Driven to Obsession

Chapter 2: The Pursuit

The following day, the memory of Sam Knight lingered in Olivia's mind like a persistent shadow. She tried to shake it off, focusing on her tasks at the repair shop, but his intense gaze, the way he had spoken to her—almost as if he knew something she didn't—kept replaying in her thoughts. It was unsettling, the way he had drawn her in so effortlessly, and no matter how hard she tried to concentrate, she couldn't forget the thrill that had coursed through her when their eyes met.

"Earth to Olivia," her co-worker Carlos called out, breaking her reverie. He was leaning against the hood of a car she'd been working on, a playful smirk on his face. "You've been staring at that engine for ten minutes. What's got you so distracted?"

"Nothing," she muttered, turning back to the task at hand, though she could feel her cheeks warming. Carlos had always been quick to pick up on her moods, and the last thing she needed was him prying into her thoughts. Especially when those thoughts were about someone like Sam Knight.

Carlos raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Yeah, right. I've known you too long to buy that. Spill it—what's going on?"

Olivia sighed, knowing she wouldn't be able to avoid his curiosity for long. "You remember that street race last night?"

Carlos nodded, crossing his arms over his chest. "Yeah. Heard Tommy didn't win, though. Shame—you did a great job with his car."

"It wasn't that," Olivia said quickly, not wanting to admit how much it bothered her that Sam's car had won so easily. "I met someone there. Sam Knight."

Carlos's eyes widened. "The Formula 1 guy? Are you serious? What was he doing at a street race?"

"I have no idea," Olivia admitted, her frustration seeping into her voice. "But he was there, and we... talked. A little."

Carlos let out a low whistle. "That's pretty intense. What did he want?"

"That's the thing," Olivia said, setting down her tools and leaning against the workbench. "I don't really know. He was... strange. Intense. He told me to be careful, like he knew something I didn't. It was weird."

Carlos studied her for a moment, his expression serious. "Liv, you need to be careful around guys like him. He's not from our world, you know? He's rich, powerful, and probably used to getting whatever he wants. Just watch yourself, okay?"

Olivia nodded, though she couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at Carlos's words. She wasn't some naive girl who needed to be protected, and the implication stung. But she knew he was only trying to look out for her, so she pushed the irritation aside and forced a smile.

"Don't worry about me, Carlos. I can handle myself."

Before Carlos could respond, the sound of an approaching car caught their attention. Olivia looked up, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the sleek black sports car pull into the lot. Even before she saw him step out, she knew who it was. Sam Knight.

He moved with the same predatory grace she remembered from the night before, his presence commanding attention as he strode toward the shop. Olivia felt her pulse quicken as he drew closer, the air between them thickening with unspoken tension.

Carlos glanced between Olivia and Sam, his eyes narrowing with concern. "Is that him?"

Olivia nodded, her throat suddenly dry. "Yeah, that's him."

Sam stopped just outside the shop, his gaze sweeping over the space before settling on Olivia. He didn't acknowledge Carlos, as if the other man didn't even exist. It was unsettling how easily he could make someone feel invisible, but Olivia refused to let it intimidate her.