25. May – That Thursday in Monaco

When I got back to the apartment, I immediately ran to "my" room and hurried to lock myself. It was only because I was in Charles' home that I didn't break everything around me. I was going crazy. I was going crazy because for the first time I couldn't dominate. Vasseur controlled me, he had me in his hands and no matter how much I tried to resist, he could move me like a puppet on strings. He used my excessive ambition, my attraction to Charles, to manipulate me. And I couldn't deal with him because I knew he was crazy enough to realize whatever he was threatening me. He could have done nothing else for the team, but to damage my career future and that of Leclerc, certainly would. Because Vasseur was a reckless egotist who, when doesn't get what he wants, starts to hurt. In every way. Behind his smile and pompous words during interviews, he was hiding his true demonic nature that only I seemed to see. We had declared war on each other a long time ago, but it was only a matter of time before it escalated.

I took off the wet dress and threw it on the ground. Then kicked my shoes into the corner of the room and threw myself face down on the bed. Who needed all of this? Why couldn't I work peacefully, without any problems, without any dramas... Why did there always have to be something? Couldn't everything just be arranged, and no third parties interfere in the lives of both of us. Couldn't we just be happy... Together?

After the self-pitying thought, I got out of the bed and made my way to the bathroom. I've decided to get my bath ready as I was sure it would take some time for Charles to come back home and probably start asking me why I left all of a sudden. While the bath was filling, I went to the bedroom to get a hair band and as I approached my bedside table, I remembered the envelope I had dropped before I left. I looked around as if to make sure I was completely alone, then opened the drawer and took the letter out of it. I opened the envelope and took out the folded piece of paper yellowed with time. After which ran into the bathroom and locked that door as well - double security to remain completely isolated from everything and everyone. I sat on the edge of the tub and after a heavy sigh, as if for courage, I started reading:

"Dear Petit Beauté!

Forgive me for disappearing for so long, we haven't written in almost a month, but a lot has happened. I understand that your brother visited you in Persia... and discovered our letters. I returned to our homeland, you know that there is a lot of trouble in the country now, and I am directly involved with the government. But your brother also came back to Italy and met me. We had a bad fight like never before, because he thought it was wrong for me to keep trying to reach for you after everything that happened between us, and you now have a husband... But you know that nothing can stop me my dear, I am so deeply in love with you and even though I haven't received a single answer from you, I know that you haven't forgotten me either. I decided to indulge in creativity for a few days and here, with the help of my brother, I made a bracelet for you. I haven't given you a wedding present yet, so in the envelope with this letter you will also find the bracelet. My closest person, Angelo, will travel to you for several days and nights to deliver it to you. May you meet to receive my gift of love and carry it with you always. Your brother will not stop me in any way. My dear Petit Beauté, I miss you every day that you are away from me, but I really hope that the Prince takes good care of you and loves you just as much as you deserve... And as I love you! But I will always wait for you. Remember it! I love you!

Your sincere, Chess Player."

I wiped my tears away and stood up. Oh, how bad I felt for Chess. I sympathized with him. I knew what it was like to have an unrequited love burning your heart. If only Petit Beauté and Chess had met a little earlier, they would probably be happy together, having a big family and enjoying the time together. She didn't have a choice, otherwise I'm sure she would have stayed in Italy and married Chess. Moreover, from his letters I understood that he was from high society, his work related to the government... But this also has its negatives, because of his position in society, he was also not completely free to make decisions on his own. I wanted to know what happened to her too. Did she get the letter and the bracelet. Did she wear this beautiful piece of jewelry. But even more interesting to me was how it was possible for the bracelet to come first to Charles and then to me.

And a small smile crossed my lips as I looked down at my wrist. Tenderness and beauty worthy of a true princess, of a lady of high society, now graced my hand, and once I knew it was THIS bracelet, I might never take it off again.

#

By the time Charles got home, I had already finished my bath and was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. Leclerc knocked several times at my door and called me, but I did not answer. I was sure he knew I wasn't asleep, but... I couldn't open the door for him. If I met him, I would share everything about the conversation with Vasseur. Of course, Charles would know everything, he was the person with whom we shared the hard fate of a Ferrari employee, criticizing every mistake, being happy about every victory, but always what we said to each other remained only between us. And he protected me. He stood up for me. He cared about me...

And so, my entire night was spent nervously walking around the room, trying to come up with a plan to deal with all of these things. My life was getting more and more messed up lately, and I was starting to lose control of everything. Over my work, over my family, over my feelings... I was going crazy because as a person who could not be controlled, manipulated, blackmailed I always fought against all this and ran away if I felt it happening, but now it was too complicated. Neither I wanted to go, nor could I. I had made a promise to several people not to leave the Scuderia, but Vasseur was tormenting me. I don't know how much longer I was going to put up with this, maybe I was over-dramatizing, and my mother was right - I was going to find a way out of the situation. But how?

#

I took the clothes out of my suitcase and threw them on the bed. I also took out the white T-shirt that was specially made for Charles week - white with red diamonds, in the colors of his country. I stopped all my preparations for a moment and sighed, caressing the clothing gently as if I was caressing Charles. I put the T-shirt on, then my black jeans, paired them with my red Ferrari sneakers, and started looking for my access card. I couldn't find it – it was nowhere in my room or in my luggage. I can't forget the card. It, along with the diary and the rubies, would not leave my travel bags, even if I was not on race week, just so I wouldn't forget or lose them somewhere. Can not be true. I've been so chaotic lately. Not to mention the panic that gripped me quite often. I wasn't that kind of person before. What changed?

I gave up looking for my pass, when I entered the bathroom and saw that I looked like something between a panda and a badger. The coffees would give me energy, but they would never fix the dark circles under my eyes.

I quickly put on some powder and concealer to cover the "mess" under my eyes, some of my traditional makeup and the finishing touch of perfume, then put on my sunglasses. The best cover up. From my room, I grabbed my laptop bag and a few of the analysis folders I brought here with me, then quickly left the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind me so as not to wake Charles. I headed to the kitchen to make some coffee, but Charles had drawn both his curtains and blinds and it was extremely dark in the whole apartment.

- Why do you have to complicate everything in my life Charles?! – I whispered to myself.

I wanted to at least look for a glass of water, but the folders would fall out of my hands, and I was trying to be as quiet as possible. So, I left the kitchen as well and went into the hallway where I found the apartment keys hanging and an access card right next to the door. This is where I left my card yesterday! How stupid I am! Pure chaos. And after putting the card in my bag, I left the apartment.

#

As I was imprudent enough not to take Charles' car, I had to walk. Naturally, the car would be taken from him without his permission, but since we are very close friends and I am staying at his place, that automatically gives me the right to use everything what is his as well. Still, I decided to be a good guest and not overdo it, so I tortured my legs and back walking all the way to the circuit.

And as I passed through the turnstiles, checking my card, I saw Charles' picture. Hold on. What? I took the wrong access card. This was Charles' pass!

I stopped and tried to get my phone out of my jeans pocket to call Arthur and tell him to bring back the card to his brother. I didn't know if Charles was busy or still asleep, so for the moment I preferred to communicate with his brother. But just then someone bumped into me, and everything I was holding in my hands fell to the ground.

- Mamma mia! - I screamed. - Che cazzo fai?! Non guarda dove vai, pazzo?!

When I turned, saw Pierre looking at me over head to toe with a lustful smile.

- Padre Mio, Lissie! - he exclaimed and finally started collecting my folders from the ground. - I'm so sorry, baby girl!

- Sometimes I wonder how exactly with this lack of orientation, you manage to stay alive on the track, Tripod! - I said sarcastically.

- Hey, I'm going to throw your folders all over the paddock – the driver threatened me, standing up with my things in his hands, but he couldn't stay serious for long and started laughing. - Come here baby girl! How long have I not seen you!

- It's been so long that I almost forgot your sour humor - I rolled my eyes and we both hugged.

- And I - your sharp tongue - Gasly said, pressing me tightly to him.

I slapped him lightly on the nape, making him laugh, then we pulled away from each other and he glanced at the folders in his hands.

- Where are you going with so much stuff? – Pierre asked.

- Work - I shrugged my shoulders.

- And Charles? - he raised his eyebrows.

- Peacefully sleeping at home - I replied quietly.

- Home... - Gasly noted with a half-smile, then his eyes got wider. - Wait! Did you come here without him?

- Yes, of course... - I laughed.

The driver looked at me confused. He knew I was staying at Charles' place because of Kika, who was my favorite gossip girl. Pierre took a suspicious look at me and narrowed his eyes.

- Is everything alright, baby girl? - I heard his concerned tone.

- Oh, it's very difficult to explain it to you - I waved my hand. - Now give me the folders and let me go, I'm late.

- I'll bring them to you, and you...

- No conditions, Gasly! - I interrupted him. - I haven't slept all night and I haven't had my first coffee yet, you know I get extremely aggressive in these situations.

- You are aggressive all the time Lissa - he laughed, and I pursed my lips angrily. - Here, you see. I'm sure you're going to hit me now.

Pierre giggled and I just rolled my eyes. The paparazzi were already gathering, the cameras were recording our conversation, and that was the main thing that kept me from being actively aggressive to him. I knew he wasn't teasing me out of bad feelings. We were like siblings - I was like his younger sister, with whom he always teased until he got on her nerves. And he even continued:

- Well, if you haven't slept all night, then Charlie's been pretty good in bed, and you shouldn't be...

I let out a quiet scream and grabbed the folders from his hands.

- Thanks for the "help" and your useless presence! - I hissed. - Now have fun! They took a thousand pictures of us!

The driver chuckled and blew me an air kiss, then I left for our hospitality. But not a few steps later Gasly caught up with me and took the folders from me. I glared at him, ready to yell again, but he smiled gently.

- Come on, we're friends... - his husky voice, now soft and calm, somehow touched my heart with the words: - Your brother from another mother!

I gave him a little smile in return and we both headed towards my hospitality, already talking about the Cannes festival and their fancy date there.

#

A few hours later before the sit fitting, I was sitting in Charles' garage with a small cup of Ristretto in hand, and I was looking with great irritation at everything around me. Insomnia, nerves about the upcoming race, and Vasseur's disgusting behavior the night before blew me away, and now everyone I met was receiving some kind of insult.

- Look at the rear wing, is it well secured - I said in a commanding tone.

- Pulcino, weren't you a strategist? - asked one of the mechanics and giggled.

- Luigi, I have two hands and I can slap you hard with both of them! - I hissed. - Do your job and don't comment on what is included in my job description!

- Oh, someone's not in the mood today! - I heard someone's voice behind me and turning around I saw Giovinazzi and Schwartzman approaching me.

- I think the days when I am in the mood and at work are counted on the fingers of one of my hands - I rolled my eyes and hugged them one by one. - How are you, boys?

- Like cheerleaders - Robert replied. - Ready to support the team and shout at the top of our lungs...

- Forza Ferrari, sempre! - shouted the two at one time.

I finally laughed, even though their screams shoot through my insomnia-sore head and increased my headache. But these guys, regardless of the conditions, managed to bring me back to my good mood.

- You are completely crazy - I shook my head and drank the coffee in one gulp.

- By the way, guess who we're bringing to you - said Robert enthusiastically.

- The author of Forza Ferrari, whom we happened to meet at the entrance - added Antonio, and they both stepped aside to reveal Charles, dressed in our official uniform, but with the white hat with the diamonds on his head.

When our eyes locked, my heart skipped a beat, and my smile immediately disappeared. The conversation with Vasseur popped into my head and I could barely hold back the tears welling up in my eyes. I had to keep Charles at a distance, never mind that I was living in his apartment at the moment. I could have left his house at any time, but the truth was, I had nowhere to go. The hotels were already full, and no one would rent me accommodation for 3 days... I didn't even know if there were any in Monaco, or at least ones I could afford. Therefore, I had to stay JUST TO SLEEP at his place, but I myself was already realizing that being an uncomplaining executor of my boss's orders, as well as resisting Leclerc, was not up to me anymore.

- Darling, Good Morning! - he said with a little smirk approaching me.

- It might be good for you, but it's terrible for me! - I replied coldly.

- Oh, really? - Charles asked. - Was it that bad last night?

I blushed all over and looked down for a moment. This ambiguous way of speaking, especially when we were in front of other people, has gotten me into extremely awkward situations lately.

- Ha, Robert, do you remember that we had a meeting with Pietro? - Antonio suddenly exclaimed.

- Did we have? - Robert looked at him confused, then gasped: - Oh yes, true... with Pietro! Yes... Ah, guys, we're going, have fun!

They both stumbled then quickly ran to the inside of the garages. I scraped with my teeth. They left us alone on purpose and now I had to communicate with Charles and hope Vasseur didn't catch us.

There was an awkward silence between us for a moment, Leclerc was looking at me with a smile, and I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eyes. And I had to find a way to repel him. First, for himself, and then for me.

- Well, I suggest we follow their example - I said, squishing the cardboard cup I was holding. - Everyone working on their own schedule.

- I see you're with my merch - he remarked and stepped closer to me.

- White is the color of the monarchy in France, so... - I said coldly, knowing I would annoy him.

- We're not in France - Charles gritted out. - I'm MO-NE-GA-SQUE!

I looked up at him and smiled cheekily. I don't know why it gave me so much pleasure to make him angry, but his sexy mad look and tightly clenched jaw provoked me to want to tease him more and more. To increase the tension between us.

- Do you think I'm so stupid that I don't know your nationality? - I asked pretending to be offended.

It was time to present myself as a real woman and create a scandal out of nothing, bringing all the acting talent I possessed.

- I had a different impression of your intellect, so I'm surprised that you could get something like this wrong - Leclerc narrowed his eyebrows and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

- Yeah, but my IQ is dropping, having this conversation with you - I rolled my eyes and tossed the cup to the trash can next to me. I was delighted when it slipped in without a hitch.

- And maybe you are Miss Perfection? - he asked, and I looked at him again. I had really pissed him off.

- I may not be perfect, but you need someone to ground you - another cheeky smile from my side. - All these fans and Andrea boost your self-esteem excessively. It is harmful to forget where you belong.

I didn't know how far I would go with this behavior, but I certainly didn't expect to provoke Charles into his villainous era. And that's exactly what happened. In one jerky movement, he grabbed my waist and pulled me against him, just like when we were at my apartment, and I was comparing his speed to Verstappen's.

- I think you need a little restraining, darling! - he whispered in my ear in his seductive husky voice. - It's like you forget who you're talking to...

- To the man who went from first and winning Ferrari driver to something mediocre - I hissed and pushed his hands away from me.

My heart skipped a beat and hurt as I realized what I had said to him. Maybe I went a bit too far with my feminine artistry. After this cruelty on my side, I gathered the strength to look up and meet Monegasque's eyes. The sparkle in them suddenly disappeared and confusion of my behavior was written on his face.

- Why are you so rude today? - Leclerc asked quietly, his voice cracking.

I realized that this sudden change in my attitude towards him was actually hurting him too much, and to see his wet eyes and lips pursed with sadness hurt me doubly. If Vasseur thought that separating us would achieve a positive effect, I was on the opposite opinion. But in the upcoming weekends he would find out which of us was the right one.

- I'm just being honest - I replied coldly. - It's time to prepare for the sit fitting.

- No, darling... - Charles shook his head and stepped towards me again. He quickly tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and continued quietly: - I'm not getting in the car until I know where my sweet Lissie is?

I stared down at my feet to avoid his tempting eyes, but I could feel his gaze intently pointed at me, trying to break through my shell and find out the truth of what was going on. But I wasn't going to show anything.

- I'm going to work - I said through gritted teeth.

I tried to get around the Monegasque, but at that moment he grabbed my wrist, which still had the bracelet from last night on it. I wasn't sure I wanted to leave such a valuable piece of jewelry at the hotel, so I stayed with her on.

- You are still wearing it? - Charles was surprised.

- Only because I was in a hurry in the morning and forgot to take it off - I lied emotionlessly.

- I'd like you to always carry it with you - Charles winked at me.

I swallowed hard. Why does he sound like Chess Player in his letter?

- But I think you owe me something – Leclerc continued.

- What? - I narrowed my eyes, and he pulled me gently to him again.

He was too insistent in his actions like never before. I tried to resist but I couldn't. A strange force drew me to him like a magnet. He reached out and grabbed the access card hanging around my neck.

- My pass – the Monegasque spoke again in that seductive husky voice that gave me goosebumps. - In the morning you took it on your way out and now I had to pass through the turnstiles illegally.

- You're the OWNER of the paddock here, it's not illegal to enter your "home"- I said, pulling myself out of his grip, then removed the card from around my neck. - Take your pass and let me go, because I really have to work.

I literally tossed the card into his hands and turned my back on him, heading inside the garage.

- Next time if you want something of mine just tell me to give it to you, you don't have to steal it darling! - Charles shouted after me, laughing, and I waved my middle finger at him.

The eyes of the mechanics were on me, and I could not only feel it, but see it. Everyone was already impressed by his special attitude to me... Not only Vasseur. I realized what I had gotten myself into and that there was no way out.

#

Later in the day the drivers did their traditional track walk, but this time I didn't join. I mostly stayed with Antonio and Robert, and we discussed the analysis of the simulator. Something about the results didn't appeal to me, it seemed like they were much better and more hopeful than what the cars were showing us on the track. Honestly, if these differences continued, I would personally get behind the steering wheel to check what was going on.

After gathering information from the drivers about the track conditions, I finally put together the strategy for the weekend. As I was writing my report before the meeting with the "higher-ups", Andrea approached me. I had settled into Charles' garage, my feet on the chair in front of me, the laptop in my lap, and I was intently hitting the buttons. I wanted to finish everything as soon as possible so that I could go back to the apartment, take a bath, and go to sleep. I looked up from my computer when I heard the sound of a bike chain and noticed the presence of the Tuscan, then looked back at the screen. The coach said nothing. Seconds later, my brain assimilated the information from the vision, and I looked at Andrea again, but this time in shock.

- Andrea, will you explain to me why you are all covered in foil... - I exclaimed. - And you carry a plate of Rigatoni on your chest?

- We're going to gather at Charlie's house for a pasta party - replied the Tuscan proudly. - I came to get you, I can't let you miss it.

I gave him a serious look. Pasta party. A party. Now? Before the most important weekend of his life? And with all this work? And with my headache?

- I still have a lot of work to do here - I shook my head. - I'll miss the "party" probably.

- Lissie, you can always repeat analyses, but a party - never - laughed Andrea.

- No, no Andrea, I'm tired... - I tried to refuse. – Go and have a guy's night, it is not necessary for me to be always there.

- Absurd, you are coming with us! - the coach interrupted me. - You're already living in Charles' apartment anyway...

He said his last line so loudly that almost the entire paddock, even all of Monaco, heard it.

- You're a such a GRANDE bitch Andrea! - I hissed and looked around embarrassed.

- I love you too, Lissie! - he winked at me and got on the bike. - We are waiting for you at the apartment!

The coach drove away, waving at me like a little French lady, and I followed him with a judgmental look and shook my head indignantly. It doesn't matter how old they are... Men always act like children.

#

It was getting dark, and I was walking along the streets of Monaco, which involved the track.

- Turn one, brake, straight, two, three... - I whispered to myself and walked looking around.

The truth was that after Vasseur had once again spoiled the pleasant feeling of the place where I was, now it was difficult even for me to go home to Charles. He sent me a message that he was with Andrea, with Antoine and they were going to film again, so even after the meeting with my bosses I found another reason to stay in the paddock. I didn't want to be in the apartment now. I felt like I was bothering them, and so far, I've never felt like an extra unit in the company. Joris accepted me much more than Antoine and it was visible. The slightly dismissive look and laconic answers when I talked to him were torturing my soul and brought me back to the time when I started working at the Scuderia, and the only people who were well-intentioned towards me were Charles and Carlos. But I had to find a way to him too, or at least get along well enough that it wouldn't bother Charles. I know that not everyone could like me, I had long ago stopped living with the thought that I could please anyone and that any person could stand my tough temper. I know I was difficult and sometimes snarky, but the right person would have been able to restore my inner peace and tame this wildness of mine. I was like a wild horse that could hardly be tamed.

By the time I reached the entrance to Charles' building, it was already dark outside, almost barely visible. Clouds had gathered over the sea, it was probably going to rain.

I looked in my bag, but remembered I didn't have a key to get in. It would have been foolish to ring the bell, as Leclerc was unlikely to open the door for me - he would rather have thought I was a fan. So, I decided to call him.

I started ringing, but he didn't pick up. I called Andrea - so did he. I started pacing nervously in front of the building while I dialed Charles's phone, then Andrea's, hoping someone would pick up, while passersby on the street stared at me. Some of them even started whispering to each other after they passed me. Yes, I was still wearing Charles' special collection T-shirt. I didn't care about their opinion, but I was getting annoyed by meeting their stares or hearing their comments behind my back, and none of my friends picked up.

I looked at the window and noticed that the blinds were half drawn, but it was light inside. I had just decided to scream under the balcony of Leclerc, when suddenly the door opened, and a thin black-haired girl in a white sweater and a figure as straight as a string came out. I was glad that I would finally have access to my luggage and my bed and headed to enter the building. Naturally, I was used to people in my country being polite, but the moment I approached the door, the girl even tried to close it under my nose. Luckily, I had quick reactions and got my foot to the door before it slammed shut. The brunette looked at me dismissively and her eyes fixed on the logo on my T-shirt.

There was a strong tension in the air between us. We both locked eyes and she pursed her lips angrily. This western scene was a little too much for me at the end of my hard day, but I preferred not to create a dissension right in front of the Charles building. Given my outfit and my position in the Scuderia, articles would immediately slide into the media space. So, with an elegant movement of my hand, without being too rude, I pushed the girl out of my way and mentally gave her the middle finger. But from our close contact I smelled her perfume. A heavy, strong scent, of musk and agarwood. I shuddered and even coughed at the scent that lingered in my sinuses, nearly suffocating me. The girl turned her back on me and left, and I entered the building.

As I climbed the stairs, anxious thoughts swirled in my mind about the lady I bumped into at the door. I didn't know her, I didn't know who she was, but I don't know why I felt threatened by her presence. Something in me made me worry, Charles wasn't answering my phone, and neither was Andrea, and suddenly she appeared at the entrance. She didn't look like a permanent resident of the building, more like a guest. I started to imagine things that made me even more anxious and as a result a cold sweat broke out on my back and my stomach curled up into a ball.

I pulled up outside Charles' apartment and rang the bell. Nobody opening. Not a sound could be heard from within. My breathing became even heavier. I rang the bell for a second time, more urgently. I heard the clatter of dishes and was relieved that the boys were alive, but then I wondered if they were hiding something from me. And I got mad.

- Charles, open the fucking door, now! - I shouted and started pounding on the door with my fist.

I heard a low chuckle from inside and just in time I swung my fist for another wild banging on the door swung open. Good thing the person who was against me had quick reactions, thanks to which he backed away quickly and my fist missed by millimeters from his face... And I fall to the ground on four legs.

- Darling, I know I'm irresistible, but let the rest of our guests leave and we'll get down to the act - I heard Leclerc's voice, and when I looked up, I realized that my face was right at the level of his intimate area.

I instantly blushed all over and jumped to my feet, coming face to face with him. He was wearing a dark blue cotton tracksuit, similar to the one he had worn on our trip to Australia. Yes, I paid so much attention to Charles that I even remembered his outfits. But I couldn't help not remembering them, he always looked so stunning. And now, with that defiant little smile, he looked extremely irresistible.

- You're one sentence away from giving you a great slap - I hissed through gritted teeth. - I'm mad at you!

- Hey, take it easy! - Leclerc laughed. - Why are you so aggressive all day today darling?

- Now I'm particularly aggressive - I said. - Why didn't you answer my thousands of calls? Why didn't you open it for me faster?

Charles hesitated for a moment and finally remembered to close the door to his apartment. I kept looking at him, expecting him to answer my questions, and he seemed to be trying to buy time. There was something fishy here.

- I was cooking pasta with Andrea - he sighed. - Pasta with pesto... We left some of it for you but...

My blood began to boil. I quickly took off my shoes and pushed Charles out of my way, then went directly to the kitchen. I began to look around as if I was looking for something, not knowing what it was. I could hear Andrea and Antoine's voices from the living room, and Charles appeared in the doorway of his kitchen and looked at me confused.

- What's wrong darling? - he asked me.

I glared at him and gritted my teeth. I don't know why I had this strange feeling of an outside presence. Maybe I was only imagining it, maybe I really had already started having feelings and it was causing me to go into those crazy states of... Jealousy?

- Do you have anything to drink? - I asked.

- I can make you lemonade, orange juice, grapefruit... - the Monegasque began with the suggestions and opened his fridge.

He paused for a moment and looked at me questioningly, my eagle gaze scanning the fridge door. An open bottle of French white wine – not typical. I approached my host and smiled slyly. One of my hands rested on his shoulder and the other gripped the neck of the bottle. For a moment we were so close that our lips almost touched.

I took the wine and turned my back on Leclerc. I could feel his gaze moving down my body. I quickly served myself, pulling a glass from one of his cabinets and pouring the wine into it. I could tell by the smell of the cork that it had been opened soon. Then I took a big gulp and immediately the alcohol burned my throat. But that didn't stop me. I took another drink and turned to Charles who was watching me in confusion.

- Lissie, has something happened? - he asked me worriedly and approached me.

I looked at the stoves. There were traces of boiled water and starch on them. Rigatoni was scattered everywhere.

- Where's your pasta? - I asked and looked at him quizzically.

Charles swallowed hard, as if he was being questioned by the police captain and had committed a serious crime.

Before he could answer, Andrea appeared at the door with a huge pot in his hands. When he saw me, his eyes grew as big as coat buttons, and his face contorted in horror.

- Guys, what's wrong with you? - I almost shouted. - You look like you've seen a ghost.

- It's not a ghost... - Andrea muttered and walked over to me, leaving the pot on the counter.

I looked inside. Rigatoni with pesto... In industrial quantities. I looked up at the Tuscan and narrowed my eyes suspiciously. Both of their foreheads were sweaty and pale with worry.

- Is that what you've left for me? - I asked without taking my eyes off them as I took a fork out of the cupboard under the stove.

They nodded. And when I tried...

- Madre Mia! - I shouted and spat the pasta into the sink. - This is sacrilege! This pasta is too... Al dente! What? It is completely raw! It is firm, crispy, croccante! Charles for God's sake! Who allowed himself to commit this crime!

Leclerc shyly raised his hand, and Andrea pointed at him without even thinking. I slapped my forehead. A wave of indignation washed over my entire body.

- And it was you who was giving me a recipe for pasta - I drank my wine in one go and started walking around the small kitchen and talking loudly, gesticulating. – This fucking wine is disgusting by the way... I can't believe it, Charles! Such a disappointment, I have never felt... Ever! I'm serious. How come you can't even make pasta like a real human being? It's not cooked properly, nor is it seasoned, not to mention the chaos you've created here. Worse than your performance on the track this year. This is simply unacceptable!

I don't know why I yelled at him and said all these things, but suddenly there was silence in the house. When I realized what I was saying, I stopped and looked at the two men. For the second time today, I allowed myself to touch the driver on this painful topic, and now I did not even intend to hurt him. But I did it.

Charles was playing with the zipper of his sweatshirt, looking down at his feet, his expression resembling that of a 5-year-old who had just been scolded by his mother for breaking a 150-year-old China vase. And Andrea was watching from the side, his hand over his mouth and a shocked look on his face.

- Charles I... - I muttered weakly.

- Charlie, we are leaving - the coach interrupted me. - Tomorrow morning, we are here again... And you two go to bed early, don't do stupid things... You have to wake up early, there is a First and Second free practice.

- Yes Andrea! - I hissed instantly. - You don't need to pretend to be a parent, we are big enough and responsible people!

- Exactly! - Charles supported me and gave a bloody look to the Tuscan. - Time to go!

Andrea waved at me with a slightly shy smile and quickly left the kitchen. Charles and I remained in awkward silence staring at the ground until there was a slamming of the door from outside. I sighed heavily and looked down at my empty glass.

- My awful drink's finished - I said, and Charles finally locked eyes with mine.

- I hadn't prepared any more wine - he answered gravely.

- And for whom had you prepared it? - I asked, raising my eyebrows.

- For me... Andrea and Antoine - he said uncertainly, and I stepped towards him, staring straight into his eyes.

I noticed how the Monegasque began to try to avoid my gaze, his forehead was sweating, the artery in his neck began to pulse faster. He was worried. Why?

- It's race weekend - I said with a half-smile. - You don't drink. I don't believe it about Andrea either... And there was enough left in the bottle for two glasses.

- Well, we went a little overboard on our diet - Leclerc laughed nervously.

I gave him a suspicious look and immediately opened the dishwasher next to us. Four plates, two wine glasses, one with a lipstick print. I turned and faced the Monegasque, then inhaled deeply. Yes, I recognized the scent in the air. The same one, I felt down at the door... From that girl.

I laughed in disbelief and pushed him out of my way. Yeah, I'm working over there and he's here...

I went straight to my room and started filling my travel bag with clothes. I wasn't going to lug 2 suitcases all over Monaco until I found a place to stay. Now I need only the most important things until another day.

- Lissie, what are you doing? - I heard the frightened voice of Charles behind me.

I didn't answer, I continued to throw my clothes into the bag. I heard him approach, but I didn't give him the chance to touch me. I managed to collect the most important and necessary stuff.

- Darling, what's happening to you? - the Monegasque asked me and followed me after I headed to the entrance hall.

- What is happening to me? - I couldn't contain my emotions anymore and turned to him. - It happens that I didn't sleep all night, then all day I deal with your cars, the strategies for the race, I go around Monaco like a freak to be fully prepared for Sunday and instead of sharing this with me, to be the same excited with me about it, you're going home to screw up some pasta with your friends and invite some COMPANY over!

Charles looked at me in shock.

- What? - I asked, tears trying to come out of my eyes. - You think I didn't understand? I saw her downstairs, there were four dishes in the sink, there's lipstick residue on the wine glass, I smelled her perfume, I smelled it here, in the air, in the room... on you!

Leclerc was silent as he assimilated my words, then looked at me with his large blue-green eyes and smiled slightly.

- Are you jealous Lissie?

- How could I be jealous? – I snorted. - I'm not even in a relationship with you to be jealous!

- Oh, really? - he approached me, and I took a step back. - Then why are you angry now?

- Because you are a jerk Leclerc! - I shouted and aimed at him with my bag, but he managed to avoid the hit. - Because you sent a parliamentarian to call me for your "pasta party", because I've had exactly 5 hours of sleep since I came here, I've had a terrible headache all day and finally I come here to rest, and it turns out that I have nothing to feed myself, not that I expected it... I tactfully separated myself from your company today, as I am with you 24/7 and I can see that I am already coming to some people more. I wanted to let you see your friends alone, have a guys' night, not suffocate you with my constant presence here... But you've thrown a party with extra company! And a female! I feel betrayed Leclerc. Betrayed!!!

The whole time I was talking I was pacing the hall and gesticulating violently. And Charles approached me. Suddenly I found myself pinned to his piano, face to face with him again, dangerously close, him a tiny step away from me. His eyes trailed down my body, and in trying to pull away from him, my bottom ended up on the cover above the piano keys. Well, I had nowhere to run.

- Damn that wild temper of yours, Lissa... - whispered Leclerc.

Not a second later he grabbed my face in his hands and locked our lips in a passionate kiss. It was like electricity went through my body. I got goosebumps. My limbs trembled, and it was a good thing I was sitting, or I would have passed out. My heart stopped for a second, the butterflies in my stomach fluttered and I got shivers down my whole body. Finally, what I've been waiting for happened for so long. Charles' soft lips on mine. They were so sweet, the feeling was indescribably magical. He didn't pull away from me, but deepened our kiss more and more, growing from something very basic, to an exciting French kiss.

And I unconsciously entwined my fingers in his hair and pulled him closer to me even more. I felt my body against mine and my back against the piano. I wanted him. I liked him. I couldn't stop myself.

When we were out of breath, Charles pulled away from me slightly and placed his forehead on mine. We were both breathing heavily, fast, in unison.

I closed my eyes and bit my lower lip. At first, I didn't know where I was, my head was in total chaos. The best thing happened to me, something I wanted and waited for so long, but why couldn't I be happy... A tear rolled down my cheek, and Leclerc gently wiped it away with his thumb. Then he ran his fingertips over my lips.

- Merde! - he whispered, still out of breath. - Pourquoi es-tu si irrésistible?

He tried to kiss me again, but I managed to put a finger on his lips and stop him.

- Charles, we have to stop! - I whispered. - It is not right...

- I've been waiting for this moment too long to stop now! - replied the Monegasque in a whisper.

- No! - I shook my head and pushed him away from me. - You can't have been with someone else before and then kiss me...

I used this to cover up the fact that I was interrupting our wonderful moment because of Vasseur...

- Lissa, what are you talking about? - he asked me confused as he watched me pick up my bag from the ground.

- We've gone too far Charles! - I said, heading for the apartment door. - Something wonderful happened, but events from before do not allow me to enjoy it.

- At least let me explain! - the driver shouted after me in a plaintive voice. - Lissa wait please...

- Shut up Charles and leave me alone with my thoughts! - I interrupted him and turned to him. - I'm sorry, but I need to think about... Some things.

Turning my back on him was the most painful thing I could do. I wanted to go back, feel his lips on mine again, on my skin, his body on mine... But I felt so confused. First, Vasseur's orders to me, he would definitely understand if we moved on to the post-passionate French kissing phase, and then that girl who had certainly spent the evening in the apartment. And suddenly my life went from ordered one to chaotic one.

Notes: Hello guys! I am so glad to see you again and to be able to thank you for the great support you give me! <3 Love ya!

So here it is the brand new chapter aaaaand finally the so waited from all of us  kiss (believe me even I couldn't wait to write it down :D) But there is not only the Chess Player who appears in the chapter. A new character joins the life of our favorite Lissie and creates a complete chaos. So what will happen next? We will understand pretty soon!

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

N16 XOXOXO