I followed Dom through the streets, the two of us making a game out of the drive back to the fort, weaving in and out of traffic. It wasn't like we were racing – traffic was way too heavy for that. At least, it was until we pulled up to the last light before the railroad tracks.
Quarter mile straight shot, winner take all, that's how it always went when Dom and I raced. Sure, we didn't go after each other officially, at any of the races, but that didn't keep us from blowing up the streets around the fort every chance we got. And with the whole weekend stretched out in front of us…. Well shit, it was too tempting to even think about passing up. I couldn't help laughing when I looked over at him, eyebrows raised as I nodded towards the light. He grinned back at me and I laughed again, knowing he was thinking the exact same thing I was.
My heart started pounding in my chest, adrenaline racing through me again, but I knew this would be a bigger challenge than the one I'd already won tonight. For one thing, my car was pretty much spent. I really should have put in some hours getting her tuned up to perfection before I even thought about turning her loose again. But at least I still had enough for a shot or two of Nos. I knew I'd need all I could get, going up against Dom. Sure, I could beat him, but only about a third of the time, maybe half if I was on a really hot streak.
The first time had been a day or two after I'd blown up at everybody, insisted that I was going to start racing. Shit, it seemed like that was a lifetime ago, even though I knew it had barely been two years. I'd been so nervous, hands sweaty against the steering wheel, legs so jumpy it felt like I was never going to be able to hit the pedal. Sure Tony had taught me how to drive, but it was something different to be at the wheel. Dom had been right, not that I would ever have admitted it. It must have been pure dumb luck that let me beat him back then…. Either that or he'd let me win – I still wasn't sure which. It didn't really matter that much, I guess; he'd given me the confidence I needed to take on the rest of LA, and I'd beaten him for real plenty of times since.
I glanced over at him one more time before forcing myself to focus on my own shit. Christ but he was distracting, just being himself. I slid my hand over the top of the steering wheel, caressing the leather as my foot primed the gas. I couldn't help grinning as my car responded, the engine's deep throaty purr telling me she was more than ready to go.
As soon as the light changed I slammed my foot down, laughing as she jumped off the line for me. I stole another look at Dom's car to check his position, frowning as he started to surge ahead.
"I don't think so," I muttered under my breath as I shifted, the engine whining a little before responding. "Come on, baby, come on…."
We must have flipped the lead back and forth half a dozen times, neither of us wanting to be the first to hit our Nos tanks, until finally I knew if I didn't make my move soon I'd run out of room to make it at all. So I went for it, immediately bracing myself for the jolt of acceleration, laughing as I zoomed past Dom. And I was right – we were already across the tracks by the time he caught up, too late to count.
I kept Dom in my rearview mirror the whole way back to the fort, laughing every time I caught a glimpse of his scowl. He hated to lose, even to me. I couldn't blame him; I was the exact same way. Getting beat by Dom wasn't nearly as bad as the idea of somebody else crossing the line in front of me, but it still wasn't any fun. He'd get over it pretty quick, I knew. A couple of beers, a quick trip upstairs before rejoining the party…. Yeah, that would be more than enough to get his ego reset.
He was still halfway scowling when he pulled into the driveway behind me and got out of his car, and I shook my head, quickly running my hands over the steering wheel one last time.
"We had a damned good night, baby girl," I murmured, sliding out of my car and easing the door shut before turning to face Dom.
"Got you," I called out, smirking as I moved closer, not stopping until I was standing right in front of him. I just stood there for a few seconds, taking my time as I looked him over, eyes lingering on all my favorite spots. Finally, I grabbed his crucifix and carefully pulling it off over his head, lowering it over my own. "Trophy's mine, now…."