Chapter One

As the hazy Los Angeles sun slowly sets, the shadows creep up the walls of the concrete and steel towers, making the streets below ribbons of darkness. Soon this darkness is pierced by brilliant halogen lights and the quiet is shattered by dozens of car stereos as the racers gather.

A low-riding, chrome on white newcomer slowly rolls forward into the crowded street, and backs into an open spot. The driver's door opens, and the bass sounds of Godsmack roll across the crowd, as Dallas gracefully stands.

She leans down slightly, adjusting the tops of her thigh high boots, and smooths her leather skirt into place. She shrugs slightly, settling her leather jacket on her shoulders. She leans down into the car, and speaks to her passenger.

The passenger side door opens, and Julia climbs out, a twin to Dallas, except in white, and she smiles excitedly, looking over the crowd and the cars.

"Oh Dallas, look at all of them! They are beautiful!"

Dallas smiles indulgently, pleased that her sister is enjoying herself.

"I am glad you like them, babygirl. Come on, let's look around." She walks around the car, and holds her hand out to her sister.

Hand in hand, they walk through the crowd. Stopping by a car with the hood off, Dallas and Julia lean over to check out the engine. A young latin man approaches them.

"Hey, pretty lady? my name is Hector."

Dallas smiles, and holds out her hand.

"It's a pleasure, Hector. I'm Dallas, and this is my sister Julia. We are kind of new to the area, and thought we would check out the local scene."

"The pleasure is definitely mine, Dallas? and welcome to both of you," he says with a smile. "Like my ride?"

"She's a sweet one, Hector?"

As Hector and Dallas begin to discuss the finer aspects of engine performance, Julia begins to grow bored and starts looking around. She moves on down the line, checking out the cars and people.

"Hey, sweet thang, whatcha doing out here all by your lonesome?"

Julia looks around, and sees a young man eyeing her. She smiles.

"You talking to me?"

He smiles back, and cruises her with his eyes.

"None other? you like nice cars?"

Julia nods, "Oh yes! I love 'em! My sister has a nice car too, and I made her promise to bring me down the next time she races."

His smile broadens, and he motions to her.

"Well, why don't you come on over here, and I will show you my ride."

Julia glances over and sees Dallas still engrossed in conversation with Hector. She shrugs.

"I suppose it will be okay."

He walks Julia over to an area behind his car. He pops open the rear hatch, and gestures to the stereo set up.

"Take a look at this sweet set up."

As she leans forward to check it out, he slides a hand up her leg and onto her bottom.

"That is just too nice, baby!"

Julia stands up and whips around.

"I don't think you should be doing that, Dallas wouldn't like it!"

He moves in a bit closer to her, crowding her space.

"Baby, I don't much care what Dallas thinks, whoever Dallas is? what do you think?"

"I don't think I much like it either. Please don't do it again."

Dallas, realizing her sister isn't nearby, looks up and sees her sister trapped against a car. She smiles, and the smile doesn't even come close to her eyes.

"Excuse me for a minute, Hector. Looks like someone needs a lesson in manners."

She slowly saunters over to her sister, as the young man attempts to kiss her. She walks up behind him and taps him on the shoulder.

"Go away? Can't you see I'm busy?"

Dallas taps him a little more firmly. He looks over his shoulder at her, but doesn't release Julia.

"What do you want?"

Dallas smiles, and licks her lips suggestively. She lets her eyes wander slowly over him, and her smile widens.

"Well, you really seem to be into that little girl there? thought you might like to try a real woman," and she slowly unzips her jacket, revealing the black lace tank underneath.

She traces her finger down over her cleavage and back up again, and then slides the tip between her lips and slowly draws it out.

"How about it, baby? Want some? Come and get it."

He pushes Julia away, and moves towards her. She slides one arm up around his neck and runs the other over his chest. She leans in and kisses him, and moves her hand on down to cup his family jewels. She starts to snicker against his mouth and slowly breaks into full-blown laughter.

"Hehehe, Oh my god, Junior, is that all you're packing? Come back and see me when you've grown up!" and she moves past him to take her sister's hand.

As the crowd that had gathered begins to laugh and jeer, 'Junior's face begins to flush a particularly ugly shade of red.

"You fucking bitch!" and he makes a grab for her. Dallas pushes her sister forward, out of harm's way, and gives 'Junior' a stiff armed jab to the center of his chest, rocking him back on his heels. He moves forward again, and suddenly a pair of large hands grabs him by the shoulders, jerking him back and away. He is shoved unceremoniously into the wall.

"That's enough! Take your car and go home! Guys like you give the rest of us a bad name!" a deep voice shouts.

"I ain't getting thrown out because of some two bit slut and her dyke sister!"

Quick as a rattlesnake, Dallas ducks around the big man, and punches 'Junior' right in the mouth.

"My sister is not a slut, you tickle dick little runt!"

Dallas feels the large hands, accompanied by large arms wrap around her and haul her off her feet. She makes herself go limp, and he nearly drops her. He sets her down by her sister, and, not taking his eyes off her, calls an order over his shoulder.

"V! Make sure he leaves."

Dallas notices a man standing near the troublemaker nod, and grab the kid.

"Come on, Junior, you better leave while you can."

The big man holds out his hand.

"The name is Dominic Toretto, and I hope you will forgive me for manhandling you like that. It just seemed the easiest way to break it up."

Dallas glances at her sister, and quietly asks, "You okay?" Her sister nods. She looks back at Dom and his hand, and slowly smiles. She takes his hand.

"My name is Anna Delasandro, but my friends call me Dallas. This is my little sister, Julia. I appreciate your help. I didn't need it, but I appreciate it nonetheless."

Dom laughs at that, and says, "Yeah, I noticed. You seemed to have it pretty much under control. Hmmm, Delasandro, unusual name, that. Any relation to Tonio Delasandro?"

A grim look comes over her face, and Dallas replies, "yeah... he was my older brother."

Dom nods, a look of understanding on his face.

"Yeah, he was a helluva racer. It was too bad what happened to him."

"Yeah, well, if the fuckin' cops hadn't been chasing him, it never would have happened. They should just leave us the hell alone!"

She shakes her head rather violently from side to side, and says, "Let's not talk about him, ok? I'm in the mood for a little racing and a little celebrating! Come on, Jules, let's get back to our car."

Glancing over her shoulder, she calls to Dom, "Why don't you come along? I'll show you what a real car looks like