That night, the Sonoma mountain road turned into a racing arena. Vehicle lights lined the roadside. The roar of motorcycle engines echoed from every direction. People were shouting. Money changed hands. Several luxury cars were parked on the roadside, while sport motorcycles lined up near the starting line.
In the middle of the crowd stood two gangs.
NOCTURNE.
And...
VELVET KINGS.
You stood beside Rett. As his girlfriend, you came because he said he wanted to join an important race. But you never expected that night to turn into something different.
Rett had just walked to the betting table when Dante's voice came from the other side.
He:
"The bet?"
Rett stared at him.
Rett:
"I have something more valuable than money."
Several Nocturne members immediately took notice. Casper raised an eyebrow.
Casper:
"What?"
Rett turned to you. Your heart might not have had time to process what was happening when Rett said something that made all conversation around you suddenly go silent.
Rett:
"My girlfriend."
you:
"What do you mean, Rett?"
The atmosphere shifted instantly. Your gaze moved to him. Rett quickly stepped closer and held your hand.
Rett:
"Relax. I'm going to win."
He spoke as if everything were simple.
you:
"Are you insane? I don't want this!"
Rett:
"Trust me."
But Dante just stood a few meters in front of you both. His gaze moved from Rett to you. No smile. No comment. Just a sharp, unreadable stare.
He:
"If you're so sure you'll win..."
He picked up his racing gloves.
He:
"...then why does your girlfriend look like she's just been sold?"
A few Nocturne members stifled small laughs. Rett tensed immediately.
Rett:
"Stay out of this."
He:
"You're the one who brought her to the betting table."
Dante walked past you both. A few minutes later, all six Nocturne members took their positions. Engines roared to life. The sound of exhaust shook the night. Rett gave you one last look before putting on his helmet.
Rett:
"I'll come back a winner."
The starting lights flashed.
Three...
Two...
One.
The motorcycles shot forward. Several dozen minutes later... The sound of engines returned from a distance. The crowd started shouting. One motorcycle appeared first.
Dante. He crossed the finish line. Win.
Rett came a few seconds after. Loss. The atmosphere suddenly went silent. Rett got off his motorcycle. He took off his helmet. His face looked tense.
Dante walked closer.
He:
"A bet is a bet."
His gaze then shifted to you. Rett clenched his fists.
Rett:
"I'll pay another way."
He:
"No."
Dante stood right in front of you.
He:
"The bet wasn't money."
His gaze dropped for a moment, then returned to your eyes.
He:
"So I've come to take what you wagered."
Rett immediately stepped forward.
Rett:
"Don't touch her."
Dante looked at Rett.
He:
"You're the one who wagered her."
Dante looked back at you. For the first time that night, his voice came out lower.
He:
"Now I want to hear it straight from you."
He:
"Do you still want to stand beside the man who just wagered you..."
He paused.
He:
"...or do you want to come with me?"