Collision Course

Chapter One: Into the Fast Lane

- Elena -

I stepped out of the sleek black car, my heart beating in tandem with the distant roar of engines. The Monaco Grand Prix. A world of speed, danger, and excitement—but for me, it's just another carefully orchestrated event, another opportunity to keep up appearances in a life that often feels like a well-rehearsed play. The spotlight has followed me for years, ever since my breakout role in Shattered thrust me from obscurity into the blinding glare of fame. But fame is a double-edged sword, and I've learned to guard my heart with a steely resolve, keeping the most vulnerable parts of myself locked away.

I adjusted my sunglasses, my expression unreadable as I scanned the crowd. Celebrities, socialites, and the ultra-rich mill about, sipping champagne and exchanging idle gossip. It's a scene I've seen a thousand times before—glamorous, yet utterly devoid of warmth. My publicist insisted that attending would be good for my image, a reminder to the world that I can still enjoy life's pleasures. But the truth is, I feel like an outsider in this world of luxury, my heart carefully encased in a fortress that few have ever breached.

As I glide through the crowd, I maintain a practiced disinterest, my thoughts far away from the chatter around me. This is my armor—cool, collected, and impenetrable. I recognize a few faces, nodding politely as I pass, but none hold my attention for long. This is just another event, another night where I can smile for the cameras and then retreat back into the safety of my solitude.

But then, a voice cuts through the noise, catching me off guard. "Elena Hayes, right?" The accent is smooth, British, and undeniably confident.

I turned, finding myself face-to-face with a man who seems to have been plucked straight from the pages of a high-end fashion magazine. His dark hair is perfectly tousled, his sharp features framed by a stubbled jawline, and his eyes—a striking shade of blue—are fixed intently on me. There's something about him that radiates effortless wealth, and yet, I can sense an undercurrent of something deeper, something more dangerous.

"That's me," I replied, my voice polite but guarded. I've been around men like him before—charming, powerful, and used to getting what they want. I've learned to keep my distance, to never let my guard down. "And you are?"

"Leo Moretti," he said, extending a hand. His smile was charming, but there's a subtle edge to it, a hint of the predator beneath the polished exterior. "I drive fast cars for a living."

I shook his hand, my expression carefully neutral. "So I've heard."

Leo's grin widened, clearly enjoying the game. "You're not a fan of racing?"

I tilted my head slightly, my gaze sweeping over the crowd before returning to him. "I wouldn't say that," I replied, my tone cool but not unfriendly. "I just prefer watching from a distance."

"A distance," Leo echoed, leaning in just a fraction, his presence magnetic. "Where it's safe?"

"Something like that." I wasn't about to let him rattle me, no matter how easy it would be to fall under his spell. Men like Leo are a distraction, and I've spent too long building walls around my heart to let them come tumbling down now.

Leo seemed to sense my hesitation, but rather than retreating, he only seemed more intrigued. "Well, if you ever feel like getting closer to the action, I'd be happy to show you around. Monaco's track is something else."

I offered a small, polite smile. "Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll stick to the sidelines."

Before Leo could respond, a woman in a sleek black dress appeared at his side, slipping her arm through his. "Leo, darling, they're waiting for you," she said, her eyes flicking to me briefly before returning to him with a possessive smile.

Leo didn't miss a beat. "Duty calls," he said, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. "It was a pleasure, Ms. Hayes. I hope we cross paths again."

I nodded, watching as he was led away, disappearing into the crowd with the woman clinging to his arm. As I exhaled softly, I realized my heart was beating just a little faster than before. I came here seeking a distraction, not expecting to be distracted by someone like Leo Moretti. But there's something about him—something that stirs a longing I've worked hard to suppress.

But I pushed the thought away, reminding myself why I'm here. I've learned to play it safe, to keep people at arm's length, and Leo is exactly the kind of person I should avoid. Wealthy, charming, and undoubtedly dangerous—a collision course waiting to happen.

As the day wore on and the race began, I couldn't shake the feeling that this is only the beginning. Despite my best efforts to remain distant, I'm already being drawn into a game far more perilous than I anticipated.

And for the first time in a long time, I find myself wondering if maybe, just maybe, I'm ready to take the risk.