Текст книги "Hard to Break"

Автор книги: Bella Jewel

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CHAPTER FIVE

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” I say to Dad as I pace the room Friday after work.

“Quinnie, it’ll be fine. I told you I’m getting better and I’m going to fix things. You’re not even leaving the state. You can call in, if you’re so worried.”

I bite my lip, mulling this over. After a heck load of work, the guys have managed to free up my weekend so I can go to the race with Jace and spend a few nights away from everything. We managed to make just over three thousand dollars at the car wash, but it isn’t nearly enough to pay off what we owe. But it’s a start, and everything helps.

The problem with going away is the fact that I’m leaving Dad alone and I’m not all too comfortable about that. I’m worried he’ll get drunk and hurt himself, or choke on his own vomit.

“I’ve told Lenny to check on you each night.”

My dad frowns. “I’m not a fucking kid.”

No, then maybe you shouldn’t act like it.

I shake those angry thoughts from my head. I hate when they pop up because they make me feel guilty.

“Please, Dad, if you care about fixing things, then let him come around.”

He stares at me, then mutters, “Fine.”

“Okay.”

A knock at the door interrupts our conversation. I rush over, flinging it open to see Jace standing, ready to go. “Hey there.”

“Hey, honey,” he grins.

I step out of the way and let him in.

“How’s it goin’, Robbo?” Jace says as he follows me down the hall I’m currently charging down.

“Hello, Jace.”

When I reach my room, I fling the door open and step inside. I’ve been so busy worrying about leaving Dad and organizing things to make sure he at least eats, that I haven’t been able to pack. I drag out a suitcase and start tossing clothes in.

“Whoa there, woman,” Jace says, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me away from the suitcase.

“Come on, Jace. This won’t take long.”

“No, it won’t because you’re packing clothes that accentuate your … masculine side.”

I glare at him and to prove his point, he reaches in and pulls out an old, grease-stained pair of jeans.

“There is no way you’re wearing this shit.”

I bite my bottom lip.

“Where are your good clothes?”

I cross my arms. “You’re being mean now, there’s nothing wrong with those jeans.”

“Sure, if you want to be mistaken for a homeless person. Hmm, maybe you can ask people for spare change and raise money for the garage that way.”

I snort laugh in spite of myself. “What will you have me wear? Because I’m telling you, I don’t do tight … anything.”

“There’s got to be something good in here,” he mutters, walking to my closet and swinging the door open.

After five minutes of shuffling, he comes back with an armful of clothes. Most of them I have never worn. I went through a stage of trying to be girly, but it didn’t happen and so the clothes ended up at the back of my closet. Now Jace has managed to find each and every one of them.

“You are going to look like a female this weekend,” he says, throwing the clothes onto the bed and then emptying my suitcase.

I watch as he tosses skinny jeans, dresses, bikinis and tank tops in. I scrunch up my nose. “I’m not sure my ass still fits in any of that.”

He stops, stares at my ass, then snorts. “What ass?”

“I’m offended by that statement.”

He laughs. “No you aren’t. Where’s your hair and makeup stuff?”

I don’t answer.

He turns back to me. “Quinn?”

“I don’t, ah, have any. Except my hairbrush, which is already packed.”

“Jesus, it’s no wonder you haven’t been laid for a long time. You’re probably growing cobwebs down there.”

“Hey,” I protest. “I do not have cobwebs. Just a little dust is all.”

“God,” he mutters to himself. “This is going to be a real eye-opener, isn’t it?”

CHAPTER SIX

“Give me another one,” I cry, sliding my shot glass across the long wooden counter towards the bartender.

“And me!”

I turn to Jace, who is sitting on my left side and smile. He wraps an arm around my shoulder and leans in close. “Told you that letting your hair down would prove to be fun.”

“I should listen to you more often,” I say, reaching for the shot glass that has just been placed in front of me. I tilt my head back and let the liquid slide down my throat.

Yes.

Jace was certainly right, this is proving to be awesome. We arrived at the hotel just after 7 p.m. after stopping at a department store for makeup and hair supplies. I straightened my hair after Jace and the saleswoman insisted that I buy a straightening iron and I must admit¸ my hair looks super amazing after using it. Then we got changed and headed to the hotel bar to get our drink on. The race is tomorrow so tonight is all ours.

“Let’s dance,” Jace yells over the music that is slowly getting louder. “I need to find some action for the night.”

Jace tugs me and we both slip off the bar stools and walk onto the small but packed dance floor. We start swaying to the music, hands in the air, smiles on our faces. It feels good to let go. It’s been such a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to be able to think about something else other than the rut I’ve been stuck in my entire life.

A pair of hands find my hips as I swing to the music and my eyes pop open with shock. I glance quickly to my left to see Jace has already snagged a woman and is dirty dancing in the middle of the dance floor with her, so it isn’t him. I stare down at the fingers curled around my body and hope to hell I’m not about to turn around and see King Kong trying to grope me, because that wouldn’t be cool.

I turn slowly and gasp loudly when I see it most certainly is not King Kong, but instead a jerky, hot as hell, custom car builder. Tazen Watts has his hands on me, and he looks about as shocked as I do that we’re both in the same place at the same time and worse, he’s got his hands on me. I watch the recognition hit his face and his eyes widen, the chocolate depths filling with a good range of emotions. Then his hands drop and he steps back.

“Fuck,” he says. “I didn’t expect to see you here!”

So charming.

“I’m sure all your dreams have come true, now that I am.”

He grins. “Yeah, you’re probably right about that. Rocking dress, by the way. Makes your ass look great.”

God. Such a man.

“It would seem the good lord dislikes me enough to put me in the same place as you and your cheesy compliments. Next you’re probably going to tell me I look like I fell from heaven,” I mutter, stepping past him.

“Ouch, angel. Is there any need to be so hostile? I was going to go with public singing to win you over, but you just ruined that chance for yourself.”

“Unlucky for me,” I scoff, walking to the bar and ordering a drink.

I take the drink I ordered and swallow it down, and then I turn to him. “Are you going to follow me all night?”

I step past him before he can answer, and decide I need fresh air. My head is spinning and I need to get out of his space before I throttle him or drown in his charm. I push through the crowd of people and out the front entrance. Then I make my way quickly towards a large tree just off the sidewalk. I reach it and press my back to it, taking a deep breath.

“Do you always run so fast from attractive males?”

Well, I guess he’s not done with me just yet.

“I didn’t see any, so that question is not even worth an answer.”

“Ouch, for someone so little you really know how to pull out the insults.”

I glare over at him, screwing my face up. If he doesn’t get the hint, he’s blind. “Why are you following me? Don’t you have someone else to torture?”

He grins at me and I want to hit him in the face. “No one could possibly be as entertaining as you,” he leans in close, “angel.”

“Do I look like an angel to you?” I mutter. “Honestly?”

He drags his eyes away from mine and slowly runs them down my body, over my dress, down my legs and then says in a husky whisper, “Fuck yeah, you do.”

Jesus.

“Listen, Tazen, it was nice chatting but I’m done here.”

I turn and walk back towards the bar. It’s quiet out tonight, with only a few people wandering about on the streets. My head spins and I take hold of a nearby pole, leaning against it and pressing my forehead to the cool metal. I really have had too much to drink. The warm summer air tickles my face and I steady myself, enjoying the way it feels against my skin.

“You look good with your hair down.”

I sigh and open my eyes. Tazen can’t take a hint.

“What do you want from me, Tazen? You’re acting like a bad smell that just refuses to leave.”

He laughs, deep and husky, and then I feel his body press up against my back. I gasp and go to step forward, only to realize there is a pole in front of me and there is no forward. My skin breaks out into a thousand tingles and I’m trying to suppress the shudder threatening to rise. I hate how good it feels to have him leaning against my back.

“You’ve caught my attention, little angel. I’m curious.”

He whispers this into my ear and I have to close my eyes, because all I can think about is how amazing his perfect lips would feel against my skin.

“I don’t want to be the center of anyone’s attention,” I rasp. “Especially not yours.”

“Funny,” he says, running a finger over my shoulder. “I think you want it more than you’re willing to admit. How long has it been since you’ve had a man want you, Quinn?”

God, the way he says my name.

“I don’t want you to want me. What I want is for you to leave me and my garage alone.”

“Your garage, perhaps, but you don’t really want me to leave you alone. Not when you know how fucking amazing I could make you feel.”

“Please,” I whimper.

“Please what, angel?”

“Please just go. I don’t have time for you, or your games.”

He steps closer, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling my body more firmly against him. I can feel every inch of his hard, muscled flesh against my back and it’s taking everything inside of me to pretend that it doesn’t affect me. He lowers his head and his lips graze my neck.

“Does this feel like a game to you?”

His lips brush my skin again and my nipples grow so hard they ache.

“What it feels like,” I breathe, “is a man looking for a quick fuck. I’m no one’s quick fuck. Especially not yours.”

He chuckles against my skin. “Most women would be throwing themselves at my feet for even a minute of what I’m giving you.”

I take a deep breath and then push him back. I manage to twist myself so we’re face-to-face. “I’m not most women, I’m not even close. And believe me when I say,” I lean in so our lips are nearly touching, “I’m not interested in knowing what you have to give.”

With that, I step out of his way and walk towards the entrance back inside.

“We’ll see about that, angel,” he yells to my back.

*   *   *

“Wake up, lazy bones.”

I groan and roll to my side. My bed is soft and squishy and I don’t want to wake up. I have a headache and my stomach isn’t impressed with my treatment of it last night, so I really just want to stay here. Besides, I haven’t slept in for years and I think I deserve a few hours longer.

“I don’t wanna wake up,” I mumble. “Let me sleep in.”

“Honey,” Jace chuckles. “It’s eleven a.m.”

My eyes fly open and I stare at the messy-haired Jace who is leaning over me with a cup of coffee in his hands. “You’re kidding, right?”

He turns his watch towards me and my eyes widen when I see he is most certainly not kidding. I slept until nearly midday. My god. I sit up slowly and rub my eyes, and then I accept the coffee he hands me.

“I can’t believe I slept for so long.”

He shrugs. “I only got up half an hour ago, we deserve it.”

“Yeah,” I yawn.

“Where’d you end up last night?” he asks, fluffing one of my pillows behind him and then leaning against it.

“Ah, I was tired so I came back here.”

“You’re an awful liar.”

I peek at him and he’s grinning at me.

“Stop grinning at me.”

“Tazen Watts, hey? Who would have thought? He likes you, Quinn.”

“Well,” I huff. “I certainly don’t like him.”

“What’d he have to say for himself?”

I shrug. “Nothing interesting. He’s just fascinated by the fact that I’m not throwing myself at his feet. He seems to find it amusing that he can get me so wound up.”

Jace nudges me. “From what I hear, he gets a lot of women very wound up.”

“Stop it,” I laugh.

“Honestly though, can you believe your luck? Maybe you get to have your very own stalker.”

“Not funny.”

“Well,” he says, leaping from the bed. “I’ll go back to sleep if I sit here all day. The race is at three, so we have a few hours. Come with me to the pool?”

“Sounds good.”

We get up, dress, eat and then head up to the top level of the hotel. There is a massive pool and a whole heap of lounge chairs that take up the entire area up here. Jace and I find one and as soon as he drops his towel, he charges towards the water and dives into it. I shake my head, sitting down on the lounge chair and removing my shorts and tank top until I’m down to my bikini.

I bring the towel up and tuck it under my arms, debating whether I feel like getting in the pool. I lower my shades over my eyes and decide to just watch for a while.

My eyes move to a group of people sitting about ten meters away from me and they widen when I realize one of those people is Tazen and he’s not wearing a shirt. I let my eyes travel slowly over his muscled body, nodding with appreciation at his six-pack and seriously hot V leading to a place I have thought about a number of times.

When I look back up, I see his eyes are directed at me. Great, he just saw me checking out his body and his package. He grins, cockily, and I turn away. Dammit. I keep my face aimed at the pool but a moment later a shadow comes across my body and I look up to see Tazen staring down at me. Up close his body is even better. Smooth tanned skin, washboard abs, ripped arms and killer hips. He has a hint of a tattoo on his ribs that is obviously coming around from his back.

Damn.

I study his face. His chocolate brown eyes are mischievous and cocky as he takes in the towel I’m clutching to myself. His lips, so full and tempting, curve into a wicked smile. “Good morning, angel. Did you have pleasant dreams?”

“Wonderful, thank you. There was a man in them, an arrogant one. I had a wonderful time torturing him with blunt instruments.”

He laughs, low and throaty. “I like your sass. Are you going to sit there all day clutching that towel, or are you going to come and have a swim?”

“I’ll swim, I just won’t be doing it with you.”

“Wrong answer.”

He reaches down, taking the towel and jerking it away from my body. Then he leans down and I put my hands up in a poor attempt to stop whatever it is he has planned. This does nothing to hold him off. He puts his shoulder into my belly and launches me up and over it. I scream and start pummeling my fists into his back. This earns me a swift slap on the ass that has my face burning hot. Shame rises inside me as I realize everyone has stopped to watch Tazen’s little show.

He strides to the pool and I continue to squirm and curse, threatening him with severe bodily harm if he drops me into the water. He laughs, and then launches both of us into the blue depths. I hit with a thud and cold water quickly washes over my body. I kick and paddle until I surface, then I proceed to cough and splutter until my eyes find Tazen, who has just popped up, too.

“What gives you the right—” I fume, taking a step towards him.

With a wolfish grin, he steps in, leans down and scoops me into his arms, this time like a baby. I kick and squirm, trying to get out, but it would appear he’s having the time of his damned life torturing me.

“You’re even cuter when you’re mad, angel.”

“Put me down, you jackass!”

He laughs and lets me go. I shove backwards, kicking my legs to keep myself afloat. I glare at him, but he’s far beyond taking any offense at that.

“Tazen?”

Both our heads turn towards the sound and I see a man standing with a cell phone in his hand. “Call for you, man.”

“Can it wait?” Tazen asks.

The guy shakes his head. “It’s the one you’ve been waiting for.”

Tazen’s eyes flicker to me, almost guiltily, before he nods and climbs out of the pool. Someone throws him a towel and he disappears with the phone pressed to his ear. I grumble and swim towards the edge of the pool, ready to get out.

“You okay?”

I turn to my left to see Jace swimming over. He’s smirking, the big jerk.

“Don’t you even,” I warn him, waggling my finger at him.

His lip quirks. I roll my eyes.

“I’m going to do some shopping,” I announce.

“Don’t get into any trouble while you’re at it,” he teases.

I shoot more daggers at him.

Men. They’re all as bad as each other.

I kind of like it.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Oh my god,” I breathe as we walk around the racetrack.

The low, fierce rumble of cars practicing around the track fills my ears as I clutch my hot dog and soda close to me. There aren’t a lot of people here yet, because the actual race doesn’t start for another two hours. Jace and I are here early to watch them warm up. We find a seat and sit down, so we can enjoy the show before the crowd arrives.

The track.

I love the track.

I love the way the cars sound. I love the smell. I love the rumble that radiates through my body as they speed around the track. I’d kill to have what Tazen has, to be able to work with these types of cars every day, but better yet, to be able to build them from the ground up.

“Look!” Jace yells. “There’s Chief.”

My eyes turn towards the sleek green car that is sitting in the pit. It’s epic. The two-door sedan is as powerful as it is amazing. Whoever is sitting in it has their foot on the gas because she is growling like an angry tiger. The sound fills the air and my skin prickles. I want to go to it, put my head under the hood and breathe it in. I want to ride in it, to feel its power in my palms.

“Do you think we can go down there?” I ask.

“Probably not, but we can try,” Jace says, standing and taking my hand.

I look sadly at my hot dog, but the chance to see Chief in action is far more appealing. We rush through the crowd, down the stairs from the grandstands, until we reach the railing that stops people from getting onto the tracks. I can see Chief up close now, and my eyes instantly find Tazen, who is rushing around barking orders.

He looks different like this. All his cockiness is gone, and he’s in a rugged, demanding state. He’s got on a pit uniform that has Jimmy’s sponsors’ logos all over it. His shirt is V-cut, showing a nice patch of bronzed skin on his chest. His pants look like black jeans and he’s wearing boots. He’s got a hat on that has racing logos all over it.

Damn.

“Look at him in action,” Jace breathes. “It’s just like the show.”

I nod, biting my lower lip. Tazen is waving his hands, barking orders, and then his head is under the hood, his hands working frantically at things. Skilled, mechanic hands. I shudder. That’s so damned hot it makes heat rush between my legs. There is nothing better than watching a man under the hood of a car, working with his hands.

“God,” I reply to Jace. “It’s amazing.”

“Give her more,” Tazen barks. “Put your fucking foot on it.”

The man in the driver’s seat gives it more gas, and Chief barks, grey smoke flying from her tires as the car trembles like it wants to shoot off.

“Right,” Tazen says, straightening and slamming the hood down. “I’m going to take her for some laps.”

“Fuck yeah!”

Jace screams this from beside me, and I step back in shame as Tazen’s eyes dart to us. Holy fuck, he looks amazing. His eyes take me in and he lifts a hand, crooking his finger at me.

“Oh my god, he wants you to go in there.”

“No,” I gasp. “He doesn’t.”

“He does, holy shit, Quinn! Get in there.”

Tazen keeps crooking his finger, then he yells out, “Come here, angel.”

Oh boy.

Jace leans down, lifting me without giving me a choice. He practically tosses me over the railing; thankfully I land on my feet.

“Bring your friend.”

“Fuck yeah!” Jace yells again, launching himself over the railing.

I walk closer with shaking hands, my heart swelling with anticipation. Boy oh boy, I’m about to walk up to world-famous custom car builder Tazen Watts in his element, with his awesome car.

“You know what I’ve got here,” Tazen says as soon as I stop in front of him.

My eyes are on Chief, and I know. I know exactly what he’s got.

“Chief,” I breathe, stepping closer to the car. “Custom built race car. Three hundred and fifty-eight cubic inches, which can produce upwards of six hundred horsepower. Amazing cam profile, keeping the intake valves open longer for exceptional power.”

“She’s been watching my show.”

“I love your show,” I say, without thinking. I’m too taken by the car.

“Good to know.”

I step up to the sleek, beautiful machine and I want to reach out and touch it. So badly.

“You want a ride?”

I turn, blinking rapidly. “What?”

“A ride,” he says, nodding at Chief. “I have to take her for a lap. You want in?”

“Is that … legal?”

He grins, big. “My car, baby. You in?”

“I’m in,” I cry so loudly Jace laughs.

Tazen turns and says something to his team. I have a helmet tossed at me, and I have to get into some protective gear. When I’m good to go, I walk over to Chief. My heart is pounding and my legs are shaking. I’m going for a ride in Chief. I’m. Going. For. A. Ride. I want to squeal with happiness, but I keep it together. I climb into the tight passenger side, and duck under the roll bars.

“Buckle up,” Tazen says, getting in the driver’s side.

“Do you, ah, know how to drive this thing?”

He flashes me a white smile. “Angel, I built it.”

I nod, swallowing. My palms get sweaty and I want to scream with joy.

“Ready?” Tazen asks, revving the engine.

Oh hell yes.

I nod.

He takes off.

A wicked scream leaves my lips as I’m shoved back into the seat as Chief takes over the track like she damned well owns it. Joy fills my veins and my screams turn to happy whoops as Tazen picks up speed. He’s at ease behind the wheel, taking corners like a pro. It suits him. I put my hands on my knees and cry out happily as the power holds me flat against my chair and the rumble fills my ears.

“Holy shit!” I squeal. “Holy fucking shit!”

Tazen laughs and switches gears. I close my eyes and put my head back, happiness flooding my body. I have dreamed of a moment like this my entire life. I love cars, I love everything about them. I love the old and the new. I love restoring them. I love fixing them. But this … this is the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt in my life.

I happily yell and cheer as we fly around the track for a lap. When Tazen pulls Chief over, I get out with shaky legs and throw my hands in the air, doing a happy dance. I pull my helmet off and turn to Tazen, who is wearing a smile that is so big his dimples are deep on his cheeks. “That was fucking epic. Holy shit. You are fucking amazing!”

“I think you’re the most enthusiastic passenger I’ve ever had.”

“That…” I clap my hands and close my eyes, squealing to the sky. “Was the shit!”

He laughs and comes over, taking my helmet. “Glad you think so.”

I turn to Jace, who is grinning big. “You fucking lucky bitch!”

“Oh Jace.” I clap again. “It was amazing.”

“Love to keep you guys down here,” Tazen says. “But we gotta get prepped for Jimmy’s race.”

I nod and my smile is still huge. Tazen winks at me, and in a husky voice says, “Later, angel.”

Oh boy.

This is proving to be the best day of my life.