I dragged in a slow breath, working hard to keep my voice steady as I turned back to Kane. “Already working on it. As for the Redline Holdings contract, I’ll talk to her soon. I just want to make sure when she signs, it’s because she wants to stay, not because we’re throwing a nice salary at her.”
Kane nodded thoughtfully, his gaze assessing as he studied my expression. “Fair enough. But don’t wait too long. Talent like hers won’t stay unnoticed forever. We need to lock her down, officially.”
Nitro chuckled again, clearly enjoying himself. “Pretty sure Gauge already has that handled, but sure, put it in writing. Might as well make it official before he starts tossing guys off the roof just for breathing near her.”
“Keep pushing.” I glared at him even though I knew he wasn’t wrong. “You’ll find yourself first in line.”
Nitro smirked and stood, clapping me on the shoulder as he headed toward the door. “I’ll take my chances. Try not to get arrested before you get a ring on her.”
I shook my head as he left, turning back toward the window just in time to see Riley laugh at something the racer said, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. I tightened my fists at my sides, jealousy flaring hot in my gut, my body already tense with the need to cross the garage and stake my claim again.
Kane moved to the door, pausing briefly to glance over his shoulder. “She’s good for you, Gauge. Don’t fuck it up. Find out whatever she’s hiding and handle it. I don’t want this shit blindsiding us later, and I don’t want her getting spooked enough to run.”
I met his eyes, determination settling heavily into my chest. “She’s not running. Not anymore. She’s mine, and nothing’s going to change that.”
Kane nodded, satisfied, and disappeared down the hallway, leaving me alone in the office, watching Riley below. I’d been patient long enough, given her time, let her ease into trusting me. Now it was time to uncover the secrets she’d kept buried for too long. Riley was mine, and I’d do whatever it took to make sure that truth was as undeniable to her as it was to me.
11
RILEY
Iwas elbow-deep in an engine when three women strolled into the bay like they owned the place. Which they kind of did since their husbands were Redline Kings.
Aubrey was in the lead, with Delaney and Hadley flanking her. I’d met Rev’s and Cage’s wives when they’d come to The Pit with their guys, but we hadn’t gotten the chance to talk very much since I’d been working.
“Riley!” Aubrey called, waving. “We’re kidnapping you for the day.”
I straightened, wiping my hands on a rag. “I have work?—”
“Nope.” Ryot appeared at my side, his hand settling on my lower back. “You’re taking the afternoon off.”
I turned to glare at him, but I was distracted by the softness in his eyes. “Ryot, I’m in the middle of?—”
He leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to my mouth, right there in front of everyone. “Go have fun with the girls, baby. You’ve earned it.”
Aubrey and Delaney let out dreamy sighs while Hadley fanned herself.
“He’s so sweet with her,” Delaney whispered loudly.
“Right?” Aubrey grinned. “I told you he was gone.”
I felt my cheeks heat and muttered, “You’ve only seen us together for like two seconds.”
Ryot just smirked and gave my back a gentle push toward the group. “Go. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Come on. We’re doing lunch and shopping.” Hadley linked her arm with mine before I could protest again. “Don’t even bother arguing. Thayer has the twins, and I’m determined to enjoy some girl time.”
As they herded me toward the parking lot, Aubrey whispered to Delaney, “Did you see the way he kissed her?”
Delaney laughed. “Yup, another one bites the dust.”
I glanced back over my shoulder. Ryot was still watching me and dipped his chin with a grin. My stomach fluttered in a way that was all about the encouraging gleam in his eyes, and it stayed there until we were seated outside at a cute little diner on the edge of Crossbend, with glasses of sweet tea and our meals in front of us.
Hadley speared a forkful of chicken salad. “How are you holding up with our favorite grumpy mechanic? He seemed extra attentive.”
Delaney grinned, rubbing her small baby bump. “That’s code for ‘he’s obsessed and everyone can see it.’”
“I wouldn’t call it obsessed,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat.
