Page 40 of Overtake
The satisfaction of breaking Junior’s nose had lasted exactly as long as it took Betterton to put him on the ground, split his lip, blacken his eye, and give him ribs that ached for weeks. But he’d do it again and properly, if given a chance.
“The FIA claimed he was reformed.” Carlos carefully controls his anger. “That his time away from the sport taught himperspective.”
Nico scoffs, pushing vegetables around on his plate. “Like the perspective of knowing his family’s money would eventually buy his way back in?”
“Like the perspective that some actions have consequences, while others don’t.”
“Is that why Graham came to see you? To remind you that Junior’s back despite what happened? That the Bettertons have that kind of power?”
“Perhaps.” Carlos takes a third grape. “Or maybe to suggest that standing against them will leave us unprotected.”
“We’re stronger than we were back then.” Nico meets his father’s eyes. “We have other allies and a lot more influence, Papá. I won’t run from a fight when I’m on the right side of it.”
Carlos studies him. “You know what your mother says about the Belmonte men and our principles?”
“That they’ll ruin us?” Nico manages a slight smile. “Or we’re too stupid to bend them?”
“Both.” Carlos pushes his cup between his hands. “But she says they make us who we are. Even when they cost us.” He pauses and holds Nico’s gaze. “Like they might cost you now.”
“Because I won’t let Wyn’s behavior slide?”
“You’re choosing the same path I did. Standing up to the same people.” His father’s eyes are serious. “But this time? Maybe no one will step up to save you.”
The weight of that settles on Nico’s shoulders and he shoves his plate away. “What would you have me do? Pretend Wyn did nothing wrong? Let Petra take the fall?” Old fury rises, shaking off inertia and baring its teeth. “Watch Junior act like he never touched Nia?”
“No.” Carlos’s voice is gentle, meant to calm Nico’s rage. “I would have you be exactly who you are. Who your mother and I raised you to be. I just want you to understand what it might cost.”
“Like it cost you?”
“Much more. The sport’s different now. More political. More...” He waves a hand.
“Corrupt?”
“Careful. You’re making assumptions.”
“Am I?”
“Sí.” Another grape is sacrificed to Carlos Belmonte. “If you’re going to take this stand,mijo, be sure it’s worth the price.”
So much pressure to make the right moves.
But…
Petra was unflinching in that restroom. Wyn’s recklessness won’t stop unless someone intervenes. Junior’s smirk when they cross paths, like thepedófiloknows what Nico would do without cameras around.
He nods. “Some things are worth any price, Papá.”
Carlos stands and squeezes his son’s shoulder. “That’s what I told your mother when she worried about you following meinto this world.” He pauses. “And what I’ll tell her when she calls tonight, worried about you following me into battle.”
“Dile que aprendí de los mejores.”He should tell her Nico learned from the best.
“I will.” His father smiles. “Though perhaps I won’t mention exactly who you’re fighting for.”
“Ay, Papá.”
“Time for karting instruction, no? Try not to stare at her racing lines for too long.”
“Joder,” Nico mutters as Carlos leaves.
