Page 68 of Double Apex

I look into my lap, frustrated tears prickling my eyes. “Okay,” I finally concede. “I do trust you, Klaus—I always have. Make the call.”

“I’d like to hear whatyouthink I should do. Be honest.”

Ah, fuck. It’s a test.

I feel cold as I know what my answer has to be.

“Fine,” I whisper. “Put Lars in my chair. I’ll take a family leave and go back to the States, at least for the next race or two. And—”

The hollowness inside me is ghastly. If I have any hope of coming back this season, thismustbe done, and I need to make it look like it isn’t killing me.

“I’ll break off the thing with Cosmin. It’s, uh…” I force the lie out. “It’s nothing serious. A few weeks’ absence will do the trick.” I manage a crooked twist of a smile. “The guy’ll be on to the next socialite or supermodel in days—everyone knows how he is.”

Reece looks so relieved I almost pity her, mad as I am at her interfering ass. Klaus slides his hand across the table in invitation, and I clasp it.

“You will be glad you spent this time at home,” he assures me gently. “There will be other seasons. There will be othermen.”

“Sure.” I give his huge palm a squeeze and let go.

“You may soon have big shoes to fill as team owner. Be worthy of them.”

I can’t tell if he’s mocking me, or possibly saying this to hide his true intentions from Reece.Other seasons?Big shoes to fill?

“Yeah, okay.” I stand and rub my face, exhausted. Reece is already on the phone to Lars, calling him to the meeting room. “I’m gonna take off,” I say, pointing a thumb over my shoulder. “You don’t need me for the convo with Lars, right? I have stuff to take care of, obvi.”

Klaus gets to his feet and comes to embrace me. “That’s not only for you,” he murmurs against my hair, “but for Edward as well. Please deliver it.”

Fuck it—I’m letting myself cry. For me, for my dad, for Klaus, and for what I have to tell Cosmin tonight before I take a cab to the airport and leave him.

21

ENGLAND

COSMIN

After I climb into my hire car, I message Phaedra that it will be another hour before I’m cleared to leave—I want to surprise her with takeaway from the shop that has her favorite Indian food.

I stop and get palak paneer, chana aloo, and pakora, then drive the few remaining miles eager to be home with her after this emotionally fraught day. I ease the door open and nudge off my shoes. The only light is in the kitchen and as I walk to its doorway, I hear her sniffle.

She’s bent over something at the table, turned away from me. The movement of her left elbow implies writing, and an empty glass sits near her right hand beside a bottle of scotch.

The takeaway bag crinkles as my hand shifts, and she startles with a yelp, whipping around.

“Fuck!” Her hand slaps against her chest. “Oh shit, I…”She twists back to the table and folds a sheet of paper in half, tucking it between some books. “How are you home already?”

I chuckle and move toward her, lifting the bag in offering.

“It’s been a difficult day for us both. I felt it would be a relief not to cook.” Setting the food near the scotch, I lean to kiss her lips, which respond to mine a beat too late. “You seem almost disappointed to see me,” I tease. “Should I check the closets for hidden Romeos?”

Phaedra rushes to her feet and flings her arms around me.

“Of course not. I just didn’t know what—”

“Hush, sweet one. I understand. I was frightened too. I had a moment where I was certain I wouldn’t survive the crash.” I kiss her, relaxing into her familiar scent. “We needn’t speak of it.” My hands splay over her cheeks, which have the sticky feeling of dried tears. “I’m sure Reece scolded you for wearing your heart on your sleeve, yes? But I’m relieved we are done hiding.”

“Cosmin…”

I press another kiss to her forehead. “Let’s talk over dinner—I’m famished. I will go change clothes.”

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