looking out of place. She wasn't dancing or socializing - just standing there, scanning the room. Grabbing my drink, I made my way toward her. 

“You look like you're having the time of your life.” I said, my voice carrying over the loud music. 

She glanced at me, rolling her eyes. 

“I don't party much.” 

I raised a brow, amusement sparkling in my eyes. 

“We met in a bar, remember?” 

Harmony folded her arms. 

“That was a one-time thing.”

I chuckled, taking a step closer and placing my hand on the wall beside her head, leaning in just enough to invade her space. 

“And that time I made you cum in the restaurant?” I asked, my voice low and teasing. “Was that a one time thing?” 

Her scoff was instant. 

“What happened between us was a mistake. I’m not impulsive like that. I was upset over my breakup.”

I smirked, refusing to let her brush it off that easily.

“You didn't seem so upset when you were clenching around my fingers.” I pointed out, watching as even in the dim light, her cheeks flushed with color. My grin widened. I was getting under her skin. “But if that's how you want it, I'll go look somewhere else for a good time.” My tone was light, but my words were a challenge, daring her to react.

She shrugged, coolly meeting my gaze.

“Do whatever you want.”

Her indifference made me more determined. I decided to call her bluff, turning away from her and heading toward the bar. A blonde girl sat alone, sipping her drink. I sidled up beside her, turning on the charm. She looked up, smiling as her eyes lit up.

“Holy shit, you're Holden Walker.” She said. “I was at the Grand Prix. Congratulations on the win.”

This should be easy. I leaned in, my game fully in motion.

“Thanks, gorgeous.” As I spoke, I couldn't resist glancing over my shoulder toward Harmony. She hadn't moved, but now she was talking to Weston. A surge of anger flared in my chest. I forced myself to focus on the girl. “What do you say we get out of here?” I asked, my voice dripping with charm. “My hotel’s not far.”

The girl didn’t hesitate. 

“I’d love that.”

I grabbed her hand, pulling her through the crowd, but not before glancing back. Harmony was still talking to him, and the sight of them together pushed me over the edge. My jaw clenched, and without another thought, I left with the blonde, trying to drown the building frustration. Harmony said I should do whatever I want - so I will.