“Just asking.” Brian raised his hands in defense before he turned to me, a smile on his lips. “Come closer.”
“Stay where you are, Brooke,” Jett commanded. His irritation was now replaced by annoyance. I decided to listen and didn’t move from the spot.
Brian laughed. “Protective of her, huh? What do you think I’d do? If I wanted to touch her, I would have done so already.” His eyes wandered back to me. “I’m not that kind of guy, right?” He was enjoying the show because he loved being in control. He liked to be the center of attention. I could tell that much from the way his attention kept shifting between me and his friends, as though he sought to be admired for his show.
“You know, I’ve been thinking,” Brian said to no one in particular. “During the race I want her to ride with you.”
“Come on, man. Leave her out of this,” someone shouted from the back. My head turned in the voice’s direction. It was Kenny.
“It’s either my way, or nothing,” Brian said, ignoring him. His voice carried a warning that sent a chill down my spine. The room fell silent. Some began to nod, and more joined in.
Mob mentality.
If Brian snapped, others would follow. I didn’t like that, not least because many carried weapons and made no secret of it. The cave of my mouth went dry.
“She stays,” Jett said. “It wasn’t part of our arrangement.”
“You think you can march in and make demands?” Brian stepped forward and stopped barely a few inches from Jett. “When I helped you find her, I settled my debt. Now we’re even. Seeing that you need my help to hide her ass, you either bend to my rules or you get the fuck out.”
“I’m not risking her life.”
Brian shrugged and squeezed his hands inside his pockets. “Too bad.” He turned to his friends and tilted his head toward Jett and me, which I assumed was his way of instructing them to throw us out. Jett walked back to me, his hand clasping mine.
“I’m in,” I said to Brian. The room fell silent, and countless gazes focused on me. Were it not for the surreality of the situation, I would’ve applauded myself for faking the kind of confidence I didn’t have.
“No, you’re not,” Jett hissed. I whipped my hand away from him.
“This is my decision,” I said, emphasizing each word. With a glance back at Brian, I repeated, “Like I said, I’m in.”
Our eyes met.
“Brave!” Brian nodded once, though I couldn’t tell whether he was impressed or just mocking me. He walked over slowly, his blue eyes piercing mine as he looked at me for what seemed like an eternity, probably waiting for me to change my mind. When I didn’t, the tension in his face eased just enough to signal me I had almost won whatever battle he was fighting. “Sam said you were discharged from the hospital earlier today. Are you sure you want to drive with Jett?”
“No, Brooke,” Jett said. I ignored him.
“I’m certain. It wouldn’t be the first time I saw Jett race. He’s the best.”
Brian smiled, but it wasn’t humor I saw in his eyes; I could swear it was surprise, with just a little hint of respect.
“We’ll get on well.” At last he broke eye contact and addressed the guys around us. “You heard her. What are you waiting for? Help them get started.”
The crowd broke. Jett stared at me accusingly with a look that said what the fuck? I shrugged and shot him my most confident smile, even though I didn’t feel particularly confident. Truth be told, I had only seen him race once—back in Italy—and it wasn’t so much of a race but a fight between life and death. Even then, I had been scared out of my mind and couldn’t get out of the car fast enough.
I was led off into the adjacent hall, leaving Jett with Brian.
You’re doing great, Stewart.
So far no one had seen through my blatant pretense. I convinced myself that it was the right choice. The only choice we had. Jett needed my support, and I would sit with him to show it. I had to establish my place just as he would establish his, because it was the only place where we could hide.
Chapter 22
WHAT I HAD thought to be the basement was an open space too large to belong to just one warehouse. I assumed they were all connected, making it one giant subterranean maze. As we passed through another hall, I noticed training areas complete with numerous punching bags, weight-lifting machines, four full-sized boxing rings, and various training equipment. Jett had told me this was where he learned to fight. A smile spread across my lips as I imagined him working out all sweaty—his strong biceps flexing as he punched a punching bag. How hot was that? If we stayed for a while, maybe I could get him to work out—not that he needed it. His body was nothing but perfection. His scars, the tattoo on his shoulder, his sinfully dark green eyes—he was nothing but a god to me. However, I wanted to see this perfection in action.
The picture of us lying on the red training mattress flickered inside my mind, his sweaty hot body making love to me on the hard floor. A pang of heat gathered between my legs as I imagined all the naughty things I’d do with him. To him. Let him do to me.
Someone touched my arm, pulling me out of my daydreams. I looked up at a young woman about my age, and she pointed to a door on the left.
“Get dressed. The changing rooms are through there. When you’re done, meet me outside.” She pointed to another door. “Everyone’s waiting, so don’t take too long.”
“Where’s Jett?” I asked.
“You’ll see your boyfriend soon enough.”