I do right now.
“Okay, now you’re in position, move to the right handlebar. The right button reads ‘run,’ click it to on.”
I gnaw on my bottom lip, pushing it down.
“Now, the fun part. Right next to it is the start button, check you’re still in neutral, then when you’re good to go, press down on start.”
I bounce on the seat a little, then calm my excitement. Looking down, the N is still green, so I move my finger to the start button and press down on it.
The bike roars to life, and I let out a happy squeal.
Void shakes his head. “Keep your cool, Ivy.”
I nod, pulling my shit together. I take in a deep breath as I let the bike warm. I turn to Void. “I can’t believe you’re letting me ride her without you.”
“I trust you.” He doesn’t hesitate, or flinch, or waver. He says it so openly and honestly that it fills me with nothing but confidence. “You ready to ride, sweet thing?”
I bob my head. “Yep!”
“Then, pull back on the throttle, easing into it, take the corners slowly. Don’t go too fast, okay?” he calls out, but I have already ridden off and am halfway across the concrete raised section. I’m not going anywhere near fast enough for the wind to whip at my hair, but it’s enough for me to get a feel of the bike and to get even more of a taste of what riding’s like. It’s smooth, almost effortless. I have no clue how I’m adapting to this so damn easy, but it’s like this is the only thing I’m meant to do with my life. I want West to open the gates and let me out. Let me ride openly and free with the wind, but Void absolutely won’t let me do that, so I turn back toward him. The smile on his face is so fucking wide.
This is helping so much with the tension I’m holding onto inside about Dash’s confession. So, I’m just going to let it go and ride. I can’t help but notice Nycto, Eva, and Hatch from Miami, standing out with Void now watching me. I thought having an audience would terrify me, but all it does is spur me on. I want to show them I can do this. I might be little, I might be a virgin, but those things don’t define my character. I’m stronger than they all give me credit for. Right now, it’s like I can do anything.
I ride past them, Eva’s laughing as I go. “Wooo hooo… go, Ivy! You show these guys how it’s done.”
As I turn heading back the way I came, I grin like the Cheshire cat. I wish I could ride forever, but I know I can’t. I have to go back inside at some point, plus I shouldn’t waste the gas. Eventually, and hesitantly, I pull to a stop right next to them.
Eva claps loudly as Void comes to my side.
He winks at me but continues his lesson. “Okay, to shut her down, hit the run switch to off.”
I move to the right-hand switch and regrettably flick it off. The bike shuts down, the vibration coming to a halt as I inhale sharply.
Void’s eyes connect with mine. “You did great. Well done! Changed gears at the exact right time. You’re a natural.”
“That’s my sister, constantly surprising us. You’re amazing, Ivy,” Eva boasts as Nycto stands back with his arms crossed.
“Pretty badass for a small thing like you to ride a bike like that, Ivy. I’m impressed. A little turned on even—”
“Go get another drink, Hatch.” Void glares, interrupting him as I giggle to myself.
“Yep,” Hatch agrees, spinning around and walking back down the ramp to head inside the bunker, stumbling as he goes. He’s already had quite a few drinks by the looks of it.
“You ride well, Ivy. Void’s doing the right thing teaching you,” Nycto states.
“You think?”
“Just don’t get too complacent. Otherwise, you’ll end up like Void. How are your ribs, VP?” Nycto jabs, raising his brow.
Eva elbows Nycto in the side, so he turns to walk back down the ramp.
Eva lets out an exasperated huff. “Sorry, he’s worried you’ll hurt yourself. He’s only snapping out of concern. That’s all.”
I exhale. “I get it. But honestly, Eva, I felt good. I know I can handle this.”
“Yeah, you can. Nycto’s angry at me, not you, Ivy,” Void insists.
“Okay. I’m gonna park, then we’ll get back to the party.”
“Good fucking idea. I need a damn drink,”