17.JUN – Qualifying day

The sun rose over Montreal. It was Saturday. I woke up in Carlos' arms while he was still sleeping. However, fatigue had taken over and I had about 3 hours of sleep. Somehow I managed to free myself from his grip and turned my back on him, looking out the window. For the second time, we were approaching more intimate relations, but somehow I managed to hold the front. I was unlikely to have that opportunity for long, but I was worried about Charles. He probably already knew where things had gone between me and Carlos and was now desperately vying for my attention. I was afraid that they would start fighting over me and this could become more and more brutal as time went on, and seeing Carlos's displays of jealousy, I could expect anything from him as well. I was worried about Charles' health. He hasn't looked good in recent days... and while Sainz brought vitality and energy out of his body, Leclerc looked haggard, lost his luster. I felt between a rock and a hard place. As much as I liked him with Carlos, I always felt like I was betraying Charles.

Suddenly my thoughts were interrupted when I felt the Spaniard's hand slide gently down my thigh, carefully following the curves of my body until his fingers wrapped around my neck, trailing up to my chin. A second later he gently turned my face towards him and smiled widely.

- Good morning, Muñeca! - he whispered and kissed my lips.

- Good morning...Carlos! - I greeted him embarrassedly after we broke away from our kiss.

- What a nice day for Quali, huh? - Sainz said and got up from the bed. - Are you ready to make a splash?

- You really have a wild imagination - I told him, stretching. - From now on, I warn you not to hover in the clouds.

- Why? - he asked and laughed. - Being in the clouds is nice.

- It's the most painful thing to fall from a height, Carlos - I said and got up from the bed, then cracked my neck.

- You really need a massage - Carlos noticed, moving closer to me. - And I think we have enough time for one.

I looked at him in bewilderment. The Spaniard ran a finger along my cheek, then slowly moved his hand down my neck, reaching out my nape, making me shiver. He gently massaged the stiff muscles and I couldn't help but moan softly. I saw him smile. His eyes were full of lust, it was obvious that he was enjoying his momentary dominance over me. Sainz licked his lips lightly and with one jerky movement managed to turn my back to him. His hand moved under my chin, completely blocking my ability to move, and the next moment I felt his lips brush against my skin. My neck massage turned into something much more serious and intimate. Carlos left wet kisses on every inch of my skin, making me shiver. It was hard for me to relax, but at the same time I didn't want to stop him so I wouldn't push him away. I don't think now was the right time for this, but I let him do it anyway.

The bracelet on my hand flashed and suddenly someone knocked on the door. It turned out to be Rupert, who was already ready for the day and was coming to take Carlos. I breathed a sigh of relief when Sainz went to open as I was saved from crossing the line of respectability too quickly with Carlos... But only for now.

The distribution in the trip to the track was interesting. Carlos with Caco and me in the car behind them with Rupert. I didn't really mind, that way there was less chance of rumors spreading quickly about us. It was all pretty messed up, like we were hiding some public secret - most people in the paddock knew, probably few fans guessed, but we were cautious, and God only knew what would come of it.

We arrived at the car park at the track, shortly after us in front of the paddock in the grass park and Leclerc. Of course, after hearing Caco's comment that our teammate was here, I immediately turned to see him and we both locked eyes. He was so sexy in the traditional red clothes and the way he dominantly slammed the car door behind her made me shiver. Charles looked at me intently, making me look away. I turned to Carlos who was wearing his uniform short sleeve T-shirt and red straight pants. It was interesting that Charles and I both had our jackets on. Obviously the temperature of 15 degrees was not optimal for either of us, while it was not a problem for Carlos. I asked our group to walk faster under the pretense that we were behind schedule and led everyone to the entrance of the track. We made it through the steps and the pier successfully, but at the turnstiles we finally caught up with Charles. And the show would begin.

- Good morning, mates! - he said with his favorite big smile, revealing his cute dimples.

We turned to him as we checked our cards. I looked at him and smirked.

- Charles, if there was a competition for the biggest Ferrari fan, you would win it - I noted and we both lagged behind Carlos.

- You know I have traditions - he shrugged and chuckled.

- I'm only interested in whether your underwear is from the Ferrari  merch - I said in a subdued tone without turning to him.

- Come to my room and I'll show you, darling - he whispered in my ear, making me shiver. - I know you've been dreaming about this for a long time.

We finally made eye contact and I shuddered as I caught his defiant look. He gave me a playful wink, then hurried after Carlos and even called out to him. But suddenly the temperature increased, and I started sweating. But it wasn't the sun... It was Charles.

#

Before the start of FP3, I decided to visit the drivers' garages. As always I started with Charles' one. I had this habit and I couldn't get rid of it. Something drew me to Leclerc like a magnet. But I was stunned when I entered the garage to find both pilots talking near the screens. Charles was the first to notice my presence, caught my eye and his eyes sparkled happily. At that moment, Carlos turned to me and smiled widely. I found myself in a rather embarrassing situation, and at that moment I wanted to sink to the bottom of the earth in shame.

To add to the terrible state of discomfort, Carlos literally ran to me and hugged me, kissing my forehead. My heart pounded, I quickly pulled away from him and looked for Charles. He was standing at the back of the garage, arms crossed over his chest, watching us with a cold, disapproving gaze. Sainz's hand found its way to my waist and he leaned down to whisper something in my ear, but I wasn't even listening. I only saw Leclerc shake his head and turn his back on us, talking to Andrea, who was supposed to help him with the preparations before practice.

My heart sank. I just wanted to speak to Charles and wish him good luck. Instead, I relayed my wishes to Carlos, ignoring what he'd said so far, hoping it wasn't a question, and sent him off with a look at his garage. The point of talking to Charles was lost... I had already hurt him enough and he was unlikely to be encouraged by a conversation with me. And seeing him broken hurt me even more.

#

During FP3 it was raining heavily. Carlos as always got in someone's way and this time it was Alex Albon's. But the bigger horror came when Sainz took off at breakneck speed into the fences at one of the turns. For a second I was distracted because I had turned to the statistics screen, and the next moment my attention was drawn to the footage on the adjacent screen. Sainz spun, first hitting the front of the car, completely obliterating its nose, and then hitting the rear in the walls. Seeing this I screamed at the top of my lungs. I could not contain my emotions, for which I would probably be reprimanded afterwards. Within a second everything went black for me. I was imagining all kinds of things, I was shaking with fear, and my eyes were filling with tears. I was so shocked by what happened that I didn't even manage to contact the Spaniard, I was only thinking how it was possible that just now, when we started some more serious relationship, this could happen. I thought I was going to lose him.

I heard Ricky talking to him and this showed me the driver was fine, and then I saw him get out of his car on the cameras. I took a breath and quickly wiped the tear that ran down my cheek. The good part about it all was that my colleagues knew me as a violently emotional person and this was a completely normal reaction on my part. I still didn't understand if it was clear to everyone what our relationship with Carlos was, but I certainly knew that if we had to cover up it wouldn't be easy at all after a certain period of time.

I turned back and met the Spaniard's gaze for a second, who had already returned to the garages. How was it possible for you to crash in such a horrific way and still look so sexy?!

I wanted to get up and go over to him to see if he was okay, but I stopped myself. As much as I worried, now Charles was now also on the track. Now I had to take care of him and separate work from personal life... If that could happen given how I had become entangled in Amur's webs.

I stayed in my seat until the end of free practice and tried to concentrate, but at times I found myself not following the events at all. I contacted Charles, but only rarely, to tell him when to pit, when to get out again, and to find out how he was feeling in the car. The important thing was to find out if he was okay and if there were any risks for him. But everything was fine. Leclerc was steady... Steadier than myself, who at the moment was only thinking about Carlos' car and how hard it would be to fix what he wrecked before Qualifying. I had to visit him and see if everything was alright with him.

The minute the practice was called over, I jumped out of my seat and apologized to Mekies. I warned him that I would be gone for a few minutes but would be right back to fix the car. Laurent understood me, right in the middle of my sentence, he always seemed to support me. I really felt him like Yoda.

I ran to Carlos' room and found him sitting on the bench, his long legs stretched out in front of him, his head leaning against the wall. He opened his eyes when he heard my footsteps and I hesitantly entered, closing the door behind me.

I walked over silently and sat next to him, giving him a small smile.

- How are you, Carlito? - I asked him quietly.

- Don't worry - he replied and reached out to stroke my hair.

- Did the doctors examine you? - I asked my next question, and he nodded. - Can you drive...

- Lissie, I told you not to worry, Muñeca - he interrupted me and cupped my face in his hands. - I will be good enough before the Quali.

I placed my hands on top of his and stroked him gently. We smiled, then Carlos leaned down and pressed our lips together in a gentle kiss. We pulled apart and rested our foreheads against each other, his fingers gently caressing my cheekbones. There was silence in the room, only Carlos' heavy breathing could be heard. I stood with my eyes closed, speechless and not daring to move. At the moment I had the feeling that Carlos was drawing on my energy to gather strength for the upcoming "battle" on the track. I had no problem with that, I wanted to give it courage and strength until the end of the day.

- Thank you for coming - he whispered. - I needed exactly your support.

- Are you sure you're okay, Carlos? - I asked him worriedly and he blocked my ability to continue talking with a series of small quick kisses on my lips.

- I'm a strong bull, Muñeca - he laughed and winked at me, moving away.

- In that case, I can safely go and follow the process of working on your car - I mumbled when we separated from each other.

- Can't you stay with me? - Sainz whispered, glancing down from my head to my toes. - Apart from support I need some company now.

- If I keep you company now, we risk the Quali - I said teasingly.

- Maybe this will motivate me - the Spaniard moistened his lips and shortened the distance between us. - I won't keep you long... The process of repairing the car is boring anyway.

I giggled quietly and Carlos couldn't help but kiss me again, but this time more passionately. Apparently he had quickly gathered new strength, and not only for the Qualifying. I can't deny that he was quite tempting, and as time went on I grew more and more used to and fond of his caresses. My fingers instinctively tangled in his hair and I leaned back as he moved to my neck. I knew it was very unprofessional and I should have stopped it, but the temptation was too strong. The only thing that saved me was a knock on the door and the voice of Fusaro, who was now looking for me, as I had been called from Sainz's garage. Apparently they were used to me being around while the cars were being worked on.

Sainz pulled away from me and we exchanged a meaningful look.

- I'll have to go do some work anyway - I said shyly, and Carlos kissed me again.

- Tonight, you won't get away - he winked at me. - I will miss you, Muñeca!

- Good luck Carlos! - I said, standing up and adjusting my clothes in an attempt to look presentable.

The Spaniard followed me with his eyes, biting his lower lip. The way he was sitting, legs spread wide, torso thrown back and head resting against the wall behind him, was so defiant, combined with the sweet look he gave me, made my heart beat faster. I didn't hold back, my gaze fixed on his intimate area, and under the suit it was obvious that what had happened had ignited the fire in him. If it wasn't Fusaro, there wouldn't be just a little innocent fire... And probably lava.

I headed for the door and left Sainz's room, still feeling his intense gaze staring at me.

#

My colleagues in Carlos's garage turned out to be much more efficient than Charles's. They stayed working on the car for literally 20 minutes before the start of Qualifying to be able to fix the car, and to do it well, so that it could last through these 14 turns on a track with a classic configuration. There was only one bad thing - it was going to rain at any moment. It was 18 degrees on track, with a cold NW wind and a 90% chance of rain in Q1.

As always I went through all my good luck rituals, contacted the drivers and warned them that it was time for qualifying. I gave them a few words of encouragement each, and with that I completed my traditional set of activities.

Q1 started and I held my breath watching the screens.

- Wait, I have a feeling that there might be some kind of flag at the very beginning - I said in a serious low tone on the radio.

Soon after, I let our drivers out of the pits, trusting Red Bull's actions. But not a minute later, they announced a Red Flag and I had to call them back.

Now we had a chance to be one of the first out, the earlier we start the more likely we are to register a fast time before another flag. And that's exactly what I did when restarting the session. Charles started a lap and Sainz followed him, then as a result Leclerc took P6 and Sainz P7.

- We need another quick lap - I turned on my microphone. - You are falling in the rankings too quickly. You have 10 minutes to go and you are in the elimination zone. Charles please be very careful as you left the track limits and your time was erased.

- Copy.

After that Charles registered P3, Sainz P6. I turned my microphone on and said seriously:

- I want you to try for another quick one, but warm up the tires well before that. Without going back to the pit. Sainz you are now P11, you have 7 minutes to go try to have a good lap now. Leclerc, you too.

As Charles was warming up the tires on the track, he got behind driver 22 and after I heard Leclerc's comment about Yuki. I got angry.

- Charles, you should not talk about Yuki like that, remember how many times you've been in someone's way... - I hissed into the microphone. - Or Carlos.

- Since when are you so principled, darling? - Charles pointed out teasingly.

- We'll report that Yuki impended you, but you can't be so rude - I tried to ignore his comment.

- Copy.

After they finished their quick laps, I tuned back into the radio:

- Well done guys you are P3 and P2 now, stay on the track and I want another quick lap from you both.

I was watching the screens. It was P3 for Charles, P6 for Carlos with 3 minutes to go. Suddenly, Sainz started wandering around the track (no surprise really, he always did) and blocked Pierre's path, taking him off course.

- Carlos, how can you be in the way of people again! - I became more emotional again and shouted over the radio communication. - They will punish you for this! They can take away 3 places from you. When are you going to learn to drive like a normal formula one driver and not like you're driving your garden lawnmower?

- Lisa, I had to start a new fast lap, but no one is telling me anything - Sainz answered me louder.

- Can't your stupid race engineer open his mouth... - I asked. - Or he's like Xavier too. If it is not the one, it will be the other one.

After Q1, Pierre got out of his car and headed towards our garages with a furious step. One thing was certain, there was no way he was going to get into a fight, as both our pilots were in their cockpits. I instinctively stood up as I wanted to stop him from doing some show, but I didn't have time as we were about to start Q2 and Mekies quickly pulled me back to my seat. I looked at him with a great deal of indignation, but I really needed to focus on our performance.

- Go out third and if possible try not to block the path of the other drivers - I said into the microphone.

After they left the pit lane and did a warm-up lap each Charles contacted us.

- It is very dry in places, but when will the rain come? - asked Leclerc.

- It will be up to 7 minutes according to the radars - I answered seriously.

- Isn't it better to go in for box? - he asked.

- No, stay out - replied the race engineer.

- But let's go in for slicks - insisted the pilot.

- No, do a with the inters, and then if there is time left, you will do them with Softs - answered Xavi.

This time I agreed with him, but gradually my confidence decreased every moment seeing how the conditions were going.

- I don't know if we'll make it - I told Mekies.

- What do you mean? - he frowned.

- We should have listened to him - I shook my head. – And after that not to call him at all to change tires if it rains. But everything has already failed.

- Not everything is lost - Laurent tried to encourage me.

- Mekies, we shouldn't be delusional - I said, running my fingers nervously through my hair. - If Charles drops out in Q2 it will cause big problems for the team. Too many mistakes gathered in the team, and one of the main trouble makers is Xavier.

Then I turned on my microphone:

- Guys, go on a quick lap!

The moment they started their quick laps, my heart sank. But our drivers recorded P5 and P6. We called them to the pits and put on soft tires. After their return to the track and fast laps, the results were P6 Sainz and P9 Leclerc.

- Guys, let's do it again, I want another quick lap from you - I gave a new order to the drivers. - Charles, you have 4 minutes and you are under the line, please try for a fast lap.

But the rain came and everything went wrong. We had to pull Charles into the above positions.

- Enter the pit Charles, we should put you on Inters.

Charles obeyed the order. He pitted for a tire change and exited at the last minute of Q2 in an attempt to set a fast lap. But it was clear the tires weren't ready and that's exactly what he said when he finished P11 and dropped out of Q2.

- The tires were not ready, come on! - Charles yelled into the radio.

When he came back to the pit, I saw him get out of the car, then immediately go to talk to Joe Clear and Xavi. I tried to ignore the sense of threat that came over me, but my heart skipped a beat when Charles literally ran up the wall and came over to us. I had turned to him and met his eyes burning with anger.

- Charles...

- What are you doing here?! - he shouted. - Isn't it your job to make the right tire and strategy decisions?!

- Leclerc, Q3 will start, calm down and go to your pit - Mekies told him, placing a hand on his back.

Vasseur just looked at him quizzically and crossed his arms over his chest. As always he said nothing, just turned his eyes to me and waited to see what would happen.

- What about you, Bernardi! - the Monegasque turned to me and I shivered. He had never used my last name before.

- Charles, please, there are cameras and they're filming us already - I whispered. - Let's clear things up later... Go back to the pit...

- I'm waiting for you in my room! - he hissed and waved a finger at my face. - I will talk to you very, very seriously.

- Go to the garage, now! - Mekies scolded him. - Only if I find out that you did something to her, consider yourself punished!

I looked embarrassed at the deputy team principal, and he gave me an affirmative nod. Charles pursed his lips angrily and strode towards his garage, pushing everyone around him without a second thought.

For Q3 we got Sainz on Inters. The fast laps started and Sainz registered a 6 time which was very bad especially if we were expecting a penalty for him for blocking Pierre earlier in qualifying today.

Everything was going well and in our favor, but 7 minutes before the end Piastri crashed into the walls and there was a Red flag.

- Sainz go out first at the restart. I repeat - first! - I said seriously. - I want Max to follow you.

I started biting my nails, in the next 2 minutes there was going to be even more rain. Carlos, on his fastest lap, blocked the front right tire and went through the grass at the chicane. And my heart was already hurting. We called Carlos into the pits after he was on P8. If I calculated correctly, Charles would have moved up in the positions after a penalty for Sainz for impending Pierre. I felt terrible, and now I had to have a conversation with Charles. And as he had occupied P8, so he remained. Qualifying finished P8 and P11 according to initial data for both our drivers.

I was just getting up from my chair when Mekies turned to me and stopped me.

- Lissa, do you have a few minutes? – he said softly.

- Yes, Laurent, what's up? – I gave him a half smile.

- Before you go to Charles, I want to tell you to be very careful – the race director started in a serious tone. - He's affected now, but don't let him affect your psyche. I want you to be in top shape tomorrow.

- Why exactly tomorrow? – I frowned.

- We tried, but the result of running the strategy by two people and the race engineers simply did not satisfy us – he continued. – So, you will lead our strategy tomorrow. I want you to think things through very carefully and...

- Consider that we are already in the zone of big points - I interrupted him. - Tomorrow I will lead this team out of the swamp in which it is stuck.

- I like your confidence - he winked at me. - Go and rest now!

#

I waited for the first post-qualification interviews to finish and went to Charles' room as I knew he was at his room. I thought I'd break the news to him that tomorrow I'll certainly be leading the strategic plan and cheer him up at least a little. I knocked on the open door and stepped inside hesitantly. He turned to me, still with that angry look in his eyes and immediately came over slamming the door. It was the first time I felt such fear, even from Sainz in Monaco I was not as afraid as I am now from Leclerc, who sharply grabbed my shoulders and pressed me against the wall. A sharp pain shot up my spine upon contact with the hard surface, but I gritted my teeth in an attempt to mask the horrible sensation.

- How could you, Lissa! - Charles growled, squeezing me tightly. - How could you?! Second time I fall out of the Qualifying! For the second time!

- Charles, let me explain... – my voice broke.

- Why didn't you say anything then?! - he shouted, slamming me into the wall again. - Why didn't you stop them like you did before? Why didn't he impose his opinion? You promised you'd always fight for me, didn't you?! In how many conversations did he promise you that we would make it together? How many times, I asking you!

- Charles I'm fighting! - I responded to his tone and tried to hold back the tears that came out of my eyes from the pain he was causing me at the moment.

- How do you fight? - he hissed. - By keeping quiet and letting Xavier and Joe do whatever they want?! Is that how you help me and fight for me, Lissa!

- Let me go, this hurts! - I shouted and finally managed to push him off me. - I do what I can and what they allow me to do, but there is another driver for whose benefit I must also work, and not just for you!

- You never followed what the bosses told you! - continued Leclerc in his angry tone. - I can't recognize you Lissa! What? Are you taking revenge on me now? For Monaco, Lissa?! Are you taking revenge on me for Monaco?! For Le Mans?

- I don't care about fucking Monaco, nor about Le Mans, nor about your personal life! - I screamed. - You couldn't handle Max in Q3 anyway. No one could better their times. We put Carlos in front of Max and again Max was first and Carlos stayed in P8. You would be no better than him and you would still be unhappy! Everyone today had the same strategy, rode in the same conditions, everyone! Max managed a great time with the same tires you are running. Carlos also made it...

The Monegasque grabbed my shoulders and shook me hard, squeezing me to the point of pain. I didn't know he had such strong hands and could touch so roughly until now. He looked at me with a peculiar ferocity inherent in a beast, and I stared at him with boundless audacity. I could not believe that opposite me stood that gallant man who had always touched me gently, as if I were a porcelain doll.

- Stop talking to me about Max and Carlos... - he hissed. - Stop quoting results, times and strategies to me, because I don't fucking care.

I couldn't hold back and shed a few tears from the pain I felt in my hands.

- I told you that I trust only you, and you betray me by letting those incompetent people lead you by the nose! - Leclerc continued.

- Let me go... - I stammered. - Let me go or I'll punch you in the face.

- Do it Lissa, I want to see how you will hit me - his expression was demonic, inhuman, for the first time I saw him in this light.

- Do not challenge me! - I hissed

I felt like Charles was going to break my arms, he was squeezing so hard.

- Lissa, you promised to be by my side...

- As you can see even after you hurt me and continue to hurt me, I'm here by your side - I said slowly and managed to push him off of me. - But instead of me getting the hate now, you should have contacted the stupid race engineer and held him accountable for the stupidity!

- At the specific moment you should have stopped them and stood up for me, but you preferred to let them do their own thing - Charles raised his voice again.

- Xavi doesn't listen to me! - I justified myself in a loud tone. - I can see that he's giving me a hard time, and even since Monaco, when I almost beat him in Qualifying... But you don't remember it, you were too distracted by other things, right... You need to temper your psyche Leclerc and not you give in so easily to other people's manipulations. You need to stand up for yourself and learn to assert yourself. To be like Verstappen to become like him... A winner.

Charles glared at me and pursed his lips, tears starting to fall from my eyes. I couldn't take the pressure I was under any longer, and only in front of Charles could I allow myself to break down like this.

- I can beat Verstappen - he lowered his tone.

- By the time you do it, the season will be over...

He lunged at me, but I activated my defensive reflex and gave him a resounding slap.

- Don't try to touch me! - I hissed, and he rubbed his cheek. - Oh and by the way Carlos, who you don't want me to tell you about, is likely to get a 3 place grid penalty and you're starting in P10 tomorrow... You'll have more chances to get into the top places if you pull yourself together and stop whining about being screwed up. Because Checo was in the same position as you, but he didn't lash out at his strategist, did he? And speaking of strategist...Tomorrow I will lead the strategy for the race. Think about it if you don't perform well!

He looked at me pitifully and suddenly changed. It was the Charles I knew again. His eyes sparkled, his face relaxed and calmed down, and his body came out of the protective mode it had been in until now. But now I was very hurt by his attitude and could not even look at him anymore.

- Lissie I...

- That's why I chose to continue with Carlos! - I strained through my teeth.

Before he could say anything I turned my back on him and left the room.

#

My things were left in Carlos' room, I had agreed with him to put them in a safe place, but now I didn't want to see him at all. I just wanted to get back to the hotel. I had never seen Charles like this and his behavior disappointed me. I was starting to wonder if it was really my fault after the second time I was in a similar situation with one of our drivers. Or they just had too high demands on me. But Mekies and Vasseur used to always remark on my work, and now they seemed content, calm, while their garages were on fire. I had to get back into self-dealing with Xavi, but first I had to find the perfect moment.

I left the hospital and sighed heavily. It was raining heavily, and I had no umbrella, no transportation, and no money for transportation. I decided I'd walk to the hotel - it wasn't close, but I'd take it. I put on my hoodie and headed for the paddock exit, the rain starting to drench me like I was in the shower.

As I was walking through the parking lot I heard a horn and turned around. The headlights of a low sports car blinded me and I didn't even see its make, but when the driver pulled up next to me, I recognized Pierre.

- Baby girl! - he shouted - Get in!

- I will wet your natural leather - I answered him.

- The heating will dry out your ass, come on, don't make me go down!

Reluctantly, I got into the car and took off my jacket, tossing it on the back seat. Indeed, there was a heater that actively warmed my whole body, and Pierre turned on the heater to 30 degrees, as if it were winter.

- Where is Kika? - I asked

- I sent her to the hotel, it would have been crazy to keep her in this cold and rain with me – he replayed leaving the parking lot.

- I thought you were riding a motorcycle today... – I said rubbing my nose.

- Should I repeat myself in the description of weather conditions? – he laughed.

I shook my head and looked down. Kika was lucky to have a man like Pierre by her side. Even though we always picked on each other, I never had any bad feelings towards him. I kind of felt like he was my brother. The older brother I never had.

- Where are your boyfriends? - asked Pierre suddenly.

- What boyfriends, Tripod? – I gave him a smug smile.

- That was a blow to the waist - he chuckled.

- You started - I shrugged.

- Okay, you're walking alone here, I know where Charles is, but Carlos...

- His car is here, probably waiting for me, but I don't want to talk to him right now... – I explained.

- And it's a good thing you're not with him, otherwise I would have had to go through a puddle and pour water all over you - Gasly noted. - I'm mad at him right now. Because of him, I dropped out of the Qualifying.

- He's already been penalized 3 places back - I remarked, looking at my phone, where I had just received an email.

- But that doesn't change the fact that I'm far away from the start of the grid – he sighed.

- Everything went very wrong - I sighed and ran my fingers through my wet hair.

We stopped at a traffic light and Pierre turned to me. He looked at me and lifted the sleeve of my t-shirt slightly.

- Did this happen before or after the conversation with Charles? - he asked seriously.

I looked at my arm - blue marks from his fingers were left on my skin. Great!

- I hit a curb while watching the car being repaired before qualifying - I lied.

- 5 times in different places... - he raised his eyebrows. - I know the whole story, Charles called me and told me... That's why I decided to look for you. I condemn him, he shouldn't have done this to you. You are not to blame for the mistakes they make at a lower instance.

- I'm starting to wonder if it's really like that - I mumbled and played with my bracelet. - He was very rude... It's the first time I've seen him like that.

- His season is a failure, and Charles is ambitious - replied Gasly with a sigh.

- Am I to blame for his ruined ambitions? - I raised my voice out of desperation. - Xavier is the one who every time makes mistakes from which we suffer!

- But you are his closest person here. – Pierre caressed my cheek. - That's why he happened to vent his anger on you.

- Yes, here I am his closest person after Andrea, and outside? – I crossed my hands in front of my chest. - It's not me, is it... There is...

- Lissie, things are so complicated that even I don't understand them, and he doesn't want to explain them to me either – Gasly interrupted me. - I'm not defending Charles, but just give him time and he'll reveal himself to you.

- Can't he tell you to hand it over to me? – I rolled my eyes.

- Lissie, this is your relationship, you have to figure them out yourself... – he said in an edifying tone.

- I can't believe that this seemingly sweet and kind person can force me to slap him a second time - I shook my head.

- Well, he did a good job too... - noted Pierre pointing to my arms. - But you'll have to hide them from your boyfriend...

- Pierre, stop emphasizing my relationship with Carlos like that...

- I'm sorry, but the love triangle I got into is just so exciting - he laughed.

- I don't think there is a triangle here, Pierre... – I laughed.

- I have a different opinion on the matter, but what do I know... – the Frenchman winked at me. - I'm just a bystander.

- I'll be honest... – I said quietly. - You and Kika are my support, and I don't know what I would do without you...

- Charles said the same - said Gasly under his breath, stopping in front of the hotel. I pretended not to hear him, I wanted to get home as fast as possible.

- Thank you for the transport... and the session - I smiled shyly. - You are a good brother for another mother, Pierre. Give greetings to Kika from me.

- See you tomorrow Baby girl! - the Frenchman hugged me tightly. - And take care!

I patted him on the back, then broke away from our embrace and got out of the car. I hurried back to my room and took a hot shower to warm me up and then quickly got under the covers and fell asleep.

Notes: Hey guys, glad to see you here again! Sorry for the delay, had so many things on the top of my head, but here I am now with the brand new chapter!

So what we have here? I think we should put the focus over Charles, who is clearly showing his jealousy over the closest relationship between Carlos and Lissie. The things are getting deeper between them, even though she is still trying to hold him aside. Yeah, she is his girlfriend, not officially declared but it is official between them. Still she can't fully give on him. But why? Because her feelings to Charles are stronger? And how about Pierre, who is there for her? Does he know something that we don't? We should wait till the next chapter to Leclarify some things! :D

Guys I hope you liked the chapter - give a star/comment if so, hear the external link aaaaand see you in the next part! <3

Love you so so much! <3 <3

N16XOXOXO