Page 43 of Danger

And there it is before I can even make a plan to get my position back, the last lap flag waves, and I push forward.

“Danger, can you hear me?” Mike says into my ear.

And honestly, I haven’t been listening to him at all. I try to take matters into my own hands, pulling into a tight hole, trying my best to push past Stillwell.

But, I skirt the edge, coming dangerously close to the wall, and I slam on the brakes and jerk the wheel back.

And now I’ve lost control. I turn the wheel into the crash, but a car from behind flips over my car as I skate off the track.

I close my eyes, picturing Monterey’s face and for one split second everything’s silenced around me. It’s as if I’m floating through the air, and when I open my eyes my whole life comes crashing back into existence.

All the sounds.

All the noise.

All the mayhem.

It’s all here, forcing me to take responsibility for my life.

“Danger, can you hear me? You’re ok. We’ve got you,” a faraway voice calls out.

My body is pulled from my vehicle, and I feel no pain, but I can’t snap back into the present.

“Danger, breathe.”

My helmet is ripped from my head and men hovering above me come into focus.

“I’m ok,” I say, finally getting a grip back on my surroundings. “I’m ok.”

I’ve been racing for years, and this is my first official gameday accident. And I’m pissed, but I can’t quite pinpoint how this day went wrong.

Everything snaps back to reality in an instant.

The fucking reporter, that’s how.

Chapter18

Monterey

Oh my god. My eyes slam into the worried expression of my father’s. Danger’s car lays in shambles on the inside lap as firemen try to put out a small flame next to his engine.

Danger’s limp body is pulled from the car and I place both hands over my heart, watching on in complete horror.

This can’t be happening.

My heart hammers in my chest, hoping Danger’s ok. But, it’s more than that. I don’t only want him to be ok. I want him to be well enough to keep racing. I want to keep going through this season with him.

I like being by his side. Hell, I’m afraid to admit I kind of enjoy being his fiancee. I know, it’s silly.

It’s silly to even think about this as Danger lies lifeless on the ground. Tears sting my eyes, as my father and I stare on in horror.

“He’s tough. He’ll be fine.”

I know he’s trying to comfort me, but how can he be so sure? I make my way over to the spot I know they’ll bring him to near the back entrance.

I glance over at the other car, Mandarin’s car, lying in a heap next to Danger’s.

The ambulance pulls onto the speedway, and they lift Mandarin onto a stretcher and put him into the back.

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