Chapter 35_ Little Arya

Kane unfastened Arya's seat belt and pulled her close, his soothing words and embrace comforting her. "It's over, Tigress. We've come to a stop, the car is not in motion anymore."

Arya, still reeling from her intense panic, found solace in Kane's arms and the distant sound of his voice. As she regained her senses, the first thing she noticed was his smile, causing her confusion to deepen. "What...what happened?"

"Excessive speed," Kane commented, and Arya let out a sigh.

"Did the race end?" she asked, eyes wide with worry. Kane looked at her for a moment before responding. But before he could speak, Piston's car zoomed past them, the driver honking triumphantly. Kane scowled.

"The race is over, Arya," Kane confirmed, and she burst into tears.

"I can't believe I made you lose the race. You should have-" Before she could finish her sentence, Kane hushed her with a gentle touch and took her hands, placing a tender kiss upon her lips.

"What happened is not your fault, Arya. I couldn't bear to see you in pain because of a silly race. To hell with the damn race!" Kane exclaimed, as more tears streamed down Arya's face. When did Kane become so caring and wise? She wondered silently as she held him tight, finding comfort in his warmth.

"You're not angry with me? I caused you to lose a race for the first time, I'm sure everyone will be furious." Arya's voice was muffled against his chest, but Kane heard her.

"No, I'm not angry. I don't give a damn about what others think, understand? I just wish you had trusted me." Kane replied.

"I do trust you. I just can't handle the fear. It was like reliving the worst moment of my life, over and over again." Arya admitted, and Kane nodded as he hugged her closer, placing a tender kiss on her forehead.

"I know it's hard, but we'll get through this. Together, we can conquer this damn fear." Kane's words carried resolute determination, and Arya nodded in agreement, her smile genuine and heartfelt.

Amidst the uproar of disappointment from those who had bet on Kane, Piston was declared the winner of the race. The disgruntled betters rose from their seats, their grumbles filled with indignation. Arya and Kane made their way to the pits where they were met with a somber reception from Alonso, Chloe, and Alex.

"What transpired out there?" Alonso inquired with a narrowed gaze, shooting suspicious looks at Kane. He then turned to Arya, "Did she cause you to lose the race?" His expression bordered on a glare.

"No, Alonso. It's not her doing. The engine malfunctioned and I had no choice but to halt," Kane fibbed, eliciting a surprised look from Arya.

Alonso let out a chuckle and raised an eyebrow at Kane, "That's impossible, man. You know it. I can see through your lie. Arya led you to your loss! I was against her participation in that race but you didn't listen. Now, look at you, defeated by that Piston of a guy who is not even worth your time or caliber." The anger in his voice was palpable as tension thickened between the two men.

'The situation is getting heated because Kane is trying to defend me,' Arya thought, rushing forward to mediate. "You're right. The car was running smoothly, but I had a panic attack. It was my fault that Kane lost," she confessed, prompting Alonso to scoff.

"Arya, there was no need to-" Kane began, but Arya cut him off.

"It's alright, Kane. I don't want you and your friend to argue because of me. Let's go home, Alex." Arya said, turning to Chloe who seemed to be admiring Alonso and checking him out. Arya shook her head and made a mental note to ask her friend what she thought of Alonso later. She nudged Chloe lightly and took Alex's hand, with Chloe following suit as they left Kane and Alonso behind.

Piston approached Kane with a smug grin on his face and quipped, "So, where's my car, Maranello?"

"You mean the amazing car that you destroyed with your crappy driving?" Kane retorted, to which Piston nodded.

"Exactly."

Kane took out the car keys from his pocket, removed the keychain, and tossed the key to Piston, who caught it with a wide grin before leaving, whistling with a merry tune.

"Let's go grab some drinks, man." Alonso suggested, and Kane nodded, following him to his car. They arrived at the Exclusive hotel, where they had a private room specific for them anytime they wanted to indulge in debauchery.


=====


In the dimly lit room, sensual music played in the background as alluring women danced and seduced their clients. One man had a brown-haired woman kneeling before him, her head buried in his lap as she served him with her mouth.

Alonso moaned as the brown-haired woman pleasured him, his hand gripping her head as he thrust his cock into her mouth. He climaxed, spilling his seed into her mouth as she expertly milked him dry. He then pushed her away and wiped himself with a handkerchief before zipping up. He slapped her ass and signaled for her to leave, throwing her a wad of cash as she left with a satisfied smile.

Alonso glanced at Kane beside him, who hadn't indulged in the affections of any girls since their arrival in the room. He was currently occupied with a girl, swaying to the music on his lap while exploring her breasts with his hands. Raising an eyebrow, Alonso chuckled and quipped, "What's with you, man? Can't handle the ladies? Has your time with Arya changed you so much that you don't want to be the notorious Playboy anymore, Kane?"

Kane raised his brows at Alonso, still playing with the girl's breasts. "You know me, Alonso. A leopard never changes its spots. My father wants a responsible man, and that's what he'll have. Arya is nothing more than a fleeting amusement, and only because she was stubborn on our first encounter. You dared me to seduce her, and that's exactly what I'm doing. I'm painting myself as the man of her dreams. And she's just the means to an end - once I become the CEO of Maranello's Enterprises, she'll be begging for my attention. Then, I'll discard her like she discarded me."

"Are you sure about that, Kane? I've never seen you lose a race before, and you did just that, all for Arya. Taking it a bit too far to impress her, don't you think? I can't shake off the feeling that she's the one taming you, when it should be the other way around." Alonso replied, causing Kane to remain silent for a moment before fixing him with a determined gaze.

"I am not one to be tamed, Alonso Brown. This is all a facade I am maintaining for my father's sake, and to earn his trust and access to the company that my mother sacrificed for. I will not allow little Arya to manipulate my actions." Kane retorted coldly, prompting Alonso to raise his hands in surrender, though he still gave Kane a doubtful look.

"And what about that man pursuing her? Why do you not dispose of him already? This is not like you at all." Alonso inquired, a slight frown forming on his face, but Kane dismissed his concerns with a wave of his hand.

"He is simply a source of amusement for me. I will have my vengeance at the opportune moment. We cannot let Arya become suspicious of my intentions, can we?" Kane remarked cunningly, causing Alonso to chuckle and nod in understanding.