A forced marriage with the mafioso

"Jesse, it's getting late, and your brothers have already left!" Claire shouted from the first floor of my house.

She glanced at me one last time in the mirror, and I nodded in approval of my outfit and makeup. Race nights are an unforgettable time for wild teenagers seeking pure adrenaline. But I must admit, I stopped attending these events when I turned 18 and went to study in Paris.

Now, seven years later, I feel the same excitement as when I was 15.

I descended to the ground floor where my lifelong best friend was eagerly waiting for me, dying to see her love.

"I'm here," I let her know, prompting her to lift her gaze from her phone. "Let's go." We left the house and got into my beautiful Nissan Silvia S15, similar to the one used in 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.'

"I don't understand why you took so long when you were already ready," Claire said, getting into the passenger seat.

"You know I'm a bit particular about how I look. I always have to be well-dressed and smell good," I revved my car, feeling the adrenaline coursing through my body once again.

"Hey, I know you've been here for a month since you came back from Paris, but I have to tell you, things have changed a lot in these places."

"As far as I remember, I was the drift queen," I smirked confidently. "I'm sure I can reclaim my throne."

"Yeah," my friend looked uncomfortable, her smile strained.

"What's with that uncertain 'yeah'?"

"Well... let's say someone quickly took your place when you left, and almost no one remembers you."

"If that had happened, my brothers would have told me."

"They also stopped coming when you left, so I guess they don't know."

I furrowed my brow, quite confused. "Tell me who's supposed to have taken my place."

"God... Promise me you won't go crazy?"

"Claire," I warned.

"It's Jordan Maxwell," she quickly responded.

However, my brain processed that name that had caused me so many nightmares even when I was far away from him. Just remembering his horrifying face made my skin crawl, as if a ghostly wind had swept through me.

"You're lying," I looked at her in disbelief before focusing my eyes on the road. "That jerk couldn't have replaced me."

"In reality, he's really good."

"Pfft," I scoffed. "Well, he better step aside because the drift queen has arrived."

And as if they were waiting for my arrival, Taylor Swift's 'Look What You Made Me Do' started playing. The people blocking the road to the racing venue moved aside, allowing my beautiful car to pass. It felt like a movie scene, with a lineup of cars on display for everyone to admire. Guys flaunted their machines, easily attracting women, as it's no secret that racing can earn good money, win or lose.

"I don't remember it being this colorful," I remarked as I slowly made my way forward, everyone eager to know who I was.

"It's changed a lot, but it's still just as exciting."

"I hope I can participate tonight."

"Are you sure? It's been a long time since you've driven."

"Do you seriously doubt my abilities? Remember, I grew up with two older brothers. As a kid, I practiced hand-to-hand combat, handled weapons like toys, and my skills are as sharp as a feline's."

"Yeah, yeah, but maybe just watch tonight and drive another time."

What Claire said made sense. I haven't touched a car in years, but my body still craves it to drain all the dopamine.

"Fine, I'll do that, but if I get bored, it's your responsibility to make me laugh."

Not far away, I spotted my older brother, Josh, signaling an available spot among all those cars. With my best and impeccable parking technique, I left my baby in perfect condition.

"Okay, let the party begin," I told Claire.

"I don't know why, but I have a feeling this is going to be crazy."

"That's what I'm hoping for," I replied with a smile.

I stepped out of my car and inhaled the scent of gasoline, strawberry vape, cigarettes, and alcohol. Eyes were fixed on me with curiosity; new faces wanted to know who I was, while the veterans in the place already knew me and my capabilities.

I grew up in an extremely masculine environment. I have two older brothers, Josh and Gregory, who are twins, my father, security guards, and finally, my mother. The Carter family strongly prefers their descendants to be males because the family work is purely 'masculine.' However, my father dedicated himself to funding every extracurricular activity that would allow me to acquire skills like self-defense, handling weapons, and sports like volleyball. But the best thing I learned was driving and fixing cars.

My mother thought all these activities turned me into a masculine woman, but in reality, I never abandoned my femininity. I love design and fashion, and in fact, that's what I studied while in France. I enjoy going to beauty salons and spending hours pampering myself, so I can say I live the best of two worlds.

"Look who showed up around here!"

"Gus!" I run into his arms.

Gus is a good friend, a mechanic who supported me in car races for many years.

"I missed you so much,"I say as we part.

"You better have, woman, because I did too. But tell me, what brings you back to the nest?"

"I've been here for a month doing some work stuff, but I was craving a bit of adrenaline."

"Well, you know this is your home, and if you want to compete, just say the word."

"Not today, I'll just watch."

"Really?" He looks surprised. "Don't tell me you've become refined."

"Not at all, it's just that I haven't driven in a long time."

"Well, you know the offer stands. Just let me know, and you're in."

"Sure," I reply.

"I have to go; a race is starting soon."

"Go ahead, buddy. See you after this."

Gus moves away from me, and I return to Claire and my brothers, who already had two girls by their side.

"Are you going to compete?" Josh asks.

"No, I'll just watch the races"' I reply.

"Are you kidding?" Gregory looks at me with a frown. "For weeks, you've been insisting on coming here to race, and now you regret it."

"Claire talked some sense into me. It's been a long time since I touched my baby, and I feel that driving it without practicing first would be dangerous."

"And since when do you reason!" Gregory is scandalized. "Jess, you're known for acting on impulse, regardless of whether the consequences are good or bad. After all, you're good at what you do, not competing would be like spitting on our pride."

"And why your pride and not mine?" I raise an eyebrow and cross my arms.

The twins look at each other with complicity.

"Because we told everyone that you'd kick their butts," Josh replies. "Plus, we want to shut Jordan Maxwell up."

"Just stop insisting," Claire intervenes. "Jesse, it's your decision if you accept, but first, you need to see how the competition goes with Jordan Maxwell on the track."

"Claire is right, things are different, not like seven years ago."

"Okay, okay, okay," Josh says, raising his hands in the air.

"I'll go get something to drink," I inform them.

"Are you going to drink alcohol?" My friend asks, doubtful.

"No, just getting water."

I move away from her.

My thoughts become a whirlwind, engulfing me in its vortex. It's as if I've gone back in time; even though the surroundings have changed, my insides cling to that youthful feeling, as if I were 15 years old again.

A wave of emotions engulfs me, a tingling sensation runs through my body as my mind fills with memories and desires. Excitement takes over me, and all I want in that moment is to take the wheel of my car and feel the freedom of the road. It's as if that sense of freedom and adventure has remained intact despite the passage of time and changing circumstances around me.

However, I come to a halt when I witness such a horrifying scene, looking with disdain and revulsion at how little these women care when it comes to a man, and unfortunately, I had to pass by their side.

'You'd better find a motel.' I speak up, catching both of their attention, but I ignore them completely to buy my bottle of water.

"If you want, you can join for a threesome." She responds and rolls her eyes. "I promise you'll like it."

"The only thing I'd like from you is to never see your stupid face again." I turn, making my long hair move dramatically.

"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in." He mocks. "Jesse foolish Carter."

"How old are you? 10?"

"Old enough." He answers. "What brings you here?"

"None of your business."

"Are you going to compete?"

"None of your business."

"If you are, I suggest not competing against me; I have a good car that will defeat yours in minutes."

I let out a loud laugh.

"I had forgotten how funny you are." I wipe away the fake tears from my eyes. "I think I need to refresh your memory." I approach him threateningly.

But the girl who was in his lap stepped forward to protect her man.

"Move aside." Jordan Maxwell pushes his girl aside and looks at me with a mocking smile. 'I don't recommend fighting with her.'

"I can finish her in seconds," the girl speaks.

"I say that for your sake" Jordan tells her.

A self-satisfied smile lights up my face, and the woman didn't like it.

"As I was saying before your bitch got in my way." I speak while staring straight at the girl, but she didn't attack. "I have to remind you that I'm the queen of this circuit; I've kicked your ass many times, I'm not afraid to compete against you."

"Sure, sure." He gestures with his hands to downplay it. "You left seven years ago; nothing is the same anymore."

"Whatever." I roll my eyes. "I have to go; I have a night to enjoy." I wink at him and walk away, swaying my hips.