The night air buzzed with the low rumble of engines, the scent of burning rubber already thick in the industrial district.

    The race was set along a long, winding stretch that ran from the warehouses, past the old factories, and straight toward the docks.

    It wasn''t a simple drag race. This track required precision.

    The first half was a long straight, giving racers a chance to push their machines to their limits.

    But then came the tight curves, sharp enough that a single mistake could send someone spinning out or worse — straight into a stack of forgotten cargo containers.

    The last stretch was deceptive, appearing smooth at first, but hiding small inclines and dips that could throw off an unprepared driver.

    At the very end, just before the finish line, the road split into two choices — one slightly shorter but riddled with uneven pavement, the other clean but requiring an extra second to take the curve properly.

    It was a gamble. Speed or stability?

    Ethan took another sip from his canteen, feeling the cool water slide down his throat.

    He leaned against his sleek silver Porsche, the paint gleaming under the dim streetlights.

    The headlights from other cars cast long shadows across the cracked pavement as racers and spectators gathered.

    Some revved their engines, testing their machines, while others placed bets, eager to see how this new challenger — him — would fare against one of the best.

    A distant roar cut through the night, sharp and unmistakable. Vanessa had arrived.

    Her Ferrari pulled in like a storm, the deep growl of the engine turning heads as she slowed to a stop just a few feet from Ethan.

    The bright red beast looked almost menacing under the artificial glow of the streetlights, its aerodynamic body designed for nothing but pure speed.

    Vanessa stepped out, her confidence dripping from every move.

    She was dressed for the occasion—a sleek black racing jacket hugging her form, tight jeans that allowed for movement, and boots that clacked lightly against the pavement.

    Her brown hair was tied back in a high ponytail, and when she removed her helmet, her piercing eyes locked onto Ethan immediately.

    A smirk curled her lips. "So, you''re the one Zack''s been hyping up?"

    ''Now that I look at him well... he''s tall... and handsome too, Shit focus Vanessa.''

    Ethan took another sip of water before casually capping his canteen.

    "Guess so," he said, voice even.

    Vanessa gave a short laugh and rested a hand on the roof of her car. "You don''t look like a racer."

    The countdown began.

    Engines roared, tires screeched against the pavement, and the crowd of spectators leaned in, their anticipation thick in the night air.

    Ethan gripped the wheel, his gaze locked on the stretch of road ahead. His Porsche was purring beneath him, a beast ready to be unleashed.

    Vanessa sat low in her Ferrari, her fingers drumming against the wheel.

    The smirk on her face said it all — she wasn''t worried.

    A second later, the light flashed green.

    The moment it did, both cars launched forward like bullets.

    The Porsche''s tires screeched, struggling for grip for a split second before finding purchase and hurling Ethan forward.

    The Ferrari, however, was built for this.

    Vanessa surged ahead almost immediately, her acceleration crisp and brutal.

    Her car hugged the road, sleek and low to the ground, while Ethan''s Porsche pushed itself to keep up, its raw power roaring beneath him.

    But Ethan wasn''t out of the fight.

    He adjusted his grip, feeling the steering respond to his every move.

    The night blurred past him, the cold wind howling through the open driver-side window as they tore down the industrial district''s long stretch.

    Vanessa threw a quick glance at her side mirror.

    He was still there.

    That surprised her.

    Even with the Ferrari''s superior acceleration, he was keeping up — not completely matching her, but enough that she couldn''t relax.

    She scoffed, speaking into her earpiece that connected to Zack''s. "He drives his car like a damn bike."

    Zack''s laughter crackled through the line. "Yeah, that''s Ethan for you."

    Vanessa shook her head and refocused.

    The first half of the track was a straight sprint, a battle of raw speed. The second half? That''s where things got interesting.

    The curves were coming up fast.

    And this was where the race would be decided.