Collided (Dirty Air Series Book 2)

Rick and I set up a meeting in Brazil to discuss logistics and offers because I rarely hear from him nowadays. It’s been weeks since he called me on my birthday. His job keeps him busy as he handles me and a few other clients, instead preferring to discuss contracts once we could meet in person.

We sit together in a McCoy conference room. He scatters papers around the table, some with Excel sheets and others with transcripts of his conversations with other teams.

“Any word on McCoy’s thoughts about my counteroffer?”

“He’s willing to look past you associating with any Bandini workers.”

I only care about one Bandini woman. “And Sophie?”

“He doesn’t seem happy about that relationship. There’s no guarantee it won’t go badly between you both, and I don’t think that’s a risk he wants to take. He’s offering you a ton of money. A higher salary than your previous contract.”

“I’ll have to think out how to approach this deal. Maybe I accept less money for Peter to drop the Sophie thing? Money always talks.”

Rick sighs. “I’d advise you against that, but if you tell me the amount, I can talk to Peter.”

“He’s not going to get pissy because this is taking so long?”

“These types of deals usually last months. I won’t lie to you, your deal has lasted longer than I’m used to, but you’re a big deal. The best, right up there with Noah.”

“Thanks.” I run a nervous palm through my hair. “What about other teams?”

“You received some offers from lower teams, like Albrecht and Sauvage. Due to their smaller budgets, they can’t offer anything over eight million.”

“Shit, that’s less than half of what I make with McCoy.” Even though I keep my finances in line by investing rather than overspending, I don’t want to compromise millions of dollars and a stellar car.

Rick’s jaw clenches. “Unfortunately so.”

“And the best of the rest? I don’t see any mention of them.” I stare into Rick’s dark eyes.

He checks the time on his phone. “I really haven’t received much word.”

“So just McCoy and these two?” The lack of offers hits me harder than I expected. But I get it, with my poor decisions, I’m a risky bet for next year.

“Yeah. And you know which I think is best.”

Of course, he does. Who wouldn’t like a nice bonus paycheck for brokering a deal with McCoy?

“I’ll have to give it some thought.” I rub my chin. “I’ll reach out to my accountant and get back to you on the price-drop counteroffer.”

“We’re lucky Peter McCoy is a patient man who’s sure you’ll accept a deal.”

“Peter’s patience looks a lot like assholery, but to each their own. I don’t know how I feel about a contract offer clearly stating how I need to avoid public relations with Sophie or any other Bandini representative.”

Rick gives me a half-assed shrug of his shoulders. “Well, everyone except Noah.”

“That’s not exactly the issue, and you know it.”

“Listen, I want what’s best for you. You, not my bank account. Shitty cars from the lowest teams don’t make World Champions. You’d be kissing your career goodbye.”

“Then let’s hope Peter accepts my next offer.”

He glances at his spreadsheet. “With these crappy offers from other teams, the decision shouldn’t be this hard. Get your head in the game, and I’m not talking about the one in your pants. You’ve spent years climbing up to the top. Sophie may be a good time for the season, but it’s only that. For a season.”

Rick dismisses himself, claiming he needs to meet with Peter and Chris. I ask if he needs me to join, but he says my time is better spent elsewhere. I couldn’t agree more. Meetings and talking shop bore the hell out of me.

I visit my Bandini princess in her motorhome fortress. She hangs out with Maya, who busies herself with prepping for an interview with Sophie’s dad. The man looks at me like he can’t make up his mind about my intentions, his green eyes following every step I take. Her dad wears a Bandini polo showing off arm muscles that seem like they can knock me out with one punch. He takes my offered hand and shakes it, giving it a warning squeeze before letting go.

“Look who it is. Just in time to keep me from hearing my dad lull me to sleep with his pit talk.” Sophie gives me a quick hug. She rocks braids, jean shorts, and a T-shirt that talks about wearing pink on Wednesdays. Damn I love how she dresses.

I don’t know where to put my hands with her dad staring at me like I want to kidnap his child. “I heard you needed saving.”

Maya looks pointedly at Sophie while rubbing her heart. “Some people appreciate F1. And to think you claim yourself as a fan. You should be revoked of your princess title.”

“I raised a warrior, not a princess. She can protect herself.” Her dad eyes me instead of his daughter.

“Claims the man who made me wear space buns instead of braids like every other normal girl at school. I distinctly remember how you threatened to take away a girl’s glitter lunchbox after she made fun of my hair. Sounds like protecting to me.” Sophie misses every unspoken word her dad sends my way, from his clenched fists to the death stare he shoots me like he knows exactly how attracted I am to his daughter.

I shake off the bad feeling and steal Sophie away, the unwavering sensation of James Mitchell’s eyes following me with each step I take out of the Bandini garage.

I lead Sophie to the Wrangler I rented, ready to knock off one of her last items. She put it off for long enough and I can’t enable her anymore because I prefer to get shit done. Somehow, we crossed off most of her list over the past two months, holding off on a few more because of our limited free time.

“Where are we going?” She buckles her seatbelt.

“I’ve decided to keep it a surprise until we get there.”

Sophie eyes me cautiously but accepts my demand. I drive us through the city as we share the aux cord like a functional couple. She declares my music taste worthy, and I let her play her pop songs.

“Okay. I’m about to hit you with a song that, if you don’t know the lyrics, makes me question if we can be a thing anymore.”

“Just like that? I didn’t think you could be cold, cutting me off like that.”

“Don’t hate the music player…” She presses play and Mario’s “Let Me Love You” streams through the car speakers. Of course, I know this song. Lyrics pour from her lips as she watches Sao Paolo pass us, trees and city streets flying by in a blur of colors.

All I can do is watch her. The way her eyes close and her body moves to the music, not giving a damn if I know the lyrics or not. I join in after a minute because I don’t want to disappoint her. We laugh together when she uses her phone as a fake microphone.

While driving down the street, doing absolutely nothing, the realization hits me that I need to spend more time with her. Our time is coming to an end and I have no idea where life will take me. I’m a fucking idiot for not making Rick push McCoy harder about my stipulation.

Fuck, I’m a coward for not talking to Peter myself and laying down the law. I need to handle this situation ASAP before it’s too late.

Sophie continues playing songs until I pull the car into the parking lot. I hop out of my seat and go around to her door, opening it for her.

“Oh, no.” She clutches onto her seatbelt like a lifeline.

“You only have a few more items. I’ll be there for you the whole time.” I lean over and unbuckle her seatbelt.

“I’m scared.”

“So am I.” My honesty sobers her.

Sophie grumbles nonsense while getting out of the car. We walk into a warehouse hand-in-hand because I’m afraid she’ll make a run for it.

A secretary greets us. “Welcome to Sao Paulo Skydiving. We are so appreciative that you decided to fly with us today, Mr. Zander. We’re huge fans here. Your plane is waiting, and the trainers are ready to start orientation.” She hands us our papers.

Sophie trudges behind me. “I really hate you right now.”

“There’s a fine line between love and hate.”

“There’s also a fine line between sanity and insanity. Guess which side you’re on.”

I laugh as I grab her hand and pull her close. “Just a few more items and then you’re all done.” It’s hard to disregard the way my chest throbs at the notion.

She sticks her chin out and rolls her shoulders back. “We can do this. People skydive all the time.”

“That’s my girl, fearless after ten pep talks.”

We go through the orientation and get set up in our gear. Our plane rushes down the runway, ready to get us going.

In no time, the plane takes off with Sophie and me attached to our two instructors. I eye her partner, sending fuck-off vibes while Sophie mumbles words of encouragement to herself.

I break up her nervous chanting. “Ready to fly, Sunshine?”

It’s not my fault she looks and acts like the sun. Like the destructive yellow orb in the sky, she eats away at my protective layer while lighting up my darkest corners.

“I’d jump out of the plane at that nickname alone.”

I release a carefree laugh. “Well, here’s your chance.”

“I’m zero percent ready for this.”

How fitting, when I was zero percent ready for her. But here I am, about to jump out of a plane because I like this girl and want to take as many firsts from her as I can.

An attendant opens the door. Sophie and I both waddle with our partners to the open area. My heart beats rapidly in my chest, my throat closing from the restricted airflow to my lungs. I turn toward the girl who captured my attention months ago and never let go.

She shoots me a beaming smile worth this crazy Fuck It list item. “Liam Zander, it was a pleasure knowing you. Please pick up my remains at the orientation table.”

“That’s it? I expected a declaration of love.”

She rolls her eyes, visible through her tinted goggles. “How about a declaration of annoyance?”

“Close enough.” I pull her in for a kiss, ignoring the two dudes strapped against our backs. Our kiss is simple and sweet, satiating my lust and our gravitational pull, easing my rapid heart rate.

“Three…two…one,” the two men say behind us before Sophie’s scream fills the air, shrill enough to hear over the roaring plane’s engines.

The wind howls in my ears as we propel through the blue sky. We rush through the air, four people falling, inching closer toward land. Sophie’s a black blob with two flailing blonde braids around her, posing for the camera. My heart races in my chest as blood pulses through my ears. It’s a different adrenaline rush from my usual race day, free-floating and unlike anything I had experienced before. My stomach clenches as my throat becomes dry.

We push closer to the city, our bodies jerking when the attendants pull on the parachutes. Sophie’s smile radiates as she gives me a thumbs up. My kind of girl, trusting me and my insane plans despite being scared out of her mind.

We both drift in the wind. Instead of watching the city below us, I watch her. My eyes stay glued to the way she beams at the experience.

I don’t have the slightest clue of how to approach things with her. How can I when I don’t even understand what I want? She gets spooked easily, and I don’t have a track record worth much, which poses as another hurdle of many for us.

Liking Sophie is kind of like jumping out of a plane. Exhilarating, addicting, and damn near impossible to forget.

My feet land on the grassy patch near the plane hanger. Sophie lands a minute later, hitting me with a genuine smile and bright eyes as her attendant detaches all the straps.

She runs up to me and launches herself into my arms, knocking her head back and laughing into the sky. Her legs wrap around me before she rubs up against my now-stiffening dick. I groan into her neck as her body shakes, enjoying this torture experience all too much.

“Oh my God, that was the best thing ever. Is this what it feels like to race? I feel fan-freaking-tastic.”

I laugh into her neck. “Probably. Do you feel edgy? That your heart is pumping so loud, you hear it in your ears?”

She looks at me with wonder. “Yes,” she hisses before leaning into my ear. “What do you say? Let’s get out of here?”

My body responds to her offer like no other. With Sophie, my dick knows what’s up, never settling for anything but her. Our hooking up has been the best thing, keeping me away from destructive patterns for my career while spending more time with her. In her. On her. Next to her.

I place her on her feet, ripping off my tacky flight jumper before grabbing her hand.

“Wait, I need to take mine off too.” Her green eyes have a lightness to them I want to memorize.

“Allow me.” I rush to tug at the Velcro straps, pulling at the suit like it offends me.

She shakes her head while fighting a smile, helping me by lifting her legs when I push the fabric down. My hands heat wherever they linger on her skin.

Our attendants hand us our belongings and we head toward the Wrangler.

“That was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. My heart hasn’t calmed down, and my spine’s tingling because, holy shit, we just jumped out of a plane!” Sophie opens the passenger door.

I situate myself in the seat. “I hope I didn’t turn you into an adrenaline junkie. Hugs, not drugs.”

“Doubt you’re complaining.” Sophie surprises me as she climbs over the center console and places her knees on either side of me. Her body presses right against my dick.

“What are you doing?” I swallow.

“Less talking, more kissing.” Her lips press against mine.

I wrap my arms around her and tug her close, her body molding into mine. Our tongues fuse while we nip and play. The kiss is primal like we both can’t satisfy this hunger between us no matter how hard we try.

Kissing Sophie became one of my favorite things, right up there with having sex with her, making her come with my tongue, and getting blowjobs from her. Basically anything with her because I like everything we do together, including our friendship outside of the bedroom.

Her lips travel to my neck, sucking and pulling at the sensitive skin.

“Fuck.” My teeth grind together to hold back a moan.

My hands roam over her body, grabbing her plump ass and giving it a squeeze. Her tongue darts out to taste my skin before her teeth graze the hollow of my neck.

“You bit me? I’ve turned you into a little devil.”

She breaks away and looks at me with heavy eyes and a lazy smile. I love that look on her, especially when I’m the reason for it in the first place.

Fuck. Love? Really, Liam?

“Didn’t you hear? To play with devils, you need to become one.” Her lips crash against mine, our teasing nature gone as our tongues stroke one another. Teeth clash and lips swell. It’s a whole fucking erotic display, with heavy breathing and groping.

Her fingers undo the button of my pants. “I need you. Now.”

“Right now?” The words leave my lips in a wheeze. I haven’t had sex in a car since I was a teen, let alone in a fucking Wrangler where anyone can pass by. I pull away from her and assess the situation, which I probably should’ve done the moment Sophie planted herself on my lap like a goddamn present. An empty lot greets me like a blessing sent from above.

“Fuck it.” My fingers become greedy fuckers, tugging at her jean shorts and underwear, sliding them down her smooth legs. She follows my lead and pulls down my shorts with my help.

“I act like a fucking teenager around you,” I grumble into her hair, breathing in her intoxicating smell.

She laughs, the hoarse sound sending a rush of pleasure straight to my dick. I line myself up, pre-cum dripping from my tip, edginess creeping up my spine at the idea of fucking Sophie in a car where anyone can see.

“Wait. Condom!” Her breathy voice echoes in my head.

“Shit!” Condom? Motherfucking condom! When in the ever-loving hell have I ever gotten so caught up in fucking someone I forgot a condom.

Holy fucking shit. I stare at my dick in disbelief, wrapping my head around the situation, as if staring at it will solve my distress.

Sophie ignores my panic, shifting away from me to grab her purse as she searches for the solution to our problem.

Rule number one of F1: do not fuck girls without condoms. Racers don’t need kids and baby mama drama. No one wants to end up like Noah’s dad with a model sinking her claws into him for a monthly check.

But this is Sophie. She wouldn’t do that to me, manipulating me for her gain. I’ve known her for almost a whole F1 season already. We’re friends. Sure, with benefits, but friends nonetheless. And if something were to ever happen, I’d never believe it was intentional on her end.

Right?

Of course, right. I’m a fucking idiot, questioning if she would do that.

“Found it! I should really, really clean out this purse. I think this one was from my university orientation or something but looks good.”

She runs her hand down my shaft, my dick pulsing at her caress. Her finger swipes away at the pearly drop at the tip before she sucks on the pad.

“Fuck me.” I barely function around her when she gets this way, acting like my hellion through and through.

“That’s the plan!” She laughs to herself.

I recognize the brand as she rips at the foil. “That’s not going to fit me. Are you trying to cut off my dick’s circulation?”

She rolls her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t insult my size, woman.”

“If I wanted someone cocky, I could have dated Noah.” She taunts me with a mischievous smile.

“I’ll show you someone cocky. Right fucking now. You’re on birth control, right?”

She bobs her head up and down. “For like the past five years.”

“Care to ditch the condom that sure as fuck won’t fit me anyway? We’re both clean, right?”

What the fuck am I doing? Thinking with my cock, that’s for sure.

Sophie denies anything and agrees, and with one swift motion, I plunge myself inside of her. She takes in a sharp breath, her head dropping back, the tips of her blonde hair tickling my thighs.

My eyes shut because, fuck, this feels amazing. Never in my life have I had sex without a condom, the feel of her a motherfucking nirvana. I don’t move, let alone think.

Sophie slowly lifts, drawing my attention to my glistening dick. I’m in a trance. Her warmth, her body, every-fucking-thing. My body sings as she lowers herself again. She fucks me up on the inside while she rides my cock, her body arching as her eyes close.

My mind numbs, my spine tingles, and my toes curl. All sensations fire off inside as she fucks me into oblivion. I used to joke with her about breaking her, but at this moment, I realize I’m the one breaking little by little at her hand.

My fingers grip her thighs, strong enough to leave marks, but I can’t control myself. I find the curve of her neck and tease her.

“Oh, Liam. Yes,” she hisses.

I growl, sucking at her skin, claiming her in ways I can. “Enjoy your ride because your time is almost up.”

She lets out the airiest of laughs, so fucking soft as it tugs at my heart. What is this woman doing to me?

My instincts take over, one hand clutching her braids together while the other grips her ass. She follows my lead, lifting herself up as I ram into her, no longer interested in soft caresses and slow pumps. I want her right fucking now, coming on my dick while moaning my name.

Her breathing quickens as I push in and out of her, my movements becoming erratic. Wild like my thoughts. Untamed because of the beauty before me.

“You’re so fucking hot, taking everything I give you. You feel like heaven. I never want to fucking leave now that I’ve had a taste.” My thumb finds her clit, teasing her as my other hand tugs on her hair.

She groans. “Why does it feel so freaking good with you?”

Damn, if my ego doesn’t swell from her words. Her body shakes as I continue my torture, her fingers gripping onto my shoulders as she stares into my eyes. I get lost in the feel of her.

I feel her everywhere. In my body, in my mind, in my goddamn blood, pulsing with need and adrenaline at her coming undone. I hate it as much as I love it because I can’t control this thing between us and what it’s morphing into. The thought scares me and I slam the brakes, not interested in pursuing that problem right now.

Sophie’s eyes glaze over, hooded and so fucking gorgeous. Her body shakes as she explodes. My body tightens as she squeezes my dick, her lips crashing against mine as her tongue owns me. She devours me, banishing my worries with her addicting kisses. I grab onto her hips, controlling her movements as I lift off the seat, desperate for my release.

She stamps herself onto my heart like she fucking belongs there. With wild pumps, I explode, a prickling sensation starting from my toes and ending at the base of my neck. I don’t stop moving until I finish.

Sophie collapses against my chest while her arms wrap around my neck. And for once, I don’t know what I like more: having sex or having someone to hug me afterward. We stay like that for a few minutes, regaining control of our breathing. Part of me wouldn’t mind staying here until the sun sets. I wouldn’t be opposed to another round or three, knowing one time with Sophie is never enough.

“We better go.” She lifts herself off my dick, my cum seeping out of her.

“Damn, I’m locking away that visual for-fucking-ever.”

“You’re such a perv.” She pulls up her shorts and settles into the passenger seat, shooting me a wicked grin that reminds me of myself. Her braids are a mess with hair sticking out whichever way. Her lips look swollen, and her cheeks have a natural flush to them. I can’t help smiling, knowing I did that.

I love how she looks and I want to hold on to these moments before she goes back home in two weeks. My lips turn down in a frown, the tight sensation in my chest becoming familiar ever since Sophie came into the picture.

“Cheer up, Buttercup. I’m not going to get pregnant and we can use a condom next time.” Her side-eye unsettles me.

I can’t understand why my throat closes up and my lungs burn at her misinterpretation. Is it because I’m an asshole who makes her think I’m grimacing at the idea of getting her pregnant? Or is it because I don’t want to use a condom with her again?

I put the car in drive like nothing, my mind drifting off as Sophie plays music.

My phone vibrates as Rick’s name flashes across the screen. I click the side button, ignoring his call. Nausea rolls through me at hiding my contract deal from Sophie.

For the first time in my career, I don’t want to think about next week, let alone next year. I don’t want Sophie to go back home, but I can’t stop what I set in motion. Like an F1 fan, I’m helpless while watching a collision. Except this time, I’m the reason, and I get to watch as my car drives straight into a wall.

Because life is funny that way, fucking you over without your consent.