CHAPTER 23: QUEEN OF DRIFTS

Lucien’s POV

I held my breath. The second Braelyn’s car veered off course, the world fell silent. The roar of the crowd dimmed, the engines blurred into a dull hum, and for that terrifying heartbeat, all I could see was her fighting for control.

Her car spun dangerously close to the edge. Everyone gasped, expecting the crash. But instead of panicking, she counter-steered with precision, her movements sharp and calculated. The car straightened, dust rising like smoke behind her tyres.

I exhaled only when she got back on track. The crowd erupted, the commentators shouting her name even though she came in second. Amber’s car crossed the finish line just a fraction earlier, but all eyes were on Braelyn.

That wasn’t luck. That was training. Serious, rigorous training. There was no way this was the same Braelyn Volkov who hosted quiet charity dinners and kept her emotions locked behind polite smiles. No... this was someone else.

There was more to this viper who had forgotten how to bite. Amelia got out of her car first with a proud smile, her hands coolly brushing through her brunette hair as she shot me a taunting look.

My attention wasn’t on her but the black car Braelyn was driving. As soon as her car stopped, I didn’t think. I just moved. I pushed through the crowd, ignoring Joey’s voice behind me.

Amber was still grinning and waving at the crowd like a queen expecting her crown.

My gaze was fixed on the woman stepping out of that smoking car chest heaving, cheeks flushed, eyes blazing with the remnants of adrenaline. Her black hair matched the darkness, and her green eyes carried a strange spark, as if someone who had just discovered how to live again.

She looked like she’d come alive again, like the fire in her hadn’t died at all.

She looked at me in surprise when I pulled her into a sudden hug. "That was insane," I muttered against her ear, still feeling her tremble slightly. "You nearly gave me a heart attack."

She patted me, "I had no idea the infamous black sheep was a hugger." She teased

Braelyn blinked up at me, startled. "I told you I could handle it," she said, trying to sound calm, though her pulse betrayed her.

A grin tugged at my lips. "Handle it? You nearly turned the track into a warzone. Where the hell did you learn to drift like that?"

Amber approached, tossing her hair back with that smug smile of hers. "Guess I still hold the crown, huh?" she gloated, expecting praise. She was holding back her disappointment which was apparent in her eyes.

Anyone with eyes could see Braelyn would have won the race. Amber went overboard. This was a friendly race and not a match of life or death. Joey walked past her.

The glow in her eyes completely faded as she watched him let out a low whistle as he stalked towards Braelyn with an impressed expression. "Damn, Braelyn. That last turn was a masterpiece. If you’d taken the inside corner instead of playing safe, you might’ve had her."

Which was true Braelyn played it safe. She wasn’t chasing first but the thrill of the match. Amber’s smile faltered.

Braelyn simply shrugged, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I wasn’t trying to win. I just wanted to feel the rush again." Her voice was soft but confident, her expression almost serene. "It’s been a while," she said, something in her eyes twinkled.

Joey chuckled. "Where’d you learn to handle a car like that? That’s not beginner stuff."

Braelyn smiled faintly. "University racing club. It’s been years, though," she revealed. I have been as stunned as the image of a badass Braelyn surfaced in my mind.

A wild girl back at university. What did 4 years of marriage do to that girl? One I was very curious to meet.

"You... were in a racing club?" I blurted out.

She laughed, her lips curved in amusement, a quiet laugh slipping out. "You’re not the only one with secrets, Lucien. And besides... You never asked," she said with a sly wink.

I felt blood rush down; she was playing a dangerous game, which I love. "Are there other secrets these tracks can reveal?" I chirped in

Joey, being ever competitive, took the initiative. "How about we race? I really want to challenge those drifts." He chimed, Stand too close.

I placed my hand between them, my look said it clearly. Back off.

I knew him well enough to read into his intentions which wasn’t just racing. "She just survived an accident and you want her to race again."

He laughed, raising his hand. "Chill dude. I’m not going to steal your girl ..." He teased then paused, a mischievous look on his face, his gaze lingering on her.

"Unless you are going to let me."

My fist almost met his face, which the bastard ducked. His laugh rang with Braelyn’s. "Come on man. It was a joke."

My lips twitched, the anger in me receding interrupted by her laugh. I glanced at her surprised. This was the first time I had heard her laugh.

Once my gaze settled she stopped laughing, her brow arched at me. "Why are you staring at me? Don’t tell me you love me?" She joked acting miles away from the Braelyn who moved around the mansion like she had lost her soul

"Was there a time I was never in love with you?" I teased grinning at her. She was taken aback for a while, but quickly recovered, rolling her eyes like it was nothing.

Joey awkwardly cleared his throat drawing back our attention. "Sorry to interrupt, whatever was that? Are we racing or not?" He pushed.

"We are not." I refused immediately. Joey sighed disappointed.

"But I still want to race." She said, my eyes darted to her trying to figure out why the hell she would still race after that stunt. I was reckless, but when it came to her, I knew we had to take it slow.

"I wasn’t expecting that from you."

She nodded then walked up to me, barely a foot away. Her breath fanned against my skin. "You barely know me, Lucien." She stated.

"Let’s race. Just me and you. The same rules apply: the winner can ask the loser for anything." The more she spoke, the more confused I got.

Who was this? My little Viper was more poisonous than I thought.

"Anything?" I asked again. A little devil whispered into my ears. She nodded like she didn’t know what she was getting into.

"Anything Lucien. Don’t tell me you are scared?"

I never expected the day the mouse haunted the cat to come so soon