Illicit Affairs

Chapter 11

Ryan's POV

"So, I heard you threatened to kill William over your radio when he started the big one." Mia, still with her head on my chest and tracing my tattoo said with a giggle.

I couldn't help but groan. It was well known that I had a habit of losing my temper over the radio. I've been like that my entire career, yet so many people were suddenly acting like this was a new thing and saying oh winning the championship has gone to his head. I don't mean half the shit I say, it's all heat of the moment. I just need to air out my frustrations. I know I don't have to put my finger on the button to say them, but sometimes I just can't help myself.

"I was pissed. It's not like I meant it." I said defensively.

"Of course not. You said the same thing about Austin, your own teammate, a couple of years ago. Outside of the car, you are probably the most chill guy I've ever met. In the car you are a savage beast. I just thought it was funny." She said with another giggle.

"I probably need to work on that...my in-car persona I mean." I said sheepishly.

"Don't you dare change Ryan. I love hearing your radio. You have some of the spiciest, most entertaining chatter. I like to hear you get fired up. Your passion is great. It's real and it's actually pretty damn hot."

"So you listen to my radio?" I asked, amused at the thought.

"Sometimes, but you are a regular on radioactive." She admitted with another giggle.

"Well, I'm not gonna kill Byron. I do want to punch him in the face though. He has zero self awareness and zero accountability for his actions." Just thinking of the guy who I thought would be my brother in law one day had me fuming. I needed to pay him back one day when he least expected it. Not just for myself but for my sister.

"I know he doesn't and I plan on addressing that with him along with some other issues." Mia rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Hey...I don't need my girlfriend fighting my battles for me." I chuckled.

"Girlfriend huh?" She raised an eyebrow at me.

"I'm game if you are." I tried to sound non committal. I certainly didn't mean to blurt that out.

"Yeah. I'm game." She flashed me a killer smile. "We just need to continue keeping things on the down low for the next month and a half or so. When my grandfather comes back, I will talk to him."

"He's gonna kill me." I let out a groan. I hated the thought that I might possibly cause some friction in my relationship with Rick Hendrick. I had the utmost respect for the man.

"No he's not. He likes you. He tried to hire you a couple of times but you turned him down. He was very interested in you when you were just starting out, but you thought that Penske was a better fit. When Dale announced he was retiring I convinced him to try again to sign you to replace him."

"That was your idea?" I asked, a bit surprised.

"Yes it was. Dale backed me on it too. Shame it didn't work out. I think you would have been a great fit on the team and you could have had Chase as a teammate. We wouldn't have to put up with Alex either." She sighed.

"And you would've been my boss." I chuckled. "If you were my boss, I wouldn't be in bed with you right now."

"So no regrets over choosing Penske over Hendrick?" She asked.

"Nope. I'm happy where I am. It's a dream come true to drive for Roger Penske. I like my team and I have good relationships with Austin and Joey even if I do cuss them out or threaten to kill them over the radio."