“You’re more scared of Mackie than me?” I yell as I head into the garage, plate in hand. “Mackie, get your ass in here.”
He strolls inside from the track, his suit undone at his waist. “What’s up, old man?” he teases.
“Stop making them check on me,” I say when he’s close enough. “Did you know they are more scared of you?”
“Of course,” he replies as he steals a piece of fruit and chews on it. “The worst you’ll do is yell and maybe fire them. Me? I’ll ruin their entire family line and then fire them since you do as I say anyway.”
“I do not,” I grumble, and his eyes narrow. He walks toward me, and I back up until I hit the table. “What?”
“Eat the fruit,” he orders. “Now.”
I look from him to the plate, and his eyebrow rises. I don’t want to give in, but you bet your ass I shove that fruit in my mouth.
Patting my cheek as I chew, he smiles sweetly. “See? That’s why they are scared of me, babe. They know I control you. Now be a good boy and take a nap while I beat Skylar’s best time.” He grabs two waters and heads outside, leaving me staring after him.
“He’s so fucking cute,” I mutter around the fruit while I clear the rest of the plate.
I did, in fact, take a nap because I was tired, no other reason.
When I wake up, I head into the garage to see if Mackie is ready to go home, but I see all my staff gathered in the kitchen, watching TV. “What’s going on?” I ask around a yawn, and it shuts off and Mackie stands, smiling guiltily.
“Nothing. Are you feeling okay?”
My eyes narrow, and I stalk his way. Grabbing the remote, I turn the TV back on, only to freeze. Amanda is on the news being interviewed, and I hit the volume button.
“Amanda, most people see Nos Racing as a relegation team. They haven’t won anything in a long time. Why did you invest and become the owner?”
She chuckles, flicking her hair back. “I’ve always been interested in racing, and I have a plan to dominate this field with Nos at my side.”
“Why is that?” someone asks.
“I want to prove myself to everyone who doubts me in this industry and also to the man I love.” Her eyes lock on the screen then, cruel and knowing.
Mackie’s hand slips into mine, and I pull him closer despite everyone around us.
“Who is it?” reporters yell, but she just smiles.
“I’ll see you all at qualifiers.”
Switching off the TV, I glance around. “Don’t let her get to you. Nos is nothing. Just focus on what we are doing,” I announce before clapping. “Back to work.” I watch them disperse, all but Mackie, and I worry about what he’s thinking.
“She really doesn’t give up, does she?” he finally mutters.
“Baby—”
He shakes his head, his eyes hardening.
“Fine. If she wants me to beat her in this as well, then I will. Go back to sleep, Noah. I’m going to practice.” He leaves, and I’m left staring after him again, wondering what the hell she is thinking.
Even if she won, I’d never choose her. I never have.
Why is she doing this?
FIFTY-FIVE
Irefuse to let her win, not out of spite—okay, a little out of spite—but mostly out of anger. She dared to attack Noah. She could have killed him, and now, because she didn’t get her way, she’s invading his business, his life, and trying to one-up him. It’s time I took this bitch down a peg.
My grandma always told me I can’t hit a woman, but I sure as shit can beat her at her own game.
