Though Rex had mastered the art of keeping his expression neutral, he was fighting the grimace that wanted to etch its way on his face.  If one could see behind the visor of the Racer X mask, his narrowed eyes and furrowed brows would make his agitation apparent.  It was asinine for a man in his position to be the jealous type.  After all, he was the mysterious masked racer.  As far as the world was concerned, he had no country, no family, and especially no lover.

Yet sometimes, he just couldn’t help it.  Something about seeing her at these events brought out the worst in him.  His envy attempted to coax him into leaving caution in the dust.  In a perfect world, she would be by his side, on his arm.  Flirting and laughing with him instead of his competition.  He knew she cared nothing about these other racers.  He knew it was only to keep up appearances and be a good ambassador for her father’s company that sponsored a good many of these men.  The part she played didn’t prevent her from the occasional longing glance in his direction, or a sly smile if they happened to cross paths.  He was well aware that she didn’t enjoy playing the socialite any more than he enjoyed watching her do so.  That didn’t mean he wouldn’t make her pay for it the moment they were alone. 

Yet there were planes to catch and races to win.  As much as Rex wanted to visit her sooner, the chance hadn’t presented himself until weeks later.  The weather that evening was reminiscent of his brewing inner turmoil, but the brutal storm obscuring his view of the winding roads up to where she lived did nothing to dissuade him.  He had the path memorized.  He could make it to his woman in his sleep. 

When he reached the lavish estate, he drove his car off the paved asphalt driveway onto the rocky gravel, a lesser-known path that led him behind her garage.  Though she lived alone in this big place, he didn’t want to risk anyone knowing she had company.  When he killed the engine, he was basked in darkness.  The occasional lightning strike illuminated his way to the back entrance, while the unforgiving raindrops lashed against his skin.  The heat resonating from his core gave him immunity to the chill of the harsh winds.  He moved a potted plant, and lifted a board on her back deck, locating the key concealed beneath.  Deft fingers made quick work of the lock and deadbolt before returning the key to its hiding place.

Rex slipped inside, careful to lock the door behind himself.  If he didn’t know any better, he’d assume no one was home.  Not a light was on throughout entire lower level.  There wasn’t a sound to be heard, not even his footsteps as he crossed the plush carpeted floor.  As he neared the staircase, an unmistakable silhouette cast over the foyer made him stop in his tracks.  His eyes followed the light source up to the top of the stairs, only to find her leaning against the railing, smirking down at him.  She wore little more than a satin nightgown.  Her hair hung past her shoulders.  Damp, but not from the storm.  He could practically smell the scent of her shampoo already.

“Rex…”

Though her voice was soft, it carried throughout the silent house.  The possessiveness that had been welling inside Rex for weeks came to a head.  Without a word, he ascended the steps two at a time until he reached the landing.  The moment she was within arm’s reach, he pulled her close.  His lips collided against hers with a growl.  Her body’s warmth pierced through the chill of his damp clothing, causing the heat inside of him to boil over.  Now that he had a taste of what was rightfully his, he needed it all.  He broke away from the kiss only to grab her by the wrist and drag her along in the direction of her bedroom.  The door to her quarters was already open, and he didn’t bother shutting it behind them.  He guided her to the bed, backing her against it until she fell back onto the already disheveled sheets.  He was upon her in an instant.  His lips found her nape as his hands groped whatever they could touch.

“Mine.”

This single word rumbled against the column of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.  She could do nothing but gasp and cling to him as his mouth traveled lower and his hands smoothed up her thighs, past her hips, along her waist until they finally guided her nightgown right off.  He pulled back momentarily, taking a moment to admire his woman’s body.

His.

The thoughts of her at all those races and events replayed in his mind as he took a moment to drink in that which he had been thirsting over.  Flashes of her in the most gorgeous of dresses, decorated with the finest accessories that money could buy played like a reel before stopping in this moment.  The sight before him put all of that to shame.  If those other men were to ever see her like this, they’d be just as selfish as him.  Yet they’d never get the chance.  He’d never allow it.  She’d never permit it.

When Rex broke out of his reverie, his lips were on her again.  He felt compelled to kiss every inch of skin he could reach.  Perhaps he was feeling a little selfish… A bit greedy.  Who would blame a man in his position?  There wasn’t much that was truly his.  His life hadn’t been his own in ages.  His many victories weren’t in his name.  Hell, he couldn’t even use his own name.  But this gorgeous woman that laid beneath him?  She was his.  Her body, her heart, her everything… They were completely and utterly property of Rex Racer, and he planned on having her scream his name— his real name, so much that she wouldn’t dare forget it.