Faster Deeper (Take Me...#2) (New Adult Bad Boy Racer Novel) Read Online Free Page A

attitude. You’ve always been such a hard
worker, Siena. You get that from me.”
    “Thanks Dad,” I say.
    “I just want you to know that it doesn’t go unnoticed, all
your effort,” he says, “I know I give you a hard time, and that I’m not the
easiest man to please, but I know that at the end of the day, I can count on
you to know what’s good for this team. Sometimes, you know better than I do. Public
Relations-wise, of course.”
    “Of course,” I smile.
    “Enzo’s always thought of himself as your protector, your
big old brother, but you take care of him just as well, Siena. Thank you for
that. Thank you for putting family first and keeping an eye on him.”
    “Sure Dad,” I say, “But...Can I ask what the sudden praise
is all about?”
    “Oh God,” Dad laughs, “I hope I’m not so stingy with
compliments that this is strange for you. Am I really that bad?”
    “You’re...not forthcoming with the positive notes,” I allow,
“Not that I mind. I like to be challenged in my work.”
    “I’m sorry, Siena,” Dad sighs, standing.
    He crosses the room and wraps me up in an unexpected bear
hug. I freeze for a moment, unsure of what to do. We’re a loving family, but
Dad’s never been the affectionate type. We always relied on Mom for hugs and
kisses, and Dad for tough love. I give into the sudden hug, but unease is
stirring in my gut. Something seems off, here. I just can’t tell what...
    “I’m really proud of you,” Dad says, resting his chin on the
top of my head, “This isn’t an easy world for young women to get along in, but
you’re really holding your own. Even if you weren’t my daughter, I’d try and
poach you from another team in a heartbeat.”
    “I enjoy it,” I tell him, pulling away and looking up into
his eyes.
    “Is Public Relations where you want to stay?” he asks,
pulling me over to sit beside him on the couch.
    I settle down, mulling over the question. “I mean...I think
I have a knack for it,” I tell him, “And there’s definitely a rush involved,
having the power to shape narratives and stories and all.”
    “But...?” Dad asks, leading me along.
    “But...I suppose the position feels a little limiting,” I
admit, “If I’m really honest...I wouldn’t mind having a little more influence
someday. There are hardly any women on the managerial side of F1, you know?”
    “I figured you’d have your sights set higher,” Dad says,
looking downright elated.
    “Well, you always taught us to go after our dreams,” I say,
“I guess I was listening.”
    “I guess you were,” Dad says, “For what it’s worth, I think
you’d make an excellent player in the F1 game. Your PR and marketing strategies
are brilliant, I’m sure your racing strategies would be just as spot-on.”
    “I've been watching Formula One for...oh...my entire life?”
I say.
    “That’s true,” Dad laughs.
    “Come to think of it,” I say, “I’m pretty sure my first
memory is of a Grand Prix.”
    “Really?” Dad asks.
    “Yeah,” I say, turning toward him, “I couldn’t have been
older than four. It’s a fuzzy sort of memory, more like a dream than anything
else. It’s the day of the Grand Prix, right at the end. Mom’s got me all
dressed up in a getup that matches hers—some sporty little sundress. Enzo’s
there, practically jumping onto the track with excitement, his black mop of
hair going every which way. Mom picks me up in her arms so that I can see the
cars cross the finish line. And there’s a flash of green, and I just go
berserk. I’m screaming and pointing, going, ‘that’s my dad! that’s my dad!’
You’re neck and neck with this jet black car, but at the last second you fly
ahead of him. And the whole world just erupts into noise. We rush down to the
pit as you get out of your car, all red in the face and sweaty. I run over to
you, and you scoop me up, and I feel like goddamn royalty...”
    A stifled sound pulls my focus away from my tale. Dad has
his