Chapter 104: Exhilarating Acceleration!
East Mountain Pass Racetrack was divided into two sections: a professional circuit and a recreational one. Regardless of which track you wanted to use, everyone had to reserve a slot and wait their turn.
The only exception was Vivienne. As the owner of the racetrack, she naturally didn’t have to queue.
The professional circuit was already alive with activity. Experienced racers sped around the track, many of them regular competitors who traveled across the country for various events.
Vivienne was undoubtedly skilled behind the wheel, but there was still a noticeable gap between her and these professionals. That wasn’t surprising. They trained almost every day, while she raced because she loved it.
Still, talent alone couldn’t bridge the difference. Every driver out there possessed talent in one form or another.
Even so, for a female racer to reach Vivienne’s level was already remarkable.
At the very least, Luca Hale understood one thing better than anyone else.
Vivienne’s driving skills were truly first-class.
As soon as the two arrived at the paddock, the loudspeakers announced that the next session was open.
"Luca, you’re going out on the track too?" Austin Silva asked when he noticed Luca had also changed into sportswear. From the nearby professional circuit came the constant thunder of roaring engines.
Luca shrugged and shook his head.
"No. I’ll just watch and cheer you guys on."
"Then why bother changing clothes?" Austin asked, looking genuinely puzzled.
Luca thought for a moment before replying with a completely serious face.
"I’m afraid my suit, which costs tens of thousands of dollars, might get dirty."
"..."
Austin stared at him for two seconds before giving him a thumbs-up.
"Respect. You’re unbelievable."
After saying that, Austin and the others headed toward their own cars.
Vivienne stopped beside the Koenigsegg One:1 and looked back at Luca.
"You’re really not coming with me?"
"I’m not."
She stepped closer, leaned toward his ear, and lowered her voice until only he could hear.
"If you accompany me for a few laps... I’ll let you take me home tonight."
The warm breath brushing against his ear sent a shiver straight down Luca Hale’s spine.
’This enchantress...’
Ever since they reunited, Vivienne had teased him almost every single day. Every time she dangled irresistible bait in front of him, only to leave him wanting more. Compared to her, Naomi Monroe was practically too accommodating.
Now she was offering conditions like this.
Wasn’t she deliberately testing his self-control?
Luca nodded firmly, his expression instantly becoming righteous.
"If I don’t go... then who will?"
He dramatically opened the passenger door.
"Angel, please get in the car."
Vivienne couldn’t help laughing at his unwavering determination. Smiling, she shook her head, opened the driver’s door, and gracefully slid into the seat.
Buzz!
Buzz!
Buzz!
The parking lot echoed with the deafening growl of engines.
More than ten supercars lined up at the starting line, each one worth a fortune. Among them, however, one car stole every bit of attention.
Luca Hale’s Koenigsegg One:1.
Many spectators immediately pulled out their phones to take pictures. Some recorded videos, while others hurriedly sent them to friends.
This wasn’t just any supercar. It was one of the rarest machines in existence. Simply seeing one in person was enough to brag about.
A sharp electronic beep rang through the circuit.
The next instant, every supercar shot forward like arrows released from a bow.
Luca Hale instinctively tightened his grip on the seatbelt with both hands, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
As Vivienne buried the accelerator, he felt as though the entire car had taken flight.
"Relax."
Vivienne’s voice remained calm and composed.
"We’re still nowhere near its limit."
Her slender fingers rested lightly on the steering wheel, guiding the car with effortless precision. Every turn was smooth and controlled, graceful enough to resemble flowing water.
Luca glanced at the dashboard.
135 miles per hour.
The number made his heart skip a beat.
Silently, he looked away.
Vivienne, however, was clearly just getting started.
She accelerated again.
One supercar after another disappeared in the rearview mirror as the Koenigsegg sliced through the track with astonishing stability. Every overtake was clean and decisive.
It wasn’t difficult to see why she owned East Mountain Pass Racetrack.
Lap after lap passed.
When the final corner came into view, Vivienne pressed down on the accelerator one last time.
The Koenigsegg One:1 crossed the finish line first.
...
The moment Luca Hale stepped out of the car, the world around him seemed to sway.
Vivienne hurried over to support him.
Seeing him rubbing his temples with his eyes closed, guilt flashed across her beautiful eyes.
"Are you alright?"
Luca slowly shook his head.
"I’m fine. Just let me rest for a while."
After drinking two mouthfuls of mineral water, the dizziness eased considerably.
To be honest...
Although the speed had left him a little lightheaded, watching the blurred scenery flash past at unbelievable speed had been strangely exhilarating.
More than twenty minutes later, Luca Hale finally felt like himself again.
The moment he remembered the promise Vivienne had made earlier, however, all traces of dizziness vanished.
He deliberately coughed twice.
"Ahem."
"Angel... shouldn’t we head back now?"
Meeting the anticipation written all over his face, Vivienne instantly understood what was on his mind.
She looked at him with a teasing smile.
"What? You’re really that impatient?"
"Absolutely."
Luca nodded with complete sincerity.
"I’ve been impatient for quite a while."
Vivienne was momentarily speechless.
That wasn’t what she’d meant at all.
Rolling her eyes at him, she revealed an expression overflowing with irresistible charm.
"Then why are you still standing there?"
She smiled mischievously.
"Hurry up and catch me. Didn’t you want to get back sooner?"
...
The two returned to Vivienne’s private suite to shower and change.
After finishing her shower, Vivienne stepped out of the bathroom wearing an elegant dress.
The faint scent of shampoo lingered in the air.
She immediately spotted Luca Hale standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows with a bottle of water in hand.
Tilting his head back, he took a slow drink.
The sunlight pouring through the glass outlined his profile perfectly, highlighting the subtle movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed.
Vivienne paused.
For a brief moment, she simply stood there watching him.
’...He’s so handsome.’
Without making a sound, she walked over from behind.
Her slender arms slipped gently around his waist, and she rested her cheek against his broad back.
Luca smiled softly.
"Finished showering?"
"Mmm..."
"Then let’s head back."
Instead of letting go, Vivienne hugged him even tighter.
"No."
She rubbed her face lightly against his back.
"Let me stay like this for a little longer."
Luca gently covered the backs of her smooth hands resting against his stomach.
"We can hug all you want after we get home."
Vivienne leaned closer until her lips were almost brushing his ear.
Her voice became soft and sweet.
"When we get home..."
"...you’ll be the one hugging me from behind."
Hiss...
Luca Hale’s hands visibly trembled.
At that moment, he felt his self-control approaching its absolute limit.