Chapter Ninety-Five: The Racer’s Pulse

They were seated at Velvet Roast & Co., a well-loved spot in Atria Solis known for its rich coffee, decadent cakes, cheesecakes, donuts, and warm ambiance. The scent of espresso and vanilla lingered in the air, blending with the quiet hum of conversation and the occasional clatter of plates.

Chloe was indulging in an avocado cheesecake, paired with a frappe—a combination that made Kian raise an eyebrow but say nothing.

Then—her phone rang.

Damian.

She answered immediately, taking another bite of cheesecake as she did.

"What?" she asked, half-distracted.

"Race."

Chloe froze mid-bite.

Her pulse kicked up.

"What kind of race?"

"Circuit. Nothing major. Just a contest. Cash prize. You in?"

Kian, who had been stirring his coffee lazily, stilled.

Because he knew exactly what Damian was asking.

Just like he had always known.

She was a racer. A known racer. But mysterious—hidden behind a pseudonym that kept her identity locked away.

"Nyx."

That was the name she raced under.

No one knew who she was. No one had ever seen her face.

Because if Samuel Redgrave ever found out? She'd be grounded for life.

Only her brothers—Damian, Mikael, and Lorence—knew.

And Kian.

Kian had known from the beginning.

He had watched her behind the wheel. Watched the way she handled a turn, the way she calculated risks at speeds most would never dare.

And that was the problem.

Because while her brothers encouraged her, while they covered for her—

Kian?

Kian had never been able to watch without feeling his chest tighten.

"You serious?" Chloe leaned forward, excitement flickering in her eyes.

"Dead serious. Are you in, or are you gonna sit there babysitting your cheesecake?"

She grinned, shifting in her seat.

Kian exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple.

Because here was the thing—he wasn't worried about whether she could handle herself.

He was worried about what racing did to her—how it lit up something in her that Samuel had tried so hard to suppress.

"It's a small event, Kian," Damian added. "Just like old times. You gonna let her do this, or are you gonna remind her she's got responsibilities now?"

Before Kian could answer, another voice cut through the phone speaker—lazy, amused.

"Come on, Kian. It's not like she forgot how to drive."

Chloe instantly recognized the voice.

Mikael.

Then another one—steadier, calm yet firm.

Lorence.

"If she wants to race, she races. We've never stopped her before."

Kian sighed, pressing his thumb and forefinger against his brow.

"Damian. Mikael. Lorence."

"Brother-in-law," Mikael corrected smoothly.

Kian shot Chloe a look.

She just laughed, licking the spoon clean of cheesecake.

"This is happening, love."

Kian narrowed his eyes at her, then leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"One condition."

She raised a brow. "Here we go."

"I ride passenger. As your navigator."

Chloe blinked, then laughed. "Oh, you're that paranoid?"

Kian tilted his head slightly. "Call it precaution."

She grinned wider.

"Done."

Carter, who had been happily munching on a donut, perked up immediately.

"Mama, you race? Like, real race? Fast race?"

Chloe laughed, ruffling his hair. "Yeah, kid. But you can't tell Grandpa Samuel or Grandma Melody, okay?"

Carter nodded furiously, eyes wide with excitement.

"I won't! But can I watch?"

Kian smirked. "You'll be in the stands with Damian."

Carter cheered, bouncing in his seat.

Damian chuckled through the speaker. "Guess it's settled then. Nyx returns."

Kian sighed again, shaking his head.

Because tonight?

He wasn't just watching her race.

He was getting in the car with her.

And no matter how much he hated the idea—

No matter how much he hated what racing awoke in her—

He couldn't deny it.

It was hers.

It had always been hers.

Chloe leaned back, swirling her spoon through the remnants of her cheesecake.

She had spent six years pretending this part of her didn't exist.

Tonight?

She was taking it back.