Chapter 14: Summer, You Ungrateful Little Traitor

Fraser glanced at the woman beside him. Her face had gone a little pale; her fingers clenched tightly onto the door handle, her body pressed against the car door as if she were trying to escape. He was one of the world’s top racers. His Ferrari had been custom-modified for speed and stability. Xavier had nearly thrown up the last time he rode with him. Some people just didn’t know how to enjoy the thrill.

“Relax, my driving is fine.” Even as he said this, Fraser eased up on the speed just slightly.

Summer slowly adjusted to the pace. She still had no idea where Fraser was taking her. She only noticed that the car had sped onto an empty overpass. Fraser tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, his voice lazy.

“Summer, look outside.”

She turned her head toward the window. Beyond the high bridge, the vast, dark ocean stretched endlessly. Dim yellow streetlights cast a glow against the water, mirroring the twinkling stars in the sky. The sea looked like a massive, breathtaking celestial map, deep and boundless.

Fraser pressed a button, and the Ferrari’s convertible roof slowly retracted. Now, they were racing through the night, wind whipping past them. Fraser smirked, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

“Summer, take it all in.”

The moment the words left his mouth, the speedometer climbed back to 110 miles per hour. The roar of the wind drowned out everything else. There was nothing but the wild rush of air and the endless horizon ahead. It was as if they were flying along the edge of the city. It was reckless. Exhilarating.

Summer’s heartbeat pounded wildly, her body gradually relaxing. She could feel something inside her unraveling. A wide grin spread across her lips as she got lost in the moment. The wind whipped through her hair, strands of it fluttering across Fraser’s face. He reached up to brush them away, his fingers grazing the silky strands. Amusement crossed Fraser’s gaze. He twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers, bringing it close for a brief moment, inhaling its faint, lingering scent.

The Ferrari sped through winding mountain roads before finally stopping at the peak of the city’s tallest hill. Summer stepped out, legs slightly wobbly, but her entire body still buzzing with adrenaline. Fraser, watching her, scooped her up without hesitation and carried her toward the open viewing platform. Summer, caught off guard, blushed.

“You can put me down now.”

Fraser lowered her gently, his fingers grazing her bare arm in the process. The fleeting touch sent an unexpected heat coursing through her veins. He slid his hands into his pockets and stood beside her. From this height, the city of Havenbrook lay sprawling beneath them, a sea of glittering lights against the dark canvas of the night. The towering skyscrapers, dazzling billboards, and glowing streets seemed almost insignificant from up here.

Summer leaned against the railing, staring out at the view, slowly regaining her breath. This was her first time experiencing such an intense thrill ride. Now that it was over, she felt as if something within her had been set free. Fraser walked over, pulled a bottle of water from the car, and twisted the cap open before handing it to her.

Summer turned to look at him, eyes twinkling.

“Do you have alcohol?”

She hadn’t meant to ask, but in this moment, she craved something stronger. She wanted to keep this feeling alive just a little longer. Fraser gave her an unimpressed look.

“You think I run a convenience store?”

So he didn’t have any. Summer sighed in mild disappointment and reached for the water. But just then, Fraser turned back to the car, rummaged for a moment, and pulled out a can of beer. He popped it open and handed it to her.

Summer’s smile brightened instantly.

“Thanks.”

She took a long swig. The cold bitterness slid down her throat, sending a shiver through her body. Fraser raised an eyebrow.

“Feel better?”

Summer downed the rest of the beer in one go before grinning. “That was amazing!”

Fraser looked at her, deep eyes reflecting the city lights. The gloom that had been lingering in her eyes earlier was gone. Now, there was only a carefree brightness. He took a sip of the untouched water in his hand.

“A little thrill can be good for you.”

Summer turned her head slightly, gazing at the man beside her. He was tall, his presence commanding even in silence. There was a rawness to him—a blend of sophistication and untamed wildness. Unlike her. She had always been caged by expectations and responsibilities. She had no idea why he’d brought her here tonight. But she was glad he did.

“Fraser, thank you,” she said sincerely. “Tonight was the first time I’ve ever let loose like this.”

Fraser smirked.

“Are you thanking me with another dinner invitation?”

Summer smiled faintly and murmured, “Not dinner.”

The night was still and quiet, but her heartbeat raced. Maybe it was the leftover adrenaline, or maybe it was something else. Feeling self-conscious, she quickly turned away, focusing on the city below. The entire city lay beneath her feet, its countless lights twinkling like a magnificent, sprawling crystal kingdom.

Summer couldn’t help but blurt out, “This place is beautiful. Can I yell?”

Fraser glanced at her.

“What are you going to yell? Like a lost puppy!”

Summer’s ears burned red.

“I meant like in the movies. Where people stand on a mountaintop and just scream to let everything out. You’ve never tried it?”

Fraser gave a lazy shrug.

“Never had the need.” Because he always dealt with things before they had a chance to weigh him down. Summer stared at him for a long moment. She envied that he had never had to endure the kind of humiliation and pain she had. Then again, why would he? He was born at the top. He had never lacked anything. What could possibly trouble him?

Fraser suddenly looked down at her, his deep gaze locking onto hers. The summer night sky stretched above them, dotted with countless stars. He scoffed softly.

“If you want to yell, then do it. Don’t just stand there staring at me like that.”

The way she looked at him—like he had wronged her somehow—was amusing. Summer, emboldened by the alcohol, took a deep breath. She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted toward the city below.

“Trevor, go to hell!”

Fraser’s brow furrowed slightly.

“And Peyton, and Margaret—you both can go to hell too!”

She laughed breathlessly after yelling, looking lighter than she had in a long time. After a moment, Fraser raised an eyebrow.

“That’s it? Nothing else?”

Summer shook her head.

“I’m done.”

He had brought her here, let her vent, and she still wasted her breath on some other man? He let out a quiet, cold chuckle. Summer thought he might want to try yelling too.

Encouragingly, she said, “You should give it a try. It feels great.”

Fraser reached out and ruffled her hair, the motion slow and natural. Summer blinked in surprise. Then, in the next second, Fraser leaned back and shouted into the night sky—his voice deep, magnetic, and utterly commanding.

“Summer! You ungrateful little traitor!”

Summer was speechless.