Page 7 of Danger

But, lately it’s been one thing after another, and I need the thrill.

I need to feel alive once more.

Because most times I feel dead.

Like maybe I should have died all those years ago. When she did.

But instead I’m here. And they say nothing can fix your problems like money can. And that’s the main reason I let Luther Grander sign me. Because I want money. And lots of it.

I remove my clothing and climb into bed, trying my best to squeeze my eyes shut and get some sleep.

But, sleep never comes.

* * *

The next morningI’m up and out of bed before anyone can come find me. I know that today is the day we’re traveling to Indianapolis. We just finished the race here in Long Beach, and now we’re headed for the next two races in Indy.

And I’m sure Luther has some grand scheme to tell the world that his precious daughter and I are an item. Can’t wait for that shit.

Maybe I’ll shave the scruff off my chin so he thinks I’m really trying. And don’t get me wrong, Iamreally fucking trying.

Like I said, I need this shit.

I get dressed and shower in record time, opting to get a nice clean shave on. I step from my room and make my way downstairs.

There’s a great smell coming from the kitchen, eggs and bacon. I never grew up with this sort of thing, so it feels weird whenever I stay here to have breakfast made just for me.

I hang back just a bit at the entrance of the kitchen and watch as Luther’s maid, Mindy, makes a smorgasbord of breakfast. My stomach growls with the combination of all the different smells.

“Get in here, Danger,” Luther’s deep voice booms from somewhere in the kitchen.

I peek my head in, spotting Monterey and her father sitting at a large breakfast nook. God, I’ve never seen Monterey look so casual, yet so good. Maybe it’s because she’s about to be my pretend fiancée that I’m feeling this pull to her. Like some weird twisted joke going on inside my head.

I shake it off and sit in the seat right next to her.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” I say, trying on the term of endearment to see how well it fits.

Apparently it doesn’t fit at all if Monterey’s scowl is anything to go on. “I told you, no nicknames.”

Luther laughs. “You two are already squabbling like an old married couple. This is going to be perfect.” He smiles like he’s a master of the universe with his great fucking plan.

I have to admit, it’s an ok plan. It’s a plan that if we can pull it off, we might be able to fool the media into thinking I’m someone I’m not.

Because we all really know what I am...a fuck up.

I didn’t ask to be born this way. I don’t go looking for trouble. But, somehow it always finds me. Like I’m a magnet for it.

I think it boils down to DNA. My genes are swimming with trouble.

Mindy sets a plate in front of me and Monterey tells me to eat up. And I do. I could get used to having someone make me breakfast every morning.

No one’s ever been around long enough to wake up with me.

“So, what’s first on the agenda?” I let the word roll off my tongue, wondering what Monterey and Luther have in store for me.

“First, there’s a press conference to talk about the race yesterday at Long Beach, and then we’ll head off to Indiana and try to get to the hotel by late tonight. You’ll travel with Monterey.”

“Great.” I give Monterey a quick smile while Luther continues on about the press conference.

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