Until my Last Breath

56

Barcelona, Spain

Gavi

I knew Rita was good with cars. That much was obvious from the first time I saw her in a race suit, from the way her entire face lights up whenever she talks about the track.

But this?

This is something else entirely.

She moves through the dealership like she owns the place, confidence dripping from every step as she weaves between the cars, her eyes sharp, analytical. I swear she notices everything.

I watch as she circles a matte black Audi RS7, trailing her fingers along the hood before crouching slightly to inspect the wheels. She runs a hand over the body, humming in thought, before turning to glance at me over her shoulder.

"You do realize most of these guys will sell you anything if you look clueless enough, right?"

I blink, caught between listening to her and the way she looks standing there, completely in her element.

She's wearing a simple pair of jeans and a hoodie, nothing flashy, nothing extra—but I can't stop staring. Maybe it's the way she carries herself, the quiet confidence, the way she knows exactly what she's talking about. It's kind of ridiculous how attractive that is.

I cross my arms, leaning against the nearest car. "And you think I look clueless?"

Rita snorts, straightening up and tossing me a smirk. "Oh, absolutely."

I open my mouth to argue, but before I can, she turns her attention back to the Audi, gesturing for the salesman to come over. The poor guy looks slightly overwhelmed, and I don't blame him.

I just stand there, watching her work.

Completely amused.

And maybe a little in awe.

She's so serious about this. It's almost funny.

"Right. But what about the actual performance? The spec sheet says it pushes around 630 horsepower, but what's the real-world response time? And does it actually handle well under pressure, or are you just telling him that because it looks nice?"

The man hesitates, glancing between the two of us like he wasn't expecting to be interrogated. "Well, it's—uh—it's one of our top models, so—"

Rita gives him a look, one brow arching.

I have to bite back a laugh.

Eventually, he stammers out an answer, and Rita hums like she's considering it, nodding slowly. Then, without missing a beat, she turns to me.

"So? What do you think?"

I blink. "I think you're terrifying."

She rolls her eyes. "About the car, idiot."

I glance at the Audi, then back at her. "I mean... it looks cool?"

She sighs, shaking her head like I'm hopeless. "You're impossible."

I grin. "That's why I have you."

She looks at me then, really looks at me, and for a split second, something passes between us.

Something I can't quite put into words.

Before I can think too much about it, she clears her throat, breaking eye contact as she turns back to the salesman. "Alright. What kind of deal can you give us?"

And just like that, she's back in negotiation mode.

I can't do anything but watch her, utterly entertained.