Middle of May – Imola week

When we returned back to our homes, I stayed alone at my apartment in Modena. The week leading up to the Imola race was too uneventful for my new standards. It was a very strange feeling. Charles and Carlos weren't in Maranello and now I had to work with Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Schwartzman. They were good guys and helped me a lot with our car tests in the simulator. It was extremely important to me to see how our cars were developing before the guys got into the improved machines. I didn't agree with Mekies and Vasseur's decision to give our drivers a break, but they were the team principals, and I couldn't say anything against their words. It was also better for me – that way I could focus on my work, not trying to fulfill Vasseur's secret order to me about ignoring the person who was mostly talking to me at this team. Also, the boys should not have overworked themselves as they would not be fruitful in their performance in the three consecutive races that followed.

On a personal level, my life has been interesting. I called Charles about his mother's birthday, and he was overjoyed, even very surprised, that I remembered this from our conversations. But how can I not remember it, we were in almost constant communication and he and his family became an integral part of my life. Leclerc was about go to France at the Circuit Paul Ricard, for a go-kart race. As always, he invited me with him, promising me a "great experience", but this time I refused, under the pretext that I had to work. It was really like that - I had to prepare for three weekends in a row, strategize, overview the work on the new parts of our cars. No one demanded it from me, I imposed it on myself, and I liked this rhythm of work. If I was not working, I usually start to reconsider. And I didn't like to overthink.

My refusal forced Charles to take Felipe Massa and Joris, and I was left alone in Italy. But the fact that we were far from each other did not stop Leclerc from communicating with me by sending me pictures and videos of his stay there. Joris also kept spamming me with paparazzi pictures of his friend and made my day more fun.

During the time that Charles was gone, I contacted the couple with whom I have become quite close lately - Kika and Pierre. They were at the height of love and walking around the outskirts of Milan, using every free minute to be together. I was still wondering what happened to Carlos the day he called me in New York, so I decided to call Isa and find out what was going on. It would have been weird to call him - he hadn't even contacted me the whole week we were off racing. But Hernaéz didn't pick up on me, which surprised me a lot. I texted her several times to talk to her when she was free, but she didn't even receive the messages. Her socials were also weird – she was posting photos all alone and some views of different places she had been. Not writing to me but posting photos... Very strange.

I was surprised by myself. If before my phone was left somewhere and I forgot about it, now it is much more often in my hands to contact someone. And I began to get used to not being alone. And I liked it that way.

#

It was Sunday night before the week in Imola. I was sitting on the couch in my living room drinking hot chocolate when I got a notification that Charles and Arthur had uploaded new photos. I opened them and smiled when saw their entire family in Monaco and some weird video of Charles getting out of the box with a little drift. They were very sweet, and I couldn't help myself, so I wrote to Charles.

Me: You're having a good time while I'm tearing up my gluteus from work. 😄 

Me: Have a nice break Charlie and send greetings to the family from me!

I had barely sent the messages when the ticks turned blue and got a video call. I jumped in fright and almost dropped my phone on the ground. Then quickly fixed my hair in a messy bun and wiped the corners of my lips, which were sure to be in hot chocolate. I quickly placed the cup on my table and leaned the phone on it. When finally answered I smiled widely seeing Charles on my phone screen.

- Hello, darling! - he smiled, and his eyes sparkled. It was dimly lit around him and vegetation was visible.

- Where are you, Charlie? - I asked him and felt how my cheeks had already started to burn.

- On the terrace of my mother's house - he laughed and turned to the window behind him, looking in. - We've all gathered and actually... We were just talking about you.

- Oh what?! - I exclaimed. - Even at your family dinners, I am the main topic of the conversation? What did I do to deserve it?

- We don't have much choice, you are part of our team and when we talk about the races, you are the first name that comes up... - the Monegasque shrugged shoulders. - And Arthur keeps telling me what you would like about the food here, what would you say in each situation...

- Ah Arthur... - I shook my head and looked down, blushing.

I don't know if Arthur's girlfriend was pleased with him talking about me, but it made me feel good to know there was someone positively thinking about me.

- Lissa... - Charles mumbled and I immediately looked up at the screen. He cleared his throat and I saw him blush slightly. - In fact, we really miss your presence...

- It's very quiet without you in Maranello... - I said with a shy smile. - You better come back soon.

- We still have some work to do here and I'm arriving for the Imola race - he replied, revealing his sweet dimples.

- If you can, come with Arthur earlier so we can go for a walk in the outskirts - I said, playing with one of the locks of my hair. - I know nice places that you will like for sure.

- Great idea, my brother has been insisting on such a walk since Miami! - Leclerc exclaimed, leaning against the wrought-iron railing behind him. - Monaco is also a nice city and when you come here for the race, I will return the gesture.

- It would be a crime if the Little Prince of Monaco didn't introduce me to every corner of his city - I giggled.

- I can't wait to show it to you! - he smiled gently. - I am convinced that you will fall in love with this place.

- Certainly, with the place... - I mumbled quietly.

We both fell silent and looked at each other with a smile. The dim light from the lamp on the terrace illuminated his shining happy eyes. His cheeks were slightly flushed and his pink, plump lips curled into a gentle smile. His innocent angelic face made my heartbeat faster. I missed seeing him and the thought that he would soon be back in Italy made me happy.

There was a knock on the window and Charles looked up from the phone. He looked at someone confused and grinned, then looked down again at me.

- Lissie, I'm very pleased to talk to you, but I'll have to hang up - said the Monegasque, and I could hear the sadness in his voice. - My mother calls us for dessert... French biscuit cake, with walnuts... Like the one we got for Mekies.

- Really?! - I exclaimed. - Oh Charles, eat a piece for me too, I adore it!

- When you come here, I will tell her to do the same - he said and leaned towards the camera. - Especially for you!

I laughed and without realizing it I blew him an air kiss. Charles pretended to catch it and winked at me, then waved.

- Bye, little one!

- Bye, Lord Perceval!

We both hung up. I was left alone and sighed heavily. No matter how hard I tried, I seemed to be getting more and more into him... And I had to stop because Vasseur forbade me, and he could fire me or do something to Charles. Ah, but Vasseur doesn't understand anything... Sometimes there are things beyond a person's control, and you just have to accept that they happen.

On the same evening that I spoke with Charles, a disaster began. A severe thunderstorm rolled over the region we lived in, and torrential rain was non-stop falling not only throughout the night, but throughout the next day as well. I couldn't even stop by Maranello to work, I had to stay at home. I was worried that things weren't going to go well for this weekend. I have no idea how, but my teammates successfully arrived in Maranello, and I received messages from both of them that they will stay there and start work without me.

#

Tuesday morning. I had been following the news since before sunrise and received a message on my work email that the Imola track was completely flooded, and we were being warned not to go there until further notice. I was really worried, not only because of the race, but because of the heavy rains that caused the rivers in Bologna and Ravenna to overflow. I called my parents to check on them and if everything was okay. While I was talking to them the doorbell rang. I narrowed my eyebrows and gave a sign to my parents to wait for me. I really hoped it wasn't one of my teammates coming to me uninvited again. But this time I was surprised.

It was a delivery man with a huge bouquet of red Peonies. He had me sign the delivery note, handed me the flowers, and left. I stood staring at the door for a few seconds, then with great effort I closed the front door behind me. I moved closer to the sofa and showed the bouquet to the camera.

- Tesoro, what is this? - exclaimed my mother.

- Who is it from? - asked my father.

- I have no idea! - I replied, looking at the flowers. - I think they are 61... But I can't find a card or anything like that...

- Are you sure you don't know who the bouquet is from? - my mother asked me with a sly smile on her face.

- Yes, mom, but that's not the most important thing... - I shook my head and threw the bouquet on the coffee table in front of me. - You are more important to me... I think you should go to Capri for a few days. It is dangerous to stay here.

- Don't worry, piccola nocciolina, you know we have a plan for everything! - my father winked at me. - And now we will hang up, so you can enjoy the bouquet...

- Mom, Dad... Wait!

- See you soon, carina!

And before I say anything, they hung up. I sighed heavily and tried several times to contact them, but they were already offline. I got up from the couch and looked out the window. It was still raining outside, but it seemed to have eased up a bit. I really hoped that they would listen to me and leave Bologna, but my parents were more self-willed than I was.

I turned to the coffee table. I had to find a vase for these beautiful peonies. They were so huge and deep red... But why exactly 61.

I went out on my terrace even though it was raining and decided to trim the stems of the flowers to fit them in a vase.

#

I was lost in thoughts of the upcoming weekends, mixed with wondering who the anonymous sender of the beautiful flowers could be and how he could know they were my favorites when I never said this to anyone. Suddenly I heard my name from below.

I thought I was imaging it, so I didn't react, but when I heard a second whistle and even louder someone called my name, I got up from the chair I was sitting in to hide under my awning from the rain and leaned over the glass ledge. Under my balcony was Charles, leaning on his Pista488, already wet from head to toe.

- Leclerc! - I shouted. - What are you doing here, stupido?!

- Maranello is about 20 minutes away, I can't help but stop by! - he replied smoothing his wet bangs.

- Are you crazy?! - I shouted. - It's pouring rain outside, a state of emergency has been declared, and you... Please come up, I'm worried about you!

- As soon as you let me, Rapunzel, I will go up!

Now Rapunzel! I rolled my eyes, then ran back into my apartment and quickly unlocked the door, leaving it wide open. I went back to the balcony to arrange the flowers more quickly. I had to figure out where to hide them - didn't want Leclerc to see them. Not that I knew who they were from, but I certainly didn't want him to draw the wrong conclusions about me.

Suddenly I felt two strong hands around my waist, and I jumped in fright. I managed to turn around and at that moment my face was millimeters from Charles' one. Water was dripping from his hair, the little waves of his bangs stuck to his wet forehead. His T-shirt and jeans were all over him, wet as if he had just swum across Lago di Como. He was out of breath and had obviously run up the stairs to my apartment. The Monegasque smiled, revealing his beautiful dimples, the artery in his neck throbbing hard.

I placed my hands on his chest while his were still on my waist, holding me tight as if trying to keep me from running away. We locked our eyes and couldn't help but lose myself in his delightful teal irises. He was so handsome, and I was barely able to stand on my feet from the tension I felt from the long eye contact and his touch.

- Juliet from the balcony! – he said teasingly in his husky voice.

- Romeo, you're wet! - I managed to whisper. - You need to get undressed and change...

- That was fast! - he laughed and licked his pink tempting lips.

- I'm serious Charles! – I said in a serious tone. - There are important weekends ahead, you can't risk your health... And you are making me all wet right now.

The driver giggled, tightening his grip even more as on purpose to make my clothes even more wet. He looked at me defiantly, as if he was trying to study every millimeter of my body, soaking me in with his eyes. I focused on his lips and that urge to kiss him came over me again. His peppermint breath caressed my skin and his hands slowly slid down my back. He ran his cold wet hands up to my neck, making me shiver and I couldn't help but moaned softly as he cupped my face in his hands.

- Charles, it's dangerous... - I whispered and closed my eyes so I wouldn't see those tempting lips against me, I had to fulfill Vasseur's orders after all...

He put his forehead on mine and as a result my whole body started shaking, my stomach curled up into a ball, and my heart was about to jump out of my chest. Oh, how hard it is to keep from kissing him.

- I'll go down to get my suitcase and change - Charles whispered in my ear. - If it will make you calm down...

I unconsciously nodded and he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead before backing away from me and heading towards the exit of my terrace.

When I realized he was out I quickly sat back on the chair behind me and exhaled heavily. I was put under such pressure that even the SEALs and the special services could not handle it.

I grabbed the vase of flowers from the table and carried it into the living room, then just left it on the shelf next to the TV. Maybe he would be distracted and not see them.

I had just passed through the living room and went to the kitchen to make some hot chocolate when I heard the front door slam, signifying that the Monegasque had returned to my apartment. I had to be a good host, and I didn't want Charles to catch a cold, so I decided that hot chocolate was a good way to warm my friend up. Leclerc was extremely lucky as it was one of the rare days that my cupboard was stocked with my favorite Abbracci biscuits. I put some of them on a plate and took his cup with the chocolate as well, then headed to the living room.

As I walked into the room and looked up from the cup my eyes locked on Charles standing in the center of my living room, naked to the waist, his T-shirt on the floor. I gasped at the sight of him and dropped the plate from my hands. Fortunately, I was able to hold the cup, but the cookies were scattered on the floor and the chine shattered into hundreds of pieces. Leclerc turned and smiled smugly.

Madre mia! What a divine body this man had! Sculpted arm muscles, firm smooth chest, and a six pack that accentuated with every inhale and exhale. My breathing quickened, and my heart rose in my throat beginning to beat faster. I tried to calm myself down, unconsciously taking a few big gulps of the hot chocolate that just burned my throat and I choked.

Leclerc immediately ran to me and took the cup from my hands while I tried to cool my burnt mouth by fanning it with my hand. I felt myself start to blush with embarrassment at the ridiculous situation I was in, beyond comment and the fact that my entire floor was covered in plate pieces and biscuits.

- It's the first time I've seen you so clumsy - laughed the Monegasque and bent down to pick up what was scattered on the ground. - Did something happen?

- Oh, something's about to happen... - I whispered, and he looked at me confused. - No, not everything is fine... I'm going to get a broom... And you get dressed and... Yes...

I ran back into the kitchen and tossed the larger pieces of the plate that I managed to collect with his help into the trash. Then leaned against the kitchen counter and tried to calm my breathing and heartbeat. Lustful images of him and me began to flash before my eyes and I swallowed hard. I nervously ran my fingers through my hair and became even more worried. He was so hard to resist and only my common sense and the fear that if Vasseur found out about us he would fire me, was keeping me from jumping on Charles. I really wanted him more and more and he seemed to realize it and was doing all sorts of things on purpose to provoke me. He knew the effect he had on me, and he liked to play with me, and I was already struggling to keep up the guard.

Finally, I was able to calm down. I noticed there was another cup of hot chocolate and took it. When I returned to the living room Charles was thankfully already dressed in a white hoodie, a patterned bandana on his head and gray pants. I handed him the other cup of hot chocolate and said:

- The previous one was for you, but I already drank from it...

I froze and realized that there was nothing on the ground.

- And where are they...

- I collected them with the broom and the shovel in your closet - explained Leclerc, taking the glass in his hands. - Which are in the hall, not in the kitchen.

- You know your way around better than I do in my own apartment - I laughed and sat down on the couch next to him. - But you still show up here without an invitation... as it's yours... At least today I'm not welcoming you in a bathrobe.

- And very unfortunate - laughed the Monegasque, sipping his drink – Nicely done chocolate, thank you! This is exactly what I needed.

I smiled slightly and leaned back. My eyes landed on the laptop on the table, which was still open to my mother's profile, waiting for a message or a call from her. Then I turned my focus to the windows - the rain had picked up even more since Charles got here.

- This bouquet... - Leclerc's voice pulled me out of my disturbing thoughts. I looked at him and he was smirking.

- What about it?

- Could it be that the princess has a secret lover that I don't know about? - asked the driver.

- If it's a secret one, I wouldn't know who it is either - I giggled. - I have no idea who it's from, it arrived today. Whoever sent it really nailed my favorite flowers. The bouquet is beautiful.

- Like you - said the Monegasque, and I looked at him in shock. My cheeks started burning with embarrassment.

- Why are you here now? - I suddenly changed the subject of the conversation.

- My idea was to travel together to Imola - Charles shrugged shoulders and put his hands on the back seat. His fingers reached my hair, and he started playing with one of the strands. - But we got informed that they evacuated the track for flooding and... We're not going tomorrow.

- Yes, I saw it too, that's why I'm surprised you're not safe at home - I said, sipping the hot chocolate.

- Well, I have duties at my second home as well - he smiled and moved closer to me. - The truth is, I was worried about you. As soon as I heard that there was an emergency, I decided to check if everything was okay.

There was a loud clap of thunder outside and we both looked out of the windows. The sky was black and torrential rain was pouring down from it. I could hear the sound of the water from the half-open balcony door. It was cold.

- My parents are in Bologna, and the situation there is tragic... - I admitted quietly. - I'm afraid for them...

- I know what it's like to worry about your loved ones... - Charles said sadly and swallowed hard. - If I can help in any way I will, darling.

- You can't help me - I shook my head, and another peal of thunder broke out. - However, I need a little peace of mind, and I haven't gotten one since I started working at the Scuderia. I'm worried that something will happen to my parents, that FIA'll cancel the weekend... Oh my god it's all so messed up!

I buried my face in my hands and started sobbing. Charles put his hands on my back in an attempt to express sympathy. I looked up at him and smiled. And at that moment lightning pierced the sky and there was a loud rumble. I was startled by this and unconsciously snuggled into Charles. Yes, I still knew about Vasseur's threat, but right now I didn't care. Leclerc was my only support here, and I was not going to meet the prohibitions of a haughty turkey. At least not for now.

I have no idea how long we were in each other's arms, I only know that it was a long time, and the whole time the thunder storm continued, and the rain came down in torrents.

- Do you want me to stay? - The Monegasque broke the silence, and I looked up at him.

- What? - I asked him slightly separating from him.

- Do you want me to stay with you today? – he repeated his question.

- No, everything is fine... - I waved my hand. - If you can go home... To Monaco... To your family.

- Actually, I expected you to refuse, that's why I'll stay - smiled Leclerc gently. - I've already slept on your sofa once... it's comfortable... And you need support too. Now I want to be by your side, as you have always been by my side in the hard times so far.

- You have a really huge heart, Lord Perceval! - I smiled and caressed his cheek. - Thank you!

We spent the whole evening on the couch cuddling and watching different shows on Netflix. However, I was very uneasy about the situation here and could not fully relax and rest. When it was past 12 o'clock I made up the sofa, even stretched it out this time, and Charles and I said good night. But going to my room I could not sleep because of worry.

#

The next day I got out of bed at sunrise. But what a sunrise - there was no sun, only clouds, heavy rain and deep puddles. I immediately looked at my phone, but there were no notifications from my parents, which worried me terribly. I walked out of my bedroom to find Charles already awake, making his "bed". He was scrolling on his phone like always and the moment he heard my footsteps he locked it. There was something fishy here, he can't lock it every time I'm around. What was he hiding from me?

- Darling! - he turned to me with a big smile.

- What are you doing? - I asked him, pointing to the phone in his hands.

- I was reading the news... and work email - he replied, and I narrowed my eyes. - Do you not believe me?

- Not really - I replied.

- You are direct.

- Always.

He got up from the couch and walked over to me, holding out the hand with the phone in it.

- Here, see for yourself - said Leclerc seriously.

- I don't want - I shook my head - I'm not your girlfriend to check you...

Charles smirked and took another step towards me.

- But we are close friends, right? - his voice became seductively hoarse. - And a friendship is built on trust, right?

I stared at him suspiciously, arms crossed over my chest. He was still holding his phone with the screen facing me. But I didn't take it. I turned my back on him.

- I wanted to let you know that I'm leaving for Bologna - I said, heading towards my hall.

- How so?! – Charles exclaimed. - You cannot.

- I know a short way, I'll get there quickly - I answered, putting my jacket on, and Charles followed me.

- Lissa, the government have forbidden us to leave our homes! – he took my hand but I stepped back. - It's pouring outside!

- I cannot sit at home with folded hands while my native home may be submerged under the waters of Reno and Savena – I shouted.

- Girl, understand, it's dangerous for you, the roads are closed, you can't move! – Leclerc also raised his voice grabbing my shoulders.

- I need to know what's going on with my relatives, Charles! – I tried to push him away from me, but he managed to hold me in his grip.

- Look let's stay here for the moment! – he said in a calmly tone. - And if you haven't received a call by tonight, you give me the address and I'll go alone, but you don't move from here! OKAY?!

- Charles, how are you going to go alone, you...

- I will swim the whole ocean for you if I have to... - the Monegasque interrupted me. - But I will not let you suffer because of your reckless decisions.

I was silent for a moment and stared into his eyes. I could read anxiety, concern, real fear. He pulled me in his grip tightly as if trying to stop me from running away. I looked at the window. The rain was still pouring down like a torrent.

I let out a heavy sigh and pulled myself out of his arms, passing around him and getting back into the living room. I sat on the couch and crossed my arms over my chest. Charles walked up to me and stared at me seriously. I gave him an angry look, pursing my lips. Leclerc put his hands on his hips and sighed. We studied each other for a long time, until at last he started:

- You look tired, why don't you get some sleep?

- Because I can't sleep while my parents are in trouble – I hissed.

- I'm sure they're fine – he said stepping closer to me.

I rolled my eyes and leaned my head back, staring at the ceiling.

- It's easy for you when you're not in this situation... But worrying about someone you love all the time is such a curse.

Another sigh escaped the young man's lips. He sat next to me and caressed my head.

- I also worry about someone every day... - said the Monegasque with a bitter smile. - So now I want you to save me some worries, close your beautiful eyes and get some sleep.

I looked at him and smiled faintly. A beautiful compliment. I listened to the rain falling outside and suddenly my body relaxed. As if looking into Charles's eyes I fell into some kind of hypnosis, and soon after our conversation my eyes became heavy and I fell asleep.

#

When I woke up, I was lying on the sofa, wrapped in the blanket he had slept with the night before. I smelled the cloth - it had his odor on it. How I would love to wake up with this scent around me every day. But besides the divine smell of bitter orange, I also smelled that of pesto. When I turned around, I noticed a huge bowl of freshly made, still hot pesto pasta left on the table in front of the couch. I stood up slowly and rubbed my eyes, and at that moment Charles came out of my kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. He had rolled up the sleeves of his hoodie and his slightly sweaty hair could be seen under the bandana.

- Bonjour beauté! - he greeted me, with a big smile, revealing his sweet dimples.

- What is this? I asked him, pointing to the food.

- You fell asleep and I had nothing to do - replied Leclerc, settling down on the couch next to me. - I reached into your fridge, it was empty, so I went out, went to the shop across the street and bought this and that...

- And the pasta? - I frowned. - The small shop across the street doesn't sell fresh pasta...

- I actually went around your entire neighborhood three times to find a working shop that sells fresh pasta - the Monegasque declared proudly. - I had enough time to compact.

I narrowed my eyes, amazed at his words.

- Was it with the car? - I asked.

- I preferred to walk - he shrugged shoulders.

- In this rain?! - I exclaimed. – Walking around?! Are you insane?!

- I can walk as well as drive in any conditions, you know me darling – Charles winked at me, moving closer to me.

- Is there anything you can't do, Leclerc? - I asked him and got up from the sofa.

- Je ne peux pas te résister - he muttered, thinking that I couldn't hear him well, then he continued louder - Well, there are certainly many things that I can't...

I smirked and bit my lip. Can't you resist me? Well, Charles you're obviously strong-willed if you're still holding back. But I won't be able to soon.

I was just heading to the kitchen when the sound of Facetime came from the opened laptop on the coffee table. Leclerc looked at the screen and announced happily:

- Your mother!

I ran to pick it up and literally jumped on the couch, falling into Monegasque's lap. I hastened to press the green receiver and suddenly my mother, father, grandfather and aunt - Nonna Ludovica - appeared on my screen.

- Mio Dio! - I screamed and pushed Leclerc off the screen, nearly falling on the ground. - Can not be true!

- We are also glad to see you, Lissie! - laughed my mother.

- Thank God that you are alive and well! - I said wiping my tears of happiness.

- I see you're fine too - Ludovica remarked. - Who is that boy next to you?

- Ah, this is... - I turned to Charles who grinned stupidly - This is the pizza delivery man.

- Really? - my father raised his eyebrows. - Charles Leclerc delivers pizza...

- Yep, he does a lot of things - I laughed and looked at him again. He winked at me, and I just bit nervously my lower lip.

- Wasn't that the pilot she told us about during the Easter break? - my grandfather asked, and I instantly blushed. Leclerc blew me an air kiss and smirked.

- Dad, don't bother her with your comments... - Mom scolded him.

- Lissa, tell the young man to show himself to the camera and stop hiding - said Nonna. - Don't be ashamed.

I turned to Charles who shrugged shoulders and came back to me. He leaned against the backrest behind me and smiled widely, revealing his cute dimples.

- Charles, let me present to you my family – I said with a deep sigh. – Family, this is Charles.

- What a handsome man! - Aunty exclaimed, and Leclerc laughed shyly, bowing his head.

- Thank you ma'am... - he began insecure.

- Just call me Nonna - she interrupted him.

The whole time I was looking at him at the camera without taking my eyes off him. He was really handsome and had this influence over everyone. His tousled, slightly wavy hair fell freely on his forehead, and his beautiful blue-green eyes were shining like little stars. Like a sky full of stars. His pink lips were so defiant as he spoke and I focused on them. I liked them. I liked watching them. Such a heavenly view... I wanted to kiss him... But I only had to look at him... However, Vasseur forbade me.

- Lissa, I think the question was directed at you - I heard him say, snapping me out of my thoughts.

- What? - I turned to the camera. - What did you say?

- When will we see you both live? - my mother asked me.

- When you come to the race with VIP tickets - I smiled, pleased with my quick answer. I knew what they were implying, but no... I wasn't going to introduce them to him, as we had to stick with our friendships.

- How rude Lissie! - Nonna scolded me. - Look boy, if she doesn't want to bring you to dinner here in Capri, consider yourself invited by me. I'll make you a nice Lasagne and Tiramisù!

- Nonna he does not eat such things and in huge amount... He is on a strict diet because of the races.

- Well, for once, nothing will happen... – he interrupted me.

I gave him a stern look and Leclerc just laughed stupidly.

- Lissie, as you can see, we are fine in Capri too, so you can be calm about us - said my mother, returning attention to herself. - We are also calm about you... I can see that you are in good hands.

- Are you going to hang up on me now? - I asked piteously.

- Of course, lunch must be prepared - said Nonna. - You should eat too! You've lost a lot of weight. Boy, you will have the responsibility to control her!

- Of course! - Charles laughed and pretended to be a soldier.

- Ciao Tesoro, have fun!

Everyone waved to us and the video ended. I looked at the Monegasque and we laughed out loud. He caressed my cheek gently then headed for the kitchen. I let out a sigh of relief and sat back on the couch.

I had just decided that I would have peace of mind when I received another video call. This time from Sainz. Strange. I picked up. The Spaniard appeared on my screen and smiled widely, then waved at me.

- Hello, Cinderella! - he greeted me warmly.

- I thought you forgot to call me like that - I laughed. - What's the occasion, Chili?

His eyes lit up when I said his nickname.

- I wanted to check on you - explained the driver. - I was worried about you, seeing what was happening.

I swallowed hard and saw Charles walk out of the kitchen with a suspicious look on his face.

- Is everything alright Lissie? - Sainz asked me, bringing my attention back to the computer screen.

- She's fine mate! - Charles answered for me and stood behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

Many emotions passed through the Spaniard's face - shock, a slight smile, and he suddenly acquired a poker face.

- What a surprise mate! - he said slowly. - I wasn't expecting you.

- It's an even bigger surprise for me, mate - I felt Leclerc lightly squeeze my shoulders.

- Shall I let you two talk? - I joined the conversation. - It seems that you miss each other... Anyway, they canceled the race and you will probably see each other all the way to Monaco.

- I assumed we would see each other in Maranello these days - Sainz continued with a slight smile. - But I see that you organized the working meeting outside our headquarters.

- You could come too if you wanted to - I said playfully, and the Spaniard smirked, lightly licking his lips.

- I was busy with the pre-competition training mood - he replied.

- Me too - Charles said cold, and I looked startled at his reflection in the camera. He was smiling smugly.

- People will say that you walked to there... Leclerc - Carlos's sarcastic tone made me shiver. I'm starting to wonder what's going on here...

- No, but the heavy exercises I made were equivalent - The Monegasque winked playfully.

- Yeah! Can you imagine Carlos? Charles went around the whole neighborhood to find a working store and buy food while I slept here today - I hastened to get out of the situation. - Really strong physical exercises, given this rain outside.

- Why didn't you sleep at night, Lissa? - Sainz asked me, and I gave him a hostile look.

I leaned forward and gritted out:

- Because for nearly 24 hours I had no contact with my parents, who live in Bologna, and I was too stressed. If you were as concerned as you appeared to be at the beginning of the call, you could have guessed for yourself.

- Oh, Lissie... I'm so sorry... – he started stuttering. - Are they okay? Where are they?

- On a safe place - I hissed.

- And in safe hands - added Charles.

- See you soon, Carlos!

The last thing I saw was Carlos's eyes widening in panic and he tried to stop me from hanging up, but I pressed the red receiver and ended the call. I turned to Leclerc, who was looking at me proudly.

- If we take a little longer, the pasta will get cold - I said after a short silence and prolonged intense eye contact.

- Then let's eat! - Charles rubbed his hands together happily and sat down on the sofa next to me.

I smelled something here... And it definitely wasn't the smell of pesto pasta. It was of trouble.

Notes:  Hello guys! You can call me "the AM publisher" cause I can't escape from publish parts like that hahahaha. So here I am again with a long but worthy chapter.  Happy PODIUM BABYS AND HAPPY RACE WEEK AGAIN!

So in the new chapter we focus on Charles and Lissa mainly and their rising connection. They both lived in one apartment for a couple of days. Trouble? About what trouble is talking Lissie? And what will happen in Monaco week?! Oh, guys you are gonna see! <3

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

LOVE YA ALL AND THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT SUPPORT! <3

N16