Page 296 of Rogue Riders Duet

I frown, taken aback. “What?”

“I think I’ve figured out what’s been holding him back. If I’m right, I could help make him faster. But…” Finn hesitates, searching my gaze, his jaw flexing. “I wanted to check with you first. If I do this, I’ll be giving you stronger competition. He’ll be harder to beat. I just don’t want to screw all this up for you.”

My breath catches, latching onto the important part. “You’d do that for him?”

He shakes his head. “Not for him.”

The silent part is loud between us.

He’d do it for me.

Wait, does he still believe the rumors?

Does he think I would hang out with Mason if he’d done what they say he did?

“I’d appreciate you helping him.”

Finn tilts his head and watches me like he’s searching for what I might not be saying, and before I can stop myself, the words spill out.

“He didn’t do it.”

His brows draw together slowly. “He didn’t?”

“No. It was all Raine. It was Isaac telling his sister to spread rumors about Mason, to get rid of him. It’s the same thing with your fiancée, the same way he made Luc lash out, and what happened to Dane and me. It’s all connected, Finn. It’s all him.” He doesn’t respond immediately, and anxiety twists in my chest. “You don’t believe me?”

“I believe you. It’s just…” He exhales slowly, dragging a hand across his face. “Fuck. This is all so messed up.”

“I know, and Mason doesn’t deserve it. He deserves every bit of help you can give him. I want him to have a real shot at winning.”

“Even if he takes the overall from you?” Finn asks, searching my face. “Because, Al, Payne is good. More than good. When he finds the right melody, he’ll probably be faster than you and Luc.”

That doesn’t surprise me. Mason Payne is a phenomenal rider, calculated and stupidly fast. He’s already secured two overalls at twenty-four. That says enough.

I nod eagerly. “Yeah. I’m fine with that.”

And the thing is, it’s the truth. If Mason or Luc took the title, I wouldn’t be bitter. I’d be proud. I’d be actually happy for them.

That realization hits me like a slow punch to the ribs, and a crooked smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it.

Shit.

Everything has changed so fast. For years, all I wanted was revenge and a trophy.

And now? I want so much more.

Not just for myself, but for these men, Finn included, even if that doesn’t include me.

Finn watches me intently, like he’s seeing all of that play out behind my eyes. A soft, bittersweet smile spreads across his face. “You’re into him.”

I shrug, but the words come out almost breathless. “He’s mine.”

Luc’s laugh echoes nearby, and Finn glances toward the sound.

“And Luc’s mine too,” I add softly.

That gets his full attention again. I bite my lip as my pulse thuds at the base of my throat. “We’re together. All three of us. Mason, Luc, and me.”

Surprise and hurt flash in Finn’s eyes, but then he nods, and the hurt softens, folding into something warmer. “As long as you’re happy, Al.”