Double Star

14 : Virginity Bet.

PoV – Luke

"I hope you're ready for the big day, Luke," the boss said, stroking his long beard as he looked me in the eye. In just a week, I'll be facing the top drivers in a death-defying car race.

"Yeah," I shrugged. I'm always number one in these competitions—no reason I won't be again this year.

"I know you can do it. I trust you." He pulled a cigar from his jacket pocket and lit it.

"Want one?" he asked, offering the pack.

"I don't smoke." He grinned, puffing out a thick cloud of smoke.

"Is your friend racing for the other gang again this year?" My fists clenched. I knew exactly who he meant.

"He's not my friend," I snapped. "And I don't care if that bastard Matthew joins or not. I'm better than him, and he knows it."

"By the way, there's a new rule this year," he said, crushing the cigar in the ashtray.

"What?"

"You need a partner to compete."

A partner? Whatever. If they want partners, I could bring ten. That rule makes no damn sense.

I left the boss's office and checked the time. It was past noon, 30 minutes until school started again. I'd already missed the morning, and my sister was going to flip. I gunned it and made it with 15 minutes to spare.

"...So? What do you say? I need you in this competition, Sarah! You're my best friend—you can't say no!" Some idiot was pleading. When I saw the girl next to him, my jaw clenched. Blondie. That guy was asking her to be his race partner?

"I don't know, Jordan. Between exams and everything at home, I'm kind of swamped. Maybe ask someone else?"

Wait—Jordan? Not Matthew? So he's the one representing the other gang this year? The Strikers never make random choices. If Jordan picked her, there's a reason. I don't like this.

"No, I want you because... well, you know me better than anyone." He gave her a dumb, hopeful smile, and she hesitated.

"Well, if you insist, I..."

"No. She's not going with you." Both of them turned, stunned by my interruption.

"Luke?" Sarah looked at me, confused.

"Who the hell do you think you are, deciding for her?" Jordan glared and stepped closer.

I shoved my hands in my pockets. Not like he can scare me.

"Jordan, stop!" Sarah grabbed his arm to prevent a fight. Why does she care so much about this loser? I'm 2,000 times better than him—and that's me being modest.

"She's my partner."

"What?"

They both stared at me, shocked. She even pulled away from him, and I have to admit that felt satisfying.

"She's not going with you. She's coming with me." I smirked.

"You serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

"You look like a dickhead."

Damn. That stung less than it should've.

"Try harder next time," I said, amused. He winced.

"Is this true, Sarah?" He turned to her. She looked at me, uncertain. I just smiled. She looked away.

"I... I guess?" she muttered.