Page 63 of Hyperspeed
“It was an accident,” I argued. “The officials said—”
“You guys are hilarious together.”
We both turned to Liz, who was looking at us with a wide smile, eyes glittering. Kai cleared his throat and sat back, making me realise we’d started leaning towards each other as we’d bickered. The marks on my hands had glowed red, just like they always did around Kai.
But as the colour faded, I caught a subtle hint of amethyst.
What thefuck?
I was twenty-four, and I’d never seen my skin glow that colour before.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, settling back in my seat like a scolded child.
“No problem,” Lotus said. “Just a few more questions, then I think you and I are done!”
I exhaled a sigh of relief. The interview hadn’t gone as terribly as I’d thought. At least I hoped so. I’d find out when it was published and Nina either praised me or killed me.
Thankfully, the rest of the questions were a doddle. I explained how I hoped to help the Iskari get officially recognised again, my experience with ZenithNova, and my thoughts on the other drivers in the league. Kai almost fell off his seat when I admitted to Lilith that, despite everything, he was a decent driver.
“You might drive me up the wall, Mercer,” I replied with an eye roll. “But I’d be a fool if I said you’re not good at what you do.”
Kai pressed a hand to his chest, the over-the-top expression of awe completely fake. “Aw, thanks, rookie. I’ll turn you into a fan yet.”
“There’s a better chance of Iskari extinction,” I deadpanned. Kai’s responding chuckle was low and knowing. Like he didn’t disagree, but he’d make it happen anyway.
“Well, I have everything I need,” Lex announced, tapping her watch to turn off the recording software. She rounded the table and held out her hand to me with a big smile. “It was great to meet you, Rev.”
I shook her hand. “You too . . .” Shit. What thefuckwas her name?
“Steph.” She smirked.
Of course, the marks on my skin chose that exact moment to flicker bright orange with embarrassment, and my ears twitched. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole.
Stephturned to Kai, who was hiding behind his hand, but his grin was too wide to be concealed. “Do you mind if I take ten to grab a drink and a sandwich?”
“Sure.”
Then she left, and it was just the two of us.
Alone.
“I—”
“That was a good interview,” Kai said.
I searched his face for any evidence that he might be making fun, but I found none. He seemed sincere, and not for the first time in the last hour, Kai had thrown me off-kilter.
“Thanks.”
“I’d like to see the underground circuits sometime.”
“So go.” I frowned. “You don’t need an invitation, and the details are easy to find online.”
He shrugged, glancing down and fiddling with a loose thread on his jacket. “I know. I just thought it’d be more fun to go with an expert.”
“I don’t think there’s such a thing as an expert in the—”
“Look, will you go with me?” Kai stared at me, his expression earnest and somewhat . . . desperate.
