The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 310

Liora’s POV

Zane picked me up at eight on the dot. He’d brought the motorcycle again, and revved the engine as I came out. I cringed, running over and making a cutting motion across my neck.

“Shh!” I protested. “Marcus will—”

“Already saw it, Princess,” Marcus laughed through the mindlink. “I was young once, too. Just be safe, and I promise I won’t tell your father.”

“Ready for round two?” Zane asked, handing me a helmet.

“Depends on where we’re going.”

“You’ll see.” He gestured to the motorcycle. “Hop on.”

I climbed on behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist as he took off. The movements were becoming familiar by now, and I found myself leaning easily with the bike, enjoying the ride rather than being nervous.

We drove for about twenty minutes before pulling up to a warehouse at the end of a narrow, dimly lit street. There were cars everywhere. Expensive sports cars, beat-up sedans with souped-up engines, even a few motorcycles like Zane’s.

“Is this a drag race?” I asked as we climbed off the bike.

“Told you I’d take you to one.” He pulled off his helmet and ran a hand through his hair. “Come on. I’ll show you around.”

We walked through the crowd, weaving between people placing bets and mechanics making last-minute adjustments to engines. The air smelled like gasoline and burnt rubber. It was intoxicating in an interesting sort of way.

Zane stopped in front of a sleek black car with neon underglow. “This one is mine,” he said, patting the hood. “Well, technically it’s my dad’s. But he never uses it, so…”

“You stole your dad’s car?” I blurted out.

“Borrowed.” He grinned impishly. “There’s a difference.”

I walked around the car, admiring it. The paint job was flawless, and the engine looked like it had been modified heavily. “This is actually really cool,” I said.

“You really think so?” Zane’s whole face lit up. “I’ve been working on her for months. Custom exhaust, new suspension, upgraded the turbo…” He kept talking, gesturing wildly as he explained all the modifications he’d made.

I just stared at him. I had never seen him like this, so… passionate about something. It was weird seeing him be more than just the cocky playboy who flirted with everyone.

“You really love this stuff,” I pointed out when he finally paused to breathe.

I gripped the door handle, laughing as the speedometer climbed higher and higher. The world blurred around us, trees and streetlights becoming nothing but streaks of color.

“You’re insane!” I shouted over the engine.

“I know!” He grinned, downshifting as we approached a turn. The car hugged the road perfectly, the screech of tires filling my ears.

We drove for a while, taking turns on empty backroads. At one point, Zane pulled over and turned to me.

“You want to try?”

“Try what?”

“Driving.” He unbuckled his seatbelt. “Come on. I’ll teach you.”

“Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.” He was already climbing out of the driver’s seat. “Get over here.”