Alix's POV:

We arrived in front of the club where Marina had decided to take me.

All the girls stood outside, dressed in outfits that were more than just a little provocative, and the boys openly stared at them without any shame. Watching the way they looked at us made me regret letting Marina and my mother talk me into wearing this dress. I honestly felt like a piece of meat to them.

"Stop stressing so much. We came to have fun!" Marina told me, her voice a mix of authority and amusement.

"Speak for yourself..." I grumbled.

"Come on, relax, you'll see—after a drink you'll feel better," she said as we walked into the club.

What?! She expected me to drink, too? In seventeen years, I had never touched alcohol, and I certainly had never danced. Did she really think I would suddenly change just because I turned seventeen today?

Once we got inside, Marina immediately led me straight to the middle of the dance floor, which was so crowded I could hardly make my way through. I felt incredibly uneasy as I pushed my way through the crowd to reach the dance floor.

When we finally reached the dance floor, Marina began moving to the music as if it were second nature, while I stood completely stiff, glancing nervously around.

"Come on, Alix, let go!" Marina shouted, grabbing my hands and trying to get me to move.

But there was nothing I could do; I just felt more and more uncomfortable, and it seemed like this dress got shorter every time I moved.

"Do you want to go get a drink? It will help you relax a bit. I promise I won't get anything too strong."

I nodded. With Marina, I never really had a choice anyway, and maybe it would help me loosen up.

Marina and I had met back in middle school. She had always been as eccentric as she was now, and she never let anyone push her around.

I was the quiet, reserved type; I loved spending time alone, sketching in my corner. In fact, art was what had brought us together—she'd found my sketchbook in the school bathroom after I left it there, and she had been amazed by what I drew.

People always said opposites attract, and Marina and I proved them right.

Marina's POV:

Alix really didn't seem to be having any fun; she desperately needed to unwind. I ordered her a cocktail with just a splash of gin—there was no way I'd let her get tipsy her first night out.

"Here you go. There's very little alcohol in this one."

"Thanks. They had nothing without alcohol, right?" she asked, bringing the straw to her lips.

"Drink and stop overthinking! Here's to being seventeen!"

I could tell from her smile that she was enjoying the drink I picked out for her. At least I finally got a real smile from her.

Alix never seemed to realize just how beautiful she was. If only she could see how many boys had been watching her since we arrived. Sure, the dress played a part, but her green eyes stood out even more with that line of black eyeliner and the touch of pencil I added.

She really should have thought about highlighting them more often.

"Do you want us to go upstairs? There are fewer people," I asked, noticing she was getting jostled more than she liked.

"Very good idea."

We made our way upstairs. Indeed, there were definitely fewer people, though most were couples, which might have made her feel even more awkward than before.

I spotted a free table near the bar and suggested we sit there.

"So, what do you think for a first night out?"

"Not too bad, at least we're better off here than downstairs," she said while sipping her drink.

I smiled, glad I had finally managed to help her relax.

"Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

"No, why? Don't tell me you want to go out again," she asked, clearly unenthusiastic.

"No, well yes, but it's a different kind of evening," I admitted.

Alix shot me an even more disapproving look, and I couldn't help but laugh; honestly, it was about time she started going out. Poor thing, she was going to miss her whole youth if she kept hiding away.

Derek's POV:

We had gone straight upstairs to settle in once we arrived.

Ayden was already chatting up someone across the room, while Sophie stood nearby, keeping a close eye on the girls on the dance floor.

"I told you there would only be kids. Look at them, they barely look old enough to be here."

I laughed and took a sip of my drink; Sophie never missed a detail. Still, if you really paid attention, there were some true standouts in the crowd. My gaze met a particularly attractive blonde, and I sent her my best smile—after all, we were here to have a good time, weren't we?

Sophie noticed where I was looking and glanced over at the girl for a second.

"Not bad; let's just hope she's at least old enough to be here," she said, turning back to me.

I shot her a sly smile; I fully intended to check that out.

Taking my drink, I joined her on the bench where she was sitting.

"Hi, my friend over there is wondering if you're of age?" I asked, pointing at Sophie, who just rolled her eyes and looked away.

"Of course, I'm twenty-one," she replied, running her hand over her neck.

I slipped my arm around her shoulders, and she nearly started to giggle.

I loved moments like this. Girls were so easy to read. With a single glance, I could always tell what they wanted, and this one was no exception. She only had eyes for me.

Her hand was already sliding along my leg as my lips brushed her neck, and I felt her shiver with anticipation. In an instant, her lips found mine, and just as things heated up, my phone vibrated.

I didn't even need to check; it had to be Sophie texting something like "Well done."

I knew I couldn't help myself—I just liked making women happy.

Alix's POV:

Marina chatted with the guys at the table behind us while I surveyed the club. The decorations were genuinely beautiful, featuring striking bursts of color. I never would have imagined seeing such vibrant shades in a place that was otherwise so dimly lit.

I returned to the upper floor and took a good look at the walls, which displayed even more stunning colors, the aluminum columns catching the lights and casting brief, shifting highlights across the surfaces.

I found myself mesmerized by those shifting colors until my eyes settled on a couple kissing—not the couple themselves, but the tattoos covering the man's arms truly caught my attention.

I squinted, trying to catch the full effect as the light slid over his skin, revealing intricate designs. The tattoos looked genuinely fascinating; whoever had inked them was clearly talented.

I was completely absorbed in admiring the artwork that I didn't even notice when the girl left, and now the person with the tattoos was looking straight at me.

I met his gaze and froze. I wanted to look away but couldn't.

His stare was so intense, it felt as if he could see straight through me, as if he meant to devour me from the inside out.

He sat casually on the bench, and while I remained completely transfixed by his eyes, he brought his glass to his lips, never breaking eye contact. After a sip, he let his tongue trace his lips, still smiling at me.

At that moment, I was utterly hypnotized by his gaze, and my breathing quickened with the intensity between us.

"Alix, should we go get a drink?"

I jumped, turning to Marina, who now stood with the two men from the next table.

"Are you okay?" Marina asked, noticing how shaken I seemed.

"Yes, yes. Let's go."

When I glanced back at the stairs where the tattooed man had been, I saw he was gone, and I felt a wave of relief.

Alix's POV:

We got back from the nightclub around four o'clock in the morning. My feet ached terribly; I really wasn't used to wearing heels.

Marina had introduced us to two guys who raced motorcycles in the city. She was already planning to meet them tonight, but I honestly wasn't interested in that kind of outing. My father had been hit by a motorcycle gang, so it was the last place I wanted to be. Still, knowing Marina, I doubted I'd have much of a choice.

My mother was working today, so I had the apartment to myself. I stretched out on my bed, pulled out my pencils and sketchbook, and stared at the blank page. The only thing I could think about were the tattoos I'd seen on his arm.

I tried to remember every detail and started to draw.

I had no idea how long I spent on the sketch, but eventually I finished the main outlines. That was when his intense gaze came to mind, sending a chill through me as I remembered how it felt.

Almost without thought, I began to sketch his eyes on the paper. A gaze so intense it looked like it could pierce right through someone's soul.

By the time I finished, another shiver ran down my spine just from looking at it. All the desire and strength in that gaze came through in my drawing.

The sound of the apartment doorbell pulled me out of my thoughts.

I got up to open the door for Marina, who walked in as if the apartment were her own. Honestly, she probably spent more time here than at her own place.

"You're not ready yet? We have a meeting with the guys in thirty minutes," she said, rummaging through my wardrobe for clothes.

"Marina, I've had enough after last night," I said, collapsing onto my bed.

"Absolutely not, we promised them we'd come."

As always, Marina paid no attention to my protests and tossed a pair of short denim shorts and a black crop top at me.

"Wait, are you serious? It's cold!" I exclaimed.

"Don't worry, the temperature will rise quickly," she said with a laugh.

I gave up, picked up the clothes, and went to change in the bathroom.

Derek's POV:

That day, I headed to the spot chosen for the night's races. We changed locations every evening to avoid getting caught by the police. Though it was sometimes a close call, but I'd never been caught. Now we actually had our own place in Brooklyn, and for some reason, the cops never showed up there.

I arrived with my red and white Ducati, just as I did every night I planned to race, and parked beside Sophie's Mustang.

That one already had her eyes on the poor guys she planned to leave behind in her rear-view mirror once the race started. I got off my bike, took off my helmet, and slipped on my sunglasses. I loved the impression of being untouchable, even though everyone knew there was probably no one more approachable than me.

I walked around the Mustang to join Sophie.

"You're already tormenting your opponents," I said, leaning against her car.

"Derek, darling, don't scare them. You know I'm not that cruel," she replied with a wink.

I rubbed my hands together, smiling; she definitely seemed fired up tonight.

A group of kids showed up near the starting line with their brand-new little Suzukis. I watched the newcomers, and my gaze landed on the girl who had come with them.

She wore short denim shorts and a black crop top that hugged her curves, but her body language told me she felt embarrassed. Her friend, on the other hand, looked completely at ease, laughing and reaching out to touch the guy on the motorcycle every chance she got.

"What are you looking at?" Ayden asked, handing me a Corona.

"I'm watching the new kids and their girlfriends."

"Small fry for you, isn't it?" Ayden said with a smirk as he headed their way.

I smiled to myself; he was really about to make me race against these kids.

Ayden's POV:

"Hey there, guys!" I called out as I approached them.

The group gave me a once-over, these brats acting as if they were sizing me up.

"Do you want a little race?" I asked them.

"You think we're just here to stand around?" the little blond shot back, trying to sound clever.

"I've got a good plan for you. My buddy over there is looking for opponents, if you're interested."

I pointed to a guy standing across from Derek by the Ducati, hoping to make them feel comfortable. If I pointed at Derek directly, they'd probably back out right away.

"No worries, we'll take him on whenever," the blond kid exclaimed.

"OK! OK! Let's say in twenty minutes then."

"No worries!" He confirmed.

I headed back, bursting out laughing, to where Derek and Sophie were leaning against the Mustang.

"You didn't trick them like you did with Tom, did you?" Sophie asked, giving me a stern look.

"Who, me?" I laughed. "It was Derek who wanted to have a bit of fun."

Sophie glared at Derek, who only turned his head away and laughed.

"I'm going for a ride," he said, leaving me with Sophie, who gave me a quick smack.

Derek's POV:

Ayden was like a kid when it came to making newcomers sweat. Anyone familiar with these races knew my bike was the one to fear. Those two had just shown up to show off in front of their girlfriends, and I knew I'd have to crush their pride with a twist of the throttle.

I wandered off to greet a few people I knew; after all, I'd been racing for twelve years and recognized almost everyone here. I grew up in this environment since childhood; my only other option had been joining a gang, but since I didn't like weapons or drugs, my choice was easy.

I was just about to join a group of friends and grab a beer when the blonde from the club last night appeared right in front of me.

"Do you remember me?" she asked, gazing at me with a languid look.

"Of course," I replied, running my tongue over my lips.

In less than three minutes, we ended up pressed against a car, kissing.

"I suppose you don't have time now?" she asked, her eyes wide and pleading.

"No, I have a race in ten minutes," I replied.

"Ten minutes is enough, isn't it?" she pressed.

I turned away for a moment to check where the newcomers were, only to catch another gaze fixed on me.

I stopped paying attention to the girl kissing my neck and pressing herself against me. My eyes found that other girl—the one who had been staring at me just like she did that night in the nightclub.

Her gaze cut straight through me.

Alix's POV:

I watched the people around me, letting Marina chat with the boys; their macho, narcissistic conversation didn't interest me in the least.

While I focused on the line of cars and motorcycles in front of me, my eyes drifted to a couple kissing, and I recognized the tattoos on his arm.

I started drawing the tattoo in my mind again, realizing I'd missed a lot of details in the sketch I drew earlier. Once more, I found myself completely mesmerized by his ink. Then I remembered his stare and looked up.

He was still watching me, even with his sunglasses on. His face was turned in my direction, and I could feel his intensity from across the lot.

A shiver ran through me as I recalled the way his gaze pierced me last night. Once again, I couldn't look away, caught by that strange rush of sensations building inside me. There was something about his presence that sent chills all the way through my body.

"What are you doing?" the boy we'd come with asked, slipping his arm around my waist.

I immediately shifted, breaking my gaze from the tattooed man.

"Nothing, I was just watching the cars," I answered, crossing my arms to keep him from touching me again.

"We'll be moving soon. Come on or you'll miss the start," he said, this time keeping his distance.

Derek's POV:

Was I imagining things, or did that girl just pull away when he put his arm around her?

"Sorry, I have to go," I said to the girl next to me, who by now was getting pretty worked up.

"Shall we meet later?" she asked, her eyes full of desire.

I gave her my most charming smile, gently touched her face, and pressed my lips to hers. Honestly, though, my mind was elsewhere right now. I was far more interested in that girl who kept staring at me.

I made my way back toward Sophie, Ayden, and the others gathering around my Ducati.

I glanced toward the girl in question, and she didn't seem to notice me at all, even though we were only a few meters apart.

"Are you ready to beat those kids?" Ayden shouted as I climbed onto my motorcycle.

I grinned and pulled off my T-shirt.

"You're not going to start again, are you?" Sophie called out, a teasing smile on her lips.

She knew exactly how well-motivated I was to give the newcomers a real scare.

Alix's POV:

I was still stunned by the sheer presence he carried. As I struggled to concentrate on what Marina was saying, the roar of a motorcycle next to us snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Oh my gosh, who is this guy?!" Marina exclaimed, clearly thrilled. "He has an incredible body, did you see those tattoos?"

I lifted my head toward the sound of the motorcycle as it rolled to a stop beside the two guys walking with us, and I froze where I stood.

I recognized that tattooed arm right away—I'd drawn it so many times since yesterday.

But that was nothing compared to the rest of his body. His chest was covered in tattoos, the centerpiece a Tibetan face reimagined in a pop-rock style, tongue sticking out, surrounded by swirling mandalas that climbed all the way up his neck, where a red lotus flower stood out.

And then there was his back, fully inked with a massive skull, mouth wide open and teeth bared as if it were about to devour us, all of it set against a background of mandalas.

If I'd already been fascinated by the tattoos on his arm, I was completely mesmerized by the artwork covering his body. Every detail was beautifully depicted.

"Alix," Marina called out, catching me as I tried to take in every small detail.

Marina nudged me with her elbow.

"What?" I finally managed to ask.

"Do you know him?" she asked, her eyes never leaving the man on the motorcycle. "He's practically devouring you with his eyes."

I turned my gaze back to the man on the motorcycle, and a sudden shiver ran through me.

His gaze really was devouring me—then, just as a gunshot rang out, he took off at full speed.

Marina's POV:

"Oh my god, that guy is really hot! Did you see him take off doing a wheelie? He must be fearless. The guys are definitely going to lose!" I exclaimed, completely euphoric.

If I'd known, I wouldn't have wasted my time chatting with them. I should have wandered around to check out more of the good-looking guys—he definitely couldn't be the only one here.

"We should go check out the finish line. Just to get another look at his body and maybe catch a glimpse of what's under that helmet," I said to Alix, grabbing her by the arm.

Alix seemed totally spaced out; I practically had to drag her through the crowd that had gathered near the finish line. We ended up standing in front of a stunning brunette with ocean-blue eyes. He smiled at me, and a shiver ran down my spine, but just then, a girl stepped between us. She didn't look friendly at all, so I stepped back and turned my gaze to the road.

"Do you think they stand a chance against that guy?" I asked Alix, who was still lost in thought.

"Huh?" she finally replied, snapping back to reality. "No, I don't think they have any chance of winning."

"I confirm," the brunette beside me interjected. "He's not called Speed Breaker for nothing." She gave a mocking smile.

"Speed Breaker," I repeated, trying to understand.

"Yeah, he's like a wave crashing through at full speed. Once he takes off, nobody can catch him," the guy next to her added, just as the roar of a motorcycle engine filled the air.

Everyone around us started shouting and jumping, yelling "Speed Breaker!" as we caught sight of motorcycle headlights in the distance.

"Where are the others?" I asked, surprised that their headlights hadn't appeared yet.

I didn't have time to question it again before the red and white Ducati shot past the finish line like a bullet and lifted into a wheelie.

"He always has to overdo it," the girl beside us muttered, moving in his direction.

"Come on!" I said to Alix, making my way toward the man on the motorcycle.

I was determined to see who was hidden under that helmet.

Alix's POV:

Marina pulled me through the crowd gathered around the tattooed man. A sexy brunette shoved us forward, and we ended up pressed closer to him along with her. The boy and girl who'd stood beside us earlier were already near him, and I realized they were his friends.

"Quick! Take off your helmet!" Marina shouted, unable to hide her impatience.

I glanced at Marina and smiled; honestly, if he didn't hurry, she looked ready to rip the helmet off herself.

As I turned toward the source of all the hysterical screams, he finally lifted his helmet, and his green eyes locked onto mine. Once again, I froze, overwhelmed by the intensity in his gaze that seemed to burn right through me.

I bit my lip. His stare was so fierce and so alive. Until now, I hadn't known the color of his eyes—and realizing they were the same shade as mine was almost unbelievable.

"I wasn't imagining it; he really was looking straight at me!" Marina exclaimed.

Suddenly, I looked away as a stunning blonde jumped into his arms and kissed him. I didn't have to see her face to know it was the same girl he'd been with at the nightclub.

I should have known he wasn't single. "Let's go join the guys; they're finally arriving," Marina said, sounding disappointed.

I didn't want to join them at all, but I had no choice. Marina had driven us here, and I didn't even have my license yet.

I glanced over before weaving through the crowd that had gathered around the Ducati and the tattooed boy with green eyes, and I noticed he was still watching me.

I turned away and sighed. I shouldn't even let myself believe for a second that he was really looking at me. After all, I'd been the one studying his tattoos so openly. Knowing guys like him, he probably only looked my way for his own amusement. The way he ran his tongue over his lips at the nightclub said enough. He struck me as the type who probably had a line of admirers, and honestly, I wasn't interested in that kind of thing.

My mother and Marina always said I'd end up an old maid with my sketchbooks, but at least my drawings would never break my heart.

Derek's POV:

As I rolled up to the finish line, I scanned the crowd until I finally spotted her. The girl with black hair and those piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through me.

I tried to hold her gaze, hoping to catch just a hint of a smile on her lips, even though she always looked so serious despite the fire in her eyes. But just then, that other girl showed up, and by the time I nudged her aside, the one I was searching for had already disappeared.

I looked around and caught her eyes one more time, but she turned away instantly.

It annoyed me that I didn't get to enjoy her beautiful gaze a little longer.

"You look upset for someone who just won!" Ayden called out as I got off the motorcycle.

"Did you doubt me? That was just a warm-up," I replied, grinning as I grabbed a beer from the locker.

"Those kids must be crying right now," Ayden said as he let out a laugh, glancing off into the distance.

"Well, it's my turn to have a little fun," Sophie said as she slipped off her black leather jacket.

"Good luck," I told him.

"You'd better be at the finish line when I get there!" She shot back coldly.

I watched her, surprised, as she got into her Mustang. "What's her problem?" I wondered aloud.

Sophie's POV:

I slid into the Mustang, waiting for today's opponent to show up.

Derek was serious; he really thought I hadn't noticed the way he kept staring at that girl just now.

He was always chasing after someone new, but this time he was going too far. That girl still looked like she was in high school. He couldn't keep playing these games with someone that young.

"Are you ready, doll?" my opponent shouted as he climbed into his car.

"You know what the doll has to say to you!" I said, flashing him a bold middle finger and then pressing it to my lips with a sly smile.

I shifted into first gear, waiting for the gunshot to set us off, hoping they'd all be right at the finish line when I returned.

Marina's POV:

We rejoined the boys, who, just as we expected, were sulking after being outsmarted.

"He's not the one we were supposed to race against! Nobody's crazy enough to go up against Speed Breaker!" the blond guy exclaimed, slamming his helmet to the ground.

"You shouldn't have agreed the moment you saw him at the starting line," I said.

Honestly, it would have made more sense to quit at the beginning than to go through with the race.

"We're going to have a drink with the others to get over our defeat," he said, putting on his most charming act by draping an arm over my shoulders.

Who could say no to free drinks?

I shot Alix a wink, hoping to get her to follow us; right away, I caught her rolling her eyes and pursing her lips, clearly giving in just to keep the peace.

One thing was for sure: it would be tough for me to get her to relax if she didn't have a drink. Last night at the party, she loosened up—at least until we met those guys. After that, she'd completely retreated into her shell.

We joined their friends further inside the building, and I noticed the tall brunette with those stunning eyes picking up two beers and stepping outside.

It was a shame we were already with someone else; otherwise, I would have gone to look for him.

"Marina."

I turned back to Alix.

"I need to go... You know where," she whispered in my ear.

We both stepped out of the building, and after asking a few girls, we finally found a spot where we could relieve ourselves.

"Are you planning to stay late?" Alix asked me.

"It depends. If things go well with the cute one tonight, maybe I'll stick around; otherwise, we won't be here much longer."

"I hope not. I really feel uncomfortable here," she said as she left the place where she'd been peeing.

"There you are, girls!"

The guys showed up just as we finished.

"Yeah, girl stuff," I said, holding onto Alix's arm, who was, once again, clearly embarrassed.

"Do you mind if I borrow your friend for a couple of minutes?" the cute one asked Alix.

Alix hesitated but, after seeing the look I gave her, she understood it was my chance to make a move.

"No worries," she replied, letting go of my arm.

"Thanks," I whispered to her as I took the boy's hand.

Alix's POV:

Here I was, stuck with the other one. But I couldn't act like a child and ruin Marina's evening.

"Do you want to go see the cars?" he asked.

Let's say it would at least keep us occupied, and with a bit of luck, I might see the man with the tattoos again.

To get back to the cars, we had to pass through a narrow alley. I followed him a few steps behind, feeling incredibly uncomfortable around boys. I never knew how to talk to them, let alone look at them.

In truth, the only men I had ever really looked in the eye were my father and that tattooed man.

I slipped back into my daydreams, picturing myself sketching his tattoos in my drawing notebook and trying to remember the exact shapes of the mandalas surrounding the Tibetan face.

That was when my nightmare began. In the shadow of the alley, the blond boy suddenly trapped me, pinning my arms down as his mouth forced itself onto mine.

"Don't act all shy! Everyone knows you're a tease like the others!" he said, twisting my hands behind my back with one hand.

With his other hand, he slid under my top while licking my neck and pressing his body against mine.

I wanted to scream, but I'm completely paralyzed. I also knew the noise from the music and the engines would drown out any scream I tried to make, so my voice died in my throat as he undid my shorts and buried his fingers inside me.

We had read so many stories lately about women who lost their lives after being assaulted that I didn't dare make a move.

"You can scream all you want; no one will hear you!" He slapped me as he stepped back slightly, fixing his clothes in a rough, careless way.

I closed my eyes, tears streaming down my face as I felt him force his way into me. I bit my lips until they bled.

I regretted not staying home instead of choosing those provocative clothes.

I blamed myself for not being stronger and for not refusing Marina.

I wished, in that moment, that I could simply just die.