Chapter 19 - The Driver's Reward
The old industrial garage smelled of motor oil and stale beer.
Cole was lying on a mechanic’s creeper, sliding out from under the vintage Mustang, a wrench in his hand and grease smeared across his jawline. He sat up, wiping his hands on a filthy rag, and froze.
Elena was standing in the doorway of the garage, bathed in the amber light of the setting sun. She wore a sharp, tailored navy suit, her hair down, the gold signet ring catching the light. Two massive, suited security guards stood a respectful distance behind her.
“Look at you,” Cole smirked, tossing the rag onto a workbench. “From runway bride to mafia boss in under a week. You clean up nice, princess.”
Elena smiled, stepping into the garage. “I had a good getaway driver.”
Cole stood up, crossing his arms. The playful smirk faded, replaced by a guarded tension. “Arthur’s locked up. Your mom is alive. You got the crown. So why are you slumming it in my garage? The meter stopped running three days ago.”
Elena reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a thick, sealed envelope. She walked over and tossed it onto the hood of the Mustang.
“What’s this?” Cole asked, looking at the envelope suspiciously.
“A new start,” Elena said. “Inside is a passport with a clean name, courtesy of Julian’s fixers. There’s also an offshore account number with five million dollars in it. A thank you, from the Sterling family, for saving my mother’s life. And mine.”
Cole stared at the envelope. For a guy who had spent his life running from Arthur’s shadows, sleeping in shipping containers and fighting for scraps, it was the holy grail. He looked up at Elena, his dark eyes unreadable.
“Your mother stole twenty-three years from me to save my life,” Elena said softly. “You risked yours to give me my family back. The debt is paid, Cole. You’re free.”
Cole picked up the envelope, feeling its weight. He tapped it against his palm, looking around the dirty garage, then back at the billionaire standing in front of him.
“Five million is a lot of money,” Cole drawled. “I could buy a beach house in Mexico. Drink margaritas until my liver fails.”
“You could,” Elena agreed.
“Or,” Cole said, taking a step closer to her, his height towering over her, a dangerous spark in his eyes. “I could stay in the city. I hear the new Chairwoman of Sterling Enterprises has a habit of getting shot at. She might need someone who knows how to drive fast and hit a target.”
Elena didn't back away. She looked up into his eyes, seeing the jagged scar on his jaw and the fierce, unyielding loyalty beneath his rough exterior. Her heart, which had been numb for days, gave a sudden, unexpected flutter.
“The job pays well,” Elena murmured, a slight smirk playing on her lips. “But the boss is very demanding.”
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“I’m good at taking orders,” Cole said, tossing the envelope back onto the car. “When do I start, boss?”
“Tomorrow at 8:00 AM,” Elena said, turning to walk away. She paused at the door, looking back over her shoulder. “And Cole? Wash the grease off your face before you show up to the executive floor.”
