Lorene Green versus Colby James.
Cyrus was concerned Colby wouldn’t have enough fuel to finish the race. She was burning through it. “Colby your fuel’s low.”
“I see it.” Colby would run out of gas on the course before she didn’t pull out all the stops to win this damn thing. She also had a bit of unfinished business.
Two laps left.
Lorene and Colby were side by side, each edging the other, neither able to establish the lead. Suddenly, Colby experienced something that had never happened to her before. Everything started to move in slow motion. She wasn’t sure if the G-forces from the speed of the race were messing with her mind, but the course opened up.
She slowed her car, and it fell slightly behind Lorene. They were coming up the straightaway toward the checkered flag. This was it. She may never get this chance again. Colby could avenge her brother’s death by ramming into Lorene’s back bumper and sending him into the wall or win this damn thing but she couldn’t do both.
Rodney’s face flashed in front of her.
Team Lockwood held their breath as they watched the action unfold. “She’s slowing down.” Don’t do it. Cyrus was afraid she was going to take Lorene out.
He held his breath. Cyrus had no idea what Colby was going to do. He’d known this was a genuine possibility that she was going to weaponize her car. He knew it the moment he saw the look in her eyes at the restaurant.
It’s now or never. Colby thought.
She released a scream that came deep from within her soul.
*****
Liam’s heart was in his throat. He had no idea what Colby was going to do.
It all happened so fast.
Colby swerved and dropped the pedal as low as it would go. In a split second, her car overtook Lorene Greene’s for the lead and the win. Most importantly, Colby passed on the opportunity for revenge.
Colby chose a future with him.
“Yes!” Markos, whose job it was to remain invisible, yelled out while pumping his fist three times in the air as he joined in celebration.
“She did it,” Brian said as he gripped Liam in a bro handshake.
Exhausted, like he’d been the one behind the wheel, Liam exhaled. “She did it.” He beamed with pride.
Markos allowed everyone to bask in the glory of Colby’s win for a few extra moments before he leaned over and spoke into Liam’s ear. “Mr. Lockwood, it’s time.”
Liam gave him a slight nod.
“Now?” Brian asked.
“Now.”
“I’ll be right back.” Brian turned to tell a bewildered Lila.
“Where are y’all going? We have to go meet Colby in the winner’s circle.”
“Brian.” Liam’s jaw was set. “I’ve got this. You and Lila go meet Colby. I’ll be along in a few minutes. I have some business to handle."
“Liam.” Brian touched his brother’s arm as he turned to leave. “This is on me. I should be the one to go.”
“This goes beyond what’s happening in this room. The Luccesses started this, but the Lockwoods are going to finish it.” There was an unspoken conversation happening between them. Against his better judgment, Brian relented. “Make sure you’re back to celebrate with your girl.”
Liam smiled. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Steadfast, and on a mission, Liam walked out of the room. He was flanked by several men Lila hadn’t noticed were even around. Something was up. She wasn’t stupid. “Where is he going?”
“He already told you. To handle some business,” Brian said casually as he lifted a shoulder.
Her eyes narrowed. “Right now? After Colby just won this thing? Nuh-uh. I don’t believe you. If whatever he is up to effects Colby, then you need to start explaining right now.”
Brian took Lila by the hand and pulled her out into the hallway. “The Luccesses have been behind a lot of shit when it comes to my family. You and I were just a pawn in a game that started long before us. Liam is going to end it.”
“Oh, my god.” Lila put her hand up to her throat. “The Luccesses? They are dangerous. How? How does he plan to do that? He could get hurt.”
“He could,” Brian said calmly. “But my guess is he’ll be fine.”
Chapter 32
Liam Lockwood was all business when he and his team took the short stroll over to Anthony Luccesse’s VIP suite.
Anthony’s security stood just outside the doors.
“I have an appointment with Anthony,” Liam said.
One of Anthony’s goons mean-mugged him after recognizing him from the restaurant. He grumbled, “One minute.” The man left his post and went inside, presumably to inform his boss. Seconds later, he reappeared. “You can come. Alone.”
“No problem,” Liam agreed, but Markos didn’t like it one bit.
Liam entered the large suite. The first thing he noticed was that there were very few people around. Anthony was seated but slowly got up. His face showed evidence of Liam’s wrath. The man’s nose was swollen, his eyes were blackened, and he hadn’t been able to get his front tooth replaced. Inwardly, Liam smiled. “I think it’s time for you to stop fuckin’ around with my family.”
“Your punk-ass brother sent you to do his dirty work? I should have known he wouldn’t have the balls to face me even with a win.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Brian entered the room, shocking both Anthony and Liam. “I don’t need anybody to handle my business. In a situation like this, what I need even less are bodyguards.”
Brian, Liam warned with his eyes. But Brian did not heed his brother’s words.
“You are not Liam, little Brian. I don’t need bodyguards to deal with you either.”
“Then call them off, and let’s do this. Man-to-man.”
Anthony grinned, exposing the gap between his teeth. Everything happened in slow motion. Anthony took a swing at Brian, but Brian moved just out of his reach and countered with a hard jab into Anthony’s stomach, driving his fist deep into Anthony’s gut.
Anthony doubled over, moving right into Brian’s uppercut, causing Anthony to drop to his knees and
