Home > Traction (The Driven World)(3)

Traction (The Driven World)(3)
Author: Dani Rene

“My dad sent you a letter?” The shock in my voice is apparent; every word is filled with confusion.

Colton nods. “He did. A detailed one at that. I had it in my office, and because things have been rather busy, I haven’t had the time to really look into it. He spoke highly of you and your love of racing,” he informs me. “Also, in the letter was a flash drive, which included him filming you doing a few laps at the local track. I like your style.”

Again, my mouth falls open, and I’m sure I look like a fish gulping air, or water, or whatever they do. “I—I don’t know what to say.”

“Tell me you’ll come by tomorrow, midday, to run a few laps with my guys,” Colton says with a grin. “Let me see what you can do, and if I’m happy and the potential is there, I’ll sign you.” He’s someone I’ve looked up to, someone I used to watch racing while sitting with my dad in the stands. The scent of hot dogs and soda seemingly fills my senses when I think about those weekends at the track. And suddenly, my heart aches. “I’d especially like to see how you take on the track in one of my cars, and if you’re up for it, perhaps race one of my guys to see if you can handle the pressure.”

I find my confidence. Squaring my shoulders, I nod. “I can handle it, Mr. Donavan,” I assure him. “I know I can.”

He laughs, holding out his hand again, which this time, I accept easily. “Then, I’ll see you tomorrow. And don’t be late.” He saunters to his car, and I watch as he slips into the driver’s seat before pulling away from the curb with a rumble of the engine.

“Holy shit,” I mumble as the surprise settles in my veins.

“Language, Haelee,” my mother chastises, but she’s grinning almost as wide as I am, and her eyes are filled with unshed emotion. Her arms are crossed in front of her chest, and for a moment, I expect her to be angry or concerned about the dangers of racing. But she isn’t.

I turn toward her, facing her fully before I ask, “You’re okay with this, Mom?” I may be a rebel at times, but I don’t want her to worry. I know she only wants to make sure I’m safe. If it weren’t for her, I’m not sure where I’d be. Granted, I’m an adult and don’t need her permission, but I want her to know I still consider her opinion.

“Yes, buttercup,” she says with a smile. “He would’ve wanted you to try this out. And who knows? You might just make the team.”

“You’d support me if I make it?” I can’t hide the surprise in my voice because I know how difficult it is for her knowing I’m out racing on the streets.

“I’d prefer you to be with a professional team rather than racing on the wrong side of the tracks. Those boys you hang out with are dangerous, and your father would’ve locked you up if he knew.”

Sighing, I nod. “I know, Mom, but it’s who I am. I can’t stop being myself.” When I turned eighteen, my folks gave me the details for my birth mother. I learned she was a Puerto Rican beauty who had overdosed when her dealer got tired of her. She had me when she was sixteen, far too young to have so much responsibility. “I won’t end up like her, I promise.”

Mom smiles, and I can’t help but feel excited about this new opportunity. Studying is good for me. Attending the local college has opened my eyes to what I can do and want to do, but racing has always been my love.

As the school year comes to an end in a few months, I’ll graduate and perhaps have a racing team that will allow me to live my dream. And when I meet with Colton tomorrow, I can tell him I’m a great mechanic too. Butterflies take flight in my stomach as Mom and I go inside the house.

I’m no longer scared of the future. I’m excited at the prospect of a life of fulfilled dreams. I only wish my dad was still here.

 

 

2

 

 

Kayden

 

 

Today is my first session with Colton’s team. Signing with them is a dream come true. I wish my father were here to see me because I know he’d be proud and as ecstatic as I am. Even though I still have the business hanging over my head, the choice to either sell or run it, I’m ready to get into a car and race my aggression out on the track.

Last night, when I looked for the exquisite woman from the hot tub, she was nowhere to be seen. It was as if she were merely an apparition sent to distract me from my love—racing. Thankfully, she wasn’t there when I searched, or I would’ve been late today. Having her on my arm would’ve only resulted in me fucking her senseless all night.

And as pleasurable as that sounds, I wouldn’t have made a good impression at work today, and I need to show Colton I’m dependable, reliable, and I know what the hell I’m doing. By the time I reach the garages, I can hear the engines being tested, and the roar makes my blood warm with enthusiasm.

This has been my passion, my focus, for as long as I can remember. It’s been the only thing I ever saw myself doing after school. Needless to say, I drove my father mad. He was convinced I would never graduate, high school, or college, but I did both.

I made him proud academically so he would allow me to race. He kept his word. I’ve done countless professional races across the country over the years, and I won each and every one of them. The only man I’ve never come up against is my hero—Colton Donavan. And to be honest, I doubt I could ever be as good as he is.

Before I make it into the main section of the garages, my phone rings. The shrill sound a warning of what’s to come, but I answer anyway.

“Mr. Donaldson,” I greet the man who’s looking after my father’s company, the head of the board. The man I need to impress to ensure they don’t run me out of my own legacy.

“Kayden.” He says my name jovially as if we’re best friends. We’re not. “I had a meeting with the board yesterday, and it seems they’re concerned. Not having you onsite doesn’t seem to appease them, and to be honest, it doesn’t ease my worries either.”

“This is my legacy, my company, and if you’re not happy with the way I run it, then you’re welcome to see yourself out,” I bite out as frustration takes hold of me. I asked for time. It’s not been long since my father died, and to step into his shoes would be far too much. Not right now. I don’t even know if I want to do that just yet.

“No, no, of course not. I’m sorry, Kayden. I didn’t mean to upset you, but they’re adamant that they want to move forward. We can’t sit on this. There is money to be made.” He speaks as if they don’t have any money. These men make millions every year.

They want for nothing. They drive the most expensive cars, own the largest homes, and flash their cash at special massage spas where their wives have no clue they’re going.

My stomach roils, but I swallow down the bile that rises, and I say, “Fine. I will get all the paperwork together, and I’ll call a meeting when I’m ready.”

“You’ll step down?” I knew it. The fuckers want to steal what’s mine, but they’re not getting it. I’ll fight tooth and nail for what my father built, even if it’s not my passion.

“Step down?” The words are filled with venom, my tone incredulous at his query. “I’ll run the company, and I’ll replace the board if I have to.” My voice is ice, and I would pay good money to see the look on this asshole’s face. I thought he and Dad were friends. I honestly thought they were close, but it seems money speaks louder than loyalty.

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