Page 101 of Racing Hearts
I turned around in surprise. And there she was, my team principal, sitting behind her desk with her arms folded and a proud, almost defiant smile on her face. Not a hint of scolding. Not a flicker of doubt.
Only pride.
“Well, then, Georgie, sounds like we have some work to do.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Georgia
Walking out of the Valkyrie garage, I felt an arm drape itself over my shoulders, drawing me in for a hug. I gazed up at Luca, who was sporting a cheesy grin on his face. He looked like he had just hit the jackpot, and in a way he had.
“Well, well, well, looks like I won my little bet,” I heard Edward announce behind us.
“Who did you bet anyway?” I knew about Edward’s annoying gamble, but I realized I didn’t actually know who had bet for or against us.
“Georgia, I amsooooglad you asked.” Edward held out his hand to Luca, who immediately went into his back pocket and took out his wallet, handing Edward €100 as he shook his head.
“I’ll get the rest to you next week,” Luca grumbled.
Edward smirked with satisfaction. “You see, Georgie, I bet Luca that you two would fall in love by the end of the season. Luca was so insistent that you’d never look at him again after herudelyditched you all those years ago, but I knew better. I know a jealous woman when I see one.” He threw me a wink, and I scoffed in response.
“I wasn’t jealous!” The protest was weak—and untrue.
“Oh, please, the way you babbled on about Luca and who he was supposedlydatingor what he wasdoingand ‘howannoying’ he was. You werejealous. Figured as soon as you got to know the sweet, soft Luca that I knew, you’d fall madly in love with him. Well, after he got his act together, of course. Which I figured you’d help him do.”
Edward looked incredibly impressed with himself as he finished, literally patting himself on the back after putting away his prize money.
“And so, now I am a thousand euros richer, and you two will have lifelong happiness. A win-win for everyone.” Without another word, Edward took off for the Wilmington garage, a smug smile still gracing his lips.
We had barely taken a step toward mine when a familiar sneer cut through the air.
“Well, look at that,” Anthony snickered. “Still clinging to this little PR stunt, even after the article.”
“That’s a weird way to say congratulations to the race winner,” I replied coolly, trying to step around him.
“You think you’re so special, don’t you?” Anthony sidestepped me, blocking my path. “Guess it’s good you gave up at Hermes, Luca. With your abysmal driving today, I would have taken your seat anyway, but now I get to crucify you both on the track next year since the press isn’t doing a good enough job of it.”
I perked up, glaring at Anthony.What did he just say?
Then it hit me.
“You were theDaily Reporter’s source, weren’t you?” Of course, that apology back in Monaco wasn’t real. Anthony didn’t have a genuine bone in his body.
Anthony’s smirk was all the confirmation I needed.
“Why?”
He chuckled darkly, but before he could answer, I cut him off.
“You know what, Anthony? I don’t care why you did it. It doesn’t matter, because none of it’s true. I’m done letting assholes like you think they have power over me. No more.” I tried to push past Anthony, but he lunged forward, gripping my arm tightly.
“I guess batting your eyelashes as a pretty racer really does have its perks,” he said coldly. “Hard to compete with someone who can sleep her way out of anything.” My body tensed, but Luca stepped forward and stood directly in front of me, their faces only inches apart as he grabbed Anthony’s arm, forcibly removing it from mine.
“Funny. From what I heard, you’re the only person trying to sleep their way into F1, but you were so lousy, Daddy had tobuyyour seat.” Luca’s voice was just loud enough for the three of us to hear. “If you think for one moment that Hermes is going to give you my old seat, you’re out of your mind. Can’t imagine they’re into racers willing to sell stories to tabloids.”
Anthony’s face twisted in anger, his fists clenching. With his other arm, he grabbed me again, trying to pull me close.
Luca was on him in a heartbeat. His hand locked onto Anthony’s wrist, yanking it from me with enough force to send a message. “Touch her again, and I’ll make sure no one recognizes that ugly face of yours.”
