The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1651

"Best two out of three, first one to the finish line takes the crown. You got the rules of the underground street race, right? A little bumping is all in the game."

Arabella's lips curled into a smirk, "Sure, let's get this show on the road."

Seeing Arabella so nonchalant, Harlan couldn't help but chuckle again. Gutsy little thing, he thought, impressed by the young woman's courage.

He wondered if she'd keep that cool composure when their cars started trading paint. As he slid into his sleek white sports car, folks from Arabella's crew, the Light Fleet, rallied around her with cheers and support.

"Go Bella! You've got this!"

"Don't stress it. Even if you lose, Ms. Almond knows how to handle him. No need to play the sacrificial lamb."

"Knock on wood! What're you even saying? Bella's gonna breeze through to victory."

"Yeah, yeah, Ms. Almond's been talking you up, Bella. That championship is as good as yours!"

The referee, a leggy dame with a whistle around her neck, piped up, her voice broadcasting through a tiny mic clipped to her collar.

"Drivers, get ready. Cars will line up at the starting point in one minute."

"Here, Bella, have some water first," A Light Fleet member handed her a bottle with the cap already off.

"Are you nuts? It's freezing out here! Get her some hot coffee or something."

"Bella, don't sweat it. Let me give you a quick shoulder massage to loosen up," another crew member reached into the driver's seat to knead her shoulders.

"Just gotta ask, Bella." piped up Mignon, her curiosity getting the better of her, "Ever been in one of these underground races before?"