After the Sunday's race, I was feeling pretty discouraged even though I was trying to stay positive in front of the guys, like Andrea advised me. But the fact that I promised Charles to finally have our dinner made him smile on the way back to the hotel. One thing that was in my mind right now, were the thoughts how the "event" will go on and... how to hide it from Vasseur. I still didn't have a plan how to proceed but I should be faster in thinking because didn't have much time left.

The next morning, the alarm on the phone was the reason of my early waking up. My whole body ached from fatigue, I just wanted a little more sleep... But I had to catch a flight and get back to Italy to start working again. Our eyes were already on Imola and we had a week to prepare for this race. Next came 3 European races in a row, home for each of us. And just the thought of those three weeks in a row made me tingle. As the season progressed, each weekend became more and more important, and Vasseur made things even more complicated with his orders to me. And among all these worries I had to arrange a date with Leclerc. Probably he would like to choose the restaurant when we got back in Italy, he would insist to come and pick me up from my home... But it was going to be much easier if just one day after work we went to my place and had some homemade pasta.

I got out of bed and immediately after my beauty routine, I started packing my bags. I was running around the bedroom wondering how to put everything in the cases again, as I had taken my clothes out of the suitcases for the first time - Big mistake! Suddenly there was a knock on my door and I heard the access card being marked. I had put up a sign "Do not disturb!" on the lock so it shouldn't be the maid.

And when I turned around Charles appeared on my doorframe wearing a black linen suit and a white Armani  T-shirt. He leaned on the frame and crossed his hands in front of his chest, as result my heart immediately quickened its rhythm.

Leclerc looked at me from head to toe and smiled smugly. I took a quick glance at the mirror above the dressing table and realized I was still in my nightwear - a red satin tank top and shorts with black lace around the edges.

- Are you going to leave dressed like this? – he asked in a husky voice.

Lately I was hearing him talking like that more often and noticed that change in him. It was strange but so seductive, and shivers were running down my spine every time this sound reached my ears.

- Charles, don't be ridiculous! - I said and crossed my arms in front of my chest. - Of course I'll change my clothes...

- You can stay like that, I wouldn't mind it - he replied and came closer, sitting on my bed as if it was his own. – We still have one more day here after all.

- I thought we are leaving today – I frowned in confusion.

- Well, if you don't remember, I have some duties in New York – Leclerc smiled, and his eyes started following my moving through the room. – So, we still leave, not for Italy but for New York.

- YOU have duties in New York, Charlie, and I have duties in ITALY – I said slurring my first and last word, while arranging my luggage.

I could feel Monegasque's eyes on me, every moment I leaned in or had my back to him. I thought he would stand up any moment and start to have goosebumps.

- Well, let's say you got a lot of work done in two weekends and you can afford some rest – he said behind my back and I turned to look at him in disbelief.

- Charles, you are such a weird person! – I exclaimed. – Yesterday you were in a minor mood during the interviews, don't you think that I didn't watch and hear your words, after that in the car you were constantly smiling, now you look even happier. What is going on inside your head?

- Negative things should be left behind – he shrugged shoulders and smiled even wider than before. – And your promise to finally have dinner is keeping me stay really positive.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. How come a promise for one damn dinner to be the reason for him looking like he won the championship.

- Come on darling... – he exclaimed and stood up, getting closer to me. – We both need some rest. Tomorrow we are going back to Italy and we will be locked at the simulator to work for the whole fucking day.

- You have 3 races Leclerc – I said edifyingly. – All three. I have to go to Maranello and prepare everything for them. We have no time to delay.

- Darling... - he looked at me playfully and smirked, revealing his cute dimples. – Stay with me for just one more day...

That innocent devilish expression, combined with those precious words, made my legs tremble. One part of me wanted to comply with Vasseur's orders, but another gave in to the temptation called Leclerc. But what? We can be friends and still hang out. A friendship can't make Leclerc's career so bad.

- Ugh, well, I'll stay... - I rolled my eyes. – But what are we going to do?

- Oh, darling, don't play it as you have forgotten – the Monegasque said playfully and put his hands on my waist.

- Let's say I have selective memory and you have to remind me of our plans – I replied fixing the collar of his blazer.

Charles bit his lower lip and leaned to whisper in my ear:

- I'm going to take you to a very interesting place that I bet you've never been to... And... you will finally give me the dinner you promised me.

He placed a little kiss on my cheek and stepped back when I gasped in surprise. We locked our eyes – his full of desire and mine full of shock of his action.

- And what's the place I've never been? - I asked slightly rubbing my nape losing all my confidence. This happened really often when I was around him.

- Yankee Stadium – Charles turned back to his previous place – the bed, and sat on it.

- You were serious about New York? - I noticed. – But it's a 19 hour drive!

- Lissie, should I remind you we have a contract with Vista Jet? – Leclerc laughed.

I turned my sight to the widely opened suitcases and sighed.

- This nomadic life will drive me crazy!

- But isn't that the best part of our job, darling? – he said standing up again.

- I thought it was the adrenaline – I raised my eyebrows.

- Adrenaline is the main good – he winked at me, then headed to the door. – I'll let you tide your things up... And you may not change. I you look pretty hot like that!

Charles turned to me for one last time and blew me an air kiss, then left the apartment while I stood numb in the middle of my bedroom, still trying to realize what have just happened.

#

And again on the road with the Leclerc family, but this time without one of its members, and their faithful companions - Joris and Andrea. It was fun as always. And Charles and Lorenzo explained the game of Baseball to me down to the last point of the rules, because it turned out I haven't listened properly on the way from Switzerland to Florida. Probably I was too mesmerized by Charles. But obviously, the boys were interested in all kinds of sports, in general they had a rich culture that allowed them to always be at the center of the company. I got into the habit of spending time with them, and my stomach hurt from laughing at certain times when our group was in the mood. And I liked that. I felt good. On my place. Where I always want to be... And I was afraid to lose this place...

New York was a beautiful town. Although it was a metropolis, with huge glass buildings, crowded streets and a bit of rain, that was perhaps its charm and made me fall in love with it. This mad bustle, the large windows of the luxury boutiques we passed by, the landscaped roof terraces of the high-rise buildings and the bizarrely shaped skyscrapers were extremely fascinating and I thanked Charles for taking me here with him. In fact, I realized that thanks to Leclerc, I got to know a lot of things in this world that I had not seen before and that I might never have touched because I mostly spent my time in Italy. If I hadn't been hired at Ferrari, I probably would have gone back to Germany and majored in automotive engineering. The master's degree in physics was not at all easy, but I graduated with honors, and in the meantime I was very actively interested in cars, their structure, and even wrote a thesis on aerodynamics related to the dependence of speed on the structure of cars and the air flows that pass around them. Yes, it was unusual for a woman to have such interests, but that was exactly what made me a valuable shot... But maybe because I was young and they didn't want to listen to me. And how did I end up applying to be a strategist? I just believed that I had a genius enough brain to be able to create the perfect strategy based on all my knowledge and skills gained in Heidelberg and during my internship at one of the biggest car companies there - VW and in particular at the Porsche plant.

- Lissie... - I felt a tap on my shoulder that snapped me out of my thoughts.

I turned to see Charles next to me, smiling gently.

- Lissie, what's on your mind, darling? - he asked me quietly.

- Nothing special - I mumbled and smiled. - Where are we?

- We just arrived - Joris informed us.

I looked out of the window in astonishment, then at Leclerc. He winked at me and got out of the car we rented to drive to the stadium. Lorenzo, who was riding in the front, quickly jumped out of the car and opened the door for me before his brother could get around. This gesture surprised me, and the next moment Charles appeared at the door, slightly out of breath, and gave me his hand to get out. What a gentleman!  We both walked hand in hand to the entrance of the stadium.

Charles was greeted like a prince, as everyone always treated him. I liked that attitude about him. He really deserved it. With that lovely appearance, sparkling blue-green eyes, and noble demeanor, I always imagined him in the clothes of an aristocrat from centuries past, and quite often noticed him acting like one. He was literally so "lordesque".

I watched him with a smile as he put on his Yankees baseball jersey and Joris took picture after picture of him. Charles would throw out the first pitch in the game's opening ceremony. Or at least that's what I understood. I didn't really listen to him intently while he was explaining. For the first time, I felt too captivated by him and couldn't even focus on his words. Yes, until now I've always got lost in his eyes or staring at his lips, but now I felt something different. Perhaps Vasseur's forbidding me to get involved with Charles had sharpened my desire for him, and now... Now I was beginning to fall for him more and more. Obviously.

- Lissa! - I heard Lorenzo's voice and jumped out of fright.

- You two with your brother have a terrible habit of scaring me! – I hissed and put a hand on my heart.

- But Charles called you many times, and you just look into the empty field and don't answer - said Lorenzo.

- I was taking a micro-nap and you pulled me out of it! – I said annoyed.

- Eyes open? – Andrea asked surprised, joining into the conversation. – Did Carlos teach you that way?

- It's not Carlos but a trick of the SEALs... – I rolled my eyes, while the older Leclerc and the coach were looking at me confused. I waived casually with my hand and continued: – It doesn't matter! What does your brother want?

- His brother wants a picture with you! - I heard Charles saying as he came closer to me, leaning over the fence.

- And what exactly? - I asked in amazement.

- You're going to put on this Yankees hat - he said, placing a cap with the Yankees logo on my head. - You will get on my back, and we will take pictures against the background of the sunset.

- Can't something simpler be done? - I asked quietly. - Many people gather in the stands and...

I stopped talking because I saw Leclerc giving some weird signs to his brother and Andrea. They both laughed and rubbed their hands together, then grabbed my legs, and Charles reached over the fence and put his arms around my waist. With joint efforts, the three of them took me out on the field, no matter how much I objected, and now we had to take the pictures.

Just as Charles wished. I was trying to resist but and on the last one I just leaned in and planted a kiss on his cheek. So Joris filmed us. But friends and family kiss each other on the cheek... Here's Arthur and Charles every time they meet and kiss each other on the cheek... After thinking so much about the first time I kissed Charles on the cheek, I came to the conclusion that then it was just a friendly act... And now we were just in a close friendship... See nothing wrong with that.

When I got off Charles's back and Joris started staring at the pictures  I shouted:

- Joris, give it to me now!

- What? - the photographer was shocked.

- Now it's my turn to take pictures of you - I replied getting closer to him. - Come on! Have some fun and I will make your moments unforgettable!

And before he could object, I took the camera out of his hands and started filling its memory.

#

Before the match, I had already taken so many pictures of the brothers, Andrea and Joris, that I could have entered a photography contest. Still, Trouche had to take a break from the duty of remaining dazzled behind the lens by the Sun King's beauty. And then we all went up on the benches to eat hot dogs and watch the baseball game. All things I have never done before. At the start of the game, they invited Charles to the front lawn, and I took out my phone to take a picture of him accepting the congratulations and affection of the crowd and capture the multi-talented, handsome young man. It was for private usage - to warm my heart in cold lonely days at home.

We watched the match. It was interesting and the hosts were leading. But my attention was taken away by the man next to me. I was staring at Charles' jersey and forgot to follow the game as he gazed enthralled at the pitch smiling. Once again, I was amazed at how many things he cared about and how they all made him happy.

Suddenly, Charles turned to me, and as we locked eyes, he grinned even more, revealing his dimples.

- What's up darling? - he asked. - Don't you like the game?

- Well, now the half-time had started - I raised my shoulders and looked at the field where the players were returning to the changing rooms.

- You sound like you're pretty bored - Leclerc nudged me by the shoulder.

- No, it's good - I replied. - But it's not like our sport.

- And that's why you decided to stare at me? – he laughed. – To remind yourself about our sport?

- Oh no, I... - I started stuttering. – I was observing your jersey.

- And what's wrong with it? – the Monegasque looked down at it.

- Do you know why the Yankees always win? - I asked him, starting to play with his sleeve.

- Because they have a good strategist and coach? – he tried to guess.

- I was going to say it's because the others can't stop looking at the stripes - I frowned. - But I can also accept your answer as an option.

- In that case, let's put stripes on our cars and maybe everyone will be so hypnotized that we will win every race – Charles giggled.

- Or we'll look like the Madagascar zebra... – I shook my head looking at him. - But multiplied by 2.

Charles and I started laughing hysterically, and he put his arm over my shoulder to hug me. At that moment my phone rang. I excused myself and jumped up from my seat to see who was calling me. Then heard the cheers of the audience.

I turned to see what was going on. The kissing camera had started on the huge screens and was fixed on Charles, who laughed embarrassed and kissed Joris cheek, sitting across from him. My seat next to Leclerc was empty. Thank God my phone rang. Otherwise, everything would be in the media tomorrow.

Then I looked back at my screen and saw Carlos' name written on it. I quickly ran up the stairs and hid in one of the corridors leading to the toilets. When found a quieter spot and finally picked it up.

- Carlos, what's up?

He sighed heavily and I heard him snort.

- Carlos, is everything alright? - I asked again, worried.

- Yeah, it's okay... he answered but his voice was trembling. - I was on the cross trainer, and got tired...

- Why are you calling me after your cross trainer? – I asked confused.

- Just to hear you, Lissie... – he said in a deep sigh.

I frowned and looked around. There was something weird in his call, and I felt like didn't want anyone to know about it.

- I think you are lying to me... – I said. – You sound like after a huge penalty... Crying? Where are you, Carlos?

There were chants from outside and I thought people were coming, so had to move further into the corridor to hear the Spaniard better.

- And where are you? – he asked me quietly. – Aren't you in Italy?

- Charles took me to a baseball game... In New York – I explained and felt the heavy mood on the other line. So, I hastened to change the subject. – Long story. I'll tell you when I get home.

- Ah, you are with Charles... – he finally mumbled. - Well, we'll hang up then.

- But Carlos... – I tried to stop him. – Why are you calling me? You don't sound pretty good... I'm worried about you! Has something happened?

- I just wanted to know if you will be at work in Maranello tomorrow?

- On Wednesday... I probably won't be in condition to come tomorrow... The way back home is long.

- Until Wednesday... - Sainz repeated sadly. - Does not matter. Have a great time with Charles...

- Carlos... Carlos...

But he hung up the phone. There was something about this boy. He wouldn't have rung just like that, and why do I think that... He was like... Crying?

I'd decided we would see each other on Wednesday, so I didn't call him back and was about to return when I heard footsteps behind me.

- That's where you were!

I turned to see Charles walking towards me, already wearing the black blazer.

- What are you doing here, darling? - he asked with a little smirk.

- I talked to Carlos - I replied and immediately regretted my honesty. - He wanted to ask if I was in Italy already...

- Why does he need to know such information?

Related to Leclerc's tone, I could say he got really annoyed and he narrowed his eyes.

- Have no idea - I shrugged my shoulders and started drumming nervously on the back of my phone. - Vasseur must have been looking for me...

The Monegasque stepped closer to me, closing the distance between us, and I took a step back.

- Why do I think you're lying? - he smirked and stepped towards me again.

Another step back brought me to rest my back against the cold wall.

- You have a good imagination - I said and laughed nervously. - But I have no reason to lie to you.

Charles moisture his lips and took a slight step towards me again. This time there was nowhere to run. I was stuck between his body and the wall. What now?

I looked down in an attempt to find a way out of the situation, but there was clearly none.

- Darling, are you worried about something? - Charles asked me in a low husky voice, lifting my chin with his fingers. His other hand was placed on the wall behind me, next to my head, blocking my way to run.

- Why I should worry... - I exclaimed in a trembling voice. - How did you come up with that?

- Your body language... - Leclerc whispered - speaks to me...

He leaned down and rested his forehead against mine. I could feel his peppermint breath caressing my skin, the two of us were millimeters apart, our lips about to touch. My heart was about to jump out of my chest, my whole body shook, and I could barely stay on my feet. At this point, Charles smiled and said:

- Je peux à peine te resister, beauté...

I gasped when I heard the last word. Mio Dio! It sounded so familiar! And he slid his thumb through my lips.

The sound of an awfully loud noise from the bottom of the corridor as the metal doors opened interrupted us and we both immediately jumped away from each other. We turned and at that moment Lorenzo joined our company.

- Here you are! - he exclaimed. - It's time to go to dinner.

- Oh, I almost forgot about that! – his brother laughed and looked at me. – Are you ready, darling?

I nodded with a slight smile. Charles said something in French to the big brother and as he rolled his eyes, he left us alone.

- Is he coming with us? - I asked, looking at Charles in confusion.

- So does Joris... and Andrea – he replied. – I've just sent Lorenzo to call them.

- But wasn't the idea for the dinner to be only... - I looked at him questioningly.

- I asked them to attend because I knew you were going to feel uncomfortable if it was only the two of us – Leclerc explained, and I could hear the sadness in his voice.

- Charles, I...

- Do you think I didn't understand? – the Monegasque laughed quietly. – You have been putting it off for so long... I am not going to push you or something... Someday when you feel it, could be the only two of us.

I stayed quiet for a second, realizing that my delay till now probably made him feel bad and offended him. But I can't hide it - I was a bit disappointed when understood it won't be only the two of us on dinner. It was far from my imagination that the long - awaited event would turn out like this.

- Guys, are you ready with the secret conversation or I should cancel the reservation? – Lorenzo opened the door again and shouted at us in an irritated voice.

He was the type of guy that always lives his life by plan and if something goes out of the schedule, he becomes nervous. But I could understand him, once I was the same, but since I started working here everything has changed.

- Yeah, we are coming right now! – his brother replied.

- Charles one last question... - I said, bringing his focus back to me. – Where the fuck we are going?

- On a connoisseur's place – he replied with a wink. – Let's go!

Leclerc took my still trembling hand and led me after his brother. Oh, Padre mio, I didn't even know where we were going!

#

The car stopped in front of a large white building with a French Baroque style facade, a beautiful crystal chandelier at the entrance and palm trees that were completely out of place given the French style of the whole setting. But palm trees in America were more common than trees characteristic of the European areas, so the dissonance in their exterior was forgivable. It looked beautiful, I was especially impressed when we went inside and noticed the greenery around the tables - natural trees, bushes, and paths with low vegetation.

I felt like I was in a jungle. A beautiful young hostess led us to a large table, under an entirely green wall, which was in a separate little room reserved only for us. I was so stunned by where I was. Charles sat by my side, and Joris on the other so he could take pictures of us easily. After the waiter poured us water and cold white wine, three other waiters immediately served the first course of the evening. It was Backed Escargot. And for a first time in my life I was going to eat snails and Joris didn't miss the chance to take a picture of my disgusted face. But it turned out they are really delicious, and I took the portion of the photographer, because he wasn't that hungry after the hot-dogs at the stadium. 

The second dish was a Chestnut Fennel Soup which I didn't really like, but my friends were stunned about. And then came the main meal – whole fish in a salt crust and fresh herbs. It was really amazing when the waiter set the salt on fire, which reminded me of the fire temple at Baku. And while I was watching the serving open mouthed, I felt under the table someone intertwine their fingers with mine. I looked at Charles and he gave me a soft smile. Then we stayed hand in hand a little longer.

#

During our dinner, friends of Charles and Lorenzo came to see them, under the pretext that they were nearby, and the evening became even funnier. The boys introduced me to them and of course the questions about the season started raining over my head. 

After a five-course luxury meal with molecular dessert and an evening of entertainment, we finally arrived at the hotel and Charles accompanied me to my room.

- How do you feel after today? - he asked me when we stopped in front of my door.

- Great! - I replied nervously rubbing my thighs. – Your friends are always really funny guys and kind at the same time...

- I think they liked you – Leclerc smiled. – For a first time I see them being so interested in a new person on our table. They usually keep the conversation with people closer to them.

- You mean they accepted me so easily – I laughed in disbelief.

- Obviously – he winked at me.

- I am so ashamed I forgot their names – I said sadly.

- Well, you will have the chance to remember them next time we gather – the Monegasque gently took my hand. – I can't wait for you to meet Riccardo and his baby... If you pass her test, then you could win the whole world.

- Like you do, Charlie? – I asked with a little smirk.

- I still haven't won the whole world, darling – Charles whispered and stepped closer to me. – But hopefully soon, I will.

- Ah, yes, the championship... – I rolled my eyes. - I almost forgot about work and everything that was happening.

He chuckled and shook his head, as if he wanted to deny my words. Probably he wasn't talking about the championship.

- So, did I manage to help you relax? – Leclerc started playing with a lock of my hair, stepping even closer to me. – That will be good, I would like to teach you to have fun.

- Are you trying to say I'm not funny? - I raised my eyebrows in displeasure.

- I mean, you should look for joy in every moment no matter if you are at or not at work - he replied entwining his fingers with mine. – Otherwise, you risk getting depressed, and this beautiful face deserves to shine with happiness always.

I bowed my head and bit my lip, trying to hide the redness spreading on my face. I liked the little compliment. I loved how thoughtful and caring he was, but if I crossed the line of our friendship, there was no going back. And I wouldn't be able to hide it from Vasseur. And I could have risked my job too... And Charles' one.

- I hope one day we will have dinner only the two of us – I said in a hushed voice.

- It will be a pleasure for me... - the Monegasque said and let go of one of my hands to tuck a lock of my hair behind my ear.

I looked up and locked my eyes with his. He was so beautiful, gentle, innocent. I smiled. The corridor was quiet, and the dim lighting made the atmosphere even more intimate. Leclerc tilted his head slightly and sighed. He cupped my face in his hands, leaned down and placed a soft little kiss millimeter from my lips. My heart started racing, my arms and legs were shaking. Charles caressed my lips with his thumb and winked, then took a step back, smiling, giving me that electric feel which made goosebumps all over my body.

- Good night, little one! - he whispered and blew me an air kiss.

- Good night, Lord Perceval! - I mumbled, still numb from his actions.

I watched him walk away and when he went back to his room, I slowly opened my door and entered my apartment. And the butterflies fluttered wildly in my stomach.

Notes: Hello lovely people! SOOOOO FIRRST - CONGRATS FOR THE FIRST ROW! I hope this is a start of one good weekend and we will finally be able to see Ferrari on podium, not only written on the steps. In this occasion here I am with the brand new chapter. 

Here we follow the slow process towards breaking Vasseur's word. But who could resist Leclerc? And how long could Lissie resist to not let down her guard?  What will happen next? Soon to understand. :D <3

So, I hope you liked the chapter  - give a star/comment if so, hear the external link aaand see you at the next paaart! <3 <3 <3

LOVE YA ALL <3 <3 <3

AND LEAST BUT NOT THE LAST!!!! So since two weeks I am talking about something big and etc. Well, guys I have TWO things to share with you and now it is the time to start with the first one. 

@Charnni  is one really kind and reliable person, a special friend of mine, who lately got inspired and made me a surprising offer . She wants and decided to start translating "Mystery in Red" in Hungarian. And the first chapter of my book translated in Hungarian will be out on 1.JULY. You could go/follow her profile and find my story translated there. Also she writes a book in English herself - a F1 related one, which I recommend you and guys you can find it again at her profile! Good Luck  @Charni. <3 <3 <3 LY

Next - For the second thing that I want to share with you  - At this moment I will only give you a hint - it is another big thing, related to the story, let's call it a collaboration... And again you should wait a couple of few more days or weeks :D, because it is also a special thing for me and I want to keep it under MYSTERY <3 but stay tuned and  I promise waiting will be worth it!  <3 <3

And in the end of all this big author note I want to thank you all for the 16K readings and all the comments and likes. I don't know how to thank you but I really appreciate your support! <3 Love ya <3 And keep pushing <3 

N16 XOXOXOXO