Page 39 of Danger

“Hey,” I warn as I head in the direction of the bathroom, stopping at the dresser to pull out the little black box. “I guess I need to wear this now.” I pull out my mother’s engagement ring, holding it up to the light to gaze at the glimmer it holds. I slide it onto my left finger and suck in a deep breath, feeling a bit too sentimental in this moment.

This is becoming more real by the minute. I know he didn’t give me the ring, but somehow having it on my hand is a sign.

“What are you doing?” he walks to where I’m standing, facing the mirror.

The air is thick around us. Electric. And I fear to turn around.

“Monterey…” he whispers when he sees the ring.

“It’s my mother’s,” I add. I want him to know this is important to me.

Danger picks up my hand placing a kiss over the fourth finger.

We stay looking at it for a while until he breaks the silence throwing the book I’m reading over the dresser.

“Why are you reading this piece of shit?”

“It’s a very compelling story.” I spin around to face him. I’ve always been a thriller and crime fiction reader. I’d love to get Danger’s thoughts on the book. But, he appears more interested in partying and women, than reading a book written by a prisoner.

His eyes grow dark as he stares at me. “Nah, I don’t waste my time with shit like that.”

I smile, heading into the bathroom. “I’ll be just a few minutes, but if you need to get to the track feel free to leave me.”

“I wouldn’t leave you.”

I smile as I shut the bathroom door.

I take the quickest shower known to man and I rush around the room getting ready. Danger says there’s no need to rush, but I know he has his race day rituals he does with his team and crew.

I don’t want to stand in the way.

“Ready?” I ask him, even though I know full well he is because he’s been sitting on the bed waiting patiently for me to get ready the whole morning.

“I sure am.”

I’m a nervous wreck for today’s race. So many things are riding on it, and I’m hoping Danger is feeling more confident than I feel. “Are you ready for the race?”

He’s as cool as a cucumber. “Yep. No big deal.”

No big deal? How can he even think like that. I’m ready to vomit all over myself, and he’s acting like there’s nothing to it.

As soon as we’re both ready, we head downstairs to get into the limo that will take us to the track. My father’s expecting us at about this time.

We shuffle into the car together, and I watch the passing scenery whip past us.

“You look nervous.” Danger takes my hand, running his fingers along my skin.

“I’m just trying to get into the mindset.” Honestly, Danger is the one who needs to get into some sort of mindset, not me. But, this will be our firstnationalouting together. And I know the press is never nice.

I’m afraid they won’t buy our pretend romance. Even though a small part of me is beginning to feel like it’s real.

Danger keeps rubbing his fingers absentmindedly over my skin. It’s soothing, and before I know it we’re at the track.

Danger exits the car first, reaching his hand down for me to grab a hold. Which I do, and together we make our way through the sea of cameras snooping for a story.

“Danger, Monterey, over here,” one reporter says. “Can you tell us how you started dating?”

“Aren’t you worried you won’t be able to tame the infamous bad boy?” another reporter asks.

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