Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
“Bragging rights,” he replied with a shrug. “There's no prize or anything. It's just for fun.”
“Then we shall have all the fun.”
He chuckled as I took his hand and helped him back down the staircase. We stopped at a small booth to purchase tickets before joining the line. I quickly counted the people standing in front of us; there were only eight, meaning my beloved and I would be in the next group of drivers.
Once all of the karts were back in position and their operators exited safely, we were allowed to enter the course. Unfortunately, our vehicles were at the back of the line, but I had faith that we could make up ground.
I helped Skyler sit in his kart and made sure his safety restraint was secure before I approached my own vehicle. Once I was seated and strapped in, I took a moment to examine the machine. It was exactly as Skyler described, with a pedal beneath each foot and a steering wheel at chest level.
“Are you ready?” Skyler's voice sounded between my ears.
“Definitely.”
“Watch that box ahead. When the light turns green, that's when we'll go.”
“Thank you, beloved.”
I kept my attention on the signal box. A red light flashed as a long beep sounded. A second beep brought forth a yellow light, and the final sound rang as the green light illuminated. Just as Skyler said, the front drivers took off as the smell of smoke and fuel hit my sensitive nostrils.
Skyler’s kart jolted forward with a roar. I stomped on the right pedal and took off as well, the seat vibrating beneath me. I stayed right with my mate, following him as he weaved around the other drivers. He was quite skilled, finding spaces just big enough to squeeze through. Even if I could pass him, I didn't want to; I could ensure his safety better from behind.
The karts didn't move as quickly as Skyler's car or my feet, but they were still thrilling. I could feel every shift of the metal beneath my body. Wind kissed my skin and refreshed my lungs. The air pressed against me every time I took a tight corner. Skyler truly knew how to live. I couldn't wait to experience everything with him.
Just when my joy hit its peak, it came crashing down just as quickly. A kart darted out from behind me. The driver overtook me and tried to do the same to Skyler. But just as he made his move, my mate took a sharp turn. The driver collided with my beloved and sent him spinning.
I slammed on the left pedal and my heart stopped as Skyler's vehicle slammed into the wall.
“Skyler! Beloved, are you hurt?” I rushed to his side and just as I took my restraint in my hand, ready to rip the fabric apart, he replied.
“I'm okay.”
Even though he was smiling and appeared to be uninjured, I had to be sure.
“Are you positive? Did you hit your head? Does anything hurt?”
“Nope, I'm good, I promise.”
Now that I knew Skyler was alright, I turned my attention to the man who had knocked him off course. “I'll take care of the bastard who did this to you. I will avenge you, beloved. He shall feel my wrath!”
“No, no, no!” He replied quickly, lifting his hands. “Bumping happens sometimes. It was an accident. It's okay. Please don't wrath anyone.”
I took a deep breath to calm down. As much as I wanted to make the man pay- at least for failing to check if Skyler was okay - I would never go against my mate's wishes. Plus, Skyler loved the idea of revenge. If he didn’t want me to claim it, this must have truly been an accident. “Fine.”
“Thanks for looking out for me, babe.”
“Always.” I sighed when I heard the other karts approaching, getting ready to overtake us. “I'm sorry; I don't think we'll be able to win the race.”
Skyler gave me a wide smirk. “That's okay. I can still beat you!” He laughed out loud as he took off again, jumping in front of me. I shook my head and chased him once more.
The other karts caught up to us easily, making us a whole lap behind. When I realized that the irresponsible driver who had hit Skyler was beside me, I may have given him a nudge that sent him into the wall…by accident, of course. Bumping happened sometimes.
Unfortunately, Skyler and I were at the back of the pack when the race ended. When we exited our karts, I inspected my mate for injuries even though he insisted he didn’t have any.
“What did you think?” he asked after he passed inspection and we were outside the racing area. “Did you like it?”
“It was exhilarating, except for your accident.”
“I'm fine, I promise.” Skyler sealed it with a kiss before smiling and asking, “Wanna go again?”