Page 42 of Midnight Racers

I shrugged one shoulder. “This will test the car and it’s capabilities,” I replied.

“I have perfect faith in the car,” she said. “I set it up. I’m asking about the man operating it.” She raised one eyebrow and I felt that jolt of lust in my stomach that appeared every time she stared at me like that.

Behind closed doors, every inch of her belonged to me, but out here she was nothing more than a member of my team. I hated it because watching Jordan, I wanted what he had—a freedom to express his feelings and let the world know that Megan belonged to him. A nagging voice in my head reminded me that Jordan walked away from Megan for three years to keep her safe. He tore his bleeding heart out and left it festering to prevent anyone from ever guessing that she was the one true love of his life.

Fuck it.

Relationships were difficult and although I refused to label what we had, Charlotte was mine and if anyone even looked at her, I would gouge his eyes out.

“I’m the best part of this association,” I said with my usual cocky grin. “That car better be up to my game.”

I winked and she narrowed her eyes at me.

“I wondered what rock you were hiding under.” Dale Jones stalked toward us and I felt like punching him for the flash of hurt that appeared on Charlotte’s face.

“Dale,” I replied, putting myself between him and Charlotte to give her time to compose herself.

“Dad said you joined another racing team,” he continued as if I hadn’t spoken. His top lip curled up in a sneer. “Apparently not.”

I folded my arms across my chest and saw Joshua and Declan making their way toward us in my peripheral vision. “Says the man who has made a career of hanging on his dad’s coattails. Does Daddy know you’re out past your bedtime?”

I knew his Achilles heel was comparing him with the accomplishments of his legendary father James Jones. Dale had never come close to achieving what he had.

His gaze snapped to me. “Why don’t you fuck off?”

“I wish I could, but you’re insulting a member of my team, and I take that personally.” I flashed him my asshole grin. “Do you need me to help you remove that chip from your shoulder, or do you need that stick from up your ass removed first?”

I was an asshole, but this guy was a steaming pile of crap.

“Why don’t you go and hide behind your posh friend who pays all your bills?” Dale said with a nasty snarl.

“If that’s me you’re referring to, maybe I should point out that Flynn and I are equal partners and he invests as much into the team as I do.” Jordan performed his usual stealth attack. For someone who came from aristocracy, he was able to be threatening without even raising his voice. “Personally, I take your comment as very offensive, so I volunteer to help with the stick from your arse. Instead of pulling it out, I’ll happily stick my toe up it.”

“You don’t scare me,” Dale said, but the look in his eyes argued the point.

“Really?” Jordan drawled. “Want me to try harder?” His head twitched to the side and I knew he was contemplating breaking Dale’s neck.

“Guys, I’m fine,” Charlotte said, emerging from behind me. “Fuck off, Dale.”

“Charlie, have you decided to come to your senses yet?” Dale asked.

“Nope.” She made theppop. “I’m happy enough where I am.”

His mouth twisted in a cruel smile. “You’re crawling about in the sewers with these losers.”

“I don’t need your permission, Dale. Let’s hope you found a mechanic who understands your engine, considering you have no knowledge of it yourself.” Her smile was radiant and I knew she was holding herself together right now since their lack of communication had really hurt her.

“I’ve already spoken to our lawyers,” Dale snapped in reply.

“Don’t be so crude,” Jordan replied. “We have solicitors and barristers here in the United Kingdom. As a barrister, allow me to inform you that you’re wasting your time, but please feel free to throw your money down the toilet. Give them my business card as I personally am dealing with Charlotte’s contract.” He retrieved a card from inside his jacket and handed it to Dale with that smile that made sphincter muscles tighten.

Jordan walked off as if he didn’t have a care in the world. That wasn’t true, he had probably imagined at least ten different ways to kill Dale and dispose of the body. If I was Charlotte’s brother, I would sleep with one eye open and a gun under my pillow.

“Your business associates are charming, Charlie,” Dale commented, watching Jordan as he shook hands with another team owner.

“Thank you,” she replied as if it had been given as a compliment. “I think so. Have a good race, Dale.” Charlotte turned as if the conversation was over and made her way back to our car. Joshua and Declan formed a barrier behind her.

“You won’t win this,” Dale threatened.

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