CHAPTER 21: HIS REQUEST

Braelyn’s POV

The look in his eyes told me he was expecting me to kiss him. The tension was palpable. A lump formed in my throat which I forced down.

My eyes fluttered closed, closing off the remaining distance. Our lips brushed, and he froze, waiting for the kiss. My lips brushed past his to his cheeks, and I left a soft peck on

"It’s all for show, remember." I chimed teasingly. Lucien laughed. His husky voice rang through my ears, and his breath fanned against my skin.

He smirked. "You are slowly turning into a viper." He laughed, then backed away.

"Get me a car, but let’s make a bet, Lynn." He suggested with a grin. I nodded absentmindedly.

"If I win, you get to fulfil one wish." Before I could respond he had flickered my forehead and left with Joey. A car was quickly organised, and they got ready for the race.

Amber grabbed my hand still keeping her smile. Her grip was a bit tight but I still smiled back. "I know a good spot where we can watch clearly." She chirped then pulled me away.

She moved through the crowd towards a bar stand. Amber quickly took a seat and I followed after. From here could easily see the racing line although the track went above the horizontal.

Before Lucien got into his car, his eyes searched the crowd at the spot where I was standing. A soft frown etched on his brow, but Joey whispered something into his ear, which he nodded to before getting into his car.

The engine roared, at the drop of the hankie the cars raced away, my heart started beating in excitement from the thrill. "Do you want a drink?" Amber’s voice drew me back.

"Huh," I blurted, lagging behind, before my head shook. "No, I’m fine."

She sighed. "Suit yourself then." She raised her hand and then placed her order. My eyes searched the tracks for the cars but it seemed like they disappeared from the horizon.

A tired sigh left my lips then I turned to the counter. I pulled out my phone but there wasn’t a single notification on it. My mind was still a bit heavy, maybe Lucien was right

I had to get my mind off things.

"So how did you meet?" Amber suddenly asked, drawing my attention; her tone seemed off. I glanced at her to meet that pair of calm eyes.

"It’s a long story," I said laughing awkwardly. My brain couldn’t think of a good story.

Her expression didn’t falter. "Not convincing but I’m surprised." She said, A frown etched on my brow. Amber sighed then took another sip of her drink.

"He had never introduced anyone as his girl before, and I thought it would last that way." Her voice trailed. " I guess a lot has changed in 5 years"

"But you didn’t change," I answered. She was startled by my tone, but I recognised the tone in her voice.

"What do you mean?" She scoffed, and a smile crept up my lips.

"5 years had passed, but you didn’t change, Amber. You have a secret crush on him, don’t you? " I struck the nail on the head. She was faltering, her cheeks burned subtly.

Amber snorted and then turned to her drink. "Stop talking like you know anything. You don’t even know anything about Lucien." She retorted. It was true, I could not deny but my hunch was right. She liked him.

I sighed wanting to say there was no need to worry that this relationship was for show. He was my uncle-in-law, but decided against it.

Before I could reply, the engines echoed again drawing our attention. Amber grabbed her drink then scoffed before leaving. "You would not last long. None of his flings does." She challenged

I found it ridiculous. She didn’t like me but it felt foolish. Why hasn’t she confessed, despite how long they have known each other? Things were getting interesting.

Two cars were leading the race, a blue McLaren, which I recognised as Joey’s car. The crowd roared. There was a red car which followed by but I didn’t recognise it

"Where was Lucien?" I searched for his car until it appeared on the horizon.

"What a shame." I sighed, realising he had lost in last place before the race was over. Joey was very close to the finish line

Time ticked, and those who bet on Joey were already rejoicing until, at the last moment, something unexpected happened.

Lucien’s car dramatically surged forward, passing all the contenders, catching up to Joey. Everyone held their breath, they didn’t expect the race. Joey obviously had a lead on to a sudden turn to him and a mysterious driver fighting for first.

"Who is the driver?" I heard a whisper. They were all curious, and I found myself smiling without realising it.

"I have no idea but someone said he is an old racer here." The reply finally came. "An old racer who is as good as Joey. I had no idea. "

While they argued about the identity of the racer. The cars drew to the end line. I stood up from the stool and wove through the crowd to get to the front.

A loud roar erupted; it seemed the race was over, but I didn’t see it because of the tall crowd. By the time I got to the front Joey and Lucien had already stopped.

"Who won?" I couldn’t help but ask an onlooker.

She was a teenage girl, " Joey came in second and the other guy won." She said excitedly. The car doors were pushed open, and Lucien and Joey both stepped out..

"They are both gorgeous..." She shrieked, Lucien easily found me this time and jogged towards my direction. The girl held her friend’s hand. "Do you think he noticed us? He is really coming." They squealed.

When Lucien approached they almost lost their minds. I laughed, finding it cute. He stopped before me, then asked. "It was cool, wasn’t it?" I shook my head

"You are such a show off." I laughed covering my face

He shrugged. "A pretty lady was watching so of course I had to be showy." He was flirting with me.

The other girls were already blushing so hard. I squared him. "Are you flirting with me?" Lucien smiled.

"Maybe I am." He answers the pause before continuing."How about my bet?"

"What do you want?" I answered. He smirked. "Have you ever enjoyed the thrill of a race before?" He inquired

I quirked my brow. "You want me to ride with you while you race." That was his wish. Something so simple.

He nodded.

"How about we do something more fun instead?" I knew I had grabbed his interest and curiosity. Before he asked the question in his mind

.

I said smoothly. "I want to race. Just me in the car."