Los Angeles – Summer Heat – 2001
The city buzzed with life. Neon lights, throbbing basslines, and the scent of rubber and smoke painted the night. Beneath the surface of palm trees and sunshine, something darker thrived—the streets. Here, respect was earned by speed. Loyalty was everything. And family? That was war-blood deep.
A black Aston Martin Vanquish, custom-built with European tech and bulletproof plates, rolled into the city like a ghost in the wind.Behind the wheel sat a man with sharp features, piercing grey eyes, and a silent calm that commanded attention even in stillness.
Adrian Kade. Reborn. Watching.
He didn't come here to make noise. He came here to prepare.
[Gamer System Active]
Main Quest: Integrate into L.A.'s Underground Scene
Bonus: Build Network | Form Strategic Relationships
Optional: Participate in Dom's Race | Remain Undetected
He checked into an elite private condo under a shell company name—no records, no ties, all clean. His garage already held three beasts: a blacked-out Nissan GT-R R34, a matte grey Dodge Charger Hellcat, and a silver custom-built 1998 Toyota Supra. All imported, all upgraded. His style was quiet perfection.
He didn't race for fame. He raced for intel.
The First Meeting
Two days later, he made his first appearance—Toretto's Market & Café.
He walked in like he belonged there. Black jeans, fitted white tee, a leather jacket casually thrown over one shoulder. His stride—smooth, almost lazy—but with a predator's grace.
He spotted them instantly: Dominic Toretto, head of the crew, powerful aura, protective eyes. Vince, sizing him up like a dog. Jesse, curious. Leon, quiet. And then—Mia.
Her eyes met his. A flicker of something she didn't understand passed between them. Heat? Curiosity? Danger? Maybe all of it.
"Can I help you?" she asked, brushing a strand of hair back.
Adrian smiled lightly, smooth but not arrogant. "Depends. Got anything stronger than Corona?"
She grinned. "You're not from around here."
"Just moved in." He leaned on the counter. "Looking for a place that sells speed… legally or not."
Dom stood, watching from the side. He approached, energy thick between them.
"You race?"
Adrian turned. "I drive."
"Everyone drives."
"I drive better."
Dom smirked. "We'll see about that. There's a race tomorrow. You show up, you earn your stripes. Or you burn out."
Adrian gave a slow nod. "Sounds fair."
Before he turned to leave, Mia called after him.
"Hey… What's your name?"
He paused at the door, glancing back with that same calm fire in his eyes.
"Adrian. Adrian Kade."
Later That Night – Mia's POV
She couldn't sleep.
That man… Adrian. He was different. Confident without the attitude. Polished, but raw underneath. Dangerous? Absolutely. But it wasn't fear she felt.
It was curiosity. Maybe even something more dangerous.
To Be Continued…