Almost is Never Enough | MIKHAIAH

12

Third-Person P.O.V.

"Hon, wrap your arms around me and hold on tight. I promise, this ride will be unforgettable." Max instructed.

Z tightened her grip slightly, pressing her cheek against the back of Max's helmet. "Is this tight enough?" she whispered, though the tone of her voice carried a playful challenge.

Max smirked, feeling the slight pressure of Z's hold. "We'll see." With that, she revved the engine, and the bike roared to life beneath them.

The sudden burst of speed sent a rush of adrenaline through Z's veins as they shot forward. She gasped and instinctively tightened her grip around Max's waist even more, pulling them closer together. Max grinned, feeling the warmth of Z's arms around her. The wind whipped around them as they zoomed through the city streets, and the thrill of the ride was heightened by the closeness they shared.

As the motorcycle weaved in and out of the quiet streets, Z's initial nerves melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of freedom. The world around them blurred as they sped past, leaving only the cool night air, the hum of the engine, and Max's steady presence in front of her. Z let out a small, breathless laugh, feeling exhilarated.

Max's voice broke through the rush of the wind. "You okay back there?"

Z laughed again, more confidently this time. "I'm more than okay!" she shouted over the wind, her voice filled with excitement. She loosened her grip slightly, feeling more daring as the thrill took over.

Max's heart raced, not just from the speed, but from the sound of Z's laughter, light and carefree. She took a sharp turn, leaning into the curve, and Z followed her movements instinctively, the sensation of moving in perfect sync adding to the rush.

"You're a natural," Max called back, teasing once more.

"Maybe you're just a good driver," Z shot back, the playful edge in her voice making Max smile beneath her helmet.

The city's lights began to fade as they approached a more open road. Max slowed the bike slightly, allowing Z to relax and take in the surroundings. The stars above them seemed brighter, and the air was fresher, cooler. With fewer cars on the road, it felt like they were the only two people in the world, sharing a moment of freedom that was theirs alone.

Z rested her head gently against Max's back, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing. "You were right," she said softly, though the words barely carried over the hum of the engine. "I do trust you."

Max's heart swelled at those words, though she kept her eyes focused on the road. "I'm glad," she replied, her voice quieter now, more intimate.

For a few more moments, they rode in silence, the peacefulness of the night settling over them. Max eventually brought the bike to a stop at a secluded spot overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking, with the skyline stretched out beneath them, twinkling like a sea of stars. Z slowly released her hold on Max, her arms lingering around her waist for just a second longer before she pulled away and took off her helmet.

"That was incredible," Z breathed, her cheeks flushed from the adrenaline and the rush of wind. Her hair was a little messy from the helmet, but she didn't seem to care.

Max turned to face her, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Told you it would be."

Z couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. "You really do know how to make everything exciting."

Max shrugged, her tone teasing. "Well, I like keeping things interesting." Her gaze softened as she watched Z, the wind gently tugging at her hair. "You were amazing, by the way."