I truly never expected for this story to be so successful and receive so many reviews, even more than my first fic. When I thought of the idea of this story I was afraid that people wouldn't like the pairing or the idea and with all the encouragement and feedback I'd seriously like to thank all of you for making this story as good as it's coming out. I continue writing and updating because of my reviewers. :I sound like I'm winning an Oscar: You guys give me the drive to go on. Thanks::big smile:

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Chapter 12

Keira clenched the sides of the blue and red trench coat draped around her shoulders. It smelled of his spicy cologne and a hint of nicotine. The wind blew through her turquoise hair as she stared ahead of her at the black road they were driving on. She brushed a stray piece of hair from her eyes as she twiddled the teardrop diamond from her necklace in her fingers. She looked down at her neck briefly to admire the jewel before looking back up again. She gazed at the man beside her, his deep green eyes focused on the road with a stern expression on his face. He turned to her briefly to notice her gaze on him and smiled. He lifted his free arm to rest on the back of her seat as his other arm held the steering wheel.

"Something wrong my dear?"

She jumped slightly startled and embarrassed because she had realized that she was staring. She quickly blinked her eyes and looked away, her cheeks glowing pink.

"Oh n-nothing. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…stare," she stammered.

His smile grew wider, "It's alright. If the view pleases your eyes you can stare all you like hmm hmm," He laughed slightly as he looked at her briefly to notice her cheeks glowing brighter at his comment. They had a short pause because of the awkwardness Keira was feeling but somehow she managed to break the moment.

"That restaurant, it was really nice. I've never been somewhere like that before. It was a bit strange because I couldn't identify half the things on the menu but still…it was nice" She tried to smile and hope that he had forgot about her staring at him earlier.

"I'm glad that it pleased you. The menu was in French. I have knowledge of many languages and I will be more than happy to teach you if you'd like" He winked at her and she raised a suspicious eyebrow at him.

"Well if I didn't know any better I'd think you were coming on to me Razer and I don't mean because you wanna teach me a language"

He released a loud arrogant laugh; he was surprised by her comment. "My my Keira, as usual you are very sharp. However I have always been coming on to you since the minute you crossed my path"

She turned away from his gaze again. Her cheeks continued to heat up as the moment wore on. She was thankful for the dark night that hid her blushing cheeks. It was a little strange being with a man so forward and even mature. He wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind and he seemed like the kind of man that knew what he wanted and would stop at nothing to get it.

"Where are you taking me now?"

"Actually I wanted to give you a tour of my loft" Her eyes widened at his answer. Was he expecting something from her? He noticed the uneasiness in her expression and clarified himself to ease her worry, "Don't worry, I just want to show you around. You should know that I'm more of a gentleman than that. Besides, the lady should decide when she's ready for those kinds of relations. I'd just like to present you with the offer I was speaking of from yesterday"

"About that, what exactly is-"

He cut her off before she could pry, "You'll find out when we get there. Trust me, it's quite a promising offer"

Her eyes observed her surroundings as they drove toward the outskirts of Kras City. They drove up a slightly winding road, deeper into a suburban area. They stopped in front of a large black building; it had modern sharp edges and large glass windows everywhere. She guessed it probably had sunroofs as well. There seemed to be a large garage attached to the side as well. Her eyes widened at the sight as he stopped the car and eventually offered her his hand to lead her out. She stepped out of the car and he closed the door behind her. Her eyes were still fixed on the building. It wasn't a mansion but it was at least ten times the size of her apartment. The front lawn was covered in green grass and four black lamps. Two lamps stood in the beginning of the gray stone path leading to the door and two in the middle. Next to the modern black and silver door was another matching lamp on the wall that automatically lit as they drew near. He stuck his keys into the lock but before he turned them he glanced back at the amazed expression on the young girl's face. Her eyes were still observing every inch of the front appearance of his home.

"If you think that's amazing just wait until you get inside" and he turned his keys to unlock the door. He pushed it open and stepped in, encouraging her to follow. He grabbed her hand and led her into the darkness before closing the door behind them. She felt a slight panic grow in her once they were both inside the dark hall and she felt his fingers pull the coat off of her shoulders. She allowed him but still felt the need to stay on guard until she heard him flick the lights on. She squinted a bit as her eyes got used to the light but as soon as her vision became clear she gasped in amazement. She sounded like a little girl who had just arrived at a carnival for the first time.

She stared around at every inch of the spacious loft. It was an open space covered in light hard wood floors. She stepped forward to observe the large modern kitchen to her right. It was red, black and white with the latest appliances. It was complete with a double sink, large refrigerator, a cappuccino machine, a dishwasher and a lot of counter space. The microwave even seemed to have a TV screen on the door. Glass cabinets lined up against the walls above the counter. The counters were in black marble and in the middle of the kitchen was an island accompanied by three stools. To the far right was a door that must've lead to the washing room complete with washer and dryer.

She then brought her attention to her left. An open space greeted her with a warm navy blue elegant rug on the floor. Two large black leather sofas and a love seat sat on the three corners of the rug and in the last corner was a large modern fireplace. The tall white fireplace reached up into the ceiling and as she stepped closer, Razer grabbed a control nearby and pressed the buttons. She watched the fireplace light up and the large flat screen TV reveal itself above it from white sliding walls. Besides the whole living area, the large screen doors revealed a wonderful view of the garden in his backyard. She could see the lamps illuminating his own personal pond and waterfall in the yard along with an outside seating area. Her mouth continued to hang open as her eyes continued to look around.

To the upper right of the loft, after the living area she could see the mini bar and wine holders stacked up against the wall. She wasn't surprised at all. He had various bottles saved up for whatever occasion he must've been waiting for. Maybe just for decoration. She suddenly felt his hand push her back a bit and she looked up at him behind her.

"Don't be afraid, go on" and he encouraged her to explore deeper into his home. She walked forward toward the wine wall where there was a door beside it. She looked at him for approval and he nodded as she pushed open the door and flicked on the lights. She gasped again as she saw the large white and aqua bathroom complete with two sinks, glass shower, toilet and hot tub in the floor. The tiles beneath her feet were made up of aqua colored mosaics that matched with a strip along the walls. The counters were a light beech color along with the towel holders and accessories. It almost looked like a spa to her. She looked up at the sunroofs that probably let in wonderful sunlight in the mornings. Keira felt Razer tug her hand as she stepped out and he turned off the lights, still encouraging her to go on.

Above the wine corner and bathroom was a black metal spiral stairway. She walked up the steps to come upon his master bedroom. Along the walls were his golden-framed accomplishments and photos. On the far right wall was a tall glass shelf lined up with all his golden trophies from racing. In the middle of the room was a large king size bed, with black headboard and covered in black and white checkered sheets. He had matching nightstands on both sides with matching lamps. On her left was a tall library shelf filled with books. Razer reading? She shook the thoughts from her head. She couldn't picture a criminal who is fond of killing people in races sitting down calmly to read a book but then again he seemed intelligent so she wouldn't jump to conclusions.

Her body stood stiff as she stared. Her cheeks grew hot again as she realized how ridiculous she must look to him, gasping at every inch of his home like she lived in a box. She let a stern expression replace her amazed one and crossed her arms in front of her. "Yeah…it's nice"

He shook his head at her. "You are a very stubborn woman aren't you?" and she turned to look at him now that he realized this popular trait in her. "That's fine because I'm not done just yet"

She looked confused as he led her by the hand toward the door in the kitchen that she had guess led to the washing room. As they walked through the small room, she was right, it was a washing room. At the other end they came upon another door and he took out another key. He used one hand to insert the key into the lock and his other hand cupped over her eyes. "Close your eyes"

She obeyed as he led her into the mysterious room and she heard him turn on the lights. She released his hand from her eyes as she slowly opened them, her jaw dropping as she did. It was his garage and a very large one at that. It was more of a show room and it had show cased four classic vehicles, nicely shined and polished. Along the golden-trimmed walls were more trophies and photos. She had expected this; after all he was older than her and had been a racer for quite some time before Jak made him come out from retirement. She walked toward a black and gold Javelin. It was a classic from years ago and must've been worth tons of orbs. She ran her fingers along the front fender as she admired its curves. He broke into her thoughts.

"It would make a wonderful garage for you wouldn't it?" He stood standing at the doorway, enjoying her amazement in his home.

Her eyes widened and she spun around to look at him. "W-wha-what?"

He shook his head as he came walked up to her. He placed his finger under her chin to tap it gently before swaying his hand ahead of him to emphasize what he had meant was the room. "This, my lady, can all be yours"

"What do you mean?" She was shocked at what he was saying. He couldn't possibly be serious. She had barely known him and he was a criminal after all.

"About that offer I wanted to make you. Here it is. I can expand your business and you can take those skills of yours and put them here. You can even keep the garage in Haven if you'd like and we could make you a big corporation. A woman with skills such as yourself should not allow them to go to waste. We could use a woman of your caliber on our team for the races"

"Bu-but I'm already working for a team and I-"

He pressed his finger to her rambling lips. "Think about it Keira. Here you will always be needed and always be appreciated. Also I'd be more than happy to give you the treatment you deserve from a man…unlike your driver"

She cleared her throat uncomfortably at his comment. She turned her back to him as she looked around the show room. It was beautiful. She felt his arms encircle her waist from behind and his warm breath trail up from her shoulder to her neck. She knew his lips were nearing her neck and she gently pulled away uncomfortably. She didn't know what to say. It was a big offer.

"Why me Razer?" She watched his smile fade as he turned to look at the show room as well. He looked a bit lonely in the room.

"Well…if you must know. I'm not getting any younger Keira and even a criminal like myself needs someone to come home to in a big place like this. Even I need to get away from the criminal life at times. That is what I do for a living but I have my own needs. Why not you? It seems we can benefit each other greatly don't you think?" He turned to look at her for a response but she didn't turn to him. She stood silent.

"Honestly…I don't understand what you see in him?"

Her eyes widened as she spun her head to look at him. It's like he could see right through her. She felt naked because of that. He shook his head.

"I know it's a lot to take in at once so you can dwell on it a bit more. Let us go. I still have one more place I'd like to take you"

He walked over to door, leaning on the doorframe, waiting for Keira to detach her lingering gaze on the room.

This room, all mine? My business turning into a corporation? And me, being with…Razer?

With these last thoughts she broke away from the addictive aura of the room and walked toward Razer. He closed and locked the door behind her before they walked back outside from his front entrance. They got in the car in silence and Razer started the engine to head towards their next mystery destination.

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WOW so Razer has a nice place huh? I always pictured him living a life of luxury as a retired racer with skills such as himself and being the number one henchman for the biggest Crime Lord. With his accent and personality I knew the wine part was perfect for him, I could picture Razer tasting and savoring good wine. Well I bet every reader that read this is saying Keira go for the gold girl! Lol Well let's see what happens. Razer has money, is a gentleman to Keira but is a killer who works for the biggest crime lord in Kras City. He was also once their enemy. Jak may not spend his orbs on luxury (I never said he was poor because we know he wins orbs from races and such and he is the son of Damas) but it's Jak. He's a hero who at times may seem cold but he is sensitive and has to endure a hard unfortunate life at times. He just needs to be understood. So who will it be? Will Jak make it on time? Where's Razer taking Keira? Dun dun dun on to the next chapter!