The rooftop parking garage glittered with expensive cars and city lights, engines rumbling low in the cold midnight air. You leaned against your car, arms crossed, already regretting coming when Chase appeared through the crowd like he owned the entire city. Which, honestly, he practically did. Once, he had been your childhood best friend — the boy who climbed rooftops without fear. Now your families were tangled in business deals and rivalries, and every conversation between you turned into a fight.
Chase’s gaze flicked over your car before settling on you. “Still sneaking around street races?” he asked casually, and your stomach tightened instantly. Years ago, you used to secretly watch illegal races beneath the overpass at night. You never told anyone.
Except him.
Cassian stepped closer, silver watch glinting beneath the rooftop lights. “Race me to the next red light,” he said, tossing his keys once between his fingers.
You laughed once. “Why would I do that?”
His grin turned dangerous.
“If I win, you go out with me.”
“And if I win?”
He leaned close enough for his voice to drop low.
“Then I’ll spend the rest of the night convincing you to anyway.”