𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 | 𝟏𝟖+

seventeen; courage

A U R O R A

"It feels like you don't care. Why won't you recognize I'm so rare? Always there, you don't do the same for me. That's not fair. I don't have it all, I'm not claiming to. But I know that I'm special."

. . .

I don't know what exactly made me say yes, but I did. I know I promised dad to not do anything reckless anymore, but this isn't exactly dangerous. It's only around the block.

And at high speed. And in an expensive car, whom I don't know the owner of.

Okay, dad is going to be pissed. If he finds out.

"We need to be quick!"

"Hush! I know," Jack chuckles and starts the engine. I buckle the belt and look at him, to see him chuckle and shake his head.

"You're wearing a seatbelt?"

"I'm not taking any risks."

"Sure, princess."

I let out a scream once he presses on the accelerator with his foot. The car shoots forward, making me fly against the seat. My hand grabs the handle and the wind is playing with my brown strands of hair.

Jack laughs, and he goes faster. My heart is pounding against my ribcage and I grow hot all over my body. My face feels red, and I'm holding in my breath.

My stomach feels like it's doing a thousand somersaults.

"Jack! Slow down!" I laugh, but he goes faster. The adrenaline is surging through my body, making me feel alive for once.

In the middle of riding, he suddenly slams the breaks and looks at me. "Your turn."

"You want me to drive?" I ask. He nods and gets out of the car, rounding it and opening my door. Unbuckling my belt, I get out and get in the driver's seat, getting installed and exhale.

"You got this. Come on."

I take my heels off and press down on the pedal, shooting forward. Having control of the wheel is scary, but exhilarating at the same time. I go harder and enjoy the butterflies in my stomach.

I scream in excitement and laugh, along with Jack. This is madness, but I love it. I hold the steering wheel tight between my fingers and laugh like a maniac.

I press down harder on the pedal, which feels harsh against my bare feet. But I'm not taking any chances by driving while wearing my heels.

"You're doing good!" Jack yells when he notices my stress. I keep ahold of the wheel and stay in control, feeling like a queen.

Sooner than I wanted, we arrive back in the driveway. Jack and I are laughing, but as I glance up and see Riccardo standing outside, my laughter dies down.

He has a frown on his face, making my stomach drop. My fingers are shaking when I take the keys out of the engine and hand them over to Jack.

Jack follows my gaze and sits up, getting out of the car as soon as it stops. We're lucky that no one is standing outside or waiting for their cars.

Riccardo's gaze is fixated on Jack as we walk up the stairs towards the entrance.

"What were you doing with her in the car?" he asks, an aggressive tone in his voice while he looks at Jack with furrowed brows. Having this urge to protect Jack, I push him behind me and face the older man.

"It was my idea," I blurt out. "I was the one that suggested we go on a ride. He didn't want to at first but I managed to persuade him," I say, quickly coming up with the lie.