02. JUL - Austria GP 

In the evening, Carlos prepared a bath and ordered room service with desserts for both of us. We were lying in the bathtub and I was trying to peel the Tiramisu cream off the sides of the cocktail glass that he had ordered for me. Apparently he knew about my passion for coffee and sweet.

- Do you like it, Muñeca? - he asked me and raised his head slightly to look at me.

- Uniquely delicious! - I replied with my mouth full, leaving the glass on the side table next to me. - And the Kaiser Schmaren, which I ate before, was simply amazing.

- I can't imagine that a little girl like you can eat so many sweets -  he laughed and planted a kiss on my hand.

- After all the tension today, I'm just now getting my appetite - I said and ran my fingers through his slightly damp hair.

I loved how thick it was and how my fingers entwined in it. Its black color always contrasted with my red nails, and the way I had to go over it several times to subdue it gave me even more pleasure - the same as Carlos, stubborn and unruly, but persistently obeying.

- Yes, I'm happy with today's finish - Sainz said with a slight sigh and gently started stroking my knee showing above the water level.

He had his back against my chest, allowing me to touch his neck and chest, and his skin bristled every time I ran the tip of my fingernails over those areas.

 - Do you know that I spoke to your father today? - I suddenly shot, and the Spaniard turned his head slightly towards me.

 - What does this old man want from you? - he asked me in a slightly mocking tone.

 - To tell me I passed his son's girlfriend test - I laughed, placing a kiss on his temple. - He thinks that I am the reason for your good results... Actually... Is it true that you told him that I am a person who motivates you?

- Absolutely true - he said with a smile. - You are my muse, my PRINCESS...

 I caressed his cheek gently and leaned in to kiss it, but Sainz turned and connected our lips in a sweet kiss. When we parted he smiled gently.

 - Well, after he told you that... What do you think about us being "private but not secret" ?

 - Carlos, are you really asking me this question? - I laughed, and he nodded affirmatively.

 - I wish I could finally kiss you and introduce you everywhere as the love of my life - he bit his lip and looked at me expectantly.

 - That sounds so nice of you - I giggled and kissed him again.

 - I love you, Muñeca! - Carlos whispered and kissed me passionately again.

 I couldn't answer him, I don't know what made the words get stuck in my throat and I couldn't say them despite my feelings for him.

#

 The next morning, Carlos was still asleep when I woke up. I got up and put on the bathrobe that I had thrown on the chair near the bed last night. I went to the kitchen and made myself one of the two coffee capsules left for the guests. I had been feeling very hungry for a long time, so I opened the minibar, but nothing else caught my attention like the marzipan and pistachio chocolate.

I immediately took it, and I hadn't even taken the first sip of coffee when I bit a small piece of it, and the pleasure I felt was even greater than in bed with Sainz. Women's eternal sinful relationship with chocolate.

 I went out on the terrace so as not to wake up Carlos with the noises I make and my phone rang - it was Kika on FaceTime.

 - Kika! -  I screamed excitedly as the girl appeared on my screen, then took a piece of the chocolate.

- Girl! - she shouted and walked over the camera. - Madre mia! MADRE MIA!

Yes, the people around me quickly acquired my means of expression.

 - What's happening? - I laughed, slightly reducing the volume of my phone, because all of Spielberg heard my friend.

 - You did it! You guys did it!

 - What are you talking about? - I asked in bewilderment, stuffing an entire block of chocolate into my mouth.

 - You and Sainz! - I instantly blushed. - Oh-la-la! And you're still blushing!

 - Kika, all of Austria already knows about... Wait, how did you find out?

 - First, you are in the comfortable, fluffy robe of your hotel...

 - I'm always like this.

 - The skin on your face is glowing.

 - It's probably from the sun.

 - You eat chocolate for breakfast, but you never eat.

 - I'm just very hungry.

 - Because Sainz sleeps naked in your bed? - she pointed to the window through which our bedroom could be seen.

 - He's been sleeping like this for a long time now...

 - Good, let's not play it anymore - you have a hickey on your neck!

 I placed my hand where my mark was and looked down shyly.

 - Nothing can escape my eyes, darling! - Kika said happily, and I looked at her startled when I heard the nickname Charles usually calls me. - We'll talk about how it is when we meet.

 - Too bad you're not here now. You would have helped me a lot with the choice.

 - Which choice dear?

 - Sainz suggested that our relationship should be... how should I say it... private but not secret... - I shrugged. - And I didn't accept, but I didn't reject either.

 - If you are sure of your feelings for him, as you claim to be, then you should not hesitate.

 - I don't hesitate just...

 - Is Charles confusing you?

 By asking me this question, she instantly provoked a narrative about our conversation from yesterday on the headphones.

 - Ah that boy... - she shook her head and shouted something indignant in Portuguese. - And what about Sainz?

 - He told me that he loves me... twice... - I rolled my eyes.

 - Wow, he's very direct... How about you?

 - I will tell you, maybe after the race, what I have decided about the previously discussed problem - I sighed heavily.

 - Your time is running out now - she remarked looking behind me.

And when I turned around, behind me was Sainz, with his robe unfurled.

 - Good morning Muñeca! -  he said and leaned in for a kiss.

 - Good morning, Carlos! - I greeted him with a smile and a kiss, and Kika laughed, attracting our attention.

 - Hi...Carlos - she giggled. - I'll hang up, darling! See you soon!

 And she did hang up, and the Spaniard sat down in the chair next to me. He ran his fingers through his hair in an attempt to tame it, which was disheveled, with a few strands falling unruly in front of his forehead. The driver fixed his big hazel eyes on me and looked at me quizzically.

 - What did Kika want? - he asked me and took a piece of the chocolate that was left on the table.

 -  Women's business - I shrugged. - Are you breaking your diet?

- I burned enough calories last night - Carlos winked at me, and I felt my cheeks turn red.

 - Is that why you miss your morning workout? - I asked teasingly.

 - I can do one, but not with Rupert - Sainz replied in the same tone and leaned in for a quick kiss. - Maybe it will bring me even more luck today... You are my lucky charm.

 And at that moment I remembered that another person had also called me that... Leclerc's lucky charm.

 - The race! - I exclaimed and jumped from my seat. - Mio Dio! I only have an hour!

 - What you mean? Our race isn't until the afternoon - Carlos said in bewilderment.

- I know, but... - I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed. - I promised Arthur that I would attend his race.

Sainz nodded reluctantly and frowned. Another heavy sigh escaped my lungs and I moved closer to him. I cupped his face in my hands and forced him to look at me.

- Carlos, I need you to understand me - I said quietly. - Arthur is my friend, just like Pierre, Kika, Max, Fusaro... Charles...

 At the mention of his teammate's name, he frowned even more.

 - Chili... I always support my friends and I will be there for them... And I want you to know that and respect that.

 He put his hands on my hips and pulled me to him.

 - Everything for you, Muñeca! - Sainz said quietly. - Because I love you, princess!

 I smiled and leaned in for a long sweet kiss. I hope that I have been able to penetrate his mind and influence him to accept my close connection with the Leclerc family.

 - Good luck today, Chili! - I whispered when we separated from each other. - I believe in you and I know that today will be your day! Take care dear!

 - Good luck, Muñeca! - he rubbed the tip of his nose against mine, then I went into the room to change.

#

 Arthur's race did not go as planned. He DNFed, but that gave me the opportunity to spend more time with him in his garage.

- Sorry about your DNF, Arthy - I said sadly as we both sat in the corner of the pit.

 - Well, you know that my brother and I are already used to problems - he said, shrugging his shoulders.

The little Leclerc never lost his smile, whether it was because he was still young and still had more in his career, I have no idea, but he had a constant positive energy flowing from him.

 - Padre mio! We've entered some kind of black streak and we can't get out of it... - I sighed heavily and rested my elbows on my knees, covering my face in my hands. - And I promised Charles no more disappointments.

 Arthur leaned down and hugged me tightly.

 - Lissie, don't you know that you are Leclerc's lucky charm? -  he said rubbing my shoulders. - We both believe in you. You work not only on the strategies but also on the cars of the Scuderia.

 - That must be why everything is such chaos - I laughed.

 - No, you bring order to the chaos - said the little Monegasque encouragingly. - So smile and do your best today to make both drivers happy! And prove that you are still Leclerc's lucky charm!

 - How do you always keep this positivity in yourself? -  I asked him, hugging him tightly.

 - I'm always happy when I can make you smile, sister! - he said.

 I laughed and ruffled his hair. I kind of liked it when he called me his sister.

#

Before the race, I was sitting by the pit wall, looking at my bracelet. My eyes watered.

- Chess, please... I need your help. I know you helped me in Baku, I know you guided me all the time... Please, we need a smooth race. For him... I promised him. I don't want to give it away...

A tear fell from my eye right on the stone of the bracelet. This bracelet had recently collected more tears than the pillow of an unrequitedly in love teenage girl. And suddenly I felt that warm breeze on my shoulders. The breeze that always made me feel supported by the invisible power of the man in whose footsteps I walked.

- Lissie, what are you doing here? - I heard Mekies' voice and looked up from the bracelet.

- And I'm thinking about various things...

- Strategies? - he laughed and came closer to me, putting his arm around my shoulder. - Come on, come to the wall. The competition is about to start and you are our chief strategist.

I smiled and took one last look at the stone. It flashed, and something seemed to nudge me on the back, the same way I had when I was talking to Sainz in the garden of their estate in Spain. Chess gave me his signal again, and I took it as a response to my tears for help.

It was time for the race. We had 71 laps to go, mostly fast corners on one of the most technical tracks on the calendar. It was getting cloudy, and there was wind. I judged that the appropriate strategy for today was to be on Medium tires and for the drivers to stay on the track as long as possible, and in the second part of the race - after changing to Hard tires - to unlock the speed.

 Formation lap and... lights out and away we go.

 Charles attacked Verstappen in turns 3 and 4 but was unable to overtake him, with Sainz closing in on him from behind. In the second lap they announced a Safety Car, because of Tsunoda

 On lap four the safety car came out and the race restarted.

 Sainz was in Charles' DRS zone, and the Monegasque on the border of Max's. I urged both drivers to keep pushing.

 On lap 7-9, Sainz was 4 hundredths behind Leclerc. Everyone from the pit wall was looking at me and waiting for me to decide what to do. I calculated - if Charles surrendered the position to Sainz, the others could overtake him. Carlos had a more defensive riding style and the podium was important. I promised him. And Sainz couldn't change MY strategy. MINE!

 - No, we are sticking to the original plan, which doesn't contain overtake... - I contacted the race engineers. - Positions must not be switched.

 14 lap yellow flags were announced and the pace of the cars decreased.

- I have the pace, give me a chance to get close to Max - said Carlos.

 Again the weight was on my shoulders and at that moment a Virtual safety car was announced when our drivers had already crossed the pit lane enter. To extend the time in which I could decide whether Charles should hand his position over to his team-mate, we called for both of our drivers to box on the next lap again on Medium tyres. But something went wrong and the mechanics were slow in both pit stops. Fortunately, Leclerc stayed second, but Sainz dropped to P6.

- Guys come on! Why don't we stay out! Come on! -  Carlos shouted over the radio.

 - Because I believe in you that you will manage, now concentrate and overtake Norris!

 - Lissa...

 On lap 19 I encouraged Sainz to attack Hamilton, and on the next lap he had the opportunity to overtake Checo as well.

 - Did you see? - I said on the radio. - I told you you'd be fine!

 - But did it have to be like that? -  he stuttered.

 - Carlos focus you have points for best lap just defend against Perez now.

 On lap 22, Carlos received a caution for leaving the track limits in turns 9 and 10. This was the last warning, then there would be punishment.

 On lap 25 Max pitted for new tires and our two cars took P1 and P2.

 - Sainz hold Max the moment he exits the pit! -  I said on the radio. - That's what you do best.

 On lap 26, Max overtook Carlos.

 - OK, now try to counterattack, if you fail, stay in his DRS zone - I warned him.

In the 30th lap, Sainz received a penalty for leaving the track limits - 5 seconds.

 At 31 laps Max was 3 laps away from overtaking Charles.

 - Tire degradation is faster than expected. Xavi joined in. - How about a 3 pit stop strategy.

 - No! There is no chance.

 Since I wasn't sitting in my chair, immediately after this conversation I walked up to Xavier and grabbed the back of his head.

 - Once again, if any stupid suggestion comes out of your stupid mouth, my hand will move to the front... And I will squeeze even harder - I hissed and stepped back.

 On lap 34 Max tries to attack Charles in the DRS zone and on the next lap he managed to pass him.

- Okay, Charles you're 2 seconds behind Max and Sainz is 5 seconds behind you, keep that pace - I said over the radio. - Be careful with the track restrictions so you don't get penalized.

 On lap 43 I connected Sainz on the radio and said:

- I think you have to pit to clear this penalty and put Hard.

 - Let's wait for a safety car to change tires - suggested Carlos, and I rolled my eyes and said nothing.

 Two laps later I called him into the pits and he got behind Norris in P5 but soon after he passed him.

 On lap 48, Charles' race engineer suddenly contacted him.

- We see Perez as a big threat and we're trying to extend the tire life, it's getting cloudy and we might have to put Inter on - Xavi said.

 - Copy - Charles replied.

 I stepped up to Xavier to make good on my threat, but Mekis, without taking his eyes off the screen, reached out to the sides to stop me.

 - Xavier, I told you that you are a big fool, but you confirm to me that you are a huge crazy idiot! - I only managed to shout and pushed Laurent's hand away. - Let me go!

- In the pit, Charles - I contacted Charles immediately.

 The Monegasque came out behind Perez in P3.

- Look, you're 8 seconds behind Perez - I said. - The age of his tires is 24 laps and he is on Medium, and yours are new Hard. Heat and press.

 On lap 51, Perez was called into the pits and our cars took P2 and P3. We were back in the game.

On lap 55, Carlos wanted info on the pace of Perez and Lando, so I warned him to keep them out of his DRS zone.

 Sainz crossed Perez on several occasions. He began to complain that he had pushed him beyond the limits of the course.

 And on the 62nd lap Checo overtook him.

 - Sainz, keep chasing Perez, he also did a good job for Charles as he guaranteed him a good gap from Perez - 12 seconds.

- I understand, but the Stewards need to review this - Sainz replied. - He was intimidating me a lot!

 - We will submit it as a message, but nothing is guaranteed - I answered him with a small smile.

 By lap 66, Sainz was 2 seconds behind Perez - a good margin against our rapidly degrading tyres.

 On lap 70, Max pitted and chasoftson Softs. This allowed Charles to be 2 seconds behind his opponent. But he wouldn't be able to overtake him. It was obvious. And the race ended with results - P2 - Charles and P4 - Carlos.

- Charles! You are P2! - I literally screamed at the radio. - Good job!

 - You did a good job! - he answered me happily.

 - Carlos, babe, you are unique! - I greeted the other driver as well. - What a wonderful race you just had!

 - Lissa, P4 is not a podium...

 - But you fought Checo, bounced back from P6 to P3 and were there babe... I'm very impressed with your skills.

 - I do it for you, my love! - he answered me.

 I smiled and looked at Mekies. I knew the whole team heard our communication, so I blushed. But Master Laurent patted me on the back happily and winked. I couldn't take it anymore and took off my headphones then ran to the fences and pushed Laura who was trying to take a picture of our Lord Percival.

 - Charles! - I shouted and hugged him tightly. - Well done, luce del sole! Well done my boy! I am so proud of you!

 - You kept your promise! he laughed. - Thank you, little one! Thank you!

 - Charles, I always keep my promises! - I said and wiped my tears of happiness. - I always told you that you are my champion! My hero!

 - I love you Lissa! -  he whispered, and I cupped his helmet in my hands and kissed his forehead. I was unearthly happy and totally forgot about everything and everyone around me.

 Charles moved to the others who came to greet him, who shouted Grande Charlie! Yes, people were definitely getting a lot of things from me.

Suddenly, I realized what Charles told me... He said he loves me. My heart skipped a beat, I was shoked by his words. And at this moment Arthur approached me. 

When I felt his hand on my back I turned to him and we both screamed like little girls and hugged each other tightly. He was happy for his brother but my scream wad just to let out my emotions of the confession of Charles. This moment reminded me of our podium moments in Baku. Second sprint race week, second podium and now we're in P2.

 - Did you see that you are still our lucky charm, Lissa! - exclaimed the little brother.

 - Oh, luce del sole! - I laughed through tears. - I'm so glad to be here again! Together... Carlos will probably kill me, but...

 - Lissa, you are the main strategist today and you have the right to be happy about the work you did today - said Artur. - Celebrate your podium, and if he loves you, he will be happy for you.

"Yeah, he will be happy for me... especially if he learns what Charles has just told me..." - I thought to myself.

 Mekies and Vasseur came to us. Laurent gave me a satisfied wink as Frédéric walked up to me and shook my hand.

- You did well today! - the team principal told me. - Keep going!

 Arthur and I looked at each other, who gave me a playful wink. We both knew Vasseur never praised me. I imagine if both guys had taken the podium.

 During the award ceremony, Charles kept looking for my gaze. Arthur had his arm around my shoulder and we were both swaying to the rhythm of the Austrian national anthem. And Charles saw us and started doing it too. I was wiping my tears. He raised the trophy to us and then gave us a thumbs up. And the whole time he was looking at us.

 Happiness. Happiness was the word that described now all the feelings I had inside me. And I looked at the bracelet on my wrist. Chess helped me. Again.

 But now I had Carlos to deal with.

#

 I waited for Sainz in his driver's  room. He was very angry when he came in. He looked at me with his dark teary eyes and slammed the door behind him, then locked it.

 - P2 huh? - he laughed, leaving his gloves and helmet on one of the shelves. - And me in the back... P4.

 I rolled my eyes and got up from the bench.

- Don't be stupid, babe - I smiled. - I know you're frustrated about it, but you had a great pace all weekend.

 - I have, but no one appreciates it - the Spaniard continued in a nagging tone, taking off his fireproof.

 - On the contrary, everyone...

 - What? - he interrupted me and turned around with wild passion in his eyes. - You left me struggling behind him, I could have overtaken him to catch up with Max and, if things didn't happen, to return the position to Leclerc.

 - When? - I asked slightly raising my voice. - After Hamilton, Alonso and Perez pass him?

 - Well, if he can't get to the podium without some people arranging it for him, then he doesn't deserve to be there! - Sainz shouted.

 The hint was directed at me. I knew it immediately and swung and gave him a resounding slap.

- How can you allow yourself to talk like that about your teammates! Everyone has earned the right to be on this podium quite honestly and honorably! And you were on P3 until Checo showed up, you're defending him, you just can't fight that RB! Accept it!

 Carlos rubbed his cheek and glared at me. He pursed his lips and the next moment he grabbed me pinning me against the wall. I don't know how many times I was in this position, I was even used to it.

- Lissa, you worked the whole race in his favor - he hissed. - Tell me, who do you have feelings for?

 I was silent for a second and looked into his big brown eyes. He was holding my waist tightly and when I was slow to respond he tightened his grip even more.

 - To him? Or to me? Huh?

 - To you Sainz! - I said through my teeth.

 - I saw another thing today - he chuckled.

 - I am first and foremost a strategist! I treat you both equally.

 - Oh, and that's why you didn't let me pass in front of Charles, you didn't want to see him sad, did you?

- I don't know whose voice was cracking during the post-race interviews - I hissed, grinning madly.

 Sainz laughed and his hands moved up my body reaching my face. He gripped it tightly with his huge palms, the muscles of his bare body tensing.

 - If you want to be a strategist so much, leave the position of driver and take my place! - I strained. - And I can borrow yours. I will do better than you!

- Lissa, I can't stop myself from tearing your clothes right here - he mumbled through gritted teeth. - I'm furious and you're so... Slutty. Stubborn. Infuriatingly stubborn... And that's so... fucking turning on.

 I glared defiantly at him and clenched my jaw tightly. I was torn. One part of me wanted to slap him, another part wanted to give in to him.

- After all those epithets, I would never open my legs for you - I said roughly and tried to push him away, but his body was heavier and stronger than mine.

Sainz laughed at my pathetic attempt at resistance, then without batting an eye he brought our lips together in a rough, passionate kiss. I tried to push him away, but it was getting harder and harder to do so by the second. Unconsciously, my fingers tangled in his hair, and when he pulled away and continued to kiss my neck, my nails dug into his bare skin. The sweet temptation his lips and touch gave me made me forget the urge to push him away. His hands went down to my hips and his lips somehow found my sweet spot, I couldn't help but moan softly.

- You still haven't responded to my proposal last night - he whispered in my ear. - What's stopping you my dear?

 - Nothing stops me - I said breathlessly, and he bit the skin of my neck, as if to provoke an answer to his first question - Let's be like that... I agree to be this kind of relationship.

 - Good girl! - he whispered against my lips.

 A passionate kiss ensued, meanwhile he lifted me slightly and my legs were wrapped around his waist, my fingers tightly entwined in his hair. We had just reached the bench when there was a knock at the door. It was Rupert.

 - Guys, everyone in the conference hall in 5 minutes... - were his words.

 - Give me a second to get dressed! - Sainz shouted, then turned to me and leaned for another kiss. - Let 's try...

 - Get dressed, obviously it's important! - I said angrily and got up from his lap.

I went to the small bathroom and hurried to get myself into a proper appearance. When Sainz was ready we both quickly left his room and headed to the conference room. We arrived last as expected, taking the vacant seats opposite Charles and Xavier.

- Okay, team... I have some bad news - Vasseur began with a sigh. - A statement from the FIA ​​came out. It will be officially published soon. Sainz is penalized 10 seconds for exceeding the track limits, meaning he officially takes P6. I'm sorry!

 It makes me black. This couldn't be true! I remained cold and with my arms crossed over my chest. Carlos jumped up from his seat and began to raise his voice expressing his outrage at the punishments. He even started speaking in Spanish. 

 Charles and I looked at each other and he smiled at me. His P2 was intact and for the first time he didn't sympathize with his teammate. I didn't know their war was in full swing, even if they didn't show it - they were obviously competing. Leclerc winked at me and I tried to motion for him to stop, then grabbed Carlos's arm and forced him to sit down and be quiet. He sat down for exactly ten seconds, then jumped out of his seat and stormed out of the conference room.

 Everyone remained silent. Only Charles sighed and dared to speak.

 - Well, apparently our meeting is over.

- I'll see you guys at Silverstone-  I said right after him and hurried out.

He followed me.

 - Darling, are you now going to comfort him? - he chased me down the corridor.

 - Are you jealous? - I asked with a sneer. - I calm you down every time!

- Actually yes - Charles smiled and grabbed my hand to stop me. - You kept your promise to me today...

 - Charles we...

 - Listen to me carefully! - he interrupted me and lifted my hair slightly, fixing his gaze on my neck and the mark Carlos had just left - Oh, lol... Okay, okay... Darling, I want you to know that even if you're with him, again I will try to keep my promise to you!

 A loud conversation was heard from the conference room doors. Leclerc looked startled in their direction and quickly planted a kiss on my lips then ran down the hall before the rest of the team arrived. I exhaled heavily. Did it really have to be such a mess?!

Notes: Hey guys! Here I am with the new chapter! I'm so sorry about my lack of activity, probably you are already pissed of my excuses but yeah... Sorry again :D

So what do we have in our new chapter. Kika is extremely excited about the relationship of her best friend, but seeing the hesitational kind of behavior of Lissa, she starts to wonder if she is into Sainz or just filling the void. Next we have Sainz getting jealous more and more - he is obviously into Lissa and tries hard to keep her for himself. And here we have Charles who just let out his emotions and confessed consciously or not to Lissa that he loves her... And even kissed her. So... what's next?

Well guys I hope you liked the chapter - give a star/comment if so aaand see you in the next chapter. 

Love you guys! <3

N16 XOXOXOXO