Page 86 of When Sinners Hate
I pull her ass straight down onto my lap and get back to that kissing she just started. “Later.”
CHAPTER TWENTY - EIGHT
LEXI
TWO WEEKS LATER
My world has changed. It will never be the same again. And for the first time in my life, I’m truly happy about that. If I can just get the contractors organised to strip every last detail that Carmen added to this house, then life will be perfect. That, and, of course, beating my husband this afternoon.
With all the recent drama, we hadn’t set a date for the track day and had to push it back, but now it’s here. I can’t wait. I’ll finally be able to show my husband just what he’s messing with.
Mr Griffin, the Ortega attorney’s name flashes on my phone screen. He chose the easy road and decided working with me as the head of the family was a much more profitable and lasting position than the alternative offered by Abel. And, so far, he’s come through with everything we’ve asked.
“Yes, Mr Griffin.”
“Mrs Cortez. I’ve had word from the Sheriff's office that they're officially dropping any open investigation regarding yourfather’s death. As your father was still settling your brother’s affairs and didn’t have a will, his assets have been included in your father’s estate. You will inherit everything as the only remaining heir and family member.” I already knew I would. Abel’s assured me of that, but hearing it formally makes it feel real now. “Congratulations, Mrs Cortez.”
“Thank you, Mr Griffin. Let me know if you need anything else from me.”
“I will.”
“Problem?” Abel walks down to the kitchen and heads for the coffee machine.
“No. You’re looking at the head of the Ortega business. Officially, now.”
“Well, don’t let all that go to your head. You’re a Cortez, and you’re gonna have to prove yourself this afternoon.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I will.”
“Do you want to drive us to the track? Get warmed up?” I tease, as we leave the house a few hours later.
“Oh, darlin’, it’s you that needs warming up.” He throws the keys to me as we enter the garage, and I take a moment to appreciate the Challenger before me.
Eagerly sliding in behind the wheel to get comfy, the smile on my face seems a permanent fixture. And as soon as we’re clear of the automatic gate, I stomp my foot and let her slide through the traffic.
According to Abel, the family will meet us at the track, hired and paid for the afternoon’s use – clearing the way for some good sibling rivalry. If the events of Knox’s party are anything to go by, it should be a fun day out.
A fun day for the family. The Cortez family.
I’d wondered if it would be strange adapting to that name, but it’s not. A thread of doubt about acceptance still infects mythoughts, though. Maybe I just need to beat them at their own game. Maybe I need to truly win something and prove I'm one of them to myself if no one else.
With that thought, I carve up a Porsche in front of me and make a turn, taking us out of town towards the track.
“Have you ever raced before?” Abel asks.
“Not properly. I ran a couple of quarter miles. My job was always entertainment. Behind the wheel, I wouldn’t have been useful.” He signals for me to turn, and I follow his instructions.
I’ve not had many moments when I’ve stopped to think about Miguel since the day I killed him, but I do now as the car eats up the road. It’s a reflective moment, and I allow myself to take a breath.
“Snap out of it, Lexi. Game face time. You’re racing for Cortez now, and you need to prove what you can do.” He points up to the metal arch we drive under, entering the race grounds.
Following the road, I drive past the raised bleachers until I see a few other cars. As we approach, I spy the Camaro shining at me and Knox lounging against the door frame.
I pull up next to him and get out.
“You made it. Ready to race?”
“You bet. Ready to lose?”