AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When we arrive, Tank yells for me to hurry and get registered. I barely have five minutes to get my name entered and to move to the starting line. Placing my helmet on my head, I drown out the world around me and try and focus only on the race. However, my body hums with need as I look to my right and spot Micah.
Micah waits away from the crowds, his arms crossed and a sly grin on his chiseled face as he leans against his Range Rover. The way he looks at me—like a predator stalking his prey—causes goosebumps to appear on my arms and a shiver to run down my spine. My body tingles at the thought of Micah kissing me again. I hear a gun shot, and I am brought back to the race again.
My opponents rev their engines as they launch forward. I had been so entranced by Micah; I missed the fucking start to the race! Pushing forward, I launch into the race. There are two bikes ahead of me, but I know these guys. Ricky, the guy to my right is a cocky bastard and will fall back soon enough. Jonah, to my left always gets a good start, but he can’t handle his bike when it reaches max speed. I’ve seen him wipe out way too many times, when he hits a curve and his bike jerks. I focus ahead and spot the first sharp turn of the track. I lean to my right, allowing my bike to glide effortlessly on the track and I quickly pass Jonah. I right my bike again as a long stretch of the track approaches. I’ve raced this track a million times and know every bump, broken piece of pavement, and water filled holes. Avoiding a large puddle, I move to my right and soon enough the guy behind me hits the hole and his bike falls, sending him sliding across the pavement.
The moon over head is bright tonight and allows more light on the dimly lit track. This place is eerie and quiet, and I somehow find that comforting. I can hear the other bikes behind me, but I keep my focus ahead. Always focus on the finish line.
I’ve got one more turn and then it’s a short, straight shot until I reach the finish line. The last turn comes with ease and once I see the crowd ahead, my heart beings to flutter with excitement. It isn’t until I cross the line and see that I’ve won, that I slow my bike and head back toward Tank.
People cheer around me, but there’s only one person I want to see. Searching the crowds of people, I spot Micah like a gleaming beckon of hope. Parking, I jump off my bike and rush toward him. Leaping into his arms, Micah grabs me and holds me tightly.
“You did it, baby girl,” Micah whispers into my ear.
His voice is all I can hear as elation builds inside of me. He holds my ass up as my legs cross around his waist. I’ve never felt safer and more cared for than when I’m in his arms.
“This is amazing,” I state, smiling into his neck.
Tank approaches and clears his throat. Micah doesn’t release his hold on me, but spins me around so that I am now facing Tank. His large frame chuckles as he hands me an envelope filled with money.
Holding the cash in my hands, I sigh. I’ve won the race and can now pay Lucas so he will leave me the hell alone. Finally, something good is happening in my life.
***
Micah follows me back to the trailer so that I can park my bike.
The entire drive, I’m giddy and my body feels on fire. All I want to do is celebrate my victory with Micah and give Lucas his money.
When we arrive, I see that lights are on inside and a sick feeling builds in my stomach. Slowing, I move my bike to the back and when I round the corner, Micah is already out of his SUV. He’s typing something into his phone, and I don’t like the way his lips seem to snarl. He’s fuming.
“Micah, maybe you should leave,” I say, rushing up to him.
Placing my hands on his chest, I try to stop him, but he’s too strong for me. He lets out a huff and its brash and deep, causing my stomach to drop. “No fucking way, baby girl,” he snaps.
A shadow flashes across his face, and like a blur, he’s zipping past me and racing toward the front door. I run after him, yelling his name, but I know that he isn’t listening. He storms into the trailer, the front door almost falling off its hinges when he bursts through. When I reach him, he’s panting and staring at a man who I don’t recognize.
“Who the hell are you?” the man asks, rubbing scruff on his jaw.
For a second, I glance around, looking for signs of Lucas. Did he send somewhere here?
Micah cocks his head, and his angry, piercing eyes are shooting daggers at the stranger.
“Baby, I don’t see anything,” a hoarse voice calls, and my body stiffens at the sound.
Mom.
Of course, it’s my mom. She typically shows up after a few months of being gone, some deadbeat boyfriend with her, and needing another fix.
“Mom, why are you here?” I ask, placing my hand on my hip.
Fear is long gone, but in its place is now annoyance. She would have to return tonight and destroy my elation of winning that race. My money is tucked away in Micah’s SUV. I didn’t want to drive with it and risk the wind blowing it away.
Gray, glossy eyes stare back at me as a slight smile appears over his tired face. “Hey, Stella,” mom acknowledges.
“This the kid?” the guy asks, pointing to me.
I frown, trying to block out the years of trauma this woman has instilled in me. My head jerks toward the guy and I narrow my eyes. “Yes, I’m the kid. My name is Stella.”
“Will someone tell me what in the hell is going on?” Micah asks, annoyance ringing in his tone.
