Chapter 143
Chapter 143:
That spark of competitiveness in her ignited. Brinley snatched the helmet from his hand, fastening the strap with determination. “Afraid? Not a chance. Let’s see what you’ve got p>
Sliding into their seats, the two of them pulled on their headphones. A moment later, the massive screen in front of them came alive, projecting the curves and straightaways of a very familiar course—none other than the track where the upcoming exhibition race would be held.
“The rules are simple. Three laps is all it takes. Whoever finishes in less time wins,” Austin’s voice came through Brinley’s headphones.
“That’s fine by me!” Brinley replied, her fingers tightening around the wheel as she drew in a steadying breath.
The sharp crack of the virtual starter’s pistol sent both cars rocketing forward. At first, Brinley deliberately held back, keeping her pace clumsy—the picture of a cautious novice.
𝖮𝘳𝘨а𝗇і𝗓𝗲 𝘺𝘰𝘂𝘳 𝗅𝗶𝗯r𝗮𝗋y оn
But as Austin’s car pulled farther ahead, her pride burned hotter than her restraint.
She stomped the accelerator, her body jolting with the surge as she steered with sharp, precise turns. Her car darted along the track with effortless agility, cutting corners tighter and gaining speed with every lap.
All the skill she’d tried so hard to bury spilled out at once, her instincts taking the wheel.
When her car shot across the finish line, realization slammed into her.
Damn it. She’d just exposed herself.
She yanked off her helmet, chest heaving as she dragged in air, her gaze snapping toward Austin.
He slid his own helmet off, an amused glint in his eyes. “Well now, my dear, you’re far from the clumsy driver you claimed to be—you’re actually quite skilled p>
Brinley’s pulse hammered in her throat.
Her flawless run had revealed too much, and Austin’s suspicions only deepened.
“I…” The words caught on her tongue, leaving her stranded in silence.
Austin didn’t press. A sly smile tugged at his lips. “That exhibition race should be quite the spectacle p>
He rose from the chair, crossed to the window, and fixed his gaze on the star-scattered night. “I’ve always been curious about what prompted you to sign up for it so suddenly p>
Brinley hesitated, then drifted to his side, her voice quiet but steady. “I just wanted to push myself p>
“Is that really it?” Austin turned, his eyes piercing into hers. “Funny—I remember you once claimed it was nothing more than a hobby p>
She lifted her chin, trying to hide the heat rising in her cheeks. “So what? What’s wrong with me pursuing my hobby and participating in an exhibition race p>
Austin’s mouth curved faintly, but he said nothing, turning his gaze back to the night.
His fingers idly drummed against the window frame, though the faint gleam of curiosity in his eyes betrayed his thoughts.
What else was Brinley hiding behind that calm facade?
Her driving style echoed the mysterious Rosara in far too many ways, yet her nervousness didn’t feel staged.
The two of them fell silent, and the air between them thickened, heavy with quiet, unspoken tension.