Partner in crime.

~My pretty little girl~

ALORA POV:

Not even in my wildest dream I thought he will find out about my identity so soon. I gulped nervously as I stared into his deep and black eyes. They were sparkling under the dim lights.

"You..." He said and took a step closer to me, that made me move away instinctively and within a second, I was trapped between his arms like a prey.

I had to get out of this situation. So, before he could say something, I spoke first, "What the hell are you talking about?" I narrowed my eyes and tried my best to sound little husky. After all the sneaking and cross dressing, I thought I was good at playing with others but in front of this man.... all of my composure was slipping away.

His lips curled up into a devilish smirk while his eyes roamed freely on my body. I unconsciously fidgeted in my place under the scrutiny of his eyes.

"Even with my eyes covered, I can tell that you are a girl. The lavender scent, your soft and fragile wrists.... they are giving it away." He leaned closer to my face as he spoke.

While my legs were on the verge of giving away. Now, I was regretting running here with him. I have always liked him. I never missed any of his matches. So, when I saw him tonight, I just could not believe that. I knew I had to talk to him and I was sure he will treat me as an obsessive fan boy. But damn it!! The first thing that he said to me is, 'You are a girl, aren't you?'

"You are talking nonsense." I pulled myself together and gave him a little push to move him away but he did not budge an inch from his place. His features were prominent and firm. Those chiseled jaws and little stubble over them, proud and high nose bridge, plump lips.... Rhys Larsen is indeed a sight to behold.

"Still so damn persistent..." He muttered under his breath, "Why don't you just admit? Otherwise, we have way to confirm your sexuality." He gave me a once over again.

Meanwhile, I was so shocked to hear that. I instantly covered my breasts with my arms. "Confirm what?"

His melodious laughter filled the space. It was dark, husky, intimidating with a hint of tease, "You need to act better." He moved away, giving me my space back so I could breath. I licked my lower lip as it has dried up after being with him for couple of minutes.

"Although I have to give you points for your efforts." He leaned on the broken chair that was in the room.

I sighed and plopped on the floor. Running away from Linda, then coming across Rhys Larsen, tonight is one hell of a night.

"My cross dressing isn't hurting anyone here. I want to race and in order to do that, I have to change my identity." I tried to explain. Although there was no reasons to do so, still I did not want to leave a bad impression on him.

His eyes bore into me, "There is no prejudice regarding gender in f1. I saw you drive and you are really good at it. You can try going for it professionally." He said to me with utter seriousness.

Rhys must have thought that I am doing this because there aren't many girls in racing. However, the real reason is something else and I cannot tell him. Not yet.

"I know." I got up and peeked outside through the little window. There were no signs of Linda and other guards. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

"Wait a second." He hastily grabbed my wrist. While I had to stretch my neck to look into his beautiful eyes, "You... someone's chasing after you, right? What is going on? Who are those people? Loan sharks?" His eyes stretched to their limits, "Now it all make sense. You are racing illegally to pay your debts."

I wanted to laugh. I really did. His theory was perfect and at such illegal places, all sort of things happen for the sake of money.

"Listen, if you need some cash... I can help you."

My heart swooned over his words. We met for the first time but he was willing to help me. Who does this these days?

I pulled my wrist out of his grip softly and looked at him, "I appreciate that but neither I am short on money nor those people are loan sharks. They are more like..."

I do not want to tell him who I am. This is going to scare the hell out of him. But at this stage in my life, I am used to freaking people out because of my identity.

"They are my bodyguards."'

I sighed and waited for him to be shocked, to laugh at me, to call me nuts but instead I was the one who was surprised. He did nothing. He just stared at me.

"Okay." Rhys stated. His voice devoid of any expression, "If they are your guards, then they aren't bad people." He looked more like.... relieved.

"You should go to them. They are looking for you all over the place." He added.

"I know." I sighed and chewed my lower lip, "But I sneaked out of the home and I am cross dressing. Plus, if they will find out I was here to race, I will be grounded for good."

"Oh." His mouth turned into 'O' at the realization.

"I made sure to turn off my phone and all the devices and left them home. I can't believe they managed to track me."I whispered to myself.

"How about I go out and check on them?" He suggested. Moreover, the glint in his eyes was telling me that he is enjoying this situation. It was more like an adventure for him.

I had no choice but to take on his offer, "Please."

"Got it." He winked and something inside me melted at the sight before pooling in between my legs.

'Not now.' I groaned internally.

"But-" He paused when his hand was on the broken knob, "You owe me one."

"Of course." I agreed without hesitation. However, deep down I had a feeling that I made a mistake.

Rhys Larsen is dangerous for my heart, for my body and even for my soul. He is like a black panther who is hiding in the darkness ready to engulf me as a whole and deep down, I wanted to be engulfed by him.

"It's clear. They aren't here anymore." I have no idea when he returned since I was engulfed by my thoughts. I was suddenly pulled back to reality.

"Oh, thank you." I answered him, dazed and peeked my head out of the door to see for myself once more. After I was relieved to see that Linda and her team wasn't there anymore, I walked out of the cramped storage room.

"Wait." Rhys rushed to stand in front of me.

"How will you go home? Do you have a ride?" He inquired. For a split second, all I wanted to do was to ditch everything and rush into his arms. This man is intoxicating and I was getting toxicated by his demeanor.

"No, I don't but I will get a cab." At first I wanted to bring a car but it is easier to track it. So, I ditched the idea and came here on a taxi. Of course, that's how I will be going back.

"If you don't mind-" He suddenly appeared to be extremely nervous, "Can I accompany you?"

My hands trembled at his tone. He sounded so gentle, polite, caring... in a way that no one has ever me like this. Not even my Dad.

A part of me wanted to instantly say yes. However, the little sanity left in me stopped me from doing that.

"My parents always advised me to not follow the strangers." I teased him. Although we met for the first time but it didn't feel like it. In fact, I was feeling more comfortable around him than Asher.

His deep throaty chuckle caused my core to vibrate, "It's you who grabbed the hand of the stranger and dragged him with yourself. Oh my God, don't tell me you had any other ideas..." This time it was him who covered his chest with his arms and looked at me with concern.

I smiled, "Such a drama queen you are." I taunted.

"So, can I come?" He wriggled his brow.

However, it wasn't that I did not want him to come with me. I do want to spend time with him. I have always thought about seeing him, meeting him, talking to him and doing a lot more. But the little part of me was scared. Scared of the fact that he is going to find out who I am and leave me like everybody else.

"Trust me, I am not a bad person and because you are a f1 fan, you must know me better." Perhaps he read my concerns.

"I know." I exhaled loudly, "It's just that I am scared my Dad will find out." I told him.

He took a step closer to me and grabbed my hand before giving it a little reassurative squeeze, "It's gonna be alright. I have seen worse."

I opened my mouth to answer, when from the corner of the eye I saw a stiletto of Linda. "Damnit!" I cursed under my breath.

Rhys looked in my line of sight. Linda was unbelievably close. Her hawk like eyes were searching for me everywhere.

"Do you trust me?" He suddenly inquired. While I, who was racking my brain to find a way out of this mess, looked at him with confusion.

"I am sorry. Please don't kill me for this-" Rhys said and he swiftly took off the wig that I was wearing.

"What the hell are you-" I remember I was saying something to him but the next second, all I could feel was the touch of his soft and smooth lips against mine.