AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER 1
Graham
I’m unapologetic when it comes to who I am.
But I’ve recently learned that who I am… is a problem.
The scent of high-octane fuel fills the air as I stroll into the exclusive private race track in Manhattan. I’ve been in New York for about two months, mostly hiding out and trying to avoid the consequences of my actions. It was only a couple of weeks ago that I discovered this place. And since then, I’ve been coming here every few days to distract myself from the phenomenal mess that is my life.
I approach one of the track employees, a seasoned racer known for his expertise in luxury cars. He’s been helping me out since I started coming here.
“Hey, Benny,” I call out. “How are things looking today?”
“The day just got better now that you’re here, Mr. Steele,” he says with a smile.
“Your flattery just keeps on improving, Benny. Keep it up.” I grin. “Any recommendations on what car I should take out on the track?”
“How about the Bugatti Chiron? We recently got it tuned up and it’s ready to get on the tracks. Great wheels, superb engineering. It’ll have you feeling like you’re flying on the asphalt.”
I nod, pleased. “Alright, then. The Bugatti it is.”
He leaves to get the car ready for me while I take in the racing track. It’s nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, a sprawling facility with smooth asphalt stretching out in every direction. The track itself is meticulously designed with challenging twists, turns, and straightaways that cater to both novice drivers and seasoned professionals. I fall squarely in the middle.
Safety’s a top priority here, so there’s plenty of barriers and run-off areas strategically placed along the track. I suit up, and by the time I return to the track, the car’s already waiting for me.
“That is a gorgeous car,” I say, letting out a short whistle.
Benny nods in agreement. I slide into the driver’s seat, admiring the luxurious interior. The engine roars to life as soon as I start the car, a symphony of raw power that resonates deep in my core. As I accelerate onto the track, the car effortlessly responds to my touch, gliding around the corners with precision.
With each lap, I push the limits, relishing the adrenaline coursing through my veins. The wind whips through my hair and the engine’s roar drowns out the world around me. It’s a moment of pure bliss, where time stands still and the only thing that matters is the thrill of the ride.
As I bring the Chiron to a graceful halt, a sense of satisfaction washes over me. Benny’s already waiting to collect the keys.
“How did I do?’ I ask, still flying from the adrenaline.
“As I keep telling you, sir, you should be racing professionally.”
I chuckle. “If the day ever comes where I decide to do that, I’ll let you know first,” I assure him.
I’m heading back to the changing room when I notice someone climbing down from the grandstand. My jaw clenches as my brother moves to stand in front of me. I force my features into an expression of boredom as I look at him, pretending I’m not a little bit glad to see him on his feet. My relationship with my brother is complicated. But at the end of the day, he’s still my brother, and I’m so glad he’s standing in front of me, alive.
“Hey, big bro. You look great for someone who got shot a couple of weeks ago.”
He arches a dark eyebrow. Alexander and I look a lot alike—something that’s annoyed me ever since I realized how much you get compared to an older brother who’s seemingly perfect and whom you could never measure up to, despite how hard you try. Add in the fact that we’ve got the same facial features, dark hair, green eyes, and it became clear I could only ever truly be his shadow.
“You’re still into racing?” he questions with a frown.
“Obviously,” I reply, feeling the high from my drive dying down slowly. “What are you doing here? And how did you find me?”
“Tracked your phone,” he says lightly.
I glare. There should be several programs in place to prevent him from doing so. But Xander’s always been better at hacking than me.
“Don’t worry, it wasn’t easy,” he states at the look on my face. “But you’ve been AWOL for weeks. I figured it was time we spoke.”
I gesture for one of the employees standing to the side to come over, handing him my helmet and the gloves I’m wearing. Once he’s gone, I look back at Xander. I have no idea what his motivations are for coming here. The last time we spoke, he was punching me in the face. It was a punch well deserved, but regardless. The last time I saw him, he was deathly pale, lying on a hospital bed.
The last thing I expected was for him to seek me out.
