Obx 4

Chapter 5

Kiara's pov

Me and JJ headed back to the other Pogues, and as soon as we approached, John B looked at us with concern. "So, did you let him?" he asked, but he didn't need an answer; JJ's excited expression said it all. I nodded, confirming his suspicions.

"What the hell, Kie? You're going to risk everything?" John B shouted, frustration evident in his voice.

"I know, John B, but let's just give it a chance. He's only going to bet a portion of our money. If we lose, it's not going to be a lot. If this is what he wants to do, then let's let him, and if there are consequences, they're on him, not us. I trust him," I explained, trying to keep the peace.

"This is actually really stupid, Kie. We're going to lose money for nothing," Pope added, clearly not convinced.

"We're not going to lose any money because I'm going to win," JJ said confidently, his usual bravado shining through.

"Yeah, keep those expectations high," Cleo laughed, shaking her head.

"Let's go, guys. We have somewhere to be," JJ said, already heading to the Twinkie, his enthusiasm unshaken.

"Kie, think this through. If he loses, we all lose money," Sarah warned, her concern mirroring John B's.

"I know, but we need to trust him, guys. I wasn't okay with the idea at first, but this is really something he wants to do," I replied, trying to reassure them.

John B let out a sarcastic laugh, clearly still upset. "Whatever," he muttered, his voice tinged with annoyance as he walked toward the Twinkie.

When all of us were finally in the Twinkie, JJ looked around at everyone, his excitement dimming slightly as he noticed our less-than-enthusiastic reactions. "I know you guys aren't really happy about this, but trust me, I know how to ride a bike," JJ said, trying to ease the tension.

"He did fall off a bridge and survive, so..." Sarah added, giving JJ some support.

The ride to the race was quiet, the only sound being JJ's occasional giggles, which made me smile despite everything. I liked seeing him happy, even if the rest of the group wasn't exactly thrilled.

JJ's pov

We arrived at the race, and the sound of roaring engines filled the air as bikes zoomed past us on the track. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Cleo asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Of course it is," I said confidently, though the looks from the others made it clear they didn't share my enthusiasm. I walked closer to the bikes, feeling their eyes on my back. John B followed me, clearly not ready to let this go.

"JJ, I know you think you're the big guy, but you're not. You're going to lose money for literally nothing," John B said, trying to talk some sense into me. I placed my hands on his shoulders, trying to reassure him.

"Look, I get it. You're pissed," I said, but his expression didn't soften.

"I'm more than pissed. This idea is horrible," he shot back.

I sighed, looking out at the track where the bikes were racing. "Nothing to lose?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Nah, we've got everything to lose this time," John B replied, his voice tight with frustration. He walked away, leaving me to stew in my thoughts.

Just then, a man with tattoos, a gray beard, and black hair approached me. "JJ Maybank, right? You signed up for this bike race, didn't you?" he asked, his voice gruff.

"I did. $1,200 in cash," I said, trying to sound confident, but he just laughed.

"Man, you think that's enough? I heard you found some city of gold and now you're rich, so I need more than that," he said, his eyes narrowing.