“Good. Didn’t Nino give you a report with the numbers? We’ve been growing these last couple of years, especially with the expanded qualifications races. But I don’t have time to chat now. I need to tell Dinara the good news.”
I hung up and my gaze returned to Dinara and Dima. Remo’s lack of worry regarding their sudden appearance worried me. He loved the provocation and thrill of a conflict, even now that he was a married man, maybe more so. Maybe he saw the appearance of the Russian princess as a perfect chance to bring some heat into our life. I, on the other hand, wanted to keep my racing business running smoothly. It was my baby, one in which I invested my heart and soul. I needed to find out why Dinara and Dima were really here and if they’d prove a problem. If they were, I’d make sure they’d leave our territory. Remo could figure out another way to make his life more interesting if torturing enemies and cage fights didn’t do it anymore.
Dinara still perched on the hood of her car, her red hair fluttering in the early evening breeze. Dima stood beside her with crossed arms, giving the surrounding racers suspicious looks. Not surprising given the looks they were giving Dinara. Some of them were only amused and derogative, others flirting or downright leering.
They thought she was a nice piece of ass who had no chance in the race and would be impressed by their racing skills. Some of these guys probably even thought they’d have a chance with her afterward.
Dinara pushed away from the car and stalked toward me, tossing her cigarette stub in her path and stomping it out. I smoked occasionally, but this girl was a chimney in comparison to me. I waited for her, pushing my phone back into my pocket. She was stunning with her high cheekbones, plump lips and long legs. The fire in her eyes and that confident smile curling her lips made her look like a fierce goddess, especially with that red hair flaming up in the sinking sun.
She stopped right in front of me. “And? Did we pass the inspection? Are we allowed to participate in your race circus?”
I smirked. “You’re allowed to participate in the qualification race today. If you make it into our racing camp that’s up to you and your driving skills.”
Dinara tilted her head. “I’m not worried about my driving skills, Falcone. What about yours? When was the last time you did a qualification race? You’re set in the main races, aren’t you?”
She had quite a mouth on her and bravado, I had to give it to her. Most people, even in the racing camp, either kissed the ground I walked on or tried to stay clear of my path from fear.
“I’m a part of the camp, because I’m one of the best drivers, Dinara. If I’d join the qualification race, that would only mean that fewer new drivers would get a chance to qualify.” The racers who participated in all the main races in the season were part of our racing camp, which was what the name promised: a camp where we all lived in the months of the races.
She leaned closer, giving me the chance to really admire the blue-green of her eyes, a shade I’d never seen. “Then why don’t you join the race today? Show off your amazing driving skills. Let’s see what you got, Falcone.”
I usually wasn’t easily baited but Dinara had me on her hook. I wanted to impress her, and I wanted to know why she was here. What her endgame was. “All right,” I said, grinning. “I’ll race today but don’t come crying to me afterward because your brother didn’t make the cut.”
“Dima’s a big boy. He can handle himself. Don’t underestimate him.”
“I don’t underestimate either of you. But you better not underestimate me either. I’m a Falcone, winning runs in my blood.”
“Arrogance too?”
I smiled. “I think you and I both don’t lack confidence when it comes to racing. Now let’s stop the chitchat and prove we aren’t just words.”
Dinara stood on her tiptoes, leaning even closer and bringing her lips close to my ear. “Yes, let’s do that, Adamo.”
She stepped back and turned around, walking away, giving me a perfect look at her ass in her tight pants. I ran a hand through my hair. She was a hot piece of ass, but I preferred less trouble in my sex life. Hooking up with grid girls or the rare racer girl had proven a hassle in the past, so I’d stopped reacting to advances. Business and pleasure better stayed separated.
I hadn’t participated in a qualification race in forever. Twenty-five drivers were set in the racing camp and five more could qualify to be part of it through a qualification race, but only the racers with the best positions throughout the year stayed in the camp for the next season. I was always among the best racers, had been for years, so qualifications hadn’t been necessary. Yet, I had to admit I felt a giddy kind of excitement about being part of a qualification again. The atmosphere was different, less dominated by money and bets, more free-spirited.
I grinned. This would be fun.
Dima’s face flashed with disapproval. His go-to mood lately. “We’re good to go,” I said.
“So, we got the official blessing of the Falcone clan?” he scoffed in Russian.
“Don’t know about their blessing but they don’t mind us racing. Or rather Remo Falcone doesn’t mind because he’s the one pulling the strings.”
“He’ll have his little brother keep taps on us. They have to suspect there’s more behind this than playing racers.”
“Of course, they do. I’m sure Adamo will do his best to extract information from me.”
Dima regarded me, gray eyes slanting to slits. “Don’t let his charm lower your guards.”
I burst out laughing. “What charm? Only because you have the sunny-boy persona of frozen bread doesn’t mean any guy capable of smiling is a Casanova on the hunt.”
Dima didn’t crack a smile. I bumped my shoulder against his. “Don’t worry. I can handle myself.”
“I know you can, but don’t underestimate the Falcones, not even the youngest. They don’t take it lightly if they’re being played, and out here we’re in their territory. Grigory would send the cavalry but it wouldn’t go over well with our men.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t conjure up ghosts, Dima. There won’t be a reason for the cavalry or any other rescue missions.” I kissed his cheek. “And I got you, don’t I?”
He sighed. “Just be careful. You know what your father will do if he finds out about this. One day he’s going to dump me in an oil-barrel.”
“He likes you too much for that. He’ll give you a quick end,” I said with a twisted smile.
Dima let out a sharp laugh. “Glad you find it funny.”
“Everything will be all right.”
“Eventually, you’ll have to put the past to rest, Dinara, or it’s going to swallow you.”
“It’s already chewed me half up. The only way I can put it to rest is to find the full truth. We both know my father was selective when he told me what happened.”
“He wants to protect you.”
“He can’t, nor can you. Nobody can. This is my fight.”
The roar of engines filled the air. I’d always loved speed. The thrill of it. Dima and I had raced against each other, bikes at first, later cars, but never on a professional level, or with as many competitors.