30. Apr – Azerbaijan Grand Prix

I was pretty nervous while walking down the corridors of the Ferrari hospitality. Charles had a few media commitments before going back to his driver's room, and I had to wait for him. And this waiting was killing me. For the first time I was feeling this way. I was trying to pretend it is going to be a normal conversation between us two, but couldn't we make it not at his room, but at the paddock, at the hotel, at the restaurant... Why so... Private?

At the right time I reached the door of the driver's room. I looked around myself to be sure there was nobody who will see me entering there. After that I knocked and exhaled heavily.

Charles opened at the same second with a huge smile on his face. He showed his head to look around, then took my hand and pulled me inside the room. His behavior was weird. And when the door slammed behind me, my heart skipped a beat. I turned around to see Leclerc coming closer to me.

- You came? – he said, raising his eyebrows questioningly.

- You wanted me – I replied slyly, locking my eyes with his.

- I did – the Monegasque smirked.

- Why? – I raised my eyebrows.

Inside I was dying of worry, I could hardly breathe, and my heart was beating so fast that it could explode soon. I tried to cover this up with a mask of self-confidence without breaking the intense eye contact for even a second.

- To thank you privately for your support – he ran his eyes down my body. – The weekend went well so far, because of you.

- I am just doing my job – I shrugged shoulders.

- Well, many people do their job here – Charles noticed, starting to play with a strand of my hair. – But the results haven't been as good as now.

I shivered. He was still in his race suit around his waist, and the red fireproof clung tightly to his body, accentuating the tightening of every muscle as he moved. Unholy things started running through my mind.

- I just know what to do – I replied in a trembling voice. I started losing control over myself.

Leclerc chuckled and stepped even closer to me, shortening the distance between us more.

- You deserve something for that – he whispered.

- A prize – I smirked. – Like a good dog.

- I don't think you are a good dog – he said in a croaky voice, tilting his head. – But like where you are going...

The Monegasque lifted my chin up with two fingers and gave me a sly grin. We were on millimeters from each other and the tension between us was growing with each passing second. The artery on his neck was pulsing fast. The butterflies in my stomach started to fly and my legs became weaker. I was staring into Charles green-blue eyes, deep drowning in them and couldn't move. They were so hypnotizing. He was hypnotizing. His odor, voice, appearance... Everything...

And I managed to step back, breaking this very intimate moment. Leclerc was surprised and froze in his place, while I approached the bench next to us and sat on it.

- What will be my prize, Leclerc! – I couldn't help but provoke him again.

He turned to me with a little smirk. I leaned my back against the backrest and stared defiantly at him.

- What about a fancy dinner with aperitive? – Leclerc stepped confidently to me.

- Dinner? – I faked a surprise and laughed.

He was watching me with narrowed eyes, waiting for my answer, but I looked away, trying to tease him delaying my response. Suddenly found a black leather sunglasses case and took the pilot Ray Ban out of it. After observing them well, I put them on my eyes and smiled.

- I would go on a dinner with you Leclerc, only if you take the podium tomorrow – I stated, biting my lower lip.

The Monegasque chuckled and leaned quickly towards me, putting his hands on the wall behind me. Again, we were close face to face. His mint breath caressed my skin, and I got goosebumps over my body.

- Now I have an even bigger motivation to win tomorrow – he whispered and poked me on the tip of my nose. – Keep them... They look good on you.

I gasped and looked after Charles who stepped away and turned his back to me. I wasn't prepared for what happened next.

Leclerc took his fireproof off, leaving himself completely naked to the waist. I was enraptured by the sight in front of me, even slightly moved the sunglasses down and looked over them. I wanted to enjoy this divine body... And not only by watching it. A powerful huge back, well-shaped biceps and triceps, a strong wide neck... I literally started salivating like I was seeing a huge piece of cake. And I cleared my throat.

He turned to me and grinned when noticed the embarrassment I felt seeing his bare, firm, and well-shaped chest and the underlying abs that were defined with each breath he took. I was really stunned and couldn't take my eyes off him.

- Are you okay, darling! – the Monegasque said unzipping the race suit till down. He was staring at me with hungry seductive eyes.

- E-E-Everything is p-perfect! – I stuttered and stood up. – I've just remembered I have an urgent task to do.

- Why don't you wait for me to go to the hotel together? – he asked while I was walking to the door.

- Because I...

I gasped, losing my mind and words, when I turned to the driver and saw him taking his race suit completely off, leaving only with tight black boxers on. My heart stopped for a moment, and I couldn't help myself but fixed my eyes at his private zone. And swallowed hard. Thank Goodness I was with the sunglasses on, so he couldn't see how huge my eyes became. Why is he doing this to me?!

- I promised Isa and Ca-Carlos... to drive me back to the ho-hotel – I tried to explain.

- Since when you are so close again? – Charles smirked.

- Since now! – I said rapidly. – I meant... I have to go now...

I turned to open the door, but it seemed to be locked.

- Lissie, could you please give me... - I heard the voice of Charles behind me.

- For God's sake, Leclerc, cover yourself up! – I shouted and threw the towel from the hanger next to me.

- That's exactly what I needed! – he started laughing hysterically.

I started cursing him and covered my eyes with hand, when finally managed to walk out and started running down the corridor. I still could hear the laughter of Leclerc after me. Hot waves flooded my entire body, my cheeks burned, and my hands and feet trembled with nervousness. Lately, Charles' influence on me had become stronger and I could hardly control the urges of desire for him. I blamed Pierre and Kika for my condition, who filled my head with nonsense. But they didn't make me tell him I'd go out to dinner with him if he took the podium. What kind of fool am I?!

#

The next day I woke up with a pounding heart. I was extremely nervous about the last day of the race weekend. Not only because I made a promise to the Monegasque that I probably should have fulfilled, but also because I could see the results of the previous days. There wasn't a problem with the cars, they were in great shape for the first time in a long time, now it was just a matter of getting the right strategy and our drivers to be in good enough condition to not screw things up. On today's grid Charles was starting from Pole and Carlos P4, and I hoped to keep these positions or gain even more. I knew it was going to be really hard with the Bulls close to us, but we had put a lot of effort into making a competitive enough car and all that was left was luck on our side.

I prepared for the paddock in the traditional way - uniform, talismans, light make-up, and perfume. I had no appetite from worry, so I didn't even go to breakfast, and after the last time I ran across Pierre and Kika, I preferred to avoid a potential reunion with them. I didn't want anything to distract me from my thoughts for today.

Arthur's race was going to take place before his brother's one, so they were most likely already at the track. I didn't call them, I preferred to take a taxi and get to work by myself. Isa informed me that she and Carlos were already at the Ferrari hospitality too so the driver could get ready. I was really going to be on my own getting to my workplace.

My heart skipped a beat when the taxi pulled up to the circuit entrance. A huge mass of Tifosi had gathered in front, waving team flags and shouting "Forza Ferrari". It made me smile but scared me at the same time. The day was hot and sunny, yet a cold sweat broke out on my back as I approached the turnstiles. My breathing quickened and I blacked out for a moment. I shouldn't have worried so much, but I felt a huge pressure when I thought that all these people have come here to support us, to see us succeed and have stood behind the team, despite all the disappointments we have given them so far. We shouldn't disappoint them today, and for that to happen, I had to believe in myself and the capabilities of our drivers.

I held my head high, giving myself a more confident look and resolutely walked into the paddock, proudly carrying my Scuderia official badge on my chest.

I heard the clicking of the paparazzi's cameras but hurried to hide from them. I still wasn't used to the media attention in the paddock, and I had a feeling it was going to intensify. I was wearing Charles' sunglasses that I left here with yesterday. I really liked them, but I had to return them to him, and this was the only way to do it without damaging them.

Finally, I found myself in front of the hospitality and my first job after entering was to go to the kitchen and make myself a cup of coffee. And there I ran across Carlos in front of the coffee machine. Hearing my steps, he turned to me and gave me a slight smile.

- Super Star how are you? – he chuckled, spreading his arms for the traditional hug.

- From Cinderella to Super Star – I noted wrapping my arms around his waist for a couple of seconds. – Nice glow up!

- Well, Cinderella doesn't wear Ray Bans – the Spaniard laughed.

I stepped back, putting the sunglasses down. The feeling was strange – we were trying to behave as if nothing had happened at the previous race. The pain in my soul was still there, but it was slowly fading away. Probably I was going to remember this all my life, or time was going to heal it.

- Have to give them back to Charles – I said quietly. – Do you know where he is?

- He told me they are already yours – Sainz said, handing me a cup of espresso. I looked at him confused. – Take it, I'll make myself another one.

- If his things became mine so easily, why not jump into his car and start driving it – I laughed and took a sip of the coffee.

- He would not give you his Pista so easily... - Carlos shook his head giggling. – Believe me, he adores it!

- Couldn't blame him! – I shrugged shoulders. – But let's stop talking about Charles... It's good that I saw you here.

- Really? – the driver raised his eyebrows in surprise. – Why?

- Because I was going to look for you anyway... – we slowly headed to the kitchen exit. – Today is a big day, you know that... I just wanted to wish you good luck, because...

I let out a deep sigh and continued talking:

- Many things have changed since Australia. I feel the pressure over you both and I hope it will be a good race for you, and Charles, and... myself of course. Vasseur didn't terminate my contract, but the chance he gave me to lead the Strategy masterplan was one of the many tests he puts me all the time. And I tell you this because I believe that we can be a good team, if only every of us suppresses their pride and gives a chance to the other.

- You gave me a chance, right? – Sainz stopped and turned to me. – And I learnt from my mistake...

- I actually still feel bad that I told you, you don't have any skills – I continued looking at my feet. – I just want you to believe you can manage with this race and wish you a higher position today. You are good enough. And I know it.

Carlos lifted my chin up and we locked our eyes. They were filled with tenderness. He gave me a soft smile and said quiet:

- I am actually pleased that you told me I don't have skills... No one had ever before dared to declare such a thing in my eyes. In fact, your directness motivates me. Don't for a second think about feeling guilty about it. That's your charm!

- Ha, the second person motivated from me – I mumbled. – I should have become a life coach, instead of a strategist.

- And who is the first person? – Carlos raised his eyebrows playfully.

- Nevermind! – I waved casually with my hand and started walking slowly. – Now, I have to find Mekies and discuss the strategy with him.

- Oh, come on Lissie! – Sainz put his arm over my shoulder. – Spill the tea to your brother from another mother!

- Woah, calm down, mate! – I laughed, gently removing his hand from me. – I still haven't forgiven you so much to call you like that.

- You will, Lissie! – he winked. – You will...

And we continued walking down the corridor, discussing the plans for the next week in Miami.

#

I missed the race of Arthur because all of my attention was taken from Mekies, Jain and Vasseur. The Holy Trinity locked with me in the conference room the whole time before the race, so we could discuss the collected data from the passed days, but also the strategy. Finally, my plan was approved, as follows: Start on the Medium tires. Between lap 17 and 20, the cars have to be called for a box, to change on Hards till 34th lap. It was a risky one pit stop strategy, but the track conditions were close to the ones of the Quali on Friday and the Sprint race, so I was confident I was doing it the right way. But that didn't make me any less nervous. There was always the question "What if...?" And it was in my head all the time, even though I had a poker face.

The race was about to start. Thanks to Mr. Fusaro, I had access to the cars just before the drivers got into them and was able to inspect them. I wanted to make sure everything was okay. Or so it seemed like that. After I checked the cars, I felt more relaxed than before and confident about the race.

I was about to go to the pit wall, when Charles entered his garage, and we locked our eyes. I couldn't help myself and headed to him.

- Oh, the Pole King arrived! – I exclaimed and hugged him tightly.

- Don't put so much hope in this, darling! – he said with a bitter smile, placing hands on my waist. – We will see what will happen.

- Charles don't be so harsh on you! – I scolded him, punching his shoulder. – I know you will conquer the top today! You are doing great the whole weekend. My knight in a red shining armor... With the black epaulets.

I rubbed his shoulders where the black part of the cloth was. We both giggled. His hands were still tightly around my waist and mine - on his chest. We smiled looking at each other's eyes and didn't move. It seemed as if time had stopped for us.

But the sound of an electric wrench snapped us out of our trance and we both took a step back, looking embarrassed around.

- Charles, listen! – I started serious. – The starting reaction is very important. I was watching Max. He can't react quickly twice, and that wasted his time to attack. You must use this at the start today. And don't worry, no matter what happens, you will always be our champion!

- Thank you, Lissie! – Leclerc smiled softly. – I will fight for the podium. Have to conquer my dinner with you after all.

He winked at me then turned around and began to prepare for the race with Andrea, who just came and waved to me. I greeted the coach with a confused look. Well, Leclerc didn't forget about my promise. Opsy...

I went back to the pit wall and headed for my usual spot in the corner, but Mekies called my name and gave me a sign to approach him. I looked at him in bewilderment, but timidly stepped up to him. He put a hand on my shoulder and handed me the headphones left on the desk next to him.

- What is happening Mister Mekies? – I asked.

- The Main Strategist doesn't sit in the corner – Laurent replied. – I was next to you enough, now it is time for you to take the place beside me.

- But what about Vasseur? – I continued worried, taking the headphones with shaking hands.

- All this is done with his consent – he smiled softly. – Now take a sit, relax yourself and...

- Let's kick some rear wings! – we both said at one time and laughed.

This was a little step for me and a huge step for Scuderia Ferrari. I settled in the chair next to Mekies, greeted the rest of the team members. Then looked at the sky and sighed. It was time to race. I went through my traditional pray and... kissed the coral golden horn pendant on my necklace. And smiled.

All the cars went on the track for formation lap, then I turned my radio on.

- Welcome on the board of SF-23! – I said in a trembling voice and cleared my throat to be able to continue. – The asphalt temperature is 42 degrees. There isn't any possibility of rain, and we follow the one pit-stop strategy as follows – Mediums/Hards. Everything clear?

- Copy, Lissie! – both drivers replied, and I chuckled.

- Wish you good luck and... Lights out and away we go!

The race started and shivers ran down my spine. Charles led, uncompromisingly. I was watching the two cars with bated breath, arms crossed over my chest and biting my lower lip. I could see how close Max was moving to Charles and it was becoming clearer what his intentions were. But I could also see how hard it was for the car to maintain speed, especially on the straights. Red Bull was particularly strong there.

- Charlie, you need to separate yourself from Verstappen as much as you can on the straights – I said on my microphone. – Just hit more throttle on the straights, he always sticks to you and when the DRS opens, he will try to pass you, defend the position.

- Copy, darling! – he replied.

I rolled my eyes. Haven't I told him not to call me like that on the radio?! I turned my focus to Carlos who was still P4 and trying to keep the tires. He was too cautious.

And Max didn't wait at all – lap 4, he overtook Charles smoothly. I pursed my lips and exhaled deeply. How to manage with that... Just tell me how!

- Charlie, I will give you and advice – I turned my radio on. – Stay close to Verstappen and run away from Perez... Oh and from now on you will replay with "Copy, sir"! Everything clear?

- Copy, sir! – he said.

Now it was better. No chuckling and full focus on the track. And he started fighting for his position. Or at least he tried... He really tried but... in Lap 6 Perez overtook him too. This time I didn't say anything. Just looked at Mekies who was clenching his teeth tightly. He gave me a quick side eye and nodded his head. We both knew that now the Red Bulls will start to lead and will fight for P1/P2 between them. But I hope that Charles will join their fight.

- Charles, a little information for you - Perez's rear tire degradation is high, so makes sure you stay close to him – Then I changed the stations and said: - Sainz, use Charles's slipstream, to gain speed without being too harsh on the tires. And keep the train behind you, that's what you do best.

- Copy! – I received an answer and continue watching.

And the rivals started pitting. At lap 10 Hamilton, and at the next one – Verstappen. Charles became P2 and I started staring at the screens intensively. Because of the high track temperature, I was afraid that our tires would have a higher graining soon and we have to pit. Now how to keep the second position? What to do?

I felt a hot breeze behind my back and turned a bit. It was weird, I have been feeling this since we were here. At this moment I heard the name of Nick DeVries and turned to the screens. A Safety car was deployed. Why every time something happens when feeling this breeze?

- Charles, Carlos – box! – I ordered and looked at the screens.

So now we had enough time and if Charles was fast enough, he could overtake Perez after the tire change.

- Charlie, stay close to Perez and warm the tires up – I gave him some advice. – On the restart you might be able to pass him.

- Copy!

I held my breath and waited. He was moving good, he had a good pace. In lap 14 the race was restarted. But Verstappen didn't wait at all and attacked again. And overtook Leclerc. Mamma mia! That wasn't enough – Alonso also passed Carlos. Vaffanculo!

- Carlos, please stop keeping these tires and attack! – I turned my radio on. – There are 15 hungry wolves behind who aren't here for a tea party!

- I am following plan B – he replied.

- Fuck the plans with the never-ending alphabet! – I scolded him. – Just race! Faster!

In 18 laps Alonso was over 1s behind Charles and my heart skipped a beat. I knew Alonso wouldn't stop making an overtake.

- Chess... - I whispered. – If you are hearing me now... I need your help!

I closed my eyes and sighed. Then again, the warm breeze behind my back appeared. And I smiled confidently!

- Charlie, please be careful and get away from Alonso! – I said on the radio. – Push more, your tires are in a completely good condition to manage with him!

- Copy, sir!

- Carlos, you are 1 sec away from Alonso – I changed station. – Try to squeeze him, he could be distracted and make a mistake. Use his flows to keep the speed, your tires are also good.

- Copy!

Thank Goodness the drivers listened to me, and we managed to solve the problem for now. But the race was so tensions that I couldn't take a break. Charles was seven seconds behind Verstappen, but still couldn't catch him. Meanwhile Hamilton was coming over the horizon.

- Carlos, few things for you – I unmuted myself. – Now you have to hold position from Hamilton, who is one second behind you. Also be careful around turn 15 because they lose a lot of grip there. Your tires are good, so just push and chase.

- Copy, Lissie! – he replied.

- As I could see Hamilton has huge tire degradation – I continued. – I believe you could use this to break away from him because he closes the gap...

- I try! – said Carlos in a trembling voice. – I am fucking trying!

- Focus! – I hissed. – It's not time to give up! And don't try it, just do it!

Till lap 26 the results were the same. Charles was closing the gap with Verstappen and Carlos was still trying to run after Alonso. I advised Sainz to be careful with the curbs because they were slowing him down and to use them minimally. But the gap between the Monegasque and Verstappen was big and between him and Alonso little.

- Charlie, we are in lap 30 – I informed him. – But Alonso is chasing you intensively, try to push more.

- The tires? – he asked.

- The tires are good – I replied. – You have all the prerequisites to escape him. So come on boy!

- Copy, sir!

I cracked a smile and started biting my nails. Between lap 32 and 35 my heart almost stopped several times. Alonso was putting so much pressure on Leclerc, chasing him and I was ready to scream in agony. I closed my eyes and started praying for Charles to keep his position. Again, this breeze behind my back.

And when I opened my eyes, Alonso was far behind Charles. I sighed in relief. But the relaxed condition doesn't last long. In lap 37 Hamilton started putting pressure on Carlos, wanting 5th place.

- Sainz, focus! – I turned my radio on. – The distance between Hamilton and you is under a second. Don't worry about the tires. They are in surprisingly good condition! Just defend, please!

- I will, Lissie! – the Spaniard said.

I swallowed hard and looked at the screens - Ten laps. Exactly so much he has to keep the Merc guy behind him. And my fingers were constantly running through my hair. I saw the sharp temperature of the tack decrease to 36.5 degrees. And suddenly Hamilton started slowing down and stopped fighting for his place.

- Hamilton fell behind, Sainz you can breathe and continue pushing – I said on the radio.

- Charles, you are doing it good! – I changed the station. – Now there are some gusts of wind, be careful!

- Copy, sir!

And soon after that I saw the checkered flag and jumped out of my place.

- P3 Charlies, P5 Sainz... – I said almost screaming. – We've got it! We have a podium. We have it, guys! I am so proud of you! You are amazing heroes! Great respect!

I didn't wait for their response, just put down my headphones and hugged Mekies with joy. I started crying. All the tense during the race ruined my nervous system, but at the same time I was extremely happy, that I couldn't realize if these tears were from happiness of from tiredness.

Then hastened to congratulate all the team by the wall and rushed to the fences. I was one of the first there, together with Andrea and Mr. Fusaro. Of course, there were many high words and hugs from them to me. 

And then Charles parked the car. He jumped out of it and put down his helmet and balaclava. I was really seeing a knight in shining armor. The Monegasque was tired but relaxed. His green-blue eyes fixed on me, and he immediately ran to the fences.

- You did it Charles! – I let out a little scream still sobbing and he hugged me tight.

- I couldn't have done much – his voice sounded a bit disappointed.

- Charles, that's third place! – I broke the hug. – It's a podium! The first one! And you made me proud... Remember what I promised you? To make Hervè proud. He is definitely now saying to the angels "That down there is my son! That's my boy!".

- You are the reason for this success, little one! – Leclerc smiled softly rubbing my back. – Thank you for everything!

I smiled. His brothers and Vasseur arrived next to the fences and he had to pay a bit of attention to them. The team was happy as if Charles had finished P1, even me and Mr. Fusaro started singing the Italian anthem. Yes, we sounded like crazy, but finally I found someone from the mechanics as crazy as me. Before Charles going back to the car, he turned to me and shouted:

- By the way, now you owe me a dinner, darling!

And I sent him an air kiss as a response. Now I owe him dinner.

Someone jumped on my back and when I turned it was Arthur, followed by Lorenzo.

- Mamma mia! – I screamed like a little girl. – Arthy, you scared me!

- Come here, Master of the Ferrari plans! – he pulled me into his arms and his brother literally jumped over me.

I ended up in a Leclerc's joy sandwich and the feeling was amazing. I couldn't believe the atmosphere was so magnificent. I wished us to be like that after every race. Next, we three started humming the Monaco anthem at the top of our lungs. We were also more comical than Aston Martin mechanics when Alonso wins the third place. But we were happy. These great results were the first for me for this season and I was not only proud of the boys, but from myself either.

Then the award ceremony started. I was still squeezed between the Leclerc brothers and hardly managed to take out my phone and capture the moment of Charles walking out on the podium. We started screaming his name when he appeared. The Monegasque waved at the audience, then took the place on the podium. I was confused... It was supposed to be Max's step.

- Does he... - I started but Arthur just shook his head.

- Don't...Just don't... - he laughed.

- Well, Charles is like "Give me my place, bitches!"!

And we all laughed, turning our gaze to him. Charles raised the trophy high and looked at us. His face showed how tired he was, but at the same time calm and satisfied of the result. What about me? I felt in seventh heaven. And felt the hot breeze behind my back. When I turned around, I saw in the distance two green-blue eyes staring at me. But when I blinked the eyes suddenly disappeared.

- Thank you, Chess... - I whispered with a slight smile.

Suddenly the drops of champagne fell over my head and turned my attention back to the podium. It was time for celebration!

Notes: Hello guys! Here I am with the brand new chapter! I am so glad of the great support lately and I want to thank you! It means a lot to me! I will continue to try to enjoy you with my chapters. I make it all for you, beautiful people! <3 

So, the first great success of Lissa and the team is there. She put a lot of effort to conquer her place next to Mekies. But will she be there for long? Now she owes a dinner to Charles. Will she go? :P

I hope you liked the chapter - give a star/comment if so, hear the Coldplay external link aaaand... see you at the next part! <3

Love ya <3 <3 <3

N16 XOXOXO

PS: Not gonna comment the race, just gonna say I was in (s)PAIN!  :/ All the love <3