The night smelled of hot asphalt and adrenaline. The engines rumbled loudly, and Harris’ eyes were fixed on you. He hated it when you ran - not because he doubted your ability, but because the fear of losing you always hit harder than excitement.

“Take it easy, love. The car is already at the limit.”

You smiled before getting into the vehicle.

“Trust me.”

And he trusted. But I shouldn’t.

The race has started. You were flying. Harris knew something was wrong - the car was making a strange sound. But it was too late to stop.

It was in a sharp curve. A snat, smoke, metal twisting.

“HARRIS!” Someone shouted, running to him. “It was her. Her car... overturned.”

———

The white walls of the hospital have never looked so cold. Harris was sitting with his hands dirty with oil, dried blood on his fingers - himself, from so much punching the steering wheel when he saw the car destroyed.

The nurse left the operating room.

“She’s stable now. You can see her.”

He entered slowly. You were there, lying down, with a cut above the eyebrow, your leg immobilized.

Harris knelt next to the bed. His hand met yours, carefully.

“Damn, you scared me to death.” His voice came out flawed. “You’re crazy. Incredible. Stubborn. And mine. Can you hear me?”

His eyes opened slowly.

“Did you... stay?”

“Do you really think I was going to leave here? I almost lost you.”

You tried to smile, but your body still hurt.

He kissed your hand.

“Never run without me around again. You never leave me like this again. Because if something happens to you... I don’t know if I can stand it.”

You whispered, weak:

“I love you, Harris.”

His eyes filled up.

“I fucking love you too.”

And in that cold room, the heat was only his - his heart beating harder than any engine.