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That’s it! That’s fucking it! Job done. I won the world championship three races ago but, this is the pinnacle, I’ve beaten the record of podiums, and Casey Winters! The second my back wheel crosses the line, I lift my front wheel and tear down the straight to the cheers of the crowds. Now it’s time to party!

The music pulses through the speakers and the crowd is hot and sweaty but I’m not feeling it. The euphoria from the race track has gone and I’m stuck here, leaning back against the bar. The fucking pit bunnies are out in force tonight, each one out to fuck a racer.

The top bunny, Shannon Abrahams, clings to my arm, stroking her hand down my chest. Shrugging her off, I look at overly made up face—you can’t see the real woman under layers of thick make-up and false eyelashes. Her lips are slick with some sticky pink shit, and the thought of her mouth on mine is enough to turn my stomach. Why do women always latch on to me? I’ve developed a reputation as a man-whore but it’s all hype; these women only want to be with me because of my status, not because they like me. Sure, I’ve fucked a few but it’s never anything more. I’m not all muscles and buff; I’m normal, standing a couple of inches under six foot, and lean. Almost too skinny because of the need to keep my weight down for the bike. My hair is always too long and scruffy and I’m in permanent need of a shave.

“Look, Sharlynne, go and find some poor fuck to sink your teeth into; I’m not interested.” I drawl, my voice sounding bored. This one is really nauseating, with her overpowering, cloying perfume.

“It’s Shannon and, Griff, baby, I can make you feel so good. Y’know, relieve your tension. I can feel your strong muscles all hard and flexing under my hand. I know what you need.” She gazes up through her thick, fake lashes, that are so coated in mascara they resemble spiders’ legs.

“I don’t care what your name is, just fuck off.” I scan around for my wingman, Pipes. He’s always happy to take my cast-offs. Spotting him talking to some other mechanics, I shout over the noise, “Hey, Pipes!” and watch him look up. Inclining my head towards the slapper next to me, he smiles and walks across.

“Hey, Shannon-baby, you’re looking smokin’ tonight, what do you say to a bit of fun? Y’know, I’m hearing Casey is looking for a threesome tonight.” My buddy leans into the sickly-sweet smelling blonde, “I hear he’s been waiting for you to be free.”

I watch the sleazy girl as her eyes light up, and, with hardly a glance in my direction, she struts away with Pipes. He looks over and winks. I know that wink: he has no plans to introduce her to Casey. I laugh out loud as a large frame bumps into me and I feel the slop of cold beer drench my shirt.

“Whoa, sorry, man, it’s a tight squeeze in here tonight.” Bright blue eyes twinkle mischievously at me as his smile sends a jolt through me. Okay, that’s new, but I’m buzzing and not because of any alcohol, simply high from the win.

“Hey, no problem, it’s bound to happen, it’s crazy in here tonight.” I return the smile, what the fuck! This guy throws beer over me and I’m fine?

“I’m really sorry; please, let me buy you a drink.” His smile draws me close to him, what the hell is going on? But, damn if he doesn’t smell good.

“I’d like that, thank you. I’m Griff.” I grin and hold out my hand. He laughs and grabs it, the rough, hardened skin grasps mine and the feeling sends bolts of electricity through my body, straight to my dick. Fuck! What is happening here?

“I think everyone knows who you are, but it’s great to meet you, Griff. I’m Corrigan, well, Corrie to my friends.” I watch a gorgeous blush spread up his neck and over his cheeks.

“Okay then, Corrie,” I wink, “shall we take a seat?” Did I just wink at a hot dude? Fuck, did I just think he’s hot?

I guide him over to the roped-off section, two burly men, dressed in black, standing either side of it. Noticing he has a slight limp, I slow my gait for him to keep up. The men greet me with a nod and the one on the right unhooks the clasp of the thick, red rope to open it for us. I lead Corrie through to the alcoves, lining one side of the club, exclusive to the riders and their guests.

I take the few steps up to the half level and sit down on the dark leather seats, moving up to make room for Corrie to join me. I watch a smile spread across his face and a chuckle escapes him as he focuses on me again.

“Why were you slumming it up against the bar when you could’ve been here?” His eyes widen as he gets a good look around.

“Yeah, it’s not really my scene, it’s normally full of dicks just taking their pick of the girls dancing down there.” I shrug and look at the scantily-clad girls desperate to be noticed.

“Oh, yeah, nor mine, although it’s been a while since I’ve been anywhere like this.” A strange look of loss crosses his features.

“Been away?” Then, as a server comes up to take our order, I ask, “What do you want, Corrie?”

He peers up as if he’s been miles away. “Oh, just a beer for me, please.” He smiles at the pretty girl and, damn, that sends a sharp pain to my chest.

She walks away to fetch us two beers.

“So, how come you’ve been away from all of this?” I wave my hand in the direction of the club.

“Oh, Afghanistan has been my home for a while.” He smiles sadly, there’s more to it than this, but who am I to pry?

“Thank you for your service. You must be very proud.” I smile, I want this man to like me. I don’t know why, though.

“No, I don’t think killing people is ever something to be proud of.” His low voice and sad words have me reaching out to touch him. My hand covers his and his eyes shoot up to mine.

“I’m sorry, it was a dumb thing for me to say. I’m always saying dumb things when I’m nervous.” God! I’m jabbering. Shut the fuck up, Griff. Get a grip.

“Why should you be nervous? This is your party, you’re Griff Broderick, World Champion again! That’s huge, man.” This time, Corrie’s smile is happier.

“Yeah? I don’t know, there’s something about you that makes me nervous.” It’s my turn to lower my voice. I notice he hasn’t moved his hand away from mine. In fact, he turns it over so his fingers link with mine.

“I get that, you’re doing something to me I never expected.” Corrie’s eyes bore into mine.

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