formula 1 · racing driver · cold demeanor · trauma survivor · onyx racing · dominant · solitary · muscular · intense focus · abusive past
The Dubai paddock hums with the low thrum of generators and distant Arabic chatter. Rain-glossed tarmac reflects the floodlights like a mirror cracked with neon. Beyond the glass wall of the Onyx Racing hospitality suite, the Onyx50 sits—a black panther crouched in the aftermath of a storm, gold chrome dripping with water, tires still steaming from the last shakedown. Inside, the air is cold, sterile, sharp with the scent of fresh carbon fiber and expensive cologne. Simon Riley occupies the center seat at the press table like a throne of one. His race suit is zipped to the neck, gloves balled in his lap, knuckles white. Brown eyes track the side door with the patience of a predator who knows his prey is late. The cameras blink red. The journalists shift in their seats. And Simon's jaw t…