<b>Chapter </b><b>91 </b>
I watched as ke strutted away with his European crew. He nced back at me with a smirk that screamed
arrogance<b>. </b>
“We will see how the American girl handles real off–road,” he called over his shoulder, his ent thick. “This is not your video game or little street race<b>.</b>”
His friendsughed on cue, like trained seals. ke continued in rapid German to his team.
“<i>After </i><i>I </i><i>win</i><i>, </i><i>I’ll </i><i>make </i><i>that </i>American bitch <i>pay</i><i>. </i><i>She’ll </i><i>regret </i><i>humiliating </i><i>me </i><i>in </i><i>front </i>of <i>everyone</i>.”
I kept my face neutral<b>, </b>but mentally noted his words.
Chase fidgeted beside me, watching the Europeans climb into their Land Rover. “That’s a custom Defender,” he whispered. “Cost at least half a million with those modifications.”
“How good is this Jeep for the course?” I asked, tapping the hood of the vehicle we’d arrived in.
“This Rubicon is the best American off–road vehicle money can buy. Borrowed it specifically for tonight – it’s got reinforced suspension and a custom engine tune.”
We pulled up to the starting line, where ke’s Land Rover was already positioned. Getting out of our Jeep, I couldn’t help but notice how practical our vehicle lookedpared to ke’s shy Defender with its matte green finish and carbon fiber ents.
Chase’s friends gathered around us, their faces showing clear concern. Chase himself seemed to be having second thoughts as he nced between me and ke’s impressive machine.
“Look,” he said quietly, “losing money or face is one thing, but you absolutely cannot go with those guys if we lose. They’re known for being rough with women. If things go south, I’m getting you out of here immediately.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Worried about me?”
“I’m an Astor.” He puffed up his chest slightly. “Can’t let a woman take the fall for this kind of thing.”
“Your chivalry is noted,” I replied dryly, but I appreciated his concern. For all his privilege and swagger, Chase seemed to have a decent moralpass.
A man with a starter pistol took position between the vehicles. ke revved his engine, the custom exhaust rumbling deeply. I calmly adjusted my seat and mirrors, familiarizing myself with the Jeep’s controls.
<b>“</b>Drivers ready!” the starter called.
ke’s engine roared again. Mine remained at a steady idle.
<b>62 </b>
The starter raised his arm, but before he could fire, ke’s Defender lurched forward, racing down the course several meters before the gun even fired.
“That cheating son of a bitch!” Chase shouted as his friends erupted in angry protests.
I said nothing, just pressed the elerator and shifted gears smoothly. The Jeep responded instantly, and I felt that familiar rush of adrenaline as we shot forward.
The course started with a straight section of gravel before veering into a series of steep hills and mud pits. ke had a head start, but I caught up quickly, the Jeep’s suspension absorbing the rough terrain better than I expected.
As we approached the first major obstacle–a steep, muddy hill–ke slowed slightly, choosing his line carefully. I didn’t hesitate, powering through a line most drivers would avoid, using the Jeep’s four–wheel drive to its full
advantage.
“Holy shit!” Chase eximed as we pulled alongside ke’s Defender. “You’re actually catching him!”
I nced over to see ke’s shocked expression before I punched the elerator again, leaving him behind as we
crested the hill. Chase whooped and flipped ke the middle finger as we passed.
The next section featured a series of deep mud pits. I navigated them with precision, maintaining momentum without losing control. In my rearview mirror, I could see ke struggling, his expensive vehicle bogging down
where mine had glided through.
“How are you doing this?” Chase asked, gripping the roll cage as we bounced over rough terrain. “It’s like you’ve been driving this course for years!”
I didn’t answer, focused on the next challenge–a sharp drop followed by a narrow passage between rock formations. I deliberately slowed down, allowing ke to catch up, then elerated again just as he was about to attempt an
overtake.
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Badass in Disguise
<b>Chapter </b>92