23 – 24. May – Charity Match and Private dinner

The next day was Match day, and there was that "pre-race" excitement in the air. Early in the morning at Charles' apartment, while I was still drinking my first coffee of the morning, that the Monegasque made for me, Andrea, Joris and Antoine Truchet - a photographer who was expected to follow Charles everywhere this week, arrived by us. The photographer was here because of the vlog he was filming with the Leclerc brothers. I was used to Joris and his camera, the way he provoked Charles to flirt with the lens, but that was normal, they had been best friends for many years and had a strong connection with each other, and Joris got to know me more. Just how happy he was when he saw me and found out I was going to stay with Charles for the week. The same applied to Andrea, who was also happy to see me at Leclerc's home.

And so, our day began with a friendly light breakfast and a quick workout before the important charity event. This time, I even got involved in the workout, even though it started with a few kilometers of running. But for an athletic Charles, naked to the waist, I'd run a full circle around the Equator and the Greenwich Meridian.

#

The stadium in my opinion was quite large, since Monaco was not the size of Rome. I liked it. It was the first time I was going to attend a football match, never mind that one of the teams was made up of Formula 1 drivers. I had only watched it on TV before, so it was a big event for me. When we arrived Pierre and Kika were already there, and Carlos was also warming up on the field. He seemed strangely haggard since our last conversation so far, I'd even say slimmed down, but I still couldn't find the reason for that. I didn't have time to talk to him, because as soon as I appeared behind the white line on the court, Kika took me with her. The two of us had not seen each other since Miami, we only had interactive communication, and now live contact seemed something unique to us. We both let the boys warm up and wished them luck, then went to the stands to take our seats - in the first rows. But something that caught my attention was not only the captain's armband on Charles' arm, but also the outfits their team was wearing - white and black checkered T-shirts. They resembled the flag at the finish line, but... And a chessboard. And couldn't help but think of Chess. For a long time, I have been thinking about him and the rubies that I always kept hidden in the secret compartment of my hand luggage. They were everywhere with me as I traveled, as was the princess's diary. Every day I planned to open it, read something more about her life and about Chess' next letter to her, but I kept running out of time. I hoped that in the days to come I would be able to find time, perhaps while Charles was asleep, to be alone and plunge again into the past of Petit Beautè and the Chess Player.

Of course, the Match was like every race for Ferrari lately. Leclerc and Pierre tried to fight each other for the ball, causing Charles to fall to the ground with his head in the ryegrass. Simply amazing! I thought Leclerc was trying to look like a Flamingo, but apparently the Ostrich was also his role model. The Monegasque missed 2 clean sheets and Carlos even got injured...and the whole time I was jumping out of my chair, biting my nails, nervously scratching my neck, and running my fingers through my hair like I was watching a Champions League final. Kika was laughing at me, even recording a video of me reacting to Charles' missed goal - shouting Italian swear words, explaining exactly where the ball had to be and what trajectory Leclerc had to kick it in to score. Yes, when I saw myself from the side, I looked like Roberto Mancini in a nervous breakdown. And the situation was really similar to our races this season and it pissed me off even more.

After the match, I went down to the players together with Kika. She rushed to greet the fans and Pierre while I watched them from the sidelines. And when they kissed, I sighed dreamily. They were such a cute couple that I was moved to tears. I just wanted to have this relationship with someone and to feel the same wonderful feeling that they felt every day.

Suddenly while I was waiting for Charles to finish his fan engagements, I found company in Carlos.

- Cinderella! - I heard his voice behind me as I suppressed my emotional outburst looking at the pair of my friends.

- Smooth operator! - I exclaimed, turning, and hurried to hug him, to hide my teary eyes.

- Hey, I see you've missed me a lot - Sainz laughed, hugging me tightly. - But to be honest, I missed you too...

- I think it's normal considering we spend so much time together and now two weeks is... a long time - I laughed and pulled away from him, then slightly lifted the part of his shorts to see the bandage on his leg. - How is your leg?

I looked up at him and saw him running his index and middle finger along his lower lip, then smiled.

- Slight sprain, nothing more - he waved his hand casually. - I'll be in top shape for the race, you know.

- I really hope so - I smiled slightly. - This weekend is important...

- Every single one is important, Cinderella... - the Spaniard interrupted me and put his hand on my shoulder.

I locked eyes with his and swallowed hard. I felt strange. I felt a strange heaviness in my chest and my heart ached. I couldn't understand why Carlos was staring at me like he was trying to penetrate straight into my soul. I felt very uncomfortable and even began to sweat from the wave of anxiety that suddenly washed over me.

- Lissa, I wanted to tell you something... - said the Spaniard and took a small step towards me. - For the day we were talking on FaceTime, I think I should apologize to you because I...

At that moment, I heard loud cheers from the fans behind me. I turned to see Charles taking off his T-shirt and handing it to Mia. I gasped in shock at what I saw, and when Charles ran towards me, I was about to pass out. Within seconds I managed to take my eyes off him and followed the path of his T-shirt to the fan mass. But then Leclerc came to me, and I lost touch with the world around me.

- Did you like the match, darling? - he asked as I stared at his divine body.

- Yes Lissie, did you like the match? - Carlos' imitation of Charles' tone pulled me out of the trance I had fallen into.

- The...the...the match... - I stuttered then cleared my throat to regain my confident appearance - The match was like another Sunday race... But on Tuesday. And you Charles... No one has such a great talent in football as you. It just comes from inside you.

- You can kill a man with that sick irony, Lissie - laughed Sainz, and I gave him a quick bloodshot look.

- I have many talents, Lissie - the Monegasque smirked and continued in a lower tone - I think it's about time I showed you some of them.

He lifted his eyes, locking them with Carlos', and for a moment I thought flashes flew. I really hope it's just me. Sainz made some significant face and I decided to break this awkward silence.

- I think it's time for you to show me your talent in dressing, because you'll catch a cold if you stay like this for much longer! - I said and grabbed Leclerc's bare waist. - We already have one driver injured, we don't need one with a cold. Come on! Let's go! See you soon Chili.

I waved at Carlos and pushed Leclerc on the way to the changing rooms. I didn't like where things were going at all and had a bad feeling about how things were going to turn out. I hope I wasn't right.

#

Wednesday came and we had our first day in the paddock. My morning started with the traditional coffee in the company of Charles and a light healthy breakfast. Today he had made those famous banana protein pancakes, I have only hear about before, but never tried. I used to think they are pretty bad at taste, but Leclerc had done quite well and changed my mind about these protein perversions. Over breakfast we discussed yesterday's game and actually had a lot of fun with the edits we found on social media. It was strange to wake up for the second morning in a row at the Monegasque's house and have breakfast with him. I was used to doing this on my own, but I realized how much I missed company in the morning - someone to chat with over coffee, discuss tastes and favorite foods with, and enjoy it together or critique dishes as members of Michelin Club. Probably, after this stay here, I would come more often to the hotel breakfasts. There the table would be even richer and more lively, given the fact that we would be in a larger company. It took me racing to start thinking about the enjoyment I could get from socializing more with the teams, drivers and people in general who are members of the F1 guild. 3 days passed, and I completely forgot even about Vasseur's warning. I slept at Charles' house anyway, what greater transgression of his prohibition could I do. Also, if I don't give in to the temptation this week, I will prove to myself and the so-called "team principal" that friendship can exist between me and the people on the team without proceeding to "romantic relationship".

After our breakfast, Charles went to his mother's beauty salon for a haircut, accompanied by Antoine, and I was left to get ready for the paddock. To be honest, I felt uncomfortable them leaving me alone in his apartment, but it was going to take me a long time to get ready anyway. It was really better to do it that way. I also got a promise from him that I would have the honor of meeting his mother very soon and not while she was at work. I believed him too, and we said goodbye with the now-traditional kiss on my cheek.

I knew that we didn't have to be in uniform today, as the day was more for formal duties and fan braided belt around the waist with fringe on the edge and white sneakers. The interesting thing was that at the moment it was much warmer in Monaco than in Italy, I expected the same to be in Barcelona, ​​so I had filled my suitcases with mostly clothes from my summer collections. As soon as Charles could afford to not wear Ferrari merch for today, I've decided I could do it too. My host went out wearing his favorite navy-blue linen suit, which looked so sexy on him - especially the close-fitting gray T-shirt he'd paired it with.

While I was waiting for him, I decided to take a look at his house. There were paintings everywhere, quite strange to my taste, but they made me stand in front of them and look at them for a long time, trying to understand what they meant. Easier to understand, however, was the glass shelf next to the sofa in the living room - stacked top to bottom with his trophies, helmets, pride, and memories. His home seemed to be full of them. And I thought how nice it would be to be a part of those memories, until we make them together. Well, now as a strategist - a permanent participant in the competitions, and his close friend, it was not a guarantee that I would be part of them. But I would be happy if we had the opportunity to share them together. No, no, I had to stop thinking about it and get my hopes high. And I don't know if it was loneliness or something else that made me feel anxious ever since Charles left the apartment. That unpleasant feeling of foreboding again.

And to distract myself from my anxious thoughts, I went out on his terrace and gazed at the vast blue sea and the various vessels in it. What a beauty! No, it wasn't the luxury yachts and golden boutiques that made the beauty, on the contrary, it was the endless expanse of the sea that filled my heart and made me feel happy. I could breathe in that hot salt and fuel scented air every single day of my life. And I would never get tired of it. I couldn't help but take a picture of myself with the beautiful sea behind - to capture this moment and this place. I felt like I was falling in love. But I don't know if only in the place where I was.

After about an hour, Charles called me to get down in front of his building, as he was waiting for me downstairs in the car. And I left his home, locking the door with the strange feeling that this was all...my own home.

I got into his Alfa and unconsciously kissed Charles on the cheek to greet him. He was amazed and could not believe for a moment that this had happened to him. And since we were going to pick up both Lorenzo and Arthur from their homes before going to the paddock, we both had to go faster while I assessed his new haircut on the fly.

Another tour of Monaco on this sunny beautiful day began, I was enjoying the soft Italian music playing on Charles' radio. He had chosen this especially for me - he wanted me to feel at home as much as possible. How sweet!

The car came to life the moment his brothers got in. Especially Arthur. He seemed so excited by my presence that he could not calm his emotions - he was talking loudly and quickly and giggling almost all the time. I didn't understand his behavior, not even the reason for it, but the youngest brother was so cute behaving in this way that it even amused me. And Charles and I looked at each other quite often, laughing lovingly at the blond.

#

It was a long day in the paddock. Charles and his brothers had a lot of commitments besides the fact that the race was at their home, but I also had company - Vasseur and Mekies. As unpleasant as it was to communicate with Frederick, my position required it. We had to come up with the strategies for the weekend, but after seeing the forecast I was extremely disappointed. Rain was expected, and the current Ferrari car in the rain races was equal to a Safety car. I was really hoping we wouldn't have any problems, especially in Charles' car, because if another fault happened in his performance right at his home race, it would finish him off. Ravin and Mekies insisted for me to stay longer today to discuss what happened in Maranello during the week I spent away from Scuderia HQ and analyze everything. I told Charles this, with a heavy heart, but he took it quite calmly. Anyway, Leclerc was busy with what he called "stupid media duties" in the city, so he gave me the keys to his place – so when I was ready to go home and change into "something fancy" as he called it, because at 8pm he had prepared a surprise for me. I wondered what this surprise could be. And as I was overthinking his words, I felt a gentle kiss on my cheek, and it all ended there.

Charles left on his bike, giving me, a little wave and I could still feel his lips on my cheek.

#

I really had to go home alone to his apartment, good thing it wasn't far from the runway. But the strange thing was that I walked these streets as if I were at home, as if I knew them and I had never left this place. Sometimes my brain played such strange games with me that I was even scared of myself.

I quickly took a shower and started to choose my outfit, but damn - I couldn't settle on anything since I didn't even know where I was going to be. I was anxiously walking around the room in my dressing gown, while praying that Charles or one of his brothers wouldn't come in. I would go crazy worrying about the fact that out of 2 suitcases with all kinds of clothes, I have nothing to wear, and I couldn't even call the fashionable couple - Pierre and Kika, because they were attending the Cannes Festival and the last thing, they wanted was my hysterical: "Guys, I have nothing to wear!"

Suddenly I got the brilliant idea that I have a cocktail dress that is suitable enough for both a formal place and one that is not so formal. And I unfolded a case from the suitcase, which contained a beautiful short glitter flower print dress, with puff sleeves and A-line skirt, heart cleavage with corset boning, all in rose ash color. The skirt was length to my knee and was lined with two layers of tulle, which made it look very enchanting.

And as soon as I found a suitable outfit, the next problem came - the dress had a zipper on the back, which, despite my good plasticity, I could hardly fasten myself. So, I hurried to fix my makeup and hair - my favorite curls again, free falling over my shoulders, and put on the 10cm high heels, which I'm thankful I brought with me, because they've done a great job these past few days.

After everything was ready, I opened the door to my room and walked out with the intention of going to the kitchen and finding some long chef's tweezers to grab the zipper and pull it up. But at that moment I bumped into someone's massive body and what did I see - Charles was again at the right time, in the right place, and grabbed my waist to prevent me from falling on the ground, losing my balance on my heels.

- I see you again in a robe, darling! - he noticed. - You seem to like going around that way.

- It's convenient - I replied, looking into his eyes.

- And easier to remove, right? - he laughed, slightly fixing the collar of the dressing gown.

I shuddered at his suggestion. He has been so direct lately, both in his actions and words. I had the feeling that soon I would no longer be able to comply with Vasseur's ban.

- Leclerc, I don't have time for your jokes - I hissed and pulled away from him. - I must get dressed quickly because we will be late.

- You forget that I organize the program and I can afford changes to it - he winked at me, and I looked at him sternly.

- You know that I prefer to move according to schedule - I answered him, and a small smile appeared on Monegasque's face.

- Well, in that case, I don't expect you to be ready in 5 minutes, because I don't want to make a bad impression on Prince Albert - said Charles and turned his back on me, heading to the kitchen.

I was numb for a moment, even my heart ached with stress. Prince Albert? I was going to meet Prince Albert?!

- Charles - I shouted after him - You know you can help me a lot.

He appeared at the door of his dining room holding a glass of water.

- How can I help you, darling? - he asked, with that little lustful smirk, looking at me from head to toe.

I made him a sign to wait for me and ran into the room. I threw off the robe and quickly put on the dress. Then, holding the garment lightly around ​​my chest, I went back to Leclerc, who was seated on the stool in front of the piano.

When he saw me in the dress, his eyes widened and shone like two little suns, and his lips curled into a wide happy smile, revealing his sweet dimples.

- Here, fasten my zipper! - I instructed him and turned my back.

I started tapping my fingers on my thigh nervously as I heard Charles' footsteps coming towards me. I suddenly felt a strong grip on my waist and gasped softly as his fingertips touched the skin of my nape as he gently moved my hair aside. I got goosebumps.

The dress slowly began to tighten around my body until the zipper was fully closed. My breathing was heavy, my heart beating fast, my whole skin was prickling, my body was shaking. Charles always had this effect on me - his touch, his presence, everything... He lit a fire inside me and no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that we were just friends, it was hard to believe it anymore.

- You're ready...Darling - he whispered in my ear, his lips gently brushing against the skin of my shoulder, placing a little kiss, and making me tingle.

It was like electricity went through my body. His arm tightened slightly around my waist, making the distance between us even smaller and my breathing even faster.

I bit my lip and closed my eyes, leaning my head back slightly against his shoulder. How good it felt! I wanted his lips all over my body. Couldn't we stay here?

- Come on, darling, we're going to be late! - Leclerc suddenly said and moved away from me.

- Just to... to... - I started confused. The lack of his touch immediately brought me back to reality. - Let me take my purse!

I heard Charles' low throaty laugh behind me as I ran to the bedroom. I grabbed my purse from the bedside table where it was left and suddenly something fell to the floor. I turned to look - an old letter envelope. I bent down to pick it up and swallowed hard when I saw the calligraphic letters on the back of the envelope C.P. I could barely keep the scream that was about to come out of me. No way! The same thing happened in Baku. This is... This is unreal! Paranormal! Scary even.

Charles called out from the hall to ask me to hurry and snapped me out of my panicked thoughts and paranoid looking around the room. I put the letter in the bedside cabinet and hastened to leave the room.

#

Charles parked in front of the entrance to an establishment near the sea. Obviously, we were going to have dinner with a view of the sunset and the endless expanse of the sea, something I adored because it reminded me of my childhood. But the restaurant looked deserted, although the main building was lit up. I was ready to start asking my thousand questions, but Leclerc started first.

- Today you are very simple in terms of jewelry - he played with the ring on my hand. - I see that only the coral horn is on your neck.

- The full set of amulets are reserved for the competition days - I smiled. - But why did you notice this?

The Monegasque smirked and reached into his inside jacket pocket. From it he pulled out an oblong red velvet box with a golden winged lion painted on top. It looked like the flag of Venice and instantly my heart skipped a beat.

When he opened it, inside was a bracelet of two intertwined thin chains of white gold, with a medium small drop-shaped bright red ruby ​​surrounded by small diamonds. The clasp had a double safety mechanism like that of watches.

- Charles, what is this? - I gasped, and my eyes watered as the ruby ​​flashed slightly.

- Do you remember when I was at your house before Imola? - he asked. - Before I came to your place, I stopped by a small neighborhood hypermarket to get something to drink... But there was an antique store next to it. This bracelet was in the window and when I saw it, I immediately thought of you. I left, but all the way to your apartment, I couldn't ignore my thoughts about the bracelet. And since you don't visit without a present, I went back and bought it for you.

I narrowed my eyes and gasped. His words shocked me. It was all so romantic! And my heart melted. But the gift...

- Charles, this is very expensive... - I shook my head and pushed his hand lightly. - I cannot accept it...

- It is necessary, since a gift cannot be refused - the young man laughed and took my hand. - Rumor has it that it was owned by an Italian countess... In fact, it will now be owned by one again... Isn't it Countess Bernardi?

I swallowed hard as I watched Leclerc place the bracelet on my wrist. The jewelry fit her perfectly, as if it was made entirely for me.

- See, it looks great on you! - he noticed and we both locked eyes. – Back then I could not give it to you, as I preferred to do it before the race... But now I have this opportunity.

- Thank you, Lord Perceval! - I laughed and hurried to hug him, barely restraining myself from crying at his kind gesture.

- Pour vous toujours, Petit Beautè - he whispered, pressing me tightly to him.

Tears fell down my cheeks when I heard what he called me. First the letter under my purse, and now this. I looked at my wrist. It had a ruby ​​on it. But so, what? Hold on. An Italian countess? Is it supposed to be Petit Beautè?

- Darling, your hug is wonderful, but we have to go - he whispered, caressing my hair.

- I'm sorry! - I answered embarrassed and moved away from him.

- Are you crying? - Leclerc asked concerned when he saw the tears in my eyes. - Why, little one?

- I got a little emotional - I admitted, laughing shyly. - But it's all right, Charlie!

He smiled gently, revealing his sweet dimples, and wiped my tears away with his thumb. He then kissed my forehead and sighed heavily, sadness crossing his face for a second. But why so?

We both got out of the car and headed towards the entrance of the restaurant. There we were greeted by a beautiful, tall hostess who barely kept from squealing when Charles approached her and spoke to her. Ah, this influence of Leclerc on women! She led us to the terrace of the restaurant, and as, upon entering the building, my attention was attracted by a huge aquarium with fish resembling those from "Finding Nemo", the Monegasque had to grab me by the waist and almost literally drag me to the terrace. And gathered around one of the tables were his brothers and a shorter than them, elegantly dressed blonde lady. When they heard the heels hitting the ground, they immediately turned to us. I recognized the woman—she was the beautiful author of the Leclerc brothers—and suddenly I went numb. Today was the day I was going to meet the mother of the boys I called my very close friends, and it was a major step forward in our relation. I took it differently - not as usual acquaintance. I felt that I had to perform well, to impress this woman... After all, we all know that mother is the first and last woman in a man's life and is a very important part of him. Wait... Why was I thinking about impressing Charles' mom when we were just friends? Mio Dio, Lissa!

Well, Andrea advised me to lie my body from the outside - in, so I put on my big smile and stepped forward even ahead of Charles. His brothers didn't hold back and instead of greeting their brother first, they ran to me.

- Oh my God, what a fairy we have here! - Arthur exclaimed and was the first to hug me. - Let me see you, bellezza!

He pulled away from me and spun me around under his arm to look at me from all sides.

- She really looks like a princess! - Lorenzo remarked and hugged me too, and I felt myself blushing. Fortunately, my powder more or less concealed this expression of shame.

- Arthur, couldn't you be any more casual? - I pointed to the red T-shirt of the Ferrari Driver Academy, which the youngest brother was wearing.

- I didn't have time to change because some people told me a later hour, but they later changed it – said in an edifying tone the blonde and looked at Charles.

- It's not my fault, I'm following the commitments of the Prince and our entire team! - Charles raised his hands defensively and laughed.

- Brother, you know that you will never organize anything again, right? - Lorenzo said mockingly and we all laughed.

- Enough! - Charles scolded them and turned to me, pulling my hand towards him. - Lissie, now I want to meet you with the most special woman in my life... Darling, meet my mother - Pascal! Mother, meet the most beautiful mind of Scuderia Ferrari... And I would say the most beautiful girl on the track - Lissa Bernardi.

I blushed even more from all the superlatives directed at me, and now even powder wouldn't help to cover it up. I offered my hand to his mother and smiled nervously.

- Nice to meet the most important person in my best friend's life - I said, shaking hands with her. - I have heard a lot about you, Mrs. Leclerc, and I am very impressed. You are even more beautiful in person than in Charles' stories.

- Oh, she is definitely very charming! - exclaimed his mother. - I am extremely happy to meet the adorable girl from the main topic of conversation in our home!

She suddenly pulled me to her and hugged me tightly. And I looked shocked at her sons who were laughing at my reaction.

- I can't wait to talk and get to know each other! - said Pascal, separating from me. - If you have time during the week, we will go out together for a walk and a coffee around Monte Carlo.

- I'm sure Lissie would love this, mother, but from tomorrow we start serious work on the race and that might not be a priority for her – Charles joined and gently put his hand on my waist, then looked at me playfully and continued: - But we can leave on Wednesday for Spain, and you'll have plenty of time for a lady's day in Monaco.

- Would be great! - I said with a voice shaking with excitement and smiled nervously.

At that moment, the hostess's heels were heard behind us again, and we turned to see who was arriving. And the blood froze in my veins. Vasseur was approaching us, his eyes immediately fixed on Charles' hand. I took a step back, pretending to fix my dress, but it was too late to cover the contact between us.

The team principal greeted everyone except me. His action was extremely humiliating, but I tried to ignore it, talking to Arthur about my impressions of yesterday.

But the conversation was interrupted by the appearance of two people who brought even more turmoil to my soul. Naturally, I expected Prince Albert to come, but Carlos was walking along with him and talking to him as if they had coffee every day. It is impossible! Is there no etiquette, norms, any orders to stay at a certain distance from the royals, not to communicate with them?!

We both locked eyes and he instantly grinned from ear to ear. Sainz and Prince Albert approached us, and I felt like I was about to faint. For the second time I was standing in front of real royalty, and I could barely hide my excitement, and Charles was quick to introduce me as he shook hands with the prince. And Prince Albert kissed my hand upon our introduction, just as a man of high society would. I was shaking all over, but I tried to cover it up with a big smile and a nervous laugh at the compliments about my appearance that the Prince gave me. Carlos was the last to speak to me.

- Cinderella, I'm glad to see you here! - he said hugging me tightly.

- Huh, got that nickname back lately? - I remarked, laughing.

- Of course, look what a princess you are! - he said tugging the hem of my dress.

- Cinderella was first a servant to her evil stepmother - I said teasingly.

- But became a princess, after her wedding to Prince Charming, who found her shoe - laughed Sainz, putting his hands in his pockets.

- Well, for the moment, my shoes are firmly attached to my feet... - I replied giggling. - Also, the only prince present today already has a wife and heirs for a long time.

- You never know! - winked the Spaniard. - Some people may surprise you.

I laughed then shot a quick glance over my shoulder at Charles. He was talking to Prince Albert while his brothers welcomed the people coming from our team. I felt Carlos' hand on my shoulder and looked back at him again.

There was something strange about this man. Most of the time, he was serious, slightly stressed and confused at times, but those big hazel eyes with long eyelashes now shone like never before. I took a little step back to gently remove his hand from my shoulder and smiled shyly as he crossed his hands in front of his chest.

- And can you tell me why the evil stepmother looks at you so harshly? - Carlos asked, glancing somewhere behind me.

I turned again and this time I saw Vasseur watching me with narrowed eyes as if he was trying to plan something violently criminal.

- Probably because he's an evil stepmother - I answered, slightly fixing the hem of the gray sweater my interlocutor was wearing. - Maybe he'll stop if I don't pay attention to him.

Sainz looked at me sympathetically, then reached out again and gave me a friendly pat on the back. I shivered at the touch of his cold hand against my skin.

At that moment, another part of the team came through the entrance of the restaurant - Mekies and my dear friend Alessandro were there, also Laura and Mia. At least I wouldn't be so lonely in this man's world. And as far as I understood, more people would come too - Charles had organized a dinner for his whole team. This is a man with a huge heart.

Soon after more teammates had gathered Lorenzo approached me and the girls I had been talking to and informed us that it was time for dinner. I glanced momentarily at Charles, but the Little Prince of Monaco was so engrossed in his conversation with the Real Prince of Monaco and our obnoxious boss that he made no contact with me. I nodded affirmatively to Lorenzo and with a bitter smile followed the crowd to one of the large tables at the bottom of the long terrace by the sea. I suddenly felt oppressed, lonely, among many people who were friendly behaving with me. It was weird.

#

But surprisingly dinner went great. Charles was sitting at one end of the table, in the first chair next to him - it was me, and on the other side of me - Carlos. Opposite me were his mother and Vasseur, and beside him Prince Albert. It was kind of strange, but at the same time such nice company... Without Vasseur of course. I communicated almost all the time with Charles' mother and the two of us discussed everything from current events to the races. We especially had a blast commenting on different types of hairstyles and hair products and tips on how to maintain our feminine beauty, which is quite normal given her profession, and I loved learning about beauty hacks that I might never have applied. I felt so normal in this setting, I wasn't even bothered by the presence of the Prince, he turned out to be a completely normal person, like us, and he was having fun and interacting with everyone at the table as if we were his friends. It gave me a strange feeling that the two pilots of my team almost all the time took care of my comfort - to order me water or some other kind of drink, to let me try the dishes they had ordered, to be constantly included in one of the conversations that went on at the table. As I got cold at nightfall, and I had not taken an outer garment, Carlos asked for a blanket, and Charles even begged one of the waiters to light a huge gas lamp beside us, and brought it close to me to keep me from freezing. And Vasseur watched all this with an evil, murderous gaze. This annoyed me to the max, but I tried to ignore it... Not that it was possible.

When our dinner was over, Charles went with his brothers and Carlos to have fun under the terrace with water golf, archery, and other general sporting activities. Leclerc could not fail to include sports in his entertainment. And because I wanted to enjoy the evening and then take part in the general activities, I leaned against the rail, glass of wine in hand, and watched my hosts make shot after shot, the balls flying out to sea.

- Bernardi! - suddenly the familiar voice of Vasseur came from behind me and my blood froze.

- What do you want Vasseur? - I asked without turning to him.

- What are you doing here? - he asked his question through his teeth, and with my peripheral vision I noticed that he was leaning on the railing next to me.

- The same as you! - I replied calmly, sipping from the glass. - As well as our entire team, as you can see for yourself.

- And may I ask why you arrive first with the whole family? - he hissed.

- A strategy - I answered and turned to him.

- You obviously are not good at the strategies, because you remember that I warned you back in Miami. What I will do if you get involved with either of them!

- Vasseur, why don't you live your life in your limited, fictional world? - I interrupted him. - Charles, his family, Carlos... We are one community. Company. Friends. And that's how we'll always be, whether you like it or not. I'm not going to end my friendship with Leclerc or Sainz just because you think that close relationships necessarily turn into a "romantic relationship". Besides, there is no danger for Sainz, he has been in a happy relationship with Isa for 6 years. And you have to accept the facts as they are. Accept that I am not the kind of person who will obey your orders, especially when I see how insane they are.

- You are an extremely conceited and insolent girl Bernardi, you don't listen to me at all and if this continues you will ruin your career! - Vasseur said sternly. - And I will make sure that you don't find a job anywhere if you don't comply with what I order.

- And now Mr. Team Principal, imagine that your threats are recorded on my phone, and I can easily present this to John Elkann and take care of your career - I said and raised my phone to him. - Will you congratulate Mr. Elkan before your demotion? Did you know that you and Binotto will get along a lot as coworkers.

I was bluffing. But I fooled him because he suddenly became embarrassed and took on a worried expression. But he quickly recovered and pursed his lips angrily.

- Look, Bernardi, I'm trying to protect both you and the team from additional problems that would arise in the given situation - noted Frederic. - I'm the boss of the team now and I have to...

- Focus on managing the team and improving our cars, not on your strategist's personal life - I said, drinking the rest of my glass in one go then started gesticulating. - It's just that you have no idea how to run this team, you created total chaos with your arrival. I'm the person who sits around the clock in the factory, in the garages, in the simulator and with the drivers, not because it's required of me, nor because I'm paid for it, but because that's how I think I'll help the Scuderia move forward! I demand this from myself, and I try to impress you, to impress Mekies, to see that I am SOMEONE, and you are always looking for an excuse to fire me. Good, but remember with whose help you always achieve good results. Don't forget with whose strategies in Baku Charles had two podiums. It's not with Xavier's, for example, is it?

Frederic was silent for a moment. He looked over at Charles, who was still golfing and laughing wildly.

- Look what Bernardi, this boy must renew his contract with Ferrari - Vasseur began quietly. - His career is in its prime and he doesn't need a broken heart right now. The same goes for his teammate. You'll do yourself a favor if you stay away from them, because... If you do something, forget about making any strategic decisions for the weekends. For nothing else, but we need an unbiased person, and the moment feelings come into play... You start to have priorities. And you know what it means to not make a single winning strategy within a few races, especially for you?

As a junior strategist, there was a clause in the contract that I could be released early from my position if I performed poorly. And Vasseur knew that. And he used it as his winning move - Checkmate.

- Have fun the rest of the evening but starting tomorrow you're back at work... - he patted my shoulder and whispered in my ear. - And to no one, not a word about this conversation, otherwise... Well, you already know what will happen to you.

I barely kept from punching him in the face. It was really manipulation. Blackmail. Nasty, miserable attitude. But I was going to fight it. I would find a way to beat him. Whatever it cost me. I looked over the railing and at that moment Charles turned and waved at me. I gave him a bitter smile before walking over to the table and taking the bottle of wine from the ice bucket. I poured it all the way into my glass and drank it all at once, just to overcome the urge to run after Vasseur and kick him with my heels.

Then I grabbed my purse and noticed that Charles had casually left the car and apartment keys on the table. I was determined to get both keys, but then I just grabbed the ones from his house and headed for the restaurant exit. I had drunk and gone mad, I should have been a responsible person. On my way out, I bumped into Arthur, who was carrying a ruby ​​red cocktail glass. And the cocktail suddenly ended up on my dress.

- Oh, Lissie, I'm so sorry, I... - Arthur said worried and went looking for a handkerchief to wipe the alcohol from my clothes.

- No, no, stop! - I grabbed his shoulders.

It actually saved me, now I had an excuse to leave without anyone finding out why I was actually leaving our event.

- Let's ask my mother how to remove the stain... - young Leclerc continued anxiously.

- Arthy, everything is fine! - I said to him and slightly stiffened. - I will come back home. Just warn Charles that I'm gone... And that I'll be waiting for him at the apartment.

- Are you sure? – he shouted after me - At least give it to me for dry cleaning tomorrow.

- Arthy, don't worry! - I interrupted him coming closer again. - I'm leaving now! Bye!

I patted him on the cheek and ran to the exit of the restaurant. Now I had a little hike ahead of me on the steep streets of Monaco in 10cm heels. Great! But at least I'll be away from that rat... Vasseur.

Notes:  Hello guys! I am here with a brand new long and late chapter! I would like to thank you for the greatest support! <3 You are amazing!

So in this chapter we have Lissie getting deeper and deeper into feelings of this... town :D <3 And  of course the gift from Charles - that bracelet. What does it mean? And Vasseur. This guy hits again... And hits really really hard. What will happen next?

Hope you liked the chapter guys - give a star/comment if so <3 hear the external ling aaand see you at the next part! <3

LOVE YA <3

N16