Chapter 3: Checkpoint

What an ass. Surely, this club would shut down soon if this is how their president behaves. I had been to plenty of clubs, but this one felt like a den of wolves, and the president, Hadé, was the worst of them all. He deserved more than a slap; if I had a stronger kick in me, I might've aimed lower."Hey, wait!" A voice called out, and I turned to see Dale, the club's member nice guy, sprinting toward me. His tall frame towered above most, but it was his genuine expression that caught my attention. Great, what does he want? Another apology from the King of Slimedogs."I'm really sorry about those assholes," he said sincerely, his brow furrowed. "There's no excuse for their behaviour."It appears that the only decent human beings in this club are Erik and Dale. "Don't worry, I'm good," I reassured him, managing a smile. "This is a common problem in male-dominated spaces.""If you're interested in motorcycles, try Checkpoint. It's a biker's race. All I ask is your discretion. It's not exactly legal, and the club would be disbanded if the college board found out."He handed me a small card with his number jotted down. "Call me if you want to learn more."An idea popped into my head, and apparently, Dale had the same one because before I could even ask, he said with a big grin, "Yes, Hade races here. Undefeated. It would be a shame to see someone break his record.""I don't know how to ride," I fibbed, mostly to gauge his reaction."Something tells me that's a load of horse shit," he chuckled, "I just want to see that asshole challenged." But his mischievous grin tugged at my heartstrings. "I'll do you one better. I'll tell you everything about Hade—how he races, his strengths and weaknesses."My mind raced with possibilities. Not only would I learn about the champion rider, but I'd have a shot at proving the boys wrong and getting back at Hade. "What's in it for you?""I wanna see that asshole get a run for his money," he replied, his eyes glinting. "And I think you know a lot more about motorcycles than you're letting on."I couldn't help but smile at the compliment, a blush creeping down my cheeks. "Is that so?""Yup," he confirmed, smirking. "I'd suggest you lock your Facebook profile. Knowledge is power, and you're more than just a pretty face with boobs."His words warmed me in a way I hadn't anticipated. "Okay, I get your point. Revenge seems like a fair enough punishment for Hade's arrogance. Luckily for you, I just happen to be a good racer."******As the roller door eased up, it revealed the jewel of my dreams—my Kawasaki Ninja H2, its vibrant neon pink glistening in the flickering light. I marvelled at its sleek body, the powerful engine whispering promises of speed and freedom."Holy crap. You own one!" Dale exclaimed as he stepped into my garage, his eyes wide with admiration.A smile split my face; this wasn't just a bike, it was a testament to my grit. Every dollar saved had led me to this moment, the ultimate reward for countless late shifts and sacrificing little luxuries.Dale stepped closer, inspecting the bike with genuine fascination. "No mods?" he asked, his surprise palpable.I shook my head, proudly. "I don't believe in mods. I prefer to win my races fair and square with raw talent.""Bloody hell. I can't wait to see you race." His grin widened, hoping to dive into the adrenaline rush he had only witnessed on screen. "Ever seen Fast and Furious?"Of course, I've seen it, probably a dozen times. It was one of my all-time favourite movie series. Fast cars, adrenaline-filled action, and let's not forget about the handsome leading actors. The only downside was that I wished it was motorcycles rather than cars."Of course! My favourite," I replied, an excited spark igniting within me."Awesome. You're gonna love this then." His blue eyes twinkled like stars as he leaned in closer. "There's an abandoned racetrack outside of town. The winner gets cash, and there's a race tonight."My heart raced faster than my bike could. This was exactly what I needed. After the last racer club was shut down, I'd been itching for adrenaline."We better get going then. I've got a night shift at the diner," I said, glancing at the clock."Don't worry, we'll make it back in time," he assured, giving me a mischievous wink."If I win tonight, it's 50/50 since you helped. After that... it's all me unless you have useful info. Fair?""Deal," he said, and as we clasped hands.******I followed Dale to the checkpoint, my heart racing with excitement. It was everything he had described—a desolate expanse with crumbling buildings scattered like forgotten dreams. In the centre, the pit lane thrummed with life, the heavy beat of music wrapped around me like a tantalizing embrace.We stopped at each edge of the track, checking if it was clear before zipping across to the garages. As we got closer, I felt the vibrations of the music fill every fibre of my being. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The adrenaline coursed through my body, making me feel alive and free.Finally, we arrived at the garages, and I couldn't believe my eyes. Bikes were lined up in neat rows, and the atmosphere was electric. It reminded me of the movie Fast and Furious, and I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. There were good old classics to the modern flashy beasts that purred like a mountain lion. Their wheels were fixed with neon lights the whole atmosphere had cyberpunk vibes, and I'm digging it. I had always dreamed of being a part of something like this, and now I finally felt like I belonged."Take a look around. I'll find Hadé and get you entered into a race with him," Dale said, riding off into the crowd.I tried to keep my cool, blending into the sea of leather and chrome buzzing with anticipation. Underneath my helmet, my heart drummed a warning—stay low, stay quiet. The rule was simple: no talking unless necessary. But then, a voice broke through the din behind me."Is that a Kawasaki?" she asked, her enthusiasm cutting through my fantasy of anonymity.I didn't respond. Recognition could undo me, and even though she looked like a stranger, I wasn't taking any chances. With a nod, I kept my identity concealed."I love the neon pink. Any mods?" Her excitement lit up the air around us, making me want to engage, but I just shook my head."Your quiet one, huh? You must be new here. Don't worry; we won't bite," she reassured me.Just as I opened my mouth to reply, the music faded, and the crowd began to part. My eyes found Dale and Hadé cutting through the throng, a force to be reckoned with. The moment Hadé's gaze locked onto mine, an electric thrill shot through me. I revved my engine, drowning out my thoughts with its roar. The vibrations echoed in my chest, a heartbeat of defiance.Hadé sauntered over, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. Butterflies danced in my stomach—a dangerous mix of attraction and disdain. He was everything I admired: confident, daring, a little reckless. But behind this smirk lay an ego begging to be challenged.I took a breath, ready to burst his self-esteem wide open, even if my heart didn't quite agree.I tightened my grip on the handlebars, my heart racing faster than the engine beneath me. "Impressive. But come on, baby, you can't handle that beast you're on." Every word Hadé threw my way stung like a freshly flicked rubber band. As he turned and strutted off, I felt a fire ignite in my chest.That slimedog. Sure, he had the looks and undeniable charm, but I was no shrinking violet. The engine roared back to life, and with each rev, I felt the admiration morph into fierce determination. Hadé might have underestimated me, but I was ready to prove he was dead wrong."You scared?" I called out, breaking my own rule of not engaging with him.He didn't even glance back. "Hardly. Do yourself a favour and sell your bike to a real man who can handle it," he retorted, the remnants of arrogance clinging to his words.I gritted my teeth but refused to back down. Instead, I revved my engine again, drowning out the nearby music, and took off toward the starting line. As the crowd stirred and whispers buzzed, the stakes got higher. "$4000 she's willing to bet," Dale announced, eyes shimmering with excitement."Easy money," Josh chimed in, tossing Hadé a grin."I admire the confidence, but stick to your lane, sweetheart," he shot back, a sly smile playing on his lips.Dale smirked, sensing an opportunity. "She'll pay $1000 for you to go against her," he announced, trying to goad Hadé."Are you her spokesperson?" Erik chuckled, leaning back casually onto his bike. Faced with Hadé's unyielding demeanour, meeting his fierce gaze. "I'm not racing a woman," he spat."And I'll sit here all night until you race me," I shot back, my voice unwavering.I felt Hadé's anger radiate off of him like a furnace. "Let the real men race here. It's no place for a woman," he said, his tone dripping with disdain.I leaned forward, propped my elbow up onto my bike's fuel tank and got comfortable.His frustration was almost comical as he stormed toward me, brow furrowed, anger etched in every line of his face. "Get off the fucking track!"But I remained headstrong, and every time he demanded that I remove myself from the starting line, I revved my engine a little louder. I was determined to race against him and show him that women could be just as good as men. You've met your match Hadé Degaldo. It's time someone knocks some sense into you that is never okay to be sexist and speak to anyone the way you spoke to me today."Dude, just race her! No one can race until she's off the track," Josh urged, sensing the potential for an "easy" win.With a frustrated groan, Hadé finally relented, his pride slipping as he pulled up to the starting line. He pulls up to the starting line and says with the utmost smugness. "Your loss, sweetheart. Better be ready to hand over that $5000 at the finishing line,"