Haze waved them off and grabbed Devyn by the waist. “Let’s get out of here.”
Devyn followed them out of the hotel. When they got to their bikes, they hopped on and took off through the streets of Downtown Ellwood. The city reminded Devyn of Desmore Bay but smaller.
She relaxed against Haze as they wove through traffic. Being on the bike with him had quickly become one of her favorite things. He bought her a bike, but she wasn’t sure how much she’d even use it, because she preferred riding with him.
Soon, their surroundings changed from sky-rise buildings to countryside roads. Just over Haze’s shoulder, Devyn saw hundreds of people in the distance. The closer they got, the more Devyn could see. There were tents scattered on both sides of the wide road. Smells of grilled meats filled her nostrils as she looked at all the bikes they passed.
Haze found a spot to park, and Gideon pulled up right beside them. They all got off their bikes and took their helmets off. Devyn felt a bit overwhelmed with the big crowd, but Haze grabbed her hand, and she instantly calmed.
“My race is one of the first, so let’s try to find some food and get you and Glimm set up with a good spot,” Haze said.
“Who are you racing against?” Devyn asked. She had no idea how these races even worked or what the prize was for the winners.
“Me and Hades. He’s the president of the Obsidian Riders.”
“What do you get if you win? Bragging rights?” she asked as they walked by a group of women taking shots. It was only eleven in the morning, but the atmosphere was live.
Haze laughed. “Definitely bragging rights. In my bracket, winners get thirty thousand as well. It’s the highest bracket since it’s the presidents racing.”
“Dollars?” Devyn asked. She wasn’t broke by any means, but she’d also never just been handed thirty thousand dollars.
“Yeah, mama. Dollars. See why I needed you here? You still my good luck charm.” He grinned.
Devyn felt warm all over whenever he called her that.
They found a food truck and ordered food before Haze and Gideon guided their women toward a reserved section of tables and chairs.
“You been to many of these?” Devyn asked Glimmer.
She nodded. “A few. It’s not really my scene, but Gideon likes when I come, so I try to make an effort.”
Devyn nodded. She wasn’t sure it was her scene, either, but she was definitely intrigued by how the day would unfold. She liked that she was able to step into Haze’s world comfortably now. She loved that he had proved her wrong in so many ways, though she knew it would take time for that guilt to subside.
“There’s the man of the hour.” Haze grinned as a large, mean looking man walked toward them. He held hands with a beautiful dark-skinned woman with a soft smile.
“’Sup, nigga? You ready to lose?” the man asked.
Haze shook his head with a smile. “Never that. Baby, this mean ass nigga is Hades. He’s the one I was tellin’ you I’ll beracing against. Him and his club are also hosting this event today.”
“Nice to meet you,” Devyn said with a wave.
Hades glared at her. “You came here to watch yo’ nigga lose?”
The way he said it let Devyn know he wasn’t joking at all. It was a dead serious ass question.
“Uh . . . I?—”
“Please do not listen to my husband. My name is Harley. I’m assuming you’ll be hanging around the presidents’ reserved area today?” she asked.
Devyn glanced at Haze, unsure.
“Yeah, she gonna be here. Harley, this my old lady, Devyn,” Haze replied.
Harley smiled. “Let me know if you need anything, Devyn. Hey, Glimmer.”
“Hey, girl,” Glimmer said with a wave.
Harley grabbed Hades, who still mugged them, and tugged him along.
