Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Kane didn’t smile, but his expression softened ever so slightly, one eyebrow arching in subtle agreement. “He’s got a point. You’re scowling every time another guy so much as looks in her direction. Should we just start tossing mechanics out now, or wait until they actually make eye contact with her?”
Nitro laughed, clearly entertained, and I narrowed my eyes at both of them. “Funny. You assholes are just as bad with your women, and you fucking know it. Neither of you should be running your mouths.”
Kane grunted, a rare flicker of amusement crossing his otherwise severe features. “Never said it was wrong. Just saying you’re fucked, same as the rest of us.”
Nitro’s smirk widened. “Never thought I’d see Gauge this deep.”
“Yeah, laugh it up,” I muttered, turning back toward the window despite myself. “But you’re not wrong. I’m not letting her go anywhere.”
Kane pushed off the wall and moved to stand beside me, his gaze following mine to the window. He studied Riley in silence for a moment, watching as she confidently gestured toward the bike, the racer nodding attentively as she explained something with calm authority.
When he finally spoke, his voice lost its teasing tone. “She’s impressed the hell out of me, Gauge. I didn’t expect to find another mechanic who could stand shoulder to shoulder with you and Century, but she’s more than capable. We need her at Redline. Don’t waste any more time putting your property patch on her. Honestly, if you’re smart, you’ll put a baby in her too. That’d make it damn near impossible for her to think about walking away.”
My pulse spiked at the image he conjured—Riley heavy with my child, her body soft and lush beneath my hands, permanently tied to me in the most primal, undeniable way possible. A rush of possessive satisfaction surged through me at the thought, tightening every muscle in my body and making my cock stir.
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—”