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[leclerqueensainz]

[leclerqueensainz]

Série: Friends

Ano: (1994 - 2004)

Onde encontrar: HBO Max

[leclerqueensainz]

A Family of Three (C.L 16)

Part. III - Heroes, Princess and Fewawi.

⚠️ Warnings: Distress (Charles is very sad talking about losing someone he loves), mention of maternal abandonment, issues with parents, and postpartum depression, among other triggers. However, there is also a cute interaction with Vincenzo for the first time, so that's a step forward.

Enjoy the reading!

P.S.: This is entirely based on Charles's point of view.

Word Count: 4,332.

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April 19, 2019 - Monte Carlo, Monaco.

When my father died a few years ago, I thought I would be prepared for any loss I would have endure later on. I anticipated losing other people, of which I had no doubt, but I swore that nothing could shake me as much as losing my hero.

When I lied to him about securing the Ferrari contract because it was his dream, and I wanted him to rest in peace, knowing that we had achieved it, that all the effort he had put into my future had been worthwhile, I thought nothing else could hurt as much as knowing he would never have the opportunity to see me don a red racing suit and drive a Scuderia car.

When I was given permission to drive the car carrying his casket, and I drove through the city so my father could bid a final farewell to the place he lived and loved for so long before taking him to the cemetery, I thought nothing could destroy my heart and burn every cell of my body as much as that did.

I was wrong.

But I should have known better. I should have understood that no pain would be enough to call someone's soul.

The news reached me two days ago on Monday when I was still in Shanghai after a race. Marie, my ex-girlfriend, called me in the middle of the night, and I couldn't fathom why she was calling me when we hadn't spoken in six months since the breakup.

My heart had raced before answering the phone, and a thousand thoughts crossed my mind—whether she was drunk and missing me or if she dialed accidentally. If she just wanted to talk because she had a bad day and Jules didn't answer when she called. I could expect anything and think of any possibility, but never these words. "Jules is dead." That's what she said right after my hello. There were no tears, no pauses. Just a broken and lifeless voice. A dead and cold voice.

Marie hadn't called because she was drunk or had a bad day and had no one else to talk to. It wasn't nostalgia for the six months we had been apart. It wasn't to tell me she loved me, as I had dreamed so many times before.

Marie called because our best friend, my godfather, was dead. No tears, no pauses. Just shock. It was direct. It was terrifying.

I wanted to know what she was talking about because Jules had left after the race, and he was fine. He was happy with the position and wanted to return to Nice to celebrate with the family. She didn't answer me. And I wondered if she had a baby or if it was a playful way to start a conversation with an ex-boyfriend. But she didn't laugh like I knew she would if she were joking. Then I felt it. The silence that told the truth. I had lost Jules, too.

So I shouted into the phone, said it wasn't funny, I was late, and I didn't want to participate in that cruel game. Denial. "Come to Monaco, Charles." She said and hung up.

I never wanted to have answered. I never wanted to pack hastily, wake up Pierre, and tell him we had lost him. I didn't want to arrive in Monaco and see the faces of my brothers and my mother painted with grief again. "I'm so sorry, my love." That's what my mother said when I fell to my knees and allowed myself to cry in front of my family as she hugged me. "It will be okay." That's what Lorenzo said. But we both knew it wouldn't.

I thought I wouldn't feel the sense of helplessness and bitterness when putting on a black suit again. I thought grief would be something I could handle. But it wasn't.

I begged anything that existed not to take anything else from me. I couldn't bear to make the same journey to that church because of another funeral. And I didn't want the experience of that shadow that left me shattered again.

I didn't want to overcome another loss; I didn't want to wonder why the pain didn't pass and didn't seem enough. I didn't want to try to understand or hear people saying that he would be in a better place and everything was God's purpose.

God. Why did he seem so angry with me? Wasn't losing my father enough? Why did he need Jules, too?

knowing that the only certainty of life is death, why didn't God bring an easier way for those who remain to overcome it?

There was no more my father; there was no more Jules. My heroes were gone, and I was left here. Why was I left?

I was being selfish and wise. Nevertheless, it was what allowed me to feel at the moment. I was alone, without those who once helped me become who I am. There was no one else to advise or guide me. And even though I still had Lorenzo or Arthur, I felt lost, like a drifting boat.

When the car parked in front of that church, I asked my family to proceed. I need a few minutes. I gathered the courage and strength to enter that place once again and face what I already knew would be the cause of my nightmares in the coming days. "Confront your demons," everyone says. But whoever coined that phrase never understood the complexity of the dark and bitterness-filled hole that grief brings.

I stared at the church from behind the car window. The same car in which I had once smiled with my best friend for having won it and carrying the Ferrari brand on its bodywork. The same car where I cried when I thought about how my father would have reacted to seeing me come home with it, and Jules hugged me and said it didn't matter where he would be; he would be selling and proud of my achievements.

And now I'm here inside. I'm inside this car, once again, in front of this church. However, without the consolation of someone I love this time. I'm inside this machine, summoning the courage to enter the funeral of someone who once comforted me for a loss.

I'm here summoning the courage to say goodbye to another of my heroes.

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January 20, 2023 - Nice, France.

I park the car in front of an old, low-rise building. Beside me, Marie watches closely as Cecilia steps out of the car in front of us. I can feel her nervousness and notice her hands tightly gripping the cuffs.

I know exactly what she's feeling, and a part of me is proud that I still manage to understand her body language even after all these years, but I try my best to downplay it since it's a delicate moment for both her and me.

After the meeting, Cecilia made a request that we expected but still caught us somewhat off guard. She wanted us to meet Vincenzo that afternoon. And that's where we are now—parked in front of the building, which I assume is where Cecilia lives with Vincenzo.

"What if he doesn't like us?" Marie asks softly. And I think she's posing the question more to herself than me.

"Hey! He's going to adore us!" I say, and she looks at me. Her eyes are wide with fear and anxiety. "Marie, it won't be easy initially, but we've discussed this before. Let's take it one step at a time. Don't think of Vincenzo as our future responsibility for now; think of him as a piece of Jules we will meet, okay?" Her eyes fill with tears, but she nods and smiles.

I take her hand, still clenched into a fist, and slowly bring it to my lips, gently touching it. Her hand opened, and I saw the half-moon red marks in her palm. She sighs in surprise, and I smile, trying to convey reassurance, even though I'm as terrified as she is deep down.

"We'll make it, my dear. Trust me," I say, and she agrees.

She subtly motions for me to release her wrist, but before I can feel my stomach sink with her rejection, her hand grabs mine and squeezes—a firm grip with a lot of meaning. My eyes go from our joined hands to her face, and this time, she has a small, reassuring smile on her lips.

"Let's go, Leclerc! Let's meet the legacy of our best friend."

(…)

"Sorry for the number of stairs! Our elevator hardly ever works," Cecilia says when we finally reach her apartment door after climbing about eight flights of stairs.

I lean against the wall next to the door and pull the air firmly into my lungs. On the other hand, in the last step, Marie depends on the railing, trying to laugh her heart out and normalize her breathing.

"Jesus! How do you manage to do this every day?" She asks Cecilia, who laughs and shrugs.

"Try doing it with a child in your arms; you'll guarantee it's much worse," she says, and Marie laughs lightly.

"So, good for you that you'll soon be free from going through this, right?" I speak, and the smile once painted on her lips fades.

Marie clears her throat, making me take my eyes off Cecilia and look at her. She is giving me a reproachful look, and I muster all of myself not to roll my eyes.

"Cecilia, do you want to go in first and talk to Vincenzo for a bit?" She asks, and Cecilia agrees.

"Good idea! Be back in a minute," she says, searching for the key inside her bag until she finds it and inserts it into the door lock. Before she turned the doorknob to open it, she waited for me for a full minute.

"I'm not asking you to like me, Charles," her tone is profound, and I stare at her with the same intensity. "But know that while we are in my house and front of Vincenzo, you won't talk to me like that, and you won't disrespect my pain in front of my son. I know I can't expect much from you because you're a man, and you'll never understand the situation with any view other than a man's." She turns entirely to me. "None of this is a walk in the park. Not for any of us. And this is the saddest thing I've had to do since I spent 12 hours in labor alone in a hospital while still mourning the father of my child." Tears overflow in her eyes, and I swallow hard.

"I messed up, and I messed up a lot. But I pay my penance every day for it. While you could feel the pain of mourning at your doorstep, I had to get up every day to feed and change a child who depended on me, and for a long time, I considered him to blame for everything." She lowers her gaze, shame and regret in her words reflecting her being. "They said it was postpartum depression, but I always knew better. I always loved Vincenzo, but I will never be able to look at him without seeing the reflection of my mistakes." She wipes the tears streaming down her face with the backs of her hands. "I will live eternally with these ghosts haunting me, but I won't let my son go through this." She says and turns, opening the door and entering right after.

The door closes with a soft thud, and I look at her. I don't know how I should react or even what I feel in the face of Cecilia's declaration. But even without knowing, shame points at the pit of my stomach. It's a shame because I wonder what Jules would say if he could see me now. And I think about my father for the first time in a long time.

"She didn't say that for you to feel bad, Charles," I'm drawn by Marie's voice. Her expression is serious, but her tone is gentle. "But she's not entirely wrong. You'll never understand her, not just because you're a man, but because this situation is far beyond any understanding and empathy you and I can have." She says, and her gaze shifts momentarily before returning to me. "I think the only one who could understand her is no longer here." She whispers the last part, and I continue observing her and digesting her words.

I also wonder if Marie has ever felt like Cecilia, not for the same reasons; that's obvious. But for different reasons, has she ever felt so alone with no one to understand her motives?

And then, I remember when I found out she had left a few days after Jules' funeral. I went to her apartment in the center of Monaco, and when I arrived, the landlord told me she had moved two days ago. I remember the emptiness that filled me: the pain, the loneliness, the mourning.

I had questioned many times why she left and abandoned me, even though she had nothing left with me and no obligation to try to restore what was broken inside me. But at no point did I wonder what she felt.

Jules died, and Marie and I no longer had a relationship. Her parents were never real parents. She had no one else but me, and even though I felt lonely and abandoned, I still had family who felt my pain.

So, is that it? Is that why she left? Because she thought she had no one else? Did she go through all of this alone?

"Please, Charles. Don't do this," she says, and I stare at her.

"Do what?" I ask, confused.

"Don't try to decipher if there's more to what I said than what I said," her gaze is as intense as Cecilia's a bit ago. "This is not about me and certainly not about you." And with these words, she ended the subject.

I wish I could retort and ask her, but that wasn't the moment, and I had already messed up enough for today. So, I nod in understanding, and she relaxes her shoulders and clears her throat.

Marie walks towards me in small steps, my trained eyes on her movements. She stops by my side, leaning against the same wall as me. Her face turned to the stairs where she was before.

"I'm sorry," is what I say because that's what I feel. Marie looks at me, and a faint smile adorns her lips.

"It's not your fault," she looks back at the stairs, and I follow.

We spend a few more minutes facing the cold steps, both immersed in our thoughts until I hear a slight maneuver coming from inside Cecilia's apartment. The door opened, but there was no one there.

"Hi!" A childish voice says, and I look down, seeing a tiny being with dimples and chubby cheeks staring at us. "I'm Vitiendo."

I feel my body freeze, and everything around me seems blurry. The little one looks at me with big brown eyes, just like Jules'. My heart races inside my chest, but still, I try to pull the air as deep as I can.

I crouch down, getting as close as I can to Vincenzo's height, and he keeps looking at me with big and curious eyes.

"Are you a friend of Daddy?" He asks, and I nod.

"Your father was my best friend," I say, his eyes light up. "I'm Charles. Nice to meet you, Vincenzo," I add, extending my hand for him to take.

"Will you be my best friend too, Shal?" he asks, looking from my hand back to my face.

I feel my eyes welling up, and a smile grows on my face.

"Yes, Vincenzo. You'll be my best friend," I reply, and he throws himself into my arms. I was startled and remained still momentarily, feeling his little arms tightly wrapped around my neck.

I instinctively hugged him back when I finally realized he was hugging me.

Tears I tried to hold back streamed down my face. It's Jules' son who is in my arms now. And it's him to whom I will give my word and my life to protect, no matter what happens. Just as Jules once did for me.

I lose myself in the feeling of that hug. I lost the sense of familiarity I felt at that moment. It's as if I've been transported back a few years, and the person in my arms is my best friend. I close my eyes tightly and suppress the urge to say everything. I never had the opportunity to speak to Jules one last time.

I love you. I miss you. I'm sorry. Thank you for being my hero. Stay.

I don't know how long we've stayed in this position, but I've returned to reality, or at least part of it when I hear a sniffle and a half sob behind Vincenzo. He must have heard it, too, as he squirms slightly in my arms, urging me to let go. He then turns to his mother and Marie, who are watching us, tears in their eyes.

Many things are happening on Marie's face, but for the first time since we learned of Vincenzo's existence, fear is not a part of any of them.

I watch her eyes shine with inspiration as she looks at the little boy in front of her, who looks back at her with sparkling eyes. They stand there, staring at each other for a few seconds, until Vincenzo tilts his head in confusion.

"Hi!" he greets with a shy smile. "Are you a princess?" I let out a low laugh, and Cecilia joined me. Marie bends down to his level. Her right hand slowly traces Vincenzo's face as if she wants to capture every feature.

"You look just like your dad," her voice falters with emotion, and Vincenzo extends a hand, mimicking her movements.

"Were you also a friend of Daddy, Princess?" He smiles openly, and Marie quickly nods with closed eyes, savoring the affection Vincenzo is showing.

"Yes, my love. I was excellent friends with your daddy," she says in a soft voice, and just as he did with me, Vincenzo throws himself into Marie's arms, who holds him instantly and presses him tightly against her.

I approach the two and give Marie a sideways hug, running my hands through Vincenzo's small curls.

(...)

"And this here is my Lawi Hamilton car," Vincenzo shows me another one of his toy cars when we reach the small room he shares with his mother. "It's my favorite," he says, and Marie laughs beside me when I can't hide my grimace.

"And a Ferrari? Don't you like Ferrari?" I ask him, and he leaves me confused for a few seconds.

"Fewawi? Is that the red car that breaks?" He innocently asks, and this time Marie bursts into laughter. I nod and give her a dirty look. "Fewawi is cool, Shal. But I like Cedes," he says, his eyes sparkling with the name of Mercedes, and I can't help but smile.

"Alright, I'll make you change that over time. At least it's not Redbull," I say, and Marie shakes her head, the huge smile still on her face.

"Edbull is the best! I like Edbull!" He says, and I choke on the air.

"But that's not possible!" I am incredulous, and Marie already has tears in her eyes from laughing so much.

"Don't be mad, Shal! I'll like Fewawi too, I promise!" Vincenzo extends his pinky finger towards me, and I catch it with mine, crossing them in a promise.

"I think that's great because you're going to spend a lot of time in the Ferrari box with me, little man," I say, picking him up, and he laughs.

"And are we going to meet Lawi Hamilton?" He asks excitedly, and I nod with a smile.

"Well, he won't be in the Ferrari box, but we can go to the Mercedes one; how about that?" I ask, and Vincenzo lets out a scream of happiness and hugs me tightly.

"Thank you, Shal! Are you coming too, Princess?" He turns to Marie, who looks at me awkwardly, unsure what to answer.

It has been a long time since Marie walked through the Paddock; the last time was months before Jules' death when we both ended our relationship. And I understand that for her, it might be a bit challenging.

"The Princess will go when she's ready," I say, looking at Marie. "And when she's ready, we'll both be there to hold her hands and ensure she doesn't feel scared, right?" I ask, shifting my gaze from Marie to Vincenzo, and the little boy in my arms jumps, making me hold him tighter to prevent him from falling.

"Yes! And can we take mommy too, Shal?" I feel a shiver down my spine when he asks me. I look at Marie, who stares back at me with wide, sad eyes.

I don't know what to answer. I still need to understand my position here. Vincenzo will live with us, but I don't know who or how we would break this news to him. Even though I don't like Cecilia and disagree with her parenting methods, I still don't feel that this conversation should come from me but rather from Cecilia, who is still the boy's mother.

No child is ready to leave their mother, especially one so young. Cecilia is Vincenzo's world. The only absolute truth he knows, and I don't want him to lose that, even if it's something enforced.

"How about we check if Mommy has finished making dinner, Little One?" Marie asks, lifting the rug where Vincenzo is sitting. "Will you help me find the kitchen? This house is still a maze for me, and princesses can't wander in mazes without royal guards and knights in armor to watch over them, right?" Marie gestures and puts her hands on her chest, pretending to be a distressed damsel. Despite wanting to laugh at her horrible acting, I feel grateful she thought of something so quickly to distract the boy from his question.

"Yes, Princess! I'll protect you from monsters and bad guys!" Vincenzo says, striking a pose as a brave hero, making us laugh. "Shal, floor!" I understand what he means and bend down to safely put him on the floor.

Vincenzo takes Marie's hand, pulling her towards the door. She follows him briskly, and I stay in the room for a few more minutes, looking at the toys Vincenzo had left on the floor.

His question still echoes in my head. The feeling of wanting to shield him from any pain overwhelms me, but I know it's impossible for him not to suffer from Cecilia's future absence. I wonder if she is not going through the same, for I've known him for less than an hour, and I can't imagine being away from the boy for too long. Then I remember what she said earlier, her bitter words against herself, and how she doesn't want Vincenzo to be haunted by the ghosts of her mistakes.

And remembering the feeling I had earlier with him in my arms, this may be the universe's way of telling me that even though I no longer have my heroes around me, I still have the opportunity to be someone's hero.

And there, sitting on Spider-Man's play mat, holding the toy cars in my hands, I begin to understand, or at least I think I do. If I already love him, having just met him, it's clear that this is a nightmare for Cecilia. She has to leave her son, her only companion because guilt and the consequences of her mistakes always haunt her. Sacrificing her right as a mother rather than offering her son's happiness and future might not make her a terrible mother. Perhaps it's the only thing she has done right in her entire life.

"Come on, Shal! Many monsters want to take the Princess!" Vincenzo appears at the door, and I quickly get up, running towards him. After all, I can't let such a tiny being fight against so many monsters alone.

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Hello! After months, I brought another part translated into English! I apologize for the delay, but it's truly challenging to translate into another language. This weekend, I will translate the other parts :) See You!

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[leclerqueensainz]

charlos social media au!

i did the templates, that’s why they look a lil bit messed up, next time (god knows when) i’ll try harder!

[leclerqueensainz]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐄  .ೃ࿐

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: friends with benefits is never a good idea. friends with benefits with carlos sainz especially isn't a good idea.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: 18+ (minors dni), jealousy, fwb to lovers trope!, let's hear it for the google translated spanish!!, unprotected sex again (using a condom is hot behaviour ♡︎), remnants of gaslighting?, oral sex, p in v, pussy eating, overstimulation, cumming inside, love confessions, set it up reference!, carlos realising his red flags, mention of rebecca donaldson as the other girl but she isn't vilified or anything (some peeps scare the shit outta me), idk anything about granada (except the memories of the alhambra! can i get an amen?)

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: carlos sainz x fwb!fem!reader

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓: 6k+

𝐀/𝐍: this was a messaged request so i hope it was up to par! kinda long but we get there eventually. plot holes? yes. proof-read? um... to my sore eyes, yes.

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

⋆  •°.  。  .°•  ⋆

There were many things the world still couldn't explain. The human body, the brain especially, why humans yawn, the cause of Alzheimers, or why tomatoes have 10,000 more genes than humans do.

In addition, you couldn't explain how you had gotten to be friend with benefits with none other than Carlos Sainz, an F1 driver for Ferrari.

Well... there were some parts you could explain. Like how you met. You were simply a girl from Pampaneira, Granada going grocery shopping after eating up the last of what was in your fridge and Carlos was a fresh bachelor who decided to spend a part of his vacation with his friends over 400 kilometres away from his Madrid home in Granada.

A fresh bachelor who also happened to need grocery's for his cousin's raging hangover.

To say you were the town's golden girl was a bit of an understatement. You were far too busy greeting all your local residents. You didn't notice Carlos when you first walked into the store.

But Carlos noticed you. Actually he noticed you before he even laid eyes on you. Your sweet floral perfume roamed the air and engulfed him, luring him without any words. And then he saw you.

You were a beautiful woman. Everything about you... the long hair, your glowing skin, curves every lover goes to dream about at night, eyes that you would never want to let down, your lips... God your lips, one look at them and no sane person could stop thinking about them... at night; and then there was your smile, a social service that could get rid of all the tension in this world.

You didn't notice Carlos until you felt a pair of eyes staring at you from the health isle that was poorly across from all your fruit. There was no shortage of attractive men in your town let alone Granada. But you had never seen a man like Carlos before.

The thicket of brown locks that you craved to run a hand through, his gorgeous tan skin that God must've given, the mysterious chocolate eyes, the perfectly plump lips which made you think he just had to be a good kisser, the slight scruff on his face that made you wonder how it would feel on your skin, the taut body... a gorgeous man.

You didn't know who Carlos was. In Pampaneira, although you new what it was, no one really cared for F1. It was a village that bordered on as a small town. Everyone here knew each other well and spent every second socialising.

You couldn't decide whether you wanted to talk to him or whether you were too nervous to. But it didn't matter because Carlos made the first move and introduced himself. You introduced yourself. He complimented you. You complimented him.

And that was that.

By nightfall, he was in your bed and the both of you had the most sinful, steamiest sex of your lives. So much that Carlos saw you for the rest of his time there. So much that when it was time to leave, Carlos told you to come with him.

And you did.

It was all of that that had led up to all of this. This being your attendance to a dinner at an F1 event as Carlos' plus one in Barcelona. He couldn't hide a beauty like you. Besides, the Spain paps had already managed to weasel their way into your relationshpi with Carlos. Most people thought you were dating. But Carlos had firmly laid the rule out as one did when you became friends with benefits: you don't fall in love. Neither one of you. You agreed for the sanity of your brain because you were far too attracted to the man to fall into the tricky waters of love.

"Holy shit, Carlos..." Lando swore when his eyes landed on the entrance of the dinner.

Carlos raised a brow at this driver, turning his head to the direction of Lando's gaze. He sucked in a sharp breath when he saw you. Every time he saw you, he couldn't be more thankful that he had eyes.

You had captured everyone's attention no doubt. How could they not look? Not when you were dressed in a light yellow satin material that hugged you in all the right places. Not when your neck was adorned in the diamond lariat necklace Carlos had brought you, hiding all the hickeys he had place there this morning. Not when the back of the dress scooped so far down that it only rested a few inches above your ass.

Christ, Carlos thought as he discreetly adjusted his tight pants. You were a sin.

You greeted all the drivers, laughing softly when Lily and Alexandra started to fawn over your appearance.

"I'm telling you, you are probably killing Carlos right now," Lily whispered on one side of you.

You rolled you eyes as Alexandra quipped on the other side, "Probably? Look at him. He is suffering."

You pressed your lips together, preventing a full-blow grin from washing onto your face.

That was kind of the point.

You tried to avoid as much of Carlos as you could because riling him up was one of your favourite pastimes. But in your endeavour, you felt a familiar hand graze your bare back, sending a warm tingle up your spine.

"All of this when we don't get to finish the night together? No juegas limpio, mi niña bonita," Carlos' lust-ridden voice whispered as his head dipped down, letting him place a small kiss behind your ear. You don't play fair, my pretty girl.

You gave him a meek smile. As much as you loved his compliments, they were starting to get you these days. The endearments combine with his actions were stirring up feelings that should be sounding alarms in your head.

"Jugar limpio no es divertido," You shrugged nonchalantly, trying to divert you eyes to the dinner. Playing fair is no fun.

"That's true." Carlos poked his tongue in his cheek upon hearing your remark. You reminded him of a firecracker. Always ready to burst and come back with something to say.

"You have to admit it is sad though, hmm? Because all I want to do is take that dress off you and fuck you. I want to make you cum over and over again till all you can call yourself is mine. I want to watch my cum fall from your pussy because you can't take it all, niña bonita. And then I want to push it right back in so you can walk around with it all day. Soon. I promise."

You let out a shaky breath as Carlos' breathing became heavier and heavier. You chewed down on your bottom lip, standing a bit straighter to discreetly clench your legs together. With a small smile, you turned to Carlos. "I hate you," You told him in the softest and sweetest voice you could muster.

Carlos grinned, making your heart skip a beat. He put his hands around your waist, his chest facing your back, and his chin resting on your collarbone. "Please. You love me."

You blinked blankly at the cold splash of reality that fell over you. You gave a dry and short laugh. You patted his hand with your own. "En tus sueños, Carlos." In your dreams, Carlos.

━━━━━━━━━━━

Mornings without Carlos usually meant you had energy because you weren't having your brains fucked out. But your usual opening of your socials had brought something that drained you entirely.

You stared at your ceiling of your hotel room blankly. Regardless of whether Carlos was awake right now, he wouldn't have even seen this. He didn't read any other news other than his favourites like ESPN or the CBS Sports Network.

You rubbed your eyes tiredly. What was this feeling in your stomach? Anger? Annoyance? Jealousy? You couldn't really put a finger on it and nor could you tell why.

You turned to plant your face in your pillow and let out a muffled groan.

How did you even get here?

Right. The grocery store.

You missed home. Home was an almost 2 hour flight or an eight hour car ride away. You missed when things were simple. When they made sense. Because lately, nothing had made any sense.

The thought of home brought you to the next train of thought: food. And as if on cue, your stomach growled at you with demand. So with the motivation of not starving to death, you got ready to have breakfast and headed down to the nearest cafe because hotel room service sucked.

Opting for a mocha with an extra sugar to counteract the bitterness in your life, you sat down with some a variety of churros and croissants to choose from.

Your phone blared it's default ringtone, capturing your attention. Your eyes flickered over the name and your heart softened and your bad mood had slightly eased. You grabbed the device and slid your thumb to the right.

"Buenos dias, mamà," You greeted. Good morning, mama.

You could hear her exclaim with joy, a sound you hadn't heard in a while. "Ah, mi niña bonita, buenos dias! ¿Cómo estás? No has leído las noticias, ¿verdad?" Ah, my pretty girl, good morning! How are you? You haven't read the news, have you?

You winced at your mother's pet name. You hated this. You hated that the lines between before Carlos and during Carlos were blurring.

"Sí, mamá, lo hice. Don't worry. It's just gossip. All fake," You told her even though you had no idea yourself. Yes, mama, I did.

You heard a sigh of relief from the other side of the call, making your heart hurt. "Right? I thought so. Carlos would never do that. Es un buen chico." He's such a good boy.

You could only tightly smile, agree, and be thankful you weren't seeing your mother in person otherwise she would've been able to tell straight away. You didn't know because all you had agreed on with Carlos was attraction. Nothing more and nothing less.

You caught up a bit with your mother. The conversation ended with her demanding a family dinner to which you told her you would see if Carlos had the time.

It was a simple conversation yet it was eye-opening.

You wanted that family dinner so badly. You wanted to be able to go see your mother and Carlos hang out. Hell, his own mother wanted you to call her mom. You wanted the stupid romantic things like dates, a person who would listen to you, the whispers of sweet nothings because... because you were in love with him.

Of course you were. Sure Carlos slightly had a quick temper and he wasn't that great at being emotional with you or anyone for that matter... but there was that saying: you like because and you love despite. Despite all of his flaws–because no matter how great a man is, he has his flaws–you loved him.

“Buenos dias, cariño,” A familiar voice greeted behind you. Good morning, sweetheart.

You turned your head, finding the root cause of all your problems stand before you with the most handsome smile.

"Carlos," You said with a slightly surprised tone.

Carlos smiled in return, placing a lingering kiss on the side of your head before he sat in front of you. The both of you waited for his coffee to be placed on the table before any conversation between you resumed.

"It's a beautiful day, no? I feel good about this weekend too. It kind of feels like everything is coming together," Carlos told you, raising his brows excitedly at you.

You gave a gentle smile, taking a long sip of your mocha. Slowly you placed the cup down and took in a sharp breath of air. "Carlos... can I tell you something?"

Carlos furrowed his brows and softly laughed at your almost worried tone. He nodded. "Sí, cualquier cosa." Yes, anything.

You looked down at your cup, fingers tracing the rim of the glass as you wondered how to start. Your mouth opened and closed, uncertainty closing in on you. Your eyes snapped up at the taunt of your name slipping from Carlos' mouth.

Okay... you got this.

"Carlos, I... I don't think we should do this anymore."

The crinkles in between in eyebrows and amused smile on his face told you that you had lost him. "You are going to have to be a lot more specific than that, mi niña bonita."

You chewed at your bottom lip. This nickname was getting tiring if he didn't mean it the way you wanted it to. "I mean us, Carlos. This... whatever this is. Friends with benefits... our relationship... it has to stop."

Any amusement on Carlos' face had dropped. He leaned forward, eyes narrowing as he tried to think back on how you had come to this decision. "I–what? What do you mean? Did something happen? I thought this was going fine... amazing, even."

"This isn't working for me anymore. I don't want to do this anymore," You shrugged with the pretence you didn't care.

Carlos grabbed your hand with his, rubbing the back of yours gently. "Is this the stupid headline thing? Cariño, they don't know what they're talking about."

"You didn't even deny it," You laughed softly as a bitter taste arose in your mouth and you slipped your hand our of his grasp.

Carlos stared at you for a while, unable to defend himself. "I don't understand. We agreed from the start that this wasn't going to be exclusive all the time. Three rules: it's open, we respect each other and we don't... we don't fall in love."

You paid no attention to where Carlos had paused. You shook your head, waving your hand in dismissal. "It's not that... I just... I don't want to do this, okay? Just leave it alone."

"Then what is it? I know you. You can give me a better explanation than 'I don't want to do this'. I can't leave this alone. Did someone say something to you? Did they do something? I swear, Y/N, if they did–"

"No," You quickly and sharply interjected. You took a deep breath. "Carlos.. I want more from you. I don't just want to see you every night and morning. I want to see you when we go out to have dinner. I don't want to be your sidepiece, Carlos. I can't... not when I feel like this."

The silence from Carlos was deafening. He struggled to open his mouth. His eyes twinkled with pain. "But you know I can't give you that."

Right. Carlos Sainz didn't do relationships. He was an F1 driver. They liked pass the parcel. And it just so happened, you were his parcel.

You nodded slowly. "Lo sé. Por eso lo siento. I'm sorry for ruining things between us but I can't do this anymore. Because if I do... I'm afraid I fall even further. And that's not fair on me." I know. That's why I'm sorry.

━━━━━━━━━━━

As much as you would like to say you were a responsible citizen who didn't make bad decisions when you were upset, you couldn't.

The offer of clubbing by some of the girlfriends of the drivers was far too appealing in your situation. Your agreement excited the girls because you rarely joined them on these outings because you were too caught up with a certain Spaniard. Granted they didn't know the real reason behind why you were so ready to join them but what they didn't know wouldn't hurt them.

As you arrived to the club, Lily let out a low whistle when she laid eyes on you. "How do you say hot as fuck in Spanish? Because my oh my you are hot as fuck right now."

She wasn't wrong. You felt hot as fuck right now. It was a warm night in Barcelona and the sexy black long sleeve mini dress, the same one you reserved for Carlos, was staring at you, begging for you to take it out of your suitcase. It stuck to your curves, it had some scandalous cuts, and it was backless. A perfect dress for Carlos? Sure. But a perfect dress to let go of yourself in a club.

You almost snorted at the golfer's theatrics but instead you opted for a flutter of your eyelashes and a stretch of your hand. "Oh dear madam, you flatter me!" You thanked her in a poorly imitated British accent.

Heidi and Alexandra laughed quietly as Lily rolled her eyes before grabbing your hands. "Let's go! I need some tequila!"

Quickly all four of you were by the bar, taking shots of cava (Spanish wine) instead of tequila. Well, you watched them take shots of cava. You may not be having the best day in the world but you were smart and sober enough to know that you and alcohol was not a good mix right now. And all the pleas of these girls could not convince you to do it.

Soon enough, you were all on the dance floor. The club couldn't be more of a club: sweaty bodies dancing on each other, old 2000s' music thrumming so loudly that you would think it was coursing through your veins, neon lights flashing rapidly across the room.

You... you were a vixen, dancing your way through all the bodies, relishing in all the lingering eyes you had captured. Every move you made was unintentionally alluring; your long tresses grazing your skin seductively, sticking to your skin at times as the humidity of the club made you shimmer in the flickering lights while you controlled the pulsing rhythm.

Lily, Heidi, and Alexandra watched in a shortly-lived awe before their eyes widened as a guy behind you edged closer to you. You could feel his breath brush pass the nape of your neck while the heat of his body began to circle you as his chest neared your back.

You couldn't feel a damn shiver down your spine that made you feel good as you once did but you weren't sure if you care that much. With the music blaring and your urge to escape reality without a sip of alcohol, you got closer to the man.

Dancing slowly to the music, you moved your ass closer to the man, feeling his hand lay on your waist. Your head fell back on to his should as he began grind his body into you. You squinted at the purple and pink lights floating in the air, frustrated. Why wasn't your body reacting the way you wanted it to?

The man's lips ghosted over the shell over your ear and he whispered, "Let's get out of here, baby."

Your mouth opened to respond but before you could let out a syllable, you felt the man's presence disappear and a hand grab your forearm, pulling you towards them.

You snapped your eyes to the figure, eyes widening slightly at the familiar brown locks, flushed cheeks, and the same chocolate eyes. Only those eyes were far darker. The host of pure craze.

"Carlos–"

"I think she's fine. You can leave," Carlos said curtly, ignoring your call of his name, brown eyes firmly planted on the stranger.

The man, sensing Carlos' anger and annoyance, held his arms up in defence and walked away.

Without looking at you, Carlos held his rigid grip on your arm and hastily walked you out of this club with heavy steps. You could spot the trio of girls nearby whispering their apologies, concerns, and how they forgot to mention they invited the guys.

"Carlos," You called wearily, watching him open the door of his Ferrari.

"Entra," He looked over at the door, waiting for you expectedly as he leaned on the car. Get in.

"What? No, Carlos, let's talk about this–"

"Get in the damn car and then we'll talk about this."

You let out a huff at the absolute resolve Carlos sported on his face. With a clenched jaw, you dipped down into the Ferrari, immediately finding the comfort in the familiar seat. You peered over towards Carlos, who was walking to the driver's seat.

Fucking hell. What had you gotten yourself into?

Silently, Carlos slammed the door shut. He took a glance at you and sighed before reaching out to grab your seatbelt and click it into place. The cologne you had gotten to used to infiltrated your nose as heat radiated off of his body. Putting the car into drive, Carlos was off onto the streets.

━━━━━━━━━━━

The ride to your hotel was fast. Carlos was well over the speed limit and all the buildings zipped past you like lightning. It was unnerving to see the combination of speed, silence, and anger in Carlos but you were lying to yourself if you said you didn't find it somewhat attractive. Carlos' hands firmly on the wheel, his taut jaw, hardened eyes... God, you were awful.

Not wanting to cause any commotion for all the gossiping fans, you both quietly arrived to your hotel room. You both took off your shoes silently by the door. You took a little longer, fiddling with the straps of your heels in hope to by you some time to think of something... anything to say.

With nothing coming to mind, you turned around to Carlos standing in front of you. His brown eyes stared hard at you while he chewed the inner corner of his mouth. You let out a small exhale when you felt his hand caress your cheek, the soft pad of his thumb pulling down your bottom lip.

"Carlos..." You called once again.

Carlos momentarily closed his eyes at the feeling of your breath against his hand. "We barely finished our conversation this morning and you were going to fuck some stranger? Hmm?"

"I–" You wanted to say no. You really did. But you weren't raised a liar. "Yes. I was," You stated almost apathetically. You returned his sharp stare with a pointed look. "What is it to you?"

Carlos sucked in a sharp breath of air. His other hand snaked around your waist, pulling you so you were flushed against him. He pushed down the grin that was beginning to form once he felt your hardened nipples against his chest. He dipped his head down to your ear. "Say it again. I dare you. Try it again and see if I won't fuck you and edge you over and over again."

Your mouth fell open at Carlos' declaration while your pussy ached, clenching around nothing. You swallowed all the saliva that had gathered in your mouth, letting out a nervous incredulous sneer. "You wouldn't. You're driving tomorrow."

In addition to the three rules, Carlos had a special one of his own: no fucking the day before driving or throughout the weekend. Because of his addiction to your body and the animal he was, sex expended far too much of his energy and he knew for a fact that his team would be able to tell.

The hairs on your body stood straight and goosebumps began to travel down your skin as Carlos' thumb trailed from your lips to the valley of your breasts. His head tilted to the side, eyes moving from your tightly covered tits to your face. The corner of his mouth tugged up, forming a humoured smirk. "You don't think I will? After the shit you pulled? I made you a promise yesterday, cariño, and I'm going to fulfil it."

You let out a soft exhale. Your heart was racing in your ears. "Carlos... this isn't right. I meant what I said. I can't pretend like everything is fine like you. Besides you said it was open, right? You, out of all people, can't react like this."

Carlos' possessiveness was something you could never entirely wrap your head around. Sometimes it was there and other days it wasn't. He was all over a model yesterday and now he was pulling you away from other men? It was ironic.

The gaze that Carlos held told you there was something he wanted to say, right on the tip of his tongue. But he couldn't say it. No... he couldn't admit it.

But you gladly would for him.

"You're afraid, Carlos. And I don't blame you. You've never had a serious relationship, you never committed, you never fallen in love so I'm not that surprised. But you've got to understand that I can't stay with you like this."

Carlos huffed in amusement, shaking his head shortly after. "You're wrong."

You raised a brow. "Am I?"

He nodded slowly. "I mean you're right about the relationships and commitment," He started, ensuring his eyes were firmly planted on you, "But I've fallen in love."

Your shoulders slump at his admission. Great. This was exactly what you needed right now. "Y-You have?" You asked with a small voice and a want to blare some heavy music through yours ears.

Carlos nodded once again. "At first sight. In a grocery store. There was this girl. She walked in, didn't notice me. But I saw her. I thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world. She laughed and smiled with the locals and I thought that for a second I died and went to heaven. I caught her eye and introduced myself. She did the same–"

"Carlos..." You interjected, feeling your heart pick up it's pace once again.

But the Spaniard continued his story. "We complimented each other, we talked and joked. Then we went to bed that same night. It was perfect. And after we finished, the thought of losing someone like her scared me. It was so terrifying that instead of asking her out, like a normal person, I asked her to become a bloody sidepiece out of all things. Can you believe it? I was an idiot... an idiot in love. I still am an idiot. Because she told me she loves me and I haven't done anything about it. Well, till now."

Carlos let out a long exhale, eyes nervously darting across your face, trying to draw any conclusions of your reaction.

You narrowed your eyes. "I hate you."

"What?" Carlos spluttered.

"Kidding!" You broke out into smile. "I love you too, Carlos. Not as much as you though. First sight? You are down bad," You jested, trying to not let all the fluttering feelings swirling in your body burst out of you.

Carlos blinked blankly at you. You were unbelievable. He shook his head at you, feigning a look of disappointment as he pulled you towards the bed. The soft sheets morphed around you, lulling you to a comfort you had been craving ever since you had put on your heels.

You eyed the lust-ridden look Carlos had. "I was being serious, Carlos. You're racing tomorrow. You have all the time in the world. I'm not going anywhere. Besides, sex after a podium sounds nice," You offered, hanging your arms around his neck as he hovered over you.

Carlos smiled gently at your confession, heart warm at the thought of you by his side. He pushed your hair behind your ears. "As sweet as that is... I was also serious about my promise."

Carlos' leaned in, taking in one last glance of you before pressing his lips to yours. Goosebumps began to swarm every inch of your skin as his hands trailed down your body, finding your hips. If only he knew his tracks the way he knew your body.

You let out a small moan, giving Carlos a new access to your mouth. Your skin prickled with a new wave of heat that was unlike any before. Because this time you knew things were different. He loved you. And you loved him back.

You felt Carlos' tongue invade your mouth while his warm hands had moved to your bare thighs. His grip on your skin tightened as he revelled in the feeling of your plump skin rolling and burning in his hands. All because he touched you.

He removed his swollen lips from yours. The very same lips quirked at your whine. "You know this dress was driving me crazy?" He told you, planting his lips on your neck. His fingers skated up your thigh, inching loser towards your heated pussy.

Christ.

You leaned into his touch, losing yourself as he marked your skin with his love. His lips sucked on your soft skin with a greed the both of you had never felt before.

"Yeah? When? When you first saw me or when I was grinding on that guy?" You teased, running a hand through Carlos' dark brown locks.

Carlos paused, looking up at you with narrowed eyes. His fingers continued to travel, finding the soft and soaked fabric of your panties. "Niña bonita, you sure talk a lot for someone who is so wet from only kisses," He murmured against your lips as he pressed a finger on your cloth-covered folds and lightly grazed your clit.

You gasped at the sharp tingle shooting up your body. "Fuck, Carlos," You sighed, feeling a certain craving begin to settle in.

Carlos sported a grin that you almost wanted to smack off of his face. A feeling which only intensified once he removed his finger from your clit, leaving you breathless as he removed your dress. He sucked in a sharp breath coming across your bare body. "You know... going braless I get," He started while he trailed his finger down the valley of your breasts and towards your pussy. His finger stopped right above your clit. "But no underwear?"

You stayed silent, chest heaving at his touch. You were waiting for Carlos to push you right into the ecstasy you had been bordering on. "Carlos, please."

Carlos smiled at your strained plea, bringing his lips to your stomach. "Your pleasure is my pleasure," He remarked.

You watched as Carlos' head dipped down between your legs, hands firmly wrapped around your thighs. "Fuck, you are soaking, cariño," He called out, eyeing your glistening folds and feeling the heat radiate off of them. You watched as Carlos' head dipped down between your legs, hands firmly wrapped around your thighs. "Fuck, you are soaking, cariño," He called out, eyeing your glistening folds and feeling the heat radiate off of them.

You squirmed at his breath travelling up your spine. "Only for you," You rasped.

Carlos could only feel his heart pace as he watched you clench around nothing. His cock was flushed against the fabric of his pants and his underwear. Fuck, the pain was almost a dizzying as the arousal he was receiving. You were so good to him... oh the things you did to him. Good girls deserved rewards, did they not?

Your mouth fell open as Carlos' tongue laid flat against your folds, taking one long lap at your arousal. You could feel him smile against your thighs. "You taste so good," He murmured before plunging his tongue back into your warm folds.

He explored every crevice of your pussy while you hand shot out to his brown locks, pushing his head further into you. The obscene grunts that echoed in the room after leaving Carlos' mouth were nothing compared to the pace he had taken. He was devouring you; inhaling and savouring your very essence.

You removed your hand from his hair and the back of your head fell into the soft sheets. Your hips bucked against his tongue while soft moans fell from your swollen lips. "So good, Carlos, fuck," you cried out, voice straining from the pleasure.

Carlos took your praise as encouragement, pushing his tongue further into your slick folds while his thumb found your needy clit. He circled the sensitive bundle with a teasing gentleness that sent bursts of throbbing pleasure down your core.

A groan fell from his mouth upon feeling your hand in his hair once again. The slight tremble of your thighs and the clenching of your pussy told him that he was doing everything right. You were on the brink of losing it.

"Cum for me, niña bonita," Carlos urged, thumb rubbing your clit faster and tongue lapping at your puffy folds.

Your hips quivered against Carlos' tongue, thighs tightening around his head as your eyes shut tightly, finding a white light in the dark abyss. Your eyes watered while your mind became absent in your climax. "Fuck, fuck, fuck! Carlos!"

Carlos momentarily stopped his actions, watching your face contort in pure pleasure. You looked beautiful. Hot, naturally, but beautiful. The thin sheen of sweat made you glow and your swollen lips with the few traces of lipstick were a hot mess but he loved it.

"No, no, no," You mumbled in quick turns when you felt his tongue and thumb return not a return a single second later.

"I said multiple orgasms, cariño. You can give me another."

Despite your refusal and the slight burn of your sensitive folds, your body liked to betray you, convulsing once again. Your hips trembled against his touch while your fingers grasped the bedsheets tightly.

Christ. Carlos was going to be the death of you.

Carlos greedily and happily watched your overstimulated pussy grind against him involuntarily. By the last quiver of your hips, he gave you a warm smile, mouth lowering to leave a trail of kisses across your stomach. "Well done, mi hermosa princesa." Well done, my beautiful princess.

You gave a tired smile, feeling a little less than beautiful with your sex sweat-ridden hair and skin sticking to the sheets.

"Princesa, are you sure you can handle my cock? I haven't tired you out too much, have I? Carlos queried, half with genuine concern and the other half with a tone that was almost patronising.

You narrowed your eyes before giving him a sickly sweet smile. "Well, you did promise to fuck me. If you can't, then nevermind."

Carlos couldn't tell whether he was proud or tired of your shit. You were clearly tired yet you had a lot to say back. Like he said, you were a firecracker.

With one hand, he removed his polo shirt. His brown eyes bore into yours as he slowly removed his pants. His lips quirked at your sharp intake of air once your eyes feasted on the throbbing bulge in his underwear.

Your heart thudded against your chest while you sat up from your position and inched closer towards him. You looked up at him with big eyes, hand trailing down his taut chest.

Carlos heaved, feeling the you skim past his body hair. His tongue darted out, resting on his lips as he carefully watched you open your mouth and sink your teeth into the waistband of his underwear.

"Fuck me," Carlos muttered under his breath, eyes glued to you while you pulled his underwear down.

Carlos quickly removed his underwear from his feet and in hast movements, pushed you onto your back. He rolled his eyes at the teasing laugh that fell from your lips despite it being the most pleasing sound to his ears.

You looked at the Spaniard hovering above you, hand gently brushing his cheek. You smiled, running a hand through his hair. "I love you, mi amor." I love you, my love.

Carlos held your gaze, chest heaving at your sudden admission. He felt impossibly warm. It was like the first time he had met you all over again. He felt the same way the night you first had sex. He whispered, "Again. I want to hear it again, please."

Your eyes softened and your heart ached at his earnest plea. "I love you, Carlos. Forever."

Carlos stared at you for another second before bringing you into a long kiss. "I love you more."

You let out a small whimper, feeling Carlos' thick cock against your engorged pussy. You watched as his eyes became clouded with lust. Just rubbing his cock against your folds was an obscene high that made the both of you shiver.

The sudden jerk of your hips as his cock rubbed your sensitive and overstimulated clit made you cry out. "Fuck...," You moaned out, "I need your cock, mi amor. Please."

Carlos was so lost in the pleasure it took the slight dig of your nails in his forearms to ground him once again. "Me too, princesa," He grunted, selfishly grazing your clit again with his cock just so he could watch your hips jolt once again. Fuck. Your reaction drove him crazy.

Carlos forced himself to get ahold of himself and focus on pushing his cock into your pussy. Your hands fell to his neck, steadying yourself while a gratifying burn ached through your core. "Me estás llenando, amor. Muévete, por favor, Carlos." You're filling me up, love. Please move, please, Carlos.

A groan flew from Carlos' lips as he fell into your plead, hips beginning to rut against you. Your swollen folds clamped around him, holding a vice-like grip on his aching cock.

Your sweaty skin stuck against one another while Carlos brought this lips to yours, consuming all your lewd moans with sloppy kisses. He pushed his cock further into you, feeling his balls slap against you, making the most immoral and obscene sounds known to man.

With one hand placed on your hip, the other travelled to grope your breast. Rubbing your nipples in a circular motion, a shudder erupted through you, feeling your clit brush against his cock with each thrust of his.

Carlos looked down at you, feeling his cock pulse at the fucked out expression that teetered on your face. You could barely breathe with all the air escaping your lungs as the familiar white light edged near you. You clenched around his cock, signing Carlos that you were close.

"Carlos, fuck. I'm going to.... I'm going to..." You panted, unable to get out the words as the lust rang throughout your brain.

"You're going to cum? Tell me, mi amor, who did this to you? Who makes you feel this good, hmm?" Carlos beckoned, increasing the snap of his hips.

You cried out, right on the cusp of pleasure. "Tú, mierda, tú lo haces. Fuck!" You, fuck, you do.

Everything around you became a blur, your orgasm hitting you in waves of pleasure. Your moans were silent but your body said it loudly: shaking against Carlos' cock.

"That's right. Me. No one el–shit," Carlos cursed, feeling your orgasm in his cock as you clenched around him. A high-pitched sporadic whine fell from his lips, hips stuttering against you.

The both of you moaned as his hot white cum spilled into your walls. Your folds clamped around him, taking every last droplet into your pussy.

You fell against the bed with an exhausted sigh. You felt the bed dip as Carlos did the same. You felt his hands snake around your waist, pulling you closer to him.

You turned your head to the side, raising a brow at the chocolate eyes flickering over you.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, cariño. I should've never ever let you be in a position where you felt like a fucking sidepiece. You are so much more than that. The love of my life," Carlos murmured, pushing a greasy lock of hair behind your ear.

Fuck. This was a new side of him you were seeing. The emotionally available one. And you loved it. "Well, as long as I'm not a sidepiece again," You shrugged, laughing softly.

"Never," Carlos confirmed. "You can beat me with those heels of yours if I ever do."

"Hmm... tempting. Although the guy from the club looks so much stronger. Did you see his muscles? So big," You fawned, fluttering your eyes dramatically.

Carlos sighed, shaking his head. An amused smile spawned on his face upon hearing you burst into laughter.

You were going to be the death of him.

© 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐘𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑

[leclerqueensainz]

Carlos, hun, your heart eyes are showing.

Beat the Challenge with Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz

[leclerqueensainz]

Uma Família de Três (C.L 16)

Part. VI — O Sol, a Tempestade e o nosso Arco-íris.

⚠️Avisos: Angústia, Embriaguês e Tabagismo.

Palavras: 4.170.

Aproveitem a leitura!

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

18 de outubro de 2018 —Texas, EUA

O barulho de risadas enchem o bar do hotel, há uma melodia alegre sendo tocada no piano por um dos hóspedes bêbados, vozes estridentes e altas ecoando e tentando se sobressair acima das notas do piano.

Eu continuo observando as interações felizes das pessoas ao meu redor, por um momento sentindo inveja de toda a diversão que sentem. Um som amargo escapa do fundo da minha garganta quando me dou conta do sentimento feio que estou deixando tomar conta de mim.

Virando para frente em direção ao balcão do bar, pego o copo de vidro redondo e viro de uma vez todo o líquido transparente que queima a minha garganta. Bato o copo contra o granito frio do balcão e levanto a mão para o barman, pedindo outra rodada. Pelo canto de olho posso ver a careta de desgosto que Jules faz enquanto observa toda a cena com os braços cruzados.

— Você não precisa ficar aqui se não quiser, não me lembro de ter pedido por um babá. — Digo sem olha-lo.

O barman escorrega um novo copo cheio com a cura para os meus tormentos e eu não demoro em derrubar mais um pouco do líquido ardente pela minha garganta.

— Eu poderia facilmente acreditar nisso se não fosse pelo fato de estar vendo você virar o quarto copo em menos de quinze minutos. — Jules diz e paga o copo da minha mão, me fazendo encara-lo com olhos raivosos. — Jesus, Marie! Que merda é essa? Absinto? — Ele faz uma careta e põe a língua para fora após dar um pequeno gole.

— Eu preciso de algo forte esta noite. — Dou de ombros para ele e seus olhos escuros me fitam por um segundo antes que se revirem.

Jules não diz mais nada, apenas fecha os olhos e vira o restante do conteúdo do copo de uma vez. A careta que adorna suas feições quase que me faz rir, porém a sensação de desconforto no meu peito ainda é forte demais para qualquer demonstração que não seja de raiva e tristeza.

— Ele ainda está no quarto? — Pergunto a Jules e ele nega com a cabeça.

— Ele saiu com Pierre. — Responde e eu aceno em compreensão.

É claro que ele iria sair com Pierre depois da discussão horrível que tivemos. Afinal, eu sou a trouxa que afoga as mágoas em absinto. E ele... bem, ele é o cara que sai com o melhor amigo e provavelmente vai comer alguma vagabunda que se jogar em cima dele. Solto uma risada quando penso que não será qualquer vagabunda, mas sim ela.

Jules me encara de canto e eu sei que ele sabe exatamente o que acabei de pensar.

— Ela não está junto, Marie. — Ele diz e eu dou de ombros.

— Bem, não é mais da minha conta de qualquer maneira, não é? — Eu digo e ele nega com a cabeça em aborrecimento, mas opta pelo silêncio. Ótimo, cale a boca e me deixe beber.

Giro novamente a minha banqueta e volto a observar os outros hóspedes. Meu corpo queima de ansiedade em pedir mais uma bebida, ou até mesmo ir até o fumódromo e ascender um cigarro. A paz que sei que a nicotina me traria agora, faz com que eu morda os lábios em excitação.

—  Vou até o fumódromo. — Digo pulando da minha banqueta, agarrando rapidamente o balcão quando sinto tudo ao meu redor girar.

Em um piscar de olhos, Jules está ao meu lado me segurando fortemente pela cintura para que eu não me desequilibre e parta a cara no chão.

— Ei, ei, vá devagar! — Ele diz e sinto sua mão puxar a bainha do meu vestido para baixo. — Ninguém precisa ver mais do que seria aconselhável para um lugar público. — Um sorriso puxa seus lábios e eu o espelho.

— Obrigado. —  Digo e ele acena com a cabeça.

Caminhamos lentamente até a área aberta para fumo ao lado do bar, Jules ao meu lado com seu braço ao redor da minha cintura, para se certificar que eu terei equilíbrio o suficiente até nos sentarmos em um banco de madeira ao lado do cinzeiro.

Incrivelmente a ala de fumantes está vazia, o que me deixa um pouco mais relaxada para puxar o maço e o esqueiro da pequena bolsa que carrego. Jules apenas observa cada movimento que eu faço desde abrir a embalagem, puxar um dos filtros brancos, colocar entre os lábios e ascende-lo com o esqueiro. Ele permanece quieto e eu sei que ele está se revirando de desconforto por dentro. Fumar é uma das coisas que mais irritam Jules. Maconha uma vez ou outra não o deixava tão estressado, mas cigarros? Tsc! Ele odiava  profundamente. Mas hoje, parece ser mais uma das coisas que ele está me liberando fazer sem me dar um sermão de cinco horas sobre como eu provavelmente morrerei de câncer de pulmão aos 45 anos.

Eu aprecio a breve sensação de paz que atravessa o meu corpo com a primeira tragada e seguro a fumaça em meus pulmões um pouco mais de tempo apenas para tentar absorver um pouco mais da calmaria no meu sistema. O silêncio que nos envolve, apesar de ainda ser possível ouvir as vozes e música que vazam de dentro do bar, é reconfortante e eu não sinto a necessidade de quebrar aquele momento. Dou mais algumas tragadas, prendendo e soltando a fumaça, me concentrando em tentar reorganizar meus pensamentos. Algumas imagens dos acontecimentos de mais cedo rondando meu cérebro.

O silêncio permanece por mais um tempo antes que Jules seja o primeiro a quebra-lo.

— Ele não fez. — Ele diz e eu me viro para ele, encarando o seu perfil.

Eu sei perfeitamente sobre o que ele está falando, mas me recuso a emitir qualquer som, dou mais uma tragada.

— Ele não fez, Marie. — Ele tenta novamente, desta vez me encarando como se esperasse uma resposta minha. Eu dou de ombros. — Eu sei que te machuca, sei que você não quer ouvir nada sobre isso agora, mas penso que você precisa ouvir isso. —  Ele finaliza ainda me encarando, esperando qualquer reação.

Mais uma tragada. Mais um aperto no peito. Eu desvio meu olhar do de Jules e volto a encarar o arbusto do outro lado.

— Você tem razão. — Eu respondo após alguns segundos. — Eu não quero ouvir nada disso agora. — Digo jogando a bituca no cinzeiro e puxando outro cigarro do maço.

Mesmo não olhando para Jules, sei que há preocupação em seus olhos.

— Ele te ama, Marie. As coisas só estão muito confusas para ele agora. — Eu solto a fumaça com raiva pelo rumo daquela conversa.

— Sabe, se você quer tanto defender Charles, você deveria mandar uma mensagem para Pierre e perguntar a onde eles estão e ir até eles. — Digo mais áspera do que gostaria. — Pela última vez, Jules, eu não preciso de um babá. — O encaro séria e ele acena com a cabeça, mas permanece sentado ao meu lado.

— Então é isso o que você vai fazer? Se embebedar e fumar um maço de cigarros todas as noites? — Ele pergunta e eu reviro os meus olhos para ele e volto meu olhar para o arbusto.

— Não será todas as noites.  —  Digo entre dentes. — Mas mesmo se fosse, não seria da sua conta. —   tento dar um ponto final naquela conversa, mas eu já deveria saber que Jules não deixaria o assunto morrer tão facilmente.

E quando ele se senta de lado no banco, com o corpo totalmente virado para mim eu sei exatamente o que aquilo significa. E eu quero gritar.

—  Você está totalmente enganada. Isso é da minha conta, tudo que se trata sobre você e Charles é da minha conta. —  Ele responde tentando manter a calma em sua voz.

—  Oh me desculpa! Eu devo ter esquecido a parte em que viramos um trisal e você começou a fazer parte deste relacionamento. — Dou mais uma tragada no meu cigarro e pelo canto dos olhos posso ver a irritação no olhar de Jules. — Me conta novamente como isso ocorreu, Jules? Acredito que meu cérebro bêbado de absinto me fez esquecer totalmente como era a sensação de ser fodida por você e pelo Charles todas as noites. —  Digo me virando totalmente para ele.

O rosto de Jules está vermelho e  eu não sei se é de raiva ou de vergonha e sinceramente não me importo no momento, só queria voltar para os meus cigarros e para o silêncio.

— Sabe, você está bêbada agora e nada que me disser eu vou levar para o lado pessoal, então pode atacar. — Ele diz com uma voz suave e isso só me irrita ainda mais.

— Obrigada, senhor "Sou superior a tudo isso". —  Falo sarcástica e volto a focar somente no meu cigarro. Jules não diz mais nada.

Passamos os próximos 40 minutos sentados ali, e depois do meus 6° cigarro, meu corpo começa a dar sinal de rejeição a quantidade excessiva de nicotina e álcool no meu organismo, me causando ânsia de vomito. Engulo em seco e tento focar apenas em não morrer ali na frente de Jules. Deus me livre dar a ele a satisfação de que estava certo.

—  Se você já acabou, podemos ir para o quarto agora? —  Ele pergunta baixo e eu dou de ombros.

—  Não vou voltar para o quarto de Charles e não há mais vagas disponíveis aqui. Vou pegar um uber e parar em qualquer lugar que eu achar. — Digo evitando o seu rosto, o constrangimento de estar literalmente sem saber para aonde ir fazendo meu estomago dar uma revirada ainda maior.

— Obvio que você vai ficar comigo no meu quarto. —  Ele diz e eu o encaro. A expressão em seu rosto dizendo "Eu não quero brigar, mas se for necessário eu irei."

Eu apenas assinto com a cabeça, sem vontade nenhuma de discutir e não que eu tivesse alguma escolha. Entre passar a noite no quarto de hotel do meu melhor amigo ou entrar bêbada em um uber e pedir para ele parar em qualquer lugar com vagas para que eu possa dormir, é obvio que escolho Jules. Estamos no Texas, pelo amor de deus! O que eu menos preciso agora é virar uma história de True Crime.

Jules me lança um sorriso de "eu sei que tenho razão" E por um momento eu repenso na possibilidade de virar um caso de True Crime só para não ter que ver o seu rosto convencido.

O caminho até o elevador é lento, comigo apoiando a maior parte do meu peso em Jules.

Jules aperta o botão do elevador e quando as portas metálicas se abrem ele me guia para dentro.

O elevador não é pequeno, mas mesmo assim Jules fica de frente para mim após apertar o botão para o andar do quarto onde está hospedado.

O cheiro emadeirado do seu perfume Armani é parecido com o de Charles e preenche todo o elevador. Fecho meus olhos tentando afastar quaisquer pensamentos sobre ele. Eu não quero pensar nele, não quero lembrar de momentos com ele, não quero sentir o cheiro dele.

— Você está bem? — Jules se aproxima ainda mais de mim e sinto sua mão afastar algumas mechas do meu cabelo do meu rosto. — Você está suando. — Ele diz baixo, seu sotaque francês carregado de preocupação. Tão parecido com ele.

Meu corpo estremecesse com o pensamento dele. Eu o quero. Quero Charles. Quero amá-lo e quero que ele me ame. Mas ele não o faz. Ele não me ama, pelo menos não mais.  Ele ama ela. Ele escolheu ela. Ele faria com ela tudo que um dia fez e disse que faria comigo? Meu coração grita, minha garganta arranha. Eu não quero pensar em Charles. Eu não quero desejar Charles. Seu toque, sua voz, seu olhar, seu cheiro...  Eu respiro fundo absorvendo o cheiro que me cerca.  Vocês tinham que usar o mesmo perfume?

— Marie... — A voz de Jules chama por mim, mas minha mente confusa a deixa em segundo plano. Será mesmo Jules? Este é Jules? — Querida, você está bem?

O meu coração puxa com a lembrança de semanas atrás. Nós dois em seu apartamento, os beijos, os toques, nossas peles se roçando uma na outra, o suor, a temperatura... "Querida, você está bem?"  A voz de Charles está ofegante, seus cabelos suados grudando em sua testa, os olhos verdes quase sendo engolidos pela pupila dilatada em luxúria. Em prazer. Prazer de estar comigo, prazer em estar dentro de mim, em me sentir, em me ouvir gemer seu nome. Lindo. Absolutamente lindo. "Eu te amo", eu digo e ele sorri preguiçosamente. "Eu te amo para sempre", ele responde.

Eu abro meus olhos, sinto eles encherem de água. Vai embora dor, vai embora e me deixa em paz.

Minha visão fica turva pelas lágrimas, mas eu ainda posso ver a sombra de olhos escuros me encarando. Há um silêncio, um silêncio na minha mente e um entorpecimento no meu corpo. Não! Eu quero sentir! Eu preciso sentir, preciso sentir qualquer coisa.

O vazio começa a se espalhar por mim. Ele é denso e escuro e eu posso senti-lo das pontas dos dedos e formiga. É quieto, mas não é aconchegante. É assustador. É frio.

— Marie, fala comigo, por favor... — A voz dele está tão distante. O francês tão alto e o cheiro tão, tão forte.

Eu preciso sentir, eu preciso sentir algo.

Eu pisco com força repetidas vezes até que as lágrimas saiam dos meus olhos e escorram pelo meu rosto. Agora vejo Jules. Menos turvo, consigo ver Jules. Ele está aqui. Ele vai me ajudar e o vazio não vai me dominar.

Eu seguro nos ombros de Jules, olho em seus olhos preocupados, ele é tão bonito. Tão diferente, mas tão igual a Charles. Charles... O vazio grita novamente, se alastrando por minha corrente sanguínea, tomando tudo para ele. Não! Eu quero sentir! Eu quero sentir!

Então encaro Jules novamente e sei que eu preciso, que ele vai me ajudar a escapar. Minhas mãos vão para seus ombros, eu os aperto, eu os sinto. O vazio para, mas ainda está lá. Jules me encara apreensivo. Foda-se!

Eu fecho os olhos, eu me inclino e eu o beijo. O vazio para.

Plin!  O elevador chega no andar, as portas se abrem, eu me afasto de Jules e olho em direção ao corredor. Há olhos verdes me encarando.

30 de janeiro de 2023 — Monte Carlo, Mônaco.

Um peso de duas toneladas ao redor do meu peito, parece que

Acabou de cair de uma altura de vinte andares

Se já teve alguém que passou por essa vida

Com o seu coração ainda intacto, ele não viveu direito

A última vez que senti o seu peso no meu peito, você disse

Não demos certo, mas, amor, nós fizemos nosso melhor. — All the things end, Hozier  

Há uma nuvem cinza sob o céu de Monte Carlo. A nuvem é pesada e faz com que os pedestres nas ruas corram à procura de um abrigo, antes de serem engolidos pela chuva.

Sempre vi beleza em dias nublados e chuvosos. Sempre vi beleza na melancolia trazida pela chuva. Enquanto as pessoas tendem a pedir por dias ensolarados e quentes, eu costumo pedir pelos dias molhados e gélidos. Eu nunca entendi ao certo o porquê da minha fascinação pela chuva, mas me recordo que ela sempre esteve comigo. Há algo de belo no indesejado. Algo mágico e real.

Jules sempre dizia que Charles e eu eramos um arco-iris. Charles com o seu brilho e calor como o sol, iluminava e aquecia quaisquer lugares onde pisava. Trazia alegria e esperança a quem precisava, e sua persistência sempre nos fez acreditar ressurgiria no dia seguinte ainda mais forte. Mas às vezes, era tão intenso a ponto de machucar e queimar. Causava grandes incêndios que poderiam ser irreparáveis. Por muito tempo a intensidade poderia ser demais. O brilho poderia cegar a quem o admirasse mais do que o necessário, além de se tornar totalmente dependente dele para se ter dias felizes. Assim como o sol, Charles não poderia ficar sozinho, pois o que seria algo para se apreciar, logo se tornaria algo totalmente destrutível.

E enquanto a mim, ele dizia: “Você é como a chuva, Marie. Você é vida para aqueles que se permitem apreciar. É o que traz equilíbrio para as pessoas ao seu redor. Mas também pode vir em forma de garoa que adoece, ou  tempestade que destrói. Sua intensidade pode causar um dilúvio. Entretanto, pode ser um banho de chuva em uma tarde de verão.

Entre uma brincadeira de crianças e um furacão. É assim que é definido o seu amor.

O cinza te persegue, a melancolia te atrai. Porém, em você, conseguimos sentir paz tanto nos dias agitados, como nos calmos. Nem todos entendem a sua importância, até que se passe muitos dias sem você.”

Eu encaro as ruas através dos vidros das janelas do apartamento de Charles. O silêncio envolve todo o lugar desde que Charles se ofereceu para colocar Vincenzo na cama após o jantar.

As primeiras gotas começam a cair sobre a cidade, molhando tudo o que alcançam. Não posso deixar de pensar que assim como à água penetra sobre os quilômetros de concreto, deixei que meus sentimentos penetrassem a minha alma e me tornei como um rio corrente prestes a transbordar.

Passei os últimos anos tentando me encontrar e me ver sem o sol. Tentei apoderar da minha tempestade para que eu pudesse me reerguer, mas acontece que não podemos simplesmente construir um novo edifício em cima de um cemitério sem que sejamos assombrados pelas lembranças.

Como uma tatuagem marcada além da pele, minhas memórias com Jules e Charles sempre estarão presentes. Uma cicatriz que doeu para aparecer ali, mas toda vez que me lembro de como ela surgiu, o meu rio corre e cai em uma cachoeira de amor.

— Você teria mudado algo? — Levo um susto com a presença repentina de Charles ao me lado.

— A quanto tempo você está aqui? — Pergunto encarando seu perfil já que ele observa a vista pela janela.

— Não há muito tempo. — Da de ombros. — Desculpe, não queria assusta-la. —  Me fita e sou eu quem volto a minha visão para a cidade lá fora.

— Tudo bem. —  Respondo.

—  Então… você mudaria algo? —  Ele volta a perguntar.

— Sobre o quê? — Pergunto ainda sem encara-lo.

— Sobre nós dois. Quer dizer, sobre tudo  que nos aconteceu.  — Ele responde e meu interior se retorce em desespero pelo rumo que a conversa poderá tomar a partir daqui.

Parte de mim, fica aliviada em ouvir a sua voz depois de todo o tempo em silêncio durante o jantar. Porém, há outra parte que implora para que ele fique calado, pois, será inevitável que um de nós não saía machucados de quaisquer palavras que possam surgir agora.

Sua pergunta é simples. Entretanto, a resposta é mais complexa do que eu gostaria. Eu mudaria algo?

Sinto-me encurralada, pois sei que se minha resposta for sim, significa que me arrependo de algo sobre nós. Eu me arrependo?

Eu paro para pensar em todos os eventos que me trouxeram até este momento. Cada sorriso, cada lágrima. Cada sussurro e cada grito. Cada "Eu te amo” e cada "Sinto sua falta”. Cada verdade e cada mentira. Cada viagem, cada momento de Charles, Jules e eu juntos. Cada alegria e cada devastação após nos perdermos. Cada abraço, cada beijo, cada aventura, cada colapso, cada realização e cada perda. Cada vida e cada morte. Eu penso em tudo o que consigo pensar, e no final só há uma resposta sincera que eu possa dar para Charles.

— Sim. — Respondo.

Não olho para Charles, mas posso sentir seu olhar queimando sobre o meu perfil.  Um minuto de silêncio é o que ele permite que caia sobre nós para refletirmos sobre minha resposta.

—  O que você mudaria? — Ele pergunta.

Outra pergunta simples com uma resposta complexa. O que exatamente eu mudaria? Teria escolhido não me aproximar do garoto magrelo e com olhos lindos e nem do seu amigo, bizarramente 8 anos mais velho que ele? Não. A resposta para isso com certeza é um não. Eu jamais poderia me arrepender dos momentos vividos ao lado de Charles e Jules. Eles mudaram a minha vida, minha perspectiva e pela primeira vez me mostram que estaria tudo bem sonhar e se deixar levar.

Então do que eu me arrependo? Talvez de ter me apaixonado pelo idiota desajeitado que era Charles Leclerc com 16 anos? Talvez de ter me permitido ser puxada demais para perto do sol a ponto de me deixar queimar e desintegrar? De ficar girando em sua órbita como um planeta em seu sistema? De ter o admirado por muito tempo e simplesmente ter ficado cega pelo seu brilho a ponto de achar que qualquer dia sem ele, talvez não fosse um bom dia?  Ou de  ter criado um planeta inteiro dentro de mim, onde o seu calor seria necessário para que houvesse vida dentro do meu coração?

“Entre uma brincadeira de criança e um furacão. É assim que é definido o seu amor.”  Penso novamente nas palavras de Jules.

Charles e eu eramos um arco-iris. Eramos a esperança um do outro, uma aliança sagrada e bíblica, mesmo para aqueles que não tinham fé. A alegria e a melancolia juntos e equilibrados.  Eramos a paixão, mas também eramos a obsessão. Eramos entregue tão naturalmente um ao outro que simplesmente fazia sentido. Acreditávamos que eramos o significado de nossa existência. Que seriamos eternos dentro do nosso arco-iris colorido. Tudo simplesmente fazia sentido.

… Até não fazer mais.

Assim como tudo que se aproxima demais do Sol ou do Olho do furacão, nos tornamos ruínas.

Eu engulo em seco antes de me virar para ele. O meu olhar encontra o seu e há tanta intensidade em seus vidros verdes, que sinto transbordar o rio dentro de mim.

Do que você se arrepende, Marie? Do que você se arrepende?  A pergunta retumba em minha mente. Então eu respiro e deixo que a razão se silencie dentro de mim e que de espaço para que meu coração fale.

Eu me arrependo de não ter me fundido a ele como um só. Me arrependo de não ter colado sua pele sobre a minha e de não ter entrado em suas entranhas. Me arrependo de não ter bebido de seu sangue o suficiente para que fosse realizado esse pacto entre nossas almas.

Eu me arrependo de não ter te provado que eu poderia ter sido bem melhor do que ela.

Os meus olhos se enchem e meu coração queima. Diga a ele, Marie! Deixe ir! Então respirando fundo eu o digo:

— Eu mudaria ter me apaixonado por você.  — A razão ganhou.

Charles engole em seco. O seu olhar está em chamas sobre mim.

Há uma compreensão muda entre nós. Todos os '' e se” que poderiam ter feito as coisas diferir no nosso relacionamento. Toda via, não acredito que qualquer coisa que tivéssemos feito teria mudado o que nos tornamos.

Charles acena com a cabeça e olha para a janela por alguns segundos antes de se virar e andar em direção ao que penso ser o seu novo quarto. Mas antes que ele possa ser engolido pela escuridão do corredor ele se vira para mim novamente.

— Eu entendo o que você quer dizer. Realmente entendo, mas jamais mudaria nada do que senti por você. Não mudaria nada do que nós fomos. — Suas palavras soam como agulhas sobre a minha pele.

Sei que o silêncio seria a melhor escolha entre nós por enquanto, mas mesmo assim não consigo evitar lhe dar uma resposta. Essa atração pelo que machuca, sempre seduzindo nós dois.

— Há mais fenômenos no mundo do que o arco-iris, Charles. E eu sinto muito por você te-los descoberto antes de mim. — respondo sustentando seu olhar e calando todos os gritos que imploravam para que eu me entregasse novamente a ele.

Ele fica confuso com minhas palavras por um segundo antes que algo dentro do seu cérebro clique.  Eu sei ser uma crueldade minha ter utilizado das palavras de Jules sobre nós para tentar tampar uma ferida aberta em nossos corpos.

A chuva lá fora fica mais forte e eu volto a encarar a janela. O sol não aparece entre as nuvens carregadas. Não haverá nenhum fenômeno colorido hoje.

— A única coisa que eu mudaria, é deixar nós dois acabarmos com tudo da forma que aconteceu. Eu mudaria cada segundo que deixei você pensar que eu não te amava. — Meu corpo se arrepia com suas palavras e sinto uma lágrima escorrer pelo meu rosto, mas não desvio a minha atenção da vista a minha frente.

Ouço os passos de Charles saindo da sala e me deixando sozinha com a chuva e com o peso da tempestade no meu peito.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

N.A: Hello! Depois de tantas ameaças estou de volta! Foram meses de muita agonia e trabalho mas agora consegui! Esse capítulo resolvi separar em duas partes, por isso está mais curtinho! Mas o próximo entregarei tudo.

Espero que tenham gostado! 😁

[leclerqueensainz]

Thank you Jules Bianchi ♥ 3 August 1989 – 17 July 2015 - tu brilles comme une étoile, toujours rappelé

[leclerqueensainz]

Silverstone 2023 - Friday

[leclerqueensainz]

His protector | CL16

Pairing: Charles Leclerc x fem!comedian!reader (she/her)

Word count: 0.4k

Genre: regular imagine + smau (overall fluff)

Warnings: not proofread; mentions of Ferrari's disastrous strategy; fluff;

Summary: Yn is a comedian, who happens to date the f1 driver Charles Leclerc and who loves to joke around about how horrendous Ferrari is, but beware: she is the only one who can laugh at her boyfriend’s disastrous races. No one pokes fun at Charles in front of her, especially not on live TV.

A/n: This request has been sitting in my inbox forever because I'm a freaking perfectionist who loved the idea but wanted to get it to be perfect. It's my first time mixing social media au and regular images, I don't know if I'll be doing it again, but I hope you guys like it! Anon who requested: thank you sm for being so patient and kind with your request, it means a lot. I hope it's a bit like you imagined it to be. Every piece I write here it’s a new experience, so your feedback, comments, and asks are more than welcome. *mwah* 🤍

A/n2: A huge shoutout to Leri ( @elitebarzal ) for helping me with this (she was the one who sent me the jokes and helped me with the story's structure). ILY, Le!

A/n3: None of these jokes are originally mine, they're all from the internet, just like all the pictures used are from Pinterest. The writing, however, is all me, and I do not consent for it to be published anywhere else!

Based on this request.

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“Why did Charles Leclerc take up gardening?” Yn asks eyes focused on the main camera in the studio, ready to deliver her joke. Anthony, Yn’s colleague, and part of the Saturday Night Live cast, was already trying to hold back his laughter when she added, “Because he wanted to be in "pole" position at least once this season.” 

The crowd hollered in laughter, and Anthony almost couldn’t hold his own back.

“This one got me, I gotta give it to you that this is way funnier than whatever I had for tonight,” he bantered.

“It’s a live show for a reason, right?” she winked and turned back to the camera. 

Yn was dating Charles for over a year now, and he was a constant topic of her jokes, the audience, and fans were used to her always roasting him, but everyone knew it to be just part of their relationship. Yn being sassy and playful as she was would make fun of whoever she was close enough to know her jokes wouldn’t come off as offensive. 

Charles loved that side of her. It was nice to have someone who would cry with you but also make you laugh and take the hardships of life with a degree of lightness. 

It was race week, Yn was in the paddock and it wasn’t uncommon for some channels to call upon her for a quick interview about her thoughts on the race. She usually wouldn’t mind, she would be polite as usual, answer their questions, sometimes even tell a joke or two and then follow her path back to Charles if he was free to have her around. 

This time, however, this interview seemed to stress her more than to amuse her. 

“We all know he can do better-”

“Can he?!” Yn asked, brows furrowing a challenging look on her face. “With Ferrari’s current strategy, I don’t think he can.” 

“Well, most people seem to think he could, and I tend to believe that maybe that’s right. It’s not always the team’s fault.” 

“Eric, have you tried driving a formula one car?” 

The reporter gaped, taken aback by Yn’s question, before answering, “Well, no, I’m a journalist.”

“If you’re so sure he could do better, then maybe you should go there and try driving the car. See which position you get,” she kept her instance, lips pursed in a tight line. 

The reporter chuckled, trying to light the situation, but Yn didn’t, and everyone watching the live interview saw the tension in the air. Everyone got the message: nobody downplays her boyfriend in front of her. There’s a line between making fun when it’s known Charles is comfortable and openly talking about how he could do better in a sports program. 

taglist: @sachaa-ff @mickslover @formulakay3 @mishaandthebrits @crimeshowjunkie @iloveyou3000morgan @saintlewis @fdl305 @chaoticevilbakugo @carojasmin2204 @wondergirl101ks @smiithys

[leclerqueensainz]

ain’t no reason (you and me should be alone tonight)

{charles leclerc x fem!reader x carlos sainz}

in which charles invites a familiar stranger over. (a semi-follow up to edge of glory; written for my kink bingo challenge - blindfolds.)

warnings: use of blindfolds with some references to sensory deprivation, implicit trust established (no prior consent sought with invitation), m/f oral, dirty talk, threesome sex, cum play with him coming on her face / body parts, male masturbation, spanking.

read here

[leclerqueensainz]

do you want it? ✴︎ cs55

genre: summer love!!!, slight age gap, porn w plot basically...

word count: 10.5k  

Whatever preconceived notions you have about your summer at the beach house are all toppled over when your parents announce the arrival of a guest, who happens to be your dad's friend. title from this

auds here… hiii :) req'd by several people! few notes... carlos is aged up a tad, the age gap is 9-10 years so not too bad (i aged him up bc the age gap was 7 yrs and i was like. Huh. thats tame). if ur not into that (tho everything is consensual and reader is legal) its ok! anyway im sorry this came so late i had like 6 anons asking ab carlos and lana haha. also big thanks to dani whose work got me thru 4 writing ruts

nsfw warnings under the cut!

18+ because... sexual tension, penetrative sex, dry humping, oral sex (m and f receiving), deepthroating, semi public sex ish?, praise central, size kink, like a flash of spit kink sorry..., overuse of the term good girl

Half past noon and after a particularly snappy call from his manager, Carlos bites the bullet on summer plans and decides to accept what is arguably the least glamorous offer on his roster. By no means a dazzling standout, the offer to stay at a family friend’s house in Comporta seems to be the most comfortable option—besides, he doesn’t feel himself to be in the glitzy mood for cities like Los Angeles or Monaco.

Lando, beside him, is thus the first to get wind of the news that “grumpy old man” Carlos will not be accompanying him to the ultimate, tequila-flavored “summer extravaganza” in Morocco.

“You’re boring,” Lando moans, pacing the room. Outside, London’s skyline moves passively. Carlos hangs up his phone call with his assistant, receives a picture of his flight details, and looks up amusedly.

“Portugal is not boring.”

“Morocco. DJs, drinks, girls.” Lando raises one hand. “Comporta. Family friends, apple cider, sand in your eyes.” He raises another hand a few inches lower. “See the difference?”

“I appreciate the difference.” Truth is, Carlos has needed this kind of quiet, calm time off for a while now. The season gets heavy and intense and tiring, and sometimes just staying by the beach with a beer is the best kind of reprieve.

“You’re getting old,” Lando says with a sour grimace. “Old.”

“That is,” Carlos says, searching for the word, “defamation.”

Lando shrugs, moves off the subject as he shoves a handful of crisps into his mouth. “Are you meeting family there?”

“No.” Both of his parents are out of the country for the next few weeks; Carlos was invited by his dad’s friend, though the bond they share is more friendly than just the standard uncle-nephew type of relationship, and they often refer to each other as just friends. “Just friends. Gallery owner and a company owner, I think.”

Lando whistles. “Rich.”

In response, Carlos nods. “And their daughter, who’s visiting from university in the States.” The details are fuzzy in his head, but the gist is about right.

“Sounds boring,” his friend snorts. “Come on, mate. You, me, Daniel. One last chance to watch Peggy Gou’s set and take shots and have fuuun.” He says the last part with the suave that would only rival a preteen’s.

Carlos, for a second, lets his resolve waver. Maybe it would be better watching loud DJ sets, dancing, getting all flushed with alcohol. But he blinks and shakes his head anyway. He hopes his decision is the right one, that summer in the beach house ends up being worth it. It’s a few weeks by the beach, anyway—what’s the worst that could happen?

—

Any recollection of your childhood almost instantly connects to the beach house in Comporta, big and wide and right by the coast. You spent fall, winter, and spring in a constant bumbling state of excitement to spend summer there. Your parents owned it, and often offered family friends to take up residence there when summers in the city got unbearable; for the most part, though, it was the three of you and, on rare years, a guest.

Your summers there have since smudged into the same few memories, of your mum and dad’s faces, of swimming and the learning curve of sailing, of bonfires by the beach on cold nights. And they have since become just that: memories. Summers grew sparse with time, and eventually the idea of meeting distant family friends became more embarrassing than exciting; by the time your parents moved you out of Europe for college, you’d lost almost all memory of the house.

So when your parents ask if you want to fly back to Comporta and spend a few “quiet” weeks there, you figure there’s no harm in seeing what the house is like and what summer can offer you beyond the weekly club outings. Instead of the usual quiet and overall lack-of-bustle that comes with summers, however, you open the front door to three housekeepers dusting every surface in your immediate eyesight.

“Are we hosting a wedding?” You ask when you find your parents tending to two sweaty glasses of champagne. You gesture faintly to the cleanfest inside. “What is going on?”

“We have a guest,” your mother says as she gets up to hug you tight. “Staying for the summer.”

“You said this summer would be quiet,” you deadpan, eyes narrowing underneath your sunglasses.

Your mum pinches your elbow. “I wasn’t lying,” she defends, raising her eyebrows. “Carlos’ son is coming.” She pats your arm. “You know? The race driver! He’s close with your father.” And, leaving no space for you to voice your dissent, she slips back into the house through the screen door, your father kissing your cheek then following suit. Your mouth parts, thoughts beginning to rush with implications of what your mother has just told you.

Carlos—if you’re correct—is Carlos Sainz, Sr., a good friend of your dad’s, and his son is Carlos Sainz, Jr., another good friend of your dad’s, because if there’s one thing rich Europeans do well, it’s the repetition of names. You’ve never met his son, only heard of him and seen a few pictures, but being so far detached from life here, you can’t even shape his face.

All you recall is the fact that he should now be thirty or older, which makes him rather older than you—and therefore effectively incapable of providing any break from any possible summer boredom. For fuck’s sake, he’s close to your dad. You’re at the top of the stairs when you hear the commotion by the front door, peeking at the foyer to catch a glimpse of him.

He’s solo, you observe; upon a glance into the front parking, you notice he’s driven here in a Ferrari, one a bit too modern for your taste but beautiful nevertheless. He carries only two pieces of luggage, and the sun blinds you for a moment before he’s finally at the doorframe, smiling politely, talking to your dad in casual Spanish.

He is, for lack of better word, insanely handsome. He wears a polo that shows off much of his arms, that flex as he puts down his luggage to shake hands with your parents; you follow the movement of his hands to watch one comb through his thick hair, then down to his smile, back up to his brown eyes, deep and so, so pretty.

Maybe this summer deserves a little less begrudge, you decide as you retreat back into your room, still brewing with residual annoyance.

Your parents send him off after a drink and a brief conversation, catch-up, tour of the downstairs area. Carlos knows his room is supposed to be upstairs, but the problem arises in the fact that there are two upstairs rooms and he doesn’t know which one he’s supposed to be staying in. Setting his luggage down for a minute, he knocks on the first door; permissive silence greets him for half a minute, so he turns the knob and prepares to enter.

To his surprise, he finds somebody already inside, a figure by the mirror on the other end of the room. What catches his eye is not the tiny skirt, but the half-tied bikini top currently being wound around two fingers at the centre of your back. You’re basically clothed, but Carlos can’t decide if he’s thankful or not—he doesn’t have time to when you catch him in the mirror and turn around quick, mouth agape.

“Can’t you knock?!” You ask, catty.

“I did—I knocked, but you—there was no answer,” he explains profusely. “I’m Carlos. Sorry, apologies. Truly.”

You introduce yourself. You’re his friend’s daughter, this and that, and you’re visiting from the States to spend summer here. He apologizes again when you finish. 

“Well, seeing as though this is my room,” you shoot back, “that must be yours.” You gesture vaguely to the one down the hall. Amused and a little embarrassed, he mouths apologies as he closes the door.

Carlos exits, departs and doesn’t have time to take in the room before he’s facedown on the bed. Any sleepiness he’d collected from the trip over, from the day drinks, from the headache that’d been blooming at the temples of his head, has dissipated. His mind’s been imprinted with one image only, and it’s down the hall in a tiny skirt.

—

Lunch brings lemonade and pasta, two staples for every summer meal. You, however, find yourself hopelessly distracted by the presence of your guest, and despite your best efforts, the churn in your stomach disables you from fully enjoying the carbonara on the table. The conversation between Carlos and your dad ends up taking your attention instead. “So you’re racing again in a few weeks?”

“Sí,” Carlos nods in-between forkfuls. Then, to add, “Busy, busy times.”

“Well. It’s the worst of our days,” your mum says, a quote she picked up from—of all places—a BBC sitcom she watched to tears last winter. “You are a talented driver, Carlos. Very cultured. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Comporta.”

“I have not been around much,” he says; his gaze flutters over to his glass, which is devoid of water or lemonade. “Any recommendations?”

“A lot, cabrón. Our daughter will be happy to take you around,” your father says on your behalf. He turns to you. “Wouldn’t you?”

“Oh, sure,” you say, allowing a terse smile. “There’s some places around here that aren’t so boring. But that’s being generous.” Carlos laughs at your joke, raucous and goofy, and you would definitely be lying if you told yourself it didn’t get you blushing a little bit, eyes casting themselves to your still-full plate.

“While you’re here, Carlos,” your dad continues, “I have an old car in the garage that could use some looking at. Are you—would you know how to—?”

Carlos nods, accepting the favor—then the conversation naturally slides into one of cars and racing. Carlos chronicles his journey in Formula One, his Toro Rosso days back then when he was younger, his McLaren period, and now, his time representing Ferrari. He talks of pet peeves on the grid, annoyances but also praises for the sport.

“I’d appreciate the downtime, actually,” he explains, “that I’d get from working on a car instead of in one.” He laughs, eyes briefly meeting yours. He looks away, then looks again. He can’t help himself. He wonders if he’s being obvious, if you can tell the way his looks are anything but casual. “Can you pour me a glass?” He adds.

“Yeah,” you mutter, sitting straight to pour lemonade into his waiting glass. You meet his eyes and almost pour it over the pasta. The rest of the lunch is uneventful, a series of adult conversation you can’t seem to engage yourself in fully, and whether that’s because of personal preference or Carlos’ presence, you don’t make an effort to try.

“…ney. Honey.” Your mum’s voice distracts you from your thoughts; when you look up, half the table is clear and Carlos and your dad have ventured inside to deposit plates at the sink. 

“Sorry. Wh—sorry, what?” You blink.

“Your father and I are heading out for the evening. Carlos will be working on the car. That okay, or you want to come along?”

“Um…” You pretend the latter is even an option before shaking your head. “No, I’ll stay.”

“Good.” She strokes your hair. “He could use the company.”

You follow her walking figure inside, where you station your eyes on Carlos. He’s sipping a lemonade. His eyes meet yours for a second and your face is outrageously flushed when you realize you’ve been caught staring, just like his had been earlier when he walked into your room.

—

You’re hellbent on solving a Sudoku puzzle when the dinner bell rings, and you have to finish it on the stairs. Your dad’s always been a stickler for arriving to dinner on time—every meal, but a gargantuan emphasis on the last—and you’ve been victim to scoldings about being five to six minutes late, an instance you don't wish to repeat.

9, you scribble, bare feet moving with speed through the living room, indoor dining room, then to the patio door. 4 comes next, your footsteps following the smell of grilled meat. 8, you write as you turn into the outdoor dining area. You’re halfway through 2 when you stop, look up, and find Carlos preparing dinner.

“Oh—” You pause. “You rang the dinner bell? Are my parents not…?”

“They are at a dinner,” says Carlos, eyes meeting yours briefly. It reminds you of earlier and you clear your throat, looking away. “So I hope my cooking is good enough.”

“It smells great,” you offer, seating yourself down and pouring a glass of wine. He sets the plate down—just-cut steak, a smear of potatoes. “Christ, you cook better than Dad.”

“I take that as a compliment,” he laughs, sitting across you. “Listen, I want to apologize for accidentally walking into your room earlier.”

Your face warms. “No, it’s okay. I was just surprised.”

“It was wrong of me. Let’s start over. I’m Carlos.” He reaches over to shake your hand, still standing. You take it, eyes flitting over his hand, spotting no glinting ring on his finger. With a saccharine smile, you assure him it was an honest mistake, so he segues into a different topic, the corners of his mouth turning up. “So, do you have an itinerary for me tomorrow?”

You hum, passing the wine over to him. “A bookstore, an ice cream parlor, and a bike ride. Anything else is seriously not worth it. You’ll have the next few weeks to explore town. If the house gets that boring.”

“I haven’t been bored so far,” he says, eyes glinting.

“Oh?”

“You know, with the car fixing.” He points vaguely to where the garage is. “But it’s only been a day.”

“Car fixing is boring,” you state matter-of-factly. “You’ll have fun tomorrow.” You cut into the steak and bite into the forkful you stab at, eyes fluttering.

“Good?” Carlos asks, smiling a little.

“I love it,” you mumble. “You’re so good at this, Carlos.”

Carlos retires to his room that night, and finds that today has held a collective motif of losing his shit. He’s anything but sleepy. Restless, wild-eyed, combing hand after hand through his hair. God, if he’d known you were this pretty—this hard to resist, on his first night here, no less—he would’ve been watching some DJ spin out a set with Lando right now.

Instead, he finds he can’t stop himself from thinking about you, the way your eyes had fluttered when he tried saying something on the edge of flirty. Your hair. Your hands, your fingers, lithe around the stem of your wine glass.

I love it, you’d said, you’re so good at this, Carlos. You knew exactly what you were doing, skittish tone putting him on edge. Despite himself, he can’t help but squeeze himself through his pants when he sits down on the edge of the bed, breathing heavy to purge himself of thoughts so low and dirty.

You’re so pretty. You’d be so easy to wreck, make his, goad little moans out of you, get your lips around him, puffy and pink and pretty. He wedges his eyes shut tight and hopes these thoughts will dissipate as the week passes.

Something tells him he’s wrong, though.

—

The tour is delayed because your dad insists he go fishing with Carlos three days in a row, but eventually (likely due to your mum’s insistence) it pushes through. You greet him with a smile, waiting by the door, wearing a sundress. Sundresses will definitely be his demise.

You’re a good tour guide, though, Carlos figures when you’re finished pointing at every turn and sign and dictating what goes where and where the passage to the coast is, when you’ve even quizzed him about where you are and where the house is supposed to be.

After he points in the correct direction, you nod approvingly. “That’s how my dad made sure I wouldn’t get lost,” you explain when he laughs at your choice of tour guidance. 

“And you were what—twelve?” He asks, walking beside you. It’s fairly empty in town, a few tourists mulling about carrying shopping bags and plastic cups of juice.

“Try fourteen,” you argue. 

“Well, quizzing a, uh—a fourteen-year-old is really not the same as quizzing a grown adult.”

“Ha. Call me when you can’t find your way home tonight,” you diss sarcastically, making a turn toward the bookstore down the street. “Okay, here we are. Don’t get too excited. They’re just books.”

For a relatively empty town, the bookstore always has new batches of titles, displayed proudly for natives and tourists alike front and centre. But you’re already going to the right side of the store, busying yourself with looking at the signs. 

“The classics shelf is always my favorite,” you say, already walking ahead of him. Your dress bobs softly with your legs as you pace, short and sweet and white. You turn and his eyes slide back up instantly, and he hopes he was quick enough. “Do you have any authors you like?”

“I am not a big reader. You?”

“Huge,” you say, smiling a little. “Okay, we can browse. Are you into any genre…?”

Carlos proceeds to tell you his track record in the literary field includes: reading half the Harry Potter series, a car manual, and a few other titles in Spanish he cannot recall the name or plot of. But, he adds, he’s always wanted to read, found the activity so quiet and still and perfect, so he allows you to lead him through the titles stacked on each table and condensed on each shelf. He points at, sometimes, or picks up covers he finds appealing.

“How about—?” He reaches for a pink cover that reads It Ends With Us, but your hand loops around his wrist before he can pick it up and you’re pulling him into another aisle.

“…Not that.” You continue perusing the books around you, your hand still wrapped around his. With your free finger, you point at the top shelf, and tiptoe against the bookcase to try and get it. You come close, but not close enough.

Carlos, behind you, is successful, not even needing to tiptoe to reach for the red hardbound you’d been pointing at. It also means he’s pressed up against you, heavy and big, and the sensation dizzies you. When he finally pulls it off, you turn to him and find respite in the proximity—you two are so close, every exhale out of your lips causes a puff of air to blow against his hair.

He steps backward. You smile and gesture toward the book he’s holding. “That’s a good one.”

“Gabriel Garcia Marquez.” He reads out the author’s name in one fluid sentence, his Spanish accent becoming naturally more obvious.

“Okay, colonizer.” He knits his brows. “Trust me,” you insist. “One Hundred Years of Solitude—so good. It was one of the first books I read front to back twice in a row.”

“Wow, what an honor,” he teases sarcastically as you move along the aisle, fingertips brushing against the indents of the books. You turn to narrow your eyes and stick your tongue out. Unfortunately for Carlos, the effect this inflicts upon him is not oh she mocked me, but oh how would it look if—

He needs ice cream. Or to just get out of this aisle.

—

You punctuate the day with two cones of it, melting way too fast in the heat of summer. He’s already half-finished with his vanilla, and you’re taking your time with the lemon sorbet you’d gotten for yourself. Apparently, this is the only other highlight the town has to offer, and judging by the fact that most of the other stores are expensive clothes, souvenir shops, and a Bible bookstore—yeah.

Carlos is also more than sated with the three books in the paper bag he’s holding. Scratch that—six books, you bought a haul for yourself—but it’s not a particularly heavy load, so he’s fine. His phone has been buzzing with Lando’s update requests that he’s been deliberately ignoring.

“They make the best ice cream,” you rave, smiling. You lick over the melt on your lips. “Right?”

He might actually drop his cone now. “It is delicious.”

“Well…” You look around, your hair flying with every turn of your head. Lick over lips again. Again, and again. He has to look away.

“…Do you wanna stop by anywhere else?” You turn to him and ask, licking over the tip of your ice cream cone.

It’s hard for Carlos to pretend he’s looking around your surroundings, at the signs and storefronts, and not at your sticky lips, your pink tongue just peeking out to lap at the quickly melting gelato around your hand. His eyes flit downward, to where the hem of your tiny white dress has flown up in the coastal wind, exposing more of your thighs.

“Carlos?” You repeat, voice sweet and waiting.

He snaps his eyes back up and wills his voice to remain passive. “We can head back.”

So you do, meaning your tour ends around noon, and your parents greet you both with lunch and the round of inevitable questions. Did Comporta live up to your expectations? What books did you get? Was our daughter a good tour guide? The latter, Carlos answers with a smile—very good. You allowed your face to flush, blamed it on the sangria.

Now, though, it’s the brink in-between chilly and hot, sticky traces of the summer afternoon still lingering in the air, mixing with the cool of dusk when you decide to exit your room and fix yourself a glass of something, preferably sweet and alcoholic. An empty driveway save for a Ferrari means your parents are gone, leaving you and—if you’re lucky, which you hope you are—

“Carlos,” you call out from the window you’ve just tugged open with the expertise of somebody who’s lived here for twenty-one summers. “Thirsty?”

He looks up from where he is, outside, continuing his operation on your dad’s car. The hood’s been cranked open, and his long hair is damp with sweat, flying gently in the face of the sunset breeze. He smiles when he sees your figure peeking out.

“For what?”

“Whatever you want,” you respond, taking your bottom lip between your teeth. His white shirt’s stained with oil and dirt, tainting it beige and grey, the tight fit even tighter from his sweat. You can make out the outline of his abs just underneath. 

He squints. “Beer?”

You make an exaggerated eugh face to tease him, but duck back inside to bring your homemade aperol and an open, frosty beer outside. When he sees you, he walks closer, smiles and takes a swig of the drink you offer. He makes a noise of satisfaction and you have to make a real effort to maintain a semblance of normalcy, eyes averting from his lips to gaze instead at his solid shoulders, his build, big and tall.

“What’s the problem with beer, hmm?”

“Tastes like shit.” You raise your aperol. “The sweeter, the better. How’s Dad’s car?” You blink, sidestepping him to try and gauge his progress.

“Casi termino.” You look at him, raising your eyebrows, and he translates. “Almost done. It wasn’t that destroyed, if at all.”

“You think he’ll let you drive it when you’re done?” You ask playfully, swiping your condensation-wet finger over the side of the car. You turn, smiling expectantly; Carlos laughs a bit, shrugs.

“It is just a favor. But if he does, I’ll make sure you get to come along.” He says. “You like that?”

“Mmm,” you nod, sipping on your aperol. You part from your straw, lips stained, and smile up at him. “I do.”

His gaze is stuck on your lips. You lick over them, and he looks away with a slow blink. You watch as he ruffles his hair, rounds the car and crosses his arms to view it from the back.

God, he’s handsome. You think of the long-winded nights you’ve been spending trailing your fingers over your legs or texting inspired paragraphs to friends back in university about him. Their responses are almost always Send pic now and a cacophony of heart eye emojis when you manage to snag a stolen shot of him doing just about anything.

His gaze is scrutinizing, every little detail of the car, and eventually he closes the hood again. “Should be good by tomorrow.”

“Where’d you learn to fix cars?” You ask sweetly, nearing him. The wind bites at your legs, your flowy skirt bouncing sporadically and held down by your free hand. When your eyes flit to his, waiting for his response, you find them snapping upward. He’d been distracted.

“I work with cars, so it comes natural.” You lean on the hood of the car and he comes to stand in front of you, his eyes pointed downward at you. “That’s not a very good habit,” he adds.

“Drinking?” You pout, raising your half-empty glass. You blink up at him, the corner of your smiling lip caught in your teeth.

“Biting your lip.” His gaze is intense. “You do it a lot, I noticed.”

You smile, leaning backward a little. His resolve is breaking. “Can I borrow one of the books you got earlier?”

“The three ones you bought not enough?” He raises a brow, downing beer again. Some of it dribbles out of the corner of his lip. You’ve never been one to like the taste, but you’d lick it off him if you could.

“I just wanna browse it,” you push. “I’ll return it tomorrow.”

“Fine,” he relents. “I’ll give it to you tomorrow.”

—

He sees you the next day after lunch, which you’d skipped because you “weren’t hungry.” You’re wearing a dress, hair clipped into a bun when you excuse yourself to pick up an earring in front of him. He almost thinks it’s a fib until he sees it, the pink gem on the floor.

“Sorry,” you say, voice mellow, and then you’re bending over to pick it up. You’re wearing pretty lace panties underneath.

Carlos clears his throat and excuses himself, adjusting his shorts as he goes upstairs.

—

He gives you Norweigan Wood after dinner, like he promised earlier in the week. Two raps on your door, and when you open it, he’s already handing it to you with a quiet smile. “Goodnight,” he says, his voice clipped.

“Our tour isn’t over yet,” you tease, tossing the book onto your bed and descending the steps back downstairs. Confused and interested, he follows you, to the back area of the house, past the swinging screen door, down the steps, and onto the sand.

“Tour?” He repeats, for clarification. The only things to tour are sand and twigs.

“Yeah, Carlos. This is the real tour,” you joke, walking backwards. Every step sends your foot sinking into the cold sand, slowing your pace until Carlos catches up, matching your steps once he does. “Comporta—real and unfiltered.” You both laugh at your hyperbolic, MTV-worthy statement, and he waits for more, entertains you further.

“What is so real about this?” Carlos laughs, allowing himself to humor your little schtick.

“Well, mister. This isn’t bookstores and ice cream parlors.” You point to a nearby spot in the sand, just by a rogue stick. “This is where I smoke without getting caught. Near enough that I can run back in seconds, but faraway enough that my parents can’t immediately see what I’m doing. Granted, I don’t need to be sneaking around much, but if you ever want to do something in secret—”

The implication sends Carlos into a spiral of thought.

“—here’s your spot.”

“So you smoke,” he says when he sits himself on the sand, observing the now-dark skyline of the area. You continue pacing around a little, and when you raise your arms up to stretch, he catches a glimpse of your abdomen, the waistband of pink lace underneath the low rise of your denim shorts.

“Occasionally. Don’t play Holy Mary,” you warn, standing in front of him and stretching your hand out to reveal a box of Marlboro Reds. 

“Wasn’t planning to,” he responds, taking a stick and inserting it in between his lips. “Got a light?”

“No,” you tease, taking one for yourself and sliding your lighter out from your pocket in one quick motion. The flame illuminates your face, casts a light on your thin white tee and on the bikini top you have on underneath. You puff out a small cloud of smoke, and Carlos reaches up to take the lighter.

“I said no,” you giggle, your lips knotting into a pout. You hold the lighter just out of his reach, red and bold against the bleak evening. 

“Give it.” He sits up higher, reaches harder; he almost gets it, but you step backward and raise your arm out of reach. Again your shirt rises with the movement. The view he gets, this time, of your hips, the lace that hugs the area there, is much more close.  The laugh you emit sends a cloud of smoke out.

“No, no,” you continue, laughing, a sweet sound.

Carlos gets up, tries again to lunge for the lighter. At this point he doesn’t even care about the cigarette in between his lips, just wants to entertain you. He tries again but you’re quick with it, ducking every lunge just in time.

“Come on,” he goads, laughing himself. You pace backward, smoking, until your ankles hit the shallow shore water, water that goes deeper and deeper until you’re knee-level, still smiling at him mischievously. 

“Fine,” you relent, shrugging. You throw your hands up in surrender, in the process taking the stick out of your mouth to blow smoke out. “Do you want it? C’mere, then.” You beckon him closer, wave the lighter tantalizingly so he steps closer, closer, until you’re holding the flame to the cigarette between his lips.

He’s so tall, he has to bend a little to let you light it, his eyes meeting yours, illuminated by the pale moon and the orange of the flame.

It all goes to plan. Once you light it, you place two hands square on his shoulders, whirl him so he’s behind you and thus even deeper in the water, and with all your might, push him into the sea. 

“Brat—” he manages to gasp out as he goes, the word leaving his lips in the first and last puff of smoke he lets out. He surfaces, every dip and ridge of his abs and chest accentuated, his linen polo near invisible with how saturated it is with water. His long hair, too, sticks to his forehead; he combs it backward, reveals his amused-irritated eyes, the dead cigarette spouting seawater and ash.

He spits it out. You stare and pinch the soggy stick in between two fingers, stuffing the trash into his chest pocket. “That’s bad for the environment.”

“I am freezing,” he says in response, but you’re just stifling a laugh.

He narrows his eyes, and with unsurprising ease given his build, picks you up and carries you over his shoulder. You barely have time to protest, almost dropping your own cigarette into the water, kicking and pounding on his back to please put me down. You can feel the water getting deep, deeper, and when he finally dunks you in, it’s only a second of dryness before you’re submerged in the chilly water.

Your cigarette dies, and you manage to collect it, because you’re not in the interest of leaving your stick floating; you wedge it into your pocket.

“You’re such”—you gasp for air—“a dick!”

You’re smiling, though, flailing your legs to stay afloat. Carlos can’t help but stare, entranced with the way your eyelashes stick together, damp, the droplets of water on your cheeks, your two hands wringing saltwater out of your hair, and when you swim upward, the way your white tee leaves nothing to his imagination.

You can tell. He can tell you can tell—because the next thing you do, with some faux exaggerated sigh of annoyance, is say, “Can’t swim, too heavy,” and you’re taking off your shirt so all he sees is the red of your bikini top underneath. The white tee bobs softly with each passing wave, and you’re smiling up at him. Checkmate, you’re saying. I’ve got you. A skittish, playful smile on your lips.

“I can help you swim,” he offers—retaliates, more like, his height offering him great advantage. He finds your bare ankle underwater, guides it to wrap around his waist. Naturally, your other leg follows until you’re flush against him, held up by him so you don’t need to wag your legs around just to stay above water.

Your hands go on his still-clothed shoulders first, then eventually around them, fingers linking at the nape of his neck. Your smile is wicked. You’re so sinfully pretty. He wades deeper, holds you all the while, two big hands on either side of your waist, thumbs rubbing over your sides so you can shiver.

“‘M so wet,” you say, voice shaky with chill and laughter. His grip tightens and he has to squeeze his eyes shut to try and pretend you didn’t just say that.

He dips you underneath the surface to surprise you, and your shriek is cut off by the water—he pulls you up quick, laughing, but underestimates his strength because as he tugs, you barrel right onto him, forehead bumping his.

Your eyes are closed, and you momentarily detach from him to wipe salt out of them. “Ass.”

“Brat,” he responds.

You open your eyes to find he’s close, so close you could just lean forward an inch—an inch—and you’d be meeting his lips. You wonder how they feel, how he kisses. He’s confident everywhere else, would he kiss you like that, too? You lean closer, a wrecked gasp escaping you.

“You’re so pretty,” you say, and it’s supposed to be teasing, but your breathy voice is genuine, honest. A thumb swipes over his eyelashes, causing him to blink, then the bridge of his nose. He leans upward, tries to catch your lips, but pauses, his eyes fluttering open and closed.

“This is wrong,” he says in a quiet breath, making no move at all you stop either of you from kissing right now.

You want—need—to kiss him, but you can play the long game if he wishes to. Your eyes flit back up to his, dark brown and reflecting the moon.

“Then let’s head back,” you suggest, even if both of you want anything but.

Long game. He guides you back to shore, picks your tee up, uses it as a sieve for any loose ash and cigarette bits in your path back to shore, even finds your red lighter that’s now dispensing water. He apologizes for not having anything to dry you with, and drops you off at your room with a puddle in both of your wakes.

“Thank you again,” he says, his voice a whisper through your ajar door. He observes your room with what little vantage point he has. The posters on the wall, the art, postcards. The laptop on the bed, open. The phone charging on the nightstand. The thong hanging out of the hamper.

“No problem,” you say back, voice saccharine. Your hand wraps around his wrist. “See you tomorrow.”

Even if you’re doused in seawater, he can still smell the traces of your perfume, the summery sweet of it, when you close the door. He stays for a second, blinks, relishes in the hint of floral.

—

You spend three days walking on eggshells around each other, testing the limits of interaction.

Your night at the beach was risky, dangerous, thrilling—but it was fun, sending you both into antsy, restless trains of thought. Carlos self-medicates with coffee, beer in the afternoon, working on your dad’s car, and the first two hundred pages of the Marquez book you insisted he pick up. He spots you sometimes, lounging on the beach with his book in your grip, the waistline of your bikini bottoms leaving a tanline he can’t stop staring at when you walk back into the house.

But he can’t act on it—he was the one who labeled it wrong, the one who suppressed himself, held the urge back. He told you it was wrong. And it is wrong. He’s older, he should be wiser; he’s close with your dad; and a cacophony of other rational reasons he shouldn’t be playing into this skittish summer crush.

“Dad said the boat’s free,” a voice says, and he looks up from his book to find you standing in front of him, wearing nothing but a bikini top and a skirt, loose and riding low on your hips. Your lips stretch into a sweet smile. “Wanna come?”

He really shouldn’t. “Sí.”

So he goes. He’s okay. That’s a grown age. If anything, he’s capable of making sure he stays responsible. He dog-ears his page and picks up his beer to follow you to where the boat is docked. He’d been on your dad’s yacht earlier in his trip here, to go fishing, but it’s quieter today, bobbing softly atop the water. You lie yourself down on the sunny side of the boat, sunglasses over your eyes.

“Stay anywhere you like,” you say charmingly. It’s silent for a while, Carlos seating himself on one of the lounge seats in the shaded area, and then you’re moving around on your towel.

You peer over your lenses, blinking and sitting up, and this is when he knows he can’t do it.

“Carlos,” you call out. “Can you put sunscreen on my back?” You get up again, rifling in your bag for the bottle of sunscreen, dragging a hand through your hair to comb it out. It falls in loose waves, swishing when you turn to hand him the bottle. He pretends he’d been distracted on page 210 when he accepts it, watching as you sit in front of the seat, your back turned to him, your little figure in-between his spread legs. 

A minute passes with no hand at your back. “Go ahead, move even slower,” you joke, and the tension breaks a little; he humors you, laughs and apologizes.

“It’s because hour hair is in the way,” he says, touching it gently, combing it to the side.

“Wait—” You dig through your bag again and pull out a blunt pink ribbon, slipping it into his hand. “Can you braid it for me?”

“Braid?” He doesn’t know jack shit about braiding hair. “I don’t know how.”

“At that age of yours and you don’t know anything about how to please a girl,” you whistle lowly. “Adult virgin?” 

But you guide him through it despite your teasing, teaching him to divide your hair in threes, weaving one strand over the other until “it looks half decent.” He fucks up a few times and your hair looks odd at some point, but in the end, it’s—well, it’s a braid.

“How is it?” You ask, and he can hear your smile.

He does the job well enough for a first-timer, he thinks, finishing it with the ribbon, which he ties loosely lest you’re unhappy with the finished product. It becomes easier to move your hair out of the way, and once your back is saturated with sunscreen, you unfold your legs and get up, turning around and smiling down at his sitting figure.. Loose tendrils of hair frame your face, the braid resting at your back softly, already loosening.

“Your hair can be braided, too,” you comment quietly, knotting a rogue few strands in your fingers. It hasn’t been this tense since that night at the beach, but that ended before the tension rose further—this, now, keeps going. You step closer and he leans back, smiling. “Can I?”

He blinks, nostrils flaring, then nods, his grip on your hips gentle when you sit on his lap, your legs on either side of his. You smile coquettishly, feeling how hard he is underneath you, the denim of his jeans rough against the skin of your bare thighs. Your skirt’s riding up on them with every little shift you make, just to rile him up.

Carlos drinks in the sight of you, sunkissed and on his lap, legs sprawled out, pretty little face framed, bottom lip in your teeth. You’re inviting him closer, your gaze meeting his with sleepy, demure eyes—do something. You look so fucking precious, so pretty. It makes him want to give you everything right now.

You reach forward, make an attempt to try and weave his hair together—but he grinds upward, your breath hitching and a whimper punched out of your mouth.

Your hands are shaking now, barely able to piece his hair together with how good his clothed cock feels pressed against you, where you need it most. 

“Carlos,” you gasp, and all he can really think is—where’d all your fight go? You were so used to being a brat and a half, now you’re whimpering, on the edge of begging.

“Be quiet,” Carlos grunts, digging his fingers into your hips. His other hand lifts your skirt, bunching the fabric around your hips for a better view of your cunt rubbing against the bulge in his pants. The damp fabric of your panties is swallowed between your lips with every grind you make forward and he has to stop himself from cursing out loud at the sight. “Good girl.”

Your hands move from his hair to his shoulders, sturdy and broad; you can feel him squeeze your waist with both hands, then pull you down against him, just once, so your weight presses down on the hard shape of his cock. It makes him shudder and you whine out loud. You resist the urge to grind over it; you’re already so wet you’re making a mess on his jeans.

His praise, mumbled deep and slow in your ear, gets you feeling all warm, almost ditzy. Your hips roll on their own, chasing the delicious drag of rough denim against your clit, slick soaks into and through your panties, making the material cling to the shape your folds. Carlos’ hands are rough when they wander and grope, hiking this godforsaken skirt up so he can press a thumb against the centre of your folds.

“Been so good for you, Carlos,” you whine, circling your hips against him. He can’t stop staring at your pretty, fucked-out eyes, your bitten lips. He shoves two fingers in-between them, imagines how they looked just a few days ago slick with ice cream—now your tongue is laving over his hand. The braid you'd just taught him is quickly unraveling with every nod of your head. “‘M gonna—can I—” The pleas leave you quick, your voice choked.

Euphoric, your mind lifts, foggy and saturated with pleasure, the braid almost completely undone now. His praise is so addictive, gets you worked up and needy. Come on, he says. Make a mess. His accent, his deep voice, the way it rumbles right through you—his voice drops, his touch a little heavier as he presses harder.

You gonna cum for me? His thumb rubs faster until you’re gasping, shuddering, little ahs leaving your lips. He’s got the upper hand now, but you can hear the strain, the suppression in his voice as he rubs over the soaked fabric; you feel his cock growing under you, getting harder. 

P—please—I want to—please let me, you say breathlessly, and you’ve never needed it to the point of begging before, but Carlos is different. He keeps going, doesn’t give you permission, rubbing faster, your heart hammering in your chest.

Feel good?

Y—yeah, you whimper, trying your best not to fall apart here, on your dad’s boat, where anybody could walk on—or maybe see you from afar, humping your dad’s friend in broad daylight. He loves watching you like this; you’ve somehow become even prettier, face flushed and voice shaky.

Come on, he goads. Be a good girl. Cum for me.

It’s the only instruction that matters to you right now, your body seizing with it and cute little moans escaping you as you finish. You catch your breath against his chest, craving warmth even if it’s hot—maybe you’re craving him, his touch, Carlos, just Carlos. You maneuver yourself so legs, exhausted from shaking, are on one side of his body—he holds you close, humming.

He rubs a steady hand across your lower back, gentle and firm and you want him so much more now. “Are you okay?” He asks. “Talk to me.”

“Perfect,” you pant against his polo, fingers playing with the stitching, tugging the collar down so you can mouth at his skin. His hand plays with what’s left of the braid, winds the pink ribbon around his fingers. “Let’s go for a swim.”

—

“And we drove the jet ski around, too,” you say gleefully, your damp hair bobbing with every move of your head. Your face is sunkissed, a little sore from being in the sun for most of the afternoon. Carlos laughs along from where he is at the grill—he’s cooking for dinner, on a quest to make burgers because he’s known for making the best ones back in Madrid, apparently. Your dad, of course, insists on joining, and the two have been asking and answering questions while you and your mum sip rosé at the table.

“Did you have fun?” Your mum asks, her head turning to address Carlos.

“Yeah, tons,” he replies with a smile, his eyes meeting yours for a brief second. You know what he means. It’s been only two days since the afternoon on the boat, and since then you’ve mostly swam and ridden around on the jet ski with Carlos—nothing more.

“See, sweetie,” she adds, placing a hand over yours. “I told you this summer would be fun with him around!”

“Mmm, yeah,” you say, nodding and parting from your glass, “I can really count on him for some excitement.” The statement catches his attention and he almost trails off, eyes returning to yours, before he continues speaking in Spanish to your dad about something or other.

The burgers’ reputation precedes them, and is warranted, you learn later when you’re biting into it for the first time. The remainder of dinner passes by in lively conversation, the sun setting low underneath the Comporta horizon, wine taking the place of rosé. Carlos mentions the racing world again, about how he’ll be back into the thick of it sooner than later, and you pulse with something akin to sadness.

Your parents, apparently so grateful for the blessing that is Carlos’ burgers, offer to clean up and before long, they retreat to their downstairs bedroom. Upstairs, you marinate in your thoughts, blinking up at your ceiling, twining your pink ribbon around your fingers as your hair dries splayed over your bedding. You let your arm down, in the process bumping your elbow against a hard surface.

Upon investigation, you find it’s a copy of Norweigan Wood. 

Carlos is at his desk, taking a timezone-separated call about simulation and season prep, when two soft knocks go at his door and it creaks open. He turns the chair away from the desk to see who it is. An ankle steps in first, then more leg, and then you—in a lovely, pretty pink lace dress, your face illuminated by the moonlight outside. One hand clutches a copy of his book; the other, the ribbon he’d used on your hair earlier.

He’s nursing a bottle of beer, just to help ease the drag of the day, and he watches you approach him, your footsteps quiet against the hardwood of the floor. Wait, he mouths, finishing the call in a hushed tone, and when he hangs up you approach him again.

“I thought you should have this back,” you say, offering him the book. Your eyes rake over him, wearing the same getup he’d worn to dinner—denim jeans, because he’d ducked out to buy food, except he’s ridden himself of his shirt. 

He takes the book, places it on the table, continues staring up at you. “And I thought you should keep this.” The ribbon, pale pink, is now looped around his wrist and tied into a delicate ribbon at the apex of it. You admire your handiwork with a smile tugging at the corners of your lips.

You lean down, face just shy of his. “We shouldn’t,” he manages to eke out, his voice strained.

“But you want to,” you respond softly. “No one’s going to know. Our little secret.”

His eyes are shut, contemplating, and then he’s kissing you—the only thing you’ve wanted, craved, touched yourself to the thought of over the course of the summer. You reciprocate immediately, parting your lips to let him kiss you deeper, a whimper leaving your mouth. He kisses like he knows he’s a good kisser, and he really is. His scent is intoxicating, a drug, sending arousal and desire straight through you.

You part, eyes half-lidded as you stand straight again. You cock your head slowly to the side, and with your head’s movement your hair follows, gathering on one side. It exposes much of your shoulder and collarbones, which lay underneath the thin lace dress you wear to sleep, and which is now subject to Carlos' unwavering stare. He has no shame, eyes raking over you, up and down and back up. One hand curled around a bottle of beer, the other coming up to slowly graze the back of your thigh.

Your breath hitches. “Do you like the dress?” You ask softly, teasingly. It’s nothing special, Carlos, you seem to say; it’s just a nightie.

His hand is rough against the thin skin of your leg, traveling upward. He gives you a nod in response; he does like it, the sheer material, the pink color, the loose way it hugs your body. Roughly, he voices his assent. “Come sit on my lap.”

“Wait,” you say, pouting. Your knee rubs softly against the material of his jeans, and you slowly sink onto your knees, hands placing themselves on your thighs. His grip goes from the back of your thigh to your hair, combing it softly, cradling your face. 

“Let me,” you say, letting your silence imply everything unsaid. He’s going crazy, losing his mind.

“So pretty,” he says, nodding. his voice thin. “Go ahead, baby.”

The petname gets you dizzy. You lean forward, resting your face on the hard bulge in his pants, smiling up at him. You’ve got these big, doe eyes, begging him, and he’s not so sure he even has the upper hand anymore—he would do anything you asked, any request that left those pretty bitten lips. He gathers your hair in two hands, forms a messy, unclean braid, crisscross at the back of your head just so he has something to grip while he fucks your throat.

You make quick, deft work of unbuttoning his jeans, and he watches, leaned back on the chair, legs spread wide with bent knees on either side of your body, caging you in. Carlos’ eyes are half-lidded, a hand at your braid, bringing his beer to his lips, swallowing before he sets it onto the adjacent desk.

His cock is big—thick, intimidating—and you can’t help but wonder how you’re going to fit the whole thing in your mouth without choking. It twitches in your palms the longer you stroke him, precum weeping from the head and slicking up your palms. Gruff expletives, in Spanish and English, slip past his gritted teeth and the sounds travel directly to your core, causing you to instinctively press your thighs together to soothe the ache blossoming there.

You take head of his cock into your mouth, feel it roll over your tongue, heavy and warm. Drool gathers in your mouth and your fingers dig into the muscle of his thighs in anticipation. The hand wound around your braid, pressed against your head, presses heavier slowly, slotting the first few inches of cock into your mouth while avoiding the back of your throat. You relax, letting your lips seal around the length, cheeks hollowing and tongue lulling at the underside. He curses.

You continue bobbing your head, lewd noises leaving your mouth with every move you make; it embarrasses you, but also sends slick gushing out of you.

Tears prick at the corners of your eyes when the tip of his cock grazes the back of your throat; you cough, fingers heavy as they dig into the flesh of his still-denim clas thighs; drool trickles onto his balls. The hand remains there, though, pushing you and keeping you pinned in place as he slowly thrusts upward. You haven’t even gotten him all the way.

You gag and sputter, eyes fully watering the harder Carlos bullies his cock into your throat; you’re dizzy with arousal and submission, maybe one, maybe both, you’re too far gone.

“Easy,” he orders, and you will yourself to breathe nasally, relaxing, burying more of him in you. He loves seeing you like this, hair all pretty—his braid, too—and on your knees, trying your best to please him. “Being so good for me, good girl,” he says, losing resolve. You’re so pretty when you cry, eyes rimmed and bloodshot, tear streaks all over your cheekbones.

He ruts shallowly into your throat, every move punctuated by a guttural gag from your end—once, twice, a third time, before finally he releases you. You let out a cough, and a gasp, breathy, a string of saliva connecting your lips to his tip. He doesn’t want to cum yet—not like this. You gaze up at him, big eyes anticipating, and he guides you upward, on the bed.

He kicks his jeans off and readjusts his briefs, watches you scramble to position yourself on the bed, sitting down properly. “Will you fuck me now?” You ask, your sweet voice raspy. He likes knowing he’s the reason why.

You inch yourself backward so you’re fully on his bed, a hand traveling to stop your tiny dress from riding up any further. He steps closer, one knee on the bed, caging you in again, and stops you. His gaze flickers down to your legs, forces your knees apart so he can see in between them. Your pretty cunt’s soaked through your panties. “Don’t hide from me,” he says, voice rough as he steps back off the bed and kneels beside it.

“Carlos,” you breathe, letting him have his way with you. Your mind’s all fuzzy, but it’s okay—he takes care of you. 

Strong arms snake around your thighs and pull you toward him until your cunt is level with his face. His breath, warm, fans against you, muted by the thin fabric of your panties and it does nothing to help the unadulterated, dirty arousal throbbing in your cunt. He bites at the flesh of your inner thigh, then hooks two fingers into your panties and pulls them aside.

The taste of you is so good; it goes straight to Carlos’ head. And all of your embarrassed, whiny whimpers, the way your fingers knot helplessly into his hair as he drags his tongue up your cunt — that drives him absolutely crazy. He licks at your pussy, sticks his tongue in, nudges your clit with his nose, ekes whimpers and debauched moans out of your lips.

He pushes two fingers into you, doesn’t give you time to adjust before he’s fucking them in and out, moans spilling out of you involuntarily. It’s lewd, it’s dirty, getting his friend’s daughter all spread out for him like this, but Carlos loves it. More, you sob, more, please, I need—yeah—

His skilled tongue doesn’t let up, continues toying with you, licking up all the arousal oozing out of your cunt. He eats you, fucks you with his fingers, until your eyes are welling up with overwhelm and the need to release, your hands pulling at his long hair—your pussy dripping, quivering, right at the edge of your orgasm.

Any of the reservations you had are now out the window. Your grip on Carlos’ hair is tight, pushing his head deeper into your pussy and grinding against his mouth mindlessly.

I’m cumming—!

Your voice is so dirty, so lewd, so needy, when you finally finish around him, slick dripping out and your pussy twitching, clenching and unclenching around nothing as you release. Panting, you hoist yourself on your elbows, your braid surprisingly intact, and pout down at him.

“I said fuck me.”

“So you complain,” he responds with a coy smile, his lips shiny with your slick. You want him to fuck you stupid.

He does eventually, gets you all calm and lying down on the bed, knees to your chest. Your feet cross and uncross with anticipation. He lets his cock rest first on your stomach, where it twitches, smearing precum under your belly button.

“That’s where you’ll be,” you say, stroking him. When he finally does begin thrusting into you, he wishes he could save the image of your pretty eyes fluttering closed, puffy lips open in a whimper.

Your legs tremble with the size you’re taking, his hand gentle as it is firm on your hips, forcing you to take him, take him good, take him better. Good girl, he’s saying, good fucking girl. Inch by inch, you struggle to take all of him, his girth thicker than what your cunt is willing to take. You’re positive you’ll feel him in your stomach.

“Carlos,” you whimper, voice aching.

“Fuck,” is all he can muster, watching your pussy swallow him. “So tight.”

He’s drunk on the feeling of you, wet and clenching around him, so tight. He can tell you’re high on it too, on the stretch of him, the way you keep trying to meet every thrust, legs already beginning to tremble with pleasure and deep arousal. He bottoms out, an expletive leaving him in Spanish, and then slowly begins to fuck in and out of you.

He watches your face, the way your brows knit as you take him, take his cock, eyelides fluttering. “So good,” you moan, mouth open. He drops a glob of spit onto your tongue, tells you to swallow—you do, presenting your empty tongue to him. Good girl, prettiest girl—any and all praise leaves him in dizzy, heady breaths.

“Teasing me for so long,” he pants, his dick splitting you in half. “This what you wanted? Hmm?”

But even in your cloudy mind, you find the grit to retaliate, teasingly, a cloy smile on your lips. “You said it was wrong,” you gasp out with every thrust. “Fucking your friend’s daughter.”

“But you love it,” Carlos goads. “Do you?”

You nod, cockdrunk, but it’s not enough. “Use your words, pretty. You can do it.”

“I do, I love it. I need more,” you whine, getting off on his teasing, on the implication that this is all wrong, that neither of you should be doing this. “Needed this so much, Carlos.” You crack your eyes open to watch the bulge in your abdomen, the shape of his girth splitting you open. He slams into you harder and you try to squirm away, but he keeps you pinned in place.

“And if your dad walked in?”

You gush slick all over him. “Carlos,” you plead.

“Saw his daughter taking his friend’s dick?” He says it low into your ear, bending to make sure you hear all of it. “Taking it like a good girl, too.” He pulls out, slaps your ruined hole with his dick, then shoves it in deep again, groaning when you cry out—getting off on you whining about how sensitive you are, the way you tremble under him and around him. Your pretty little face, all sweaty and ruined.

“I’m gonna—fuck—I’m, Carlos—I’m gonna cum,” you say, nodding. You’ve probably cum twice already, little bursts of pleasure causing your cunt to twitch around him, sensitive. “Can I—?” 

“That’s it,” he praises. “Come on, cum for me. Been so good for me.” You tremble around him as you finish, broken moans fucked out of you with every surge of his hips forward.

He’s close, too, having held off fucking you for the past how many days, and you can tell; his thrusts get shallower, faster, until his hips are stuttering and he’s panting your name out, long hair framing his flushed, pretty face. You reach up to comb a hand through it. “Cum inside me,” you beg, watching him go crazy, his nostrils flaring and eyes blinking quick. 

He pumps his cum into you, thrusting several times as he rides it out, fucking you full of him, of his cum. You relish in the feeling, of being his girl, his good girl. “You’re a mess,” he comments, his face buried into your neck. He pulls out, both of you sighing at the sight and feeling of his cum dribbling out of you, onto the bed.

You unfold your legs, sitting up despite how sore you feel. Your dress is damp with sweat, and slick, and cum. “I feel a mess.” You pout.

“You look pretty.”

“Can I sleep here tonight?” You ask, voice meek. He nods, holds you tight as you both drift off, like he knows that you won’t be his to call his by the time the summer wanes and Comporta is left empty again.

—

“It’s the post-race interview,” Ali calls. “Hurry!”

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” You hop into the living room, tossing her the bag of popcorn she’d requested you to cook. Fall has officially dawned upon the city, adorning it with orange and red leaves, jazz music and cold nights—and weekends watching races.

Around you, all your university friends watch with intense gazes at the winner of the latest Formula One grand prix—something none of you had been remotely interested in just months prior.

You watch, eyes glittering, at the winner. Tan skin, long hair, jogging over to the journalist. Sainz, what a stellar drive! She sounds awestruck, genuinely taken aback by his dominance on the track today. She asks for a message in Spanish, as always; a few words of inspiration, and then, just as a fun little tidbit—did you have a good luck charm today?

He smiles to himself, like he’s just heard an inside joke and seems to think for a minute. “No, not really.” Then he combs a hand through his hair. There, looped around his wrist, is a pretty, pale pink ribbon.

[leclerqueensainz]

TAG LIST :

A Family Of Three (C.L 16)

Synopsis: Charles and Marie ended any chance of a relationship years ago. They just didn't expect to have to share custody of a child after the death of their best friend.

Hi! I have been receiving some requests from people to be added to the 'A Family of Three' Tag List, so answering to those requests, here it is!

✨If you want to be added, please comment on this post!✨

Oi! Estou recebendo alguns pedidos de pessoas para serem adicionadas a Tag List de ‘Uma Familia de Três’, então respondendo a pedidos, aqui está!

✨caso queiram ser adicionados, por favor comentem nesse post!✨

English Version:

@pjofics

@ru-kru

@alwaysclassyeagle

@lara03

@ushygushybaby

@numafarawayglxy

@kyomihann

@allthisfortommy

@livinglifethroughfanfic

@woofgocows

Versão em PT- BR:

@rafaaoli

@annevy

@spngi

[leclerqueensainz]

A Family of Three (C.L 16)

Part II - Changes will be necessary all the time.

Paring: Charles Leclerc X OC!Marie Anderson

⚠️ Warnings: English is not my first language!!!Sadness, mention of death, profanity, mention of adoption. (+16)

**In this story, Jules Bianchi died in 2019, not 2015, which changes some facts in the careers of the drivers.

Feedback is always welcome. Let me know if you liked it!

Word Count:6.571

Prologue Part.I

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April 03, 2018 - Nice, France

"Are you guys excited about Bahrain?" I ask the two pilots sprawled out on the couch.

It was a hot day in France, and Charles and I had come to Nice to enjoy a few days with Jules before they had to leave for the next race, which would be in Bahrain.

We were all lounging on the couch, with Charles and Jules sitting and me lying down, resting my head on Charles' lap and my legs on Jules' lap.

YouTube was connected to the TV and playing some random playlist. Due to the argument between Charles and me earlier about choosing a song, Jules, being the peaceful mediator that he is, took control of our hands and put on the first playlist he saw. And now, here we are, listening to Adele.

"It will be my second race in Formula 1, so yes," Charles answers while running his fingers through my hair.

"You love saying that, don't you?" I ask, tilting my head and looking up at him. Charles takes his eyes off the black and white clip that was playing on the TV and looks down at me.

"What do you mean?" He asks with a playful smile.

"That you're in Formula 1," I say, and he laughs, his adorable dimples appearing on his face.

"Yes, but I swear it wasn't intentional this time," he says, and I shake my head.

"You're an idiot," I reply, trying to sound serious, but the smile doesn't leave my face.

I am so proud of him. It's his debut year in Formula 1, and he did well in the first race of the season in Australia.

"You know, looking at you from this angle brings back great memories from last night," he says, leaning in to kiss me, but before his lips can reach mine, a pillow hits Charles' head and lands on my face.

"Don't start with your nonsense in front of me!" Jules says, making a disgusted face. I laugh, and Charles throws the pillow at him.

"I can't believe you guys had sex in my guest room. I changed the sheets yesterday morning," Jules says, tilting his head back and putting the pillow against his face.

"Of course, you didn't let us do it again in your kitchen," Charles says, shrugging. I feel my body burning with embarrassment and reach out to smack him on the head.

"Of course, I wasn't going to let you guys have sex in my kitchen and... wait," Jules pauses, seeming to process what Charles said, and removes the pillow from his face to glare at us indignantly. "What do you mean 'again'?" he asks, and I bury my face in Charles' abdomen. "Please tell me you didn't have sex in my kitchen." I remain hidden, but through a small crack, I can see Charles' Adam's apple bobbing up and down.

"Well, you see..." Charles starts to say, but Jules jumps up quickly and makes me fall to the ground. "Ow!" I exclaim as my butt hits the hard, cold floor. "I can't believe you guys had sex in my kitchen!" Jules yells with an expression of pure horror and disgust.

"Shh, Jules! Do you want the whole building to know?" I say.

"You sneaky bastards! I open up my house to you and you open up in my kitchen?" he asks, standing and staring at Charles and me.

I get up from the ground and sit next to Charles on the couch, my butt still hurting from the fall. "Actually, only she was open and-" I interrupt Charles by placing my hand over his mouth. "Boy, for the love of God, be quiet!" I say through gritted teeth, and he nods his head and tries to say something that becomes incomprehensible with my hand over his mouth. I turn my attention back to Jules. "Jules, it wasn't intentional, I swear! And we cleaned and disinfected everything afterward." Jules continues to look at us with a look of disbelief and disgust for a few seconds before collapsing on the couch and laughing.

Charles and I look at each other, me with my hand still on his mouth, trying to understand what happened. "Are you okay, man?" Charles tries to communicate, and when he realizes he can't, he opens his mouth and licks the palm of my hand, making me quickly move it away with a look of disgust. "Don't make that face at me, Marie. We both know you love it when I use my tongue on you," he says smugly.

"ENOUGH! You two are forbidden from having sex," Jules says, trying to sound serious, but it doesn't last long because soon he's back to laughing, and Charles and I join in.

I feel my heart overflowing with love for the two of them at that moment. And I make a promise to never, ever let these moments end.

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January 18, 2023 - Nice, France.

"She wants us to take care of Vincenzo," I say.

Silence prevails for a few minutes, the only sound coming from the table where Vincenzo and the waitress play happily, and Cecilia's uneven breathing trying to hold back tears.

"What?" Charles is the first to break the silence, his voice broken, but my attention remains on Cecilia. "You can't be serious," he scoffs.

"I know this is too much," she begins. "But I need trustworthy people to take care of Vincenzo. I really can't do this right now," she justifies.

"Are you going crazy?" Charles says in disbelief. "Seriously, tell me how you concluded that showing up in the lives of two strangers who have never heard of you, saying you have a son of their dead best friend, who just died because you couldn't control your own life, and telling them they need to take care of YOUR son, who is just one more consequence of irresponsible acts you have taken throughout your existence, and we would simply say yes, with smiles and hugs. Please explain to me how you arrived at that," he says quickly, and I notice Cecilia shudder.

"I never thought you guys would just accept the idea like that, Charles," Cecilia looks at him seriously. "Do you think I wanted this? Do you think I wanted to be asking you guys for this? No! I didn't!" she exclaims and slams her open palm on the table.

I look toward the table where Vicenzo is and thank god he is still entertained with the paper cups the waitress gave him.

"I know the least I could do is be a decent mother to him. But I can't. I failed at that too, just like I failed at everything I've done in my life," her eyes fill with tears, and her tone is full of anger, but I realize it's not directed at Charles or me, it's at herself. "I'd rather be a shitty mother who gives up raising her child than be a shitty mother who ruined any chance of giving him a future with trustworthy people," her voice trembles and a few tears fall down her face.

"You've known us for less than an hour, Cecilia," it's me who speaks this time. "How do you know we are trustworthy or capable of taking care of Vincenzo?" I ask.

"Because Jules trusted you," she replies simply. "Jules would give his life for any one of you, and I know if he were in my place, he would do the same."

"But it's not him who's here," Charles responds through clenched teeth. "It's you who's here. And you're the one who's caused all of this. I don't know who you think you are or what makes you think we'll agree with this madness you've created in your head. But listen to my words," he leans in closer across the table. "You're not going to shift this responsibility onto us. You don't want to ruin your son's future? Let me make it easy for you, you already have," he says, his body tense with anger. "You ruined it from the moment you became the cause of Vincenzo's father's death and when you started using your crap again. And having you here in front of me, saying you want to abandon him, only proves the kind of woman you are," Cecilia swallows hard and shrinks in her chair. "I never thought I'd say that Jules was wrong in any decision to help someone, but he was definitely wrong when he chose you." He finishes and stands up. "I will have my agent contact you. I'll give whatever financial help is necessary to assist with Vincenzo."

Cecilia follows him with her eyes and then turns back to me. Her face is asking for help, but even I couldn't help her now. It was all too much. I grab my bag that's hanging next to the chair and I also stand up.

"I want to be a part of Vincenzo's life, Cecilia," I say and hold out my phone towards her. "Please, put your phone number in, I'll have my secretary contact you and send you some money for Vincenzo and for a rehab center of your choice to continue your treatment. Of course, during this time, I can contact Jules' family to let them know. They also live here in Nice and I bet Christine would love to take care of him while you recover." Cecilia stares at the phone for a few seconds and then pushes my hand away.

"You don't understand, do you, Marie?" She says and lets out a nervous laugh. "There's no recovery for me. I'm not going to raise Vincenzo. I can't do it." She pleads with her eyes. "I knew convincing both of you wouldn't be easy, so I took another alternative." She says and takes out a brown envelope from inside a child's bag that I just now realized she put at her feet. She extends the envelope and I take it.

"What is this?" Charles asks, standing next to me, trying to read the documents that I pulled out of the envelope.

"These are the documents for Vincenzo's adoption," she says, and I stop staring at the papers and turn my gaze to her. "I contacted a lawyer weeks ago and he made two documents. One for both of you, where you accept full guardianship of Vincenzo and the other is for an adoption center." She finishes explaining and my hands tremble and my body becomes cold. Charles takes the papers from my hand and quickly reads over them.

"Are you sending him to an orphanage?" He asks sharply and is scared. Cecilia nods her head.

"These are the only options I found. Look, I'm sorry about this. But I really need you to take care of him." She stands up and pleads. "I would hate to have to leave him in an orphanage to be adopted by strangers, but besides you, it would be the only hope option for my son to be happy." She cries uncontrollably. "Please, don't do it for me, do it for Jules." She appeals and I feel my heart tighten in a mixture of anger and sadness.

Nothing she is doing is fair to anyone. Not to me, Charles, or Vincenzo. She is not giving us a choice but an ultimatum. Either we accept guardianship of Vincenzo or he will go up for adoption and be raised by god knows who.

Charles and I continue to stare at her and see her grab her purse and put it over her shoulder.

"You have until tomorrow afternoon to decide. My contact is written on one of these papers." She looks at us with an expression of guilt. "I'm sorry for putting you in this position, but I didn't have any other choice." She wipes her tears and walks over to the table where Vincenzo is and picks him up. She gives us one last look and walks towards the door."

"Bye bye, lady with fiery hair!" Vincenzo's voice sounds loud and childish and his little hand raises to wave at the redheaded waitress who waves back. Before Charles and I can react, the boy's attention turns to us and he stares at us curiously for a second and then smiles with crooked teeth. "Bye bye, Daddy's friends!" He waves cheerfully and Cecilia lays his little head on her shoulder and leaves through the door as quickly as possible.

My eyes fill with tears and all the emotion I felt during the day overflows inside me. I glance at Charles from the corner of my eye and see that he continues to stare at the door, a tear rolling down his face.

[…]

"Yes, Marcella. I will be staying here for a bit longer. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned and my aunt will need care for a while longer. Yes, that's right. It will only be until I can hire a trustworthy nurse. Thank you, and no, you can send it to me by email. Okay, thank you, and don't worry. Yes, please let Mr. Mosby know. Thanks again, we'll talk tomorrow afternoon. Kisses and goodnight." I end the call and throw my phone onto the hotel bed.

My head aches and it's because of the events earlier today.

As soon as we left the café - after Charles paid the bill and left a generous tip of 50 thousand euros to the owner, who we found out was the brunette who gave water to Cecilia - Charles asked where I was staying and I told him. He offered me a ride and decided to get a room for himself too, as he said he had come directly from another country that I don't remember now and hadn't stopped anywhere before the café.

We agreed to discuss our options regarding Vincenzo over dinner in my room at 10 p.m.

When I went up to my room, leaving Charles in the lobby, the first thing I did was take off my clothes and run to the shower for a long bath, trying to wash away all the frustration and anger of the day. Showers have always been my safe space. No matter what happens, a good shower can relieve 75% of any stress and problem. Or at least I thought so.

After the shower, I went to my closet, looking for any comfortable and decent clothes I could wear in Charles' company. I discarded jeans and high-necked shirts for being uncomfortable, and my pajamas and nightgowns for being too risqué. That left me with only baggy sweatpants and an 80's band t-shirt.

"Well, it'll have to do," I said to myself, staring at my reflection in the mirror. "It's not like you need to dress up for dinner with your ex-boyfriend in a hotel room. He's not coming here to find you sexy, Marie," I say to my reflection. "He's coming here because your dead best friend had a child with a crazy addict, and now you have to decide whether to raise him or let him go to an orphanage where he could be adopted by a recent version of the Benders family." I feel my chest tighten with anxiety and shake my head, trying to push the thoughts away.

Hours later, the image of Vincenzo staring at me and Charles still runs through my mind. His dark, sparkling eyes, happy smile, and chubby little hand. He's so beautiful, Jules' miniature copy, cute and innocent, who has no idea how his life is going to change. The garbled but very correct words for a three-year-old made my heart fill with love and guilt. And an extreme concern.

"Damn it, Jules, what did you do?" I say, tossing and turning in bed. "How did such a responsible guy like you get involved with someone like her?" I stare at the ceiling as if Jules were going to appear there and answer me.

Jules was always the kind of man who didn't like trouble. He was passive, sweet, and a little bossy sometimes, but always kind. But he also always liked to help and defend the weakest and most defenseless, and maybe that's what happened. He found the damsel in distress that was Cecilia and saved her.

"And then you stuck your dick in her, you bastard. Look what we have now!" I mutter angrily. "If only you were here..." but he isn't. I think, "Jules trusted you." "Jules would give his life for any of you, and I know that if he were in my place, he would do the same." Cecilia's words reappear in my head.

"Would you, wouldn't you? If it had been Charles in your place and me in her place, would you take care of our son, right?" I keep asking the ceiling and feel a warm tear run from the corner of my eyes down to the soft pillow. "I don't know how to be a mother, Jules. I didn't even have a decent mother to teach me things like that. It was always you, Charles, and your family that I borrowed from," I confess. "And what if I'm a terrible influence on him? He's so little and so beautiful. He looks like you, you know? Your copy. But a prettier version," I laugh. "You would love him. You would take such good care of him. Just like you took care of me and Charles, even when we didn't want to," I wipe away the tears that are flowing more intensely. "I'm sorry you can't be here. Sorry, you can't see him. It's not fair, Jules, none of it is. You deserved more than this. You were supposed to be with your family now and not...not in a cemetery," I sigh in frustration.

I get out of bed and go to the bathroom, feeling every part of my body heavy and trying to contain my thoughts. I wash my face with cold water and tie my curls into a high ponytail. I return to the bedroom and sit on the bed, picking up my phone and seeing a text message from Charles.

I laugh at his message and stretch on the bed to grab the phone that is on the nightstand and dial the number for room service at the hotel, which is written in a little notebook next to the phone. I order two burgers with plenty of French fries and Ketchup sauce - because I know Charles' childlike taste buds - and two cokes to drink. The receptionist replies that it will be ready in half an hour and I thank her before hanging up.

As soon as I put the phone back on the hook, I hear the sound of knocking on the door and I get up already knowing that it was Charles. I open the door and come face to face with the pilot who looks at me and smiles. His demeanor shows that he is as tired as I am, and if I still know him well, I can guarantee that his mind is not letting him rest for a second.

"Hi," he says.

"Hi," I reply and step back to the corner so he can come in. "Come in," I say as he enters the room and looks around.

For a moment, I swear I saw him take a deep breath, but I pretend not to notice.

"I ordered food, half an hour until it's ready," I say, passing by him and sitting on the bed.

Charles nods and sits in the small armchair next to the bed, facing it.

"It's a nice room," he says, and I realize that he's nervous, maybe as much as I am. I couldn't tell if it was because he had to stay in a room with me or because of the earlier situation. Or maybe it's both.

"Yeah, it's comfortable," I reply simply, also looking around. The room is not big or luxurious, but it meets my needs and is really cozy.

We fall into an uncomfortable silence. We knew why we were there, but the conversation seems to be stuck in our throats. It was a difficult decision, the fate of a child that we learned about less than a week ago is in our hands and neither I nor Charles knows how to deal with it. Both of us were not expecting Cecilia's ultimatum. I didn't even know what would happen in that conversation, much less have to decide to raise a child. My best friend's son.

-I called my public relations agent. - Charles breaks the silence and I stare at him in surprise. - I know it was a bit impulsive, but whatever happens, I thought it would be best to get in touch with her and ask her to come here. She's arriving tomorrow. - He looks down at his hands and begins to fiddle with the rings on his fingers.

"You did the right thing," I say, and he looks back at me. "We don't know what's in store for us, and you're a public figure. You have a career that needs to stay away from any scandal." He nods, and I give him a reassuring half-smile.

"Have you thought about it?" he asks, and this time I nod.

"To be honest, I haven't stopped thinking about it for a single minute," I reply.

"I was wondering what he would do if he were in our shoes," Charles says, referring to Jules. "And I know what he would do." He finishes, and I see tears in his eyes, but he looks back down at his hands.

"I know too," I reply and let out a heavy breath. "Jules wouldn't think twice about saving the day. He loved being the hero." I let out a low laugh, and Charles joins in.

"Remember when he climbed the tree to save my neighbor's cat?" He asks, and I laugh even louder.

"Yes! That idiot almost broke his arm trying to get down with the cat," I say, and Charles throws his head back, laughing even harder.

"And he still got scratched," he adds.

We laugh, remembering Jules being attacked by the cat as soon as he stepped on the ground.

"I confess that I wish I could be more like him," Charles says, and I stare at him, the smile falling from his face, and I realize he's entering the dark part of his mind.

"Me too," I reply, trying to pull him back. "I think actually everyone should want to be more like Jules. He was great. Sometimes a bossy jerk, but great." I look at him, and he nods.

We fall into silence again, but this time I'm the first to break it.

"You didn't call your agent just to keep things low. You've already made your decision, haven't you?" I say, and he takes his eyes off his hands and looks at me. His Adam's apple rises and falls, and I have the confirmation I need, and he knows it because his eyes become firmer.

"He would do the same for us," he replies, and I nod my head. "I know it's not how it works, but I feel like I owe it to him. And if you don't want to, I'll handle it alone. I'll do everything I can, I'll hire nannies, housekeepers, and private tutors. I'll pay for everything. But I can't let him go to an orphanage, Marie." He speaks with a low voice, and I nod my head again.

"I think we both owe it to him, you know? For continuing to live. Jules had his life interrupted without even understanding what was going on. He died without knowing his son existed. But we're here, alive. And now we know that Vincenzo exists and needs us." I keep my gaze firm on Charles's and feel my own eyes burning.

Charles gets up from the couch and sits next to me on the bed. I follow his movements with my eyes. He reluctantly puts his arm around my shoulder and if it weren't for the moment, I would have laughed at him. But nothing in that situation was funny. And when he pulls me towards his chest in a comforting hug, that's when I break down.

I let all the frustration, anger, and anguish be taken there. It was fucking scary to have to face things like this and to understand that Charles and I mutually agreed to this situation just makes my head spin. Neither of us has any experience in how to raise a child, but now we would have to learn on the fly.

But what to do? Where to start? Do we need to hire a lawyer? Charles probably has one. And how are we going to raise this child? I live in Italy, and Charles lives in Monaco but spends most of his time traveling the world. This isn't going to work. It's just not possible.

"Shh, it's okay. It's going to be okay." He rubs my arm, his chin resting on my head, and I feel his chest trembling. He's crying too. "I'm scared too, but we'll do this together, okay?" he asks, and I pull my face away from his chest and stare at him.

Our faces are inches apart. His green eyes are swollen and red, as are his cheeks and neck. My eyes go to his mouth and then back up trying to find him, and I realize he's also staring at my lips before returning to my eyes.

It's that damn attraction, even though I know it's not the right time, that thing that pokes at my chest making my heart race, my hands sweat, and my stomach fill with those damn butterflies. The impulse appears and draws me to everything related to him. It's all about Charles. His smell, his skin, his touch, those eyes that see your worst and best versions, and that mouth. Damn soft and perfect lips that I once had the pleasure of experiencing. This is a curse. A punishment.

Charles approaches slowly, his eyes focused on my lips and I close my eyes, waiting for contact. The contact will probably bring us shame and embarrassment the next day, but that now feels so right, even though it's so wrong.

The sound of knocking on the door interrupts our trance and I jump out of bed in an instant, scared. Charles is breathing heavily and staring at me with wide eyes.

"Room service," the maid says from the other side of the door, and I just stand there staring at Charles. His cheeks have become redder than they were and he gets up from the bed and goes to the door to answer it when he realizes that I wasn't going to.

"Good evening, please come in," he says to the maid, and I remain with my back to them. "Can you please leave it up there, thank you." While he attends to the maid, I quickly and briskly walk to the bathroom and slam the door shut.

I turn on the faucet of the sink and cup my hands, filling them with water and splashing it on my face, trying to cool down the heat spreading throughout my body.

"But what is your problem, damn it!?" I ask for my reflection in the small mirror above the sink. "You were going to let him kiss you! You were going to kiss him back! Damn it, this isn't right! You two are in a damn delicate moment and were going to let yourselves go! Grow up, Marie! He's not your Charles anymore and you're only here because you've been put in this damn bad situation!" I close my eyes tightly and take a deep breath.

Pull. One, two, three. Release.

"Enough. It's over," I say one last time to my reflection before turning towards the bathroom door. I take a deep breath before turning the doorknob and opening it, then stepping out.

"You ordered burgers," Charles startles me with his voice, and I look around the room but don't see him. "Out on the terrace," he says, and I look towards the small glass door that separates the room from the terrace, seeing it open. I walk towards it slowly, afraid to face him again.

Charles is sitting in one of the two available chairs, and in front of him on the table, our dinner is set on porcelain plates.

"You said you wanted burgers," I reply, sitting down in the chair across from him at the table. My stomach grumbles slightly as the scent of fresh burgers and newly fried fries hit my nose.

"I know. But you told me you were going to order pizza," he retorts, and I take my eyes off the food in front of me to stare at him.

"But I decided to order burgers," I snap back. Oh god, I need to eat.

I pick up a fry with my hand and bring it to my mouth. It's warm and crispy, delicious.

"Yes. I'm in favor of decisions that are reversed," he responds, and I stare at him.

Charles is grabbing the ketchup container and squeezes it so that the sauce drips over his fries. Childish palate.

"Are we still talking about food?" I ask, putting another fry in my mouth.

"What else would we be talking about?" he retorts, looking at me with a mischievous smile on his lips. I know he's referring to what almost happened in the room just minutes ago.

I play dumb and shrug my shoulders. Two can play this game.

"I don't know, maybe the fact that after all these years, you still prefer to eat burgers even though there are other things on the menu," I say, and he stops chewing his ketchup-covered fry for a moment and looks at me.

"It's been a long time since I've had burgers, and I missed the taste. We've gone through a lot of new things today. Maybe I just want something that I've already tried before and I know will bring me comfort." His eyes remain fixed on mine.

"Maybe it's not healthy. There's a reason why you went so long without eating it," I say, opening the can of Coke and bringing it to my lips. I take a sip of the sweet, fizzy liquid. Charles stares at me the whole time, and even in the dim light of the terrace area, I can still see the dozens of different emotions that pass through his eyes.

"Yes, you're right. It's not healthy, but you still ordered them. You wanted burgers just as much as I did," he counters.

I put the can of Coke on the table and pick up my burger with one hand, and a fry with the other.

"This is the last time I'll swap pizza for burgers, Charles. And you're right, we've been through a lot today and maybe the taste of burgers is something we've gotten used to before and that brought us comfort. But we can't forget that it's still unhealthy, and as good as it may be now, it will be very harmful in the long run," I take a bite of the burger.

Charles nods his head and does the same with his burger, not without first putting ketchup on it.

"Here's to what's good but not healthy," he raises his can of Coke, and I do the same.

Well, that conversation was definitely not about the food.

[…]

"I can't leave Italy, Charles. My whole life is there," I say pacing back and forth in the room.

Charles is sprawled out on the small couch, his brown-green orbs following me with each step.

"And I can't leave Monaco, Marie. For us to have a better chance with Vincenzo's adoption, we both need to play the role of a happy couple living under the same roof," he says and I sigh.

"You hardly even stay in Monaco, Charles. You're always traveling," I stop in front of the couch and cross my arms, staring at him. "So, tell me why we should go to Monaco?" Charles straightens up on the couch and looks at me seriously.

"Because it's our home," he says simply.

"Monaco stopped being my home a long time ago," I say, looking away from him.

"It's where we grew up and had the best moments of our lives, including with Jules. My family lives in Monaco and everything I have is there too," he responds. "I know it seems silly, but I think it would be great to raise Vincenzo there. And I promise to do everything to be as present as possible." I look back at him and for a moment, I want to grab my bag and run out of the hotel. Damn, his puppy-dog eyes.

I sigh loudly and run my hands over my face. I know I could work remotely and maybe convince the directors to pay for an apartment for Marcella if she agrees to move to Monaco. But I feel a small discomfort in thinking that I'm giving up so easily on everything I've achieved in Italy.

"I know it's asking a lot for you to abandon everything you've accomplished these years," Charles comments as if he guessed what I'm thinking. "But think about what we can build with Vincenzo. We can show him every place we went with Jules and made the biggest mistakes." He laughs and I feel my lips form a small smile at the thought of showing Vincenzo more of his father's life. "I know you don't consider Monaco your home anymore, but it used to be and you were happy there." He stands up and puts his hand on my shoulder. "Let me prove to you that it can still be worth it." His voice is tender and warm, and I feel that same impulse from earlier taking over me. But before I let myself be controlled by those emotions, I take a few steps back until I hit the side of the bed. Charles' hand falls from my shoulder and I stare at my feet.

"Okay," I say finally and take a deep breath. "But we'll need rules." I look back at him and can't help but smile when I see his own so openly displayed on that perfect face.

"As many rules as you need, mon ange," he says with his eyes shining, and a shiver runs down my spine.

God help me, this will be the biggest challenge of my life.

January 20, 2023 - Nice, France.

"Is it of your own free will that you want to give custody to Mr. Leclerc and Miss Anderson?" Giovanni, the lawyer Krista, the Communications and PR Director of Ferrari, and Charles' recommended asks Cecilia.

"Yes. Charles and Marie are of my highest trust." Cecilia says, facing me and Charles on the other side of the table. "I know they will be able to take care of my son as no one else could, and that includes me as well." She says, and a small sad but confident smile appears on her lips.

Charles stares at her seriously but nods, and I give her a reassuring smile.

"And do you both agree?" Cecilia's lawyer addresses us.

Charles and I look at each other for a minute, our gaze asking the same question. We both know that many things will have to be sacrificed for Vincenzo's care. I have a career to which I dedicate my life, and Charles does too. But we both agree with everything. We will put Vincenzo first and reconcile the rest. It will be a challenge and a readjustment process for the three of us, but we will make it work. We will be good at this.

"Yes," Charles answers, his eyes still glued to mine.

"Yes," I answer, and my heart skips a beat, and I make a mental note to see a cardiologist. After so many emotions in the last few days, I wouldn't be surprised if I had a heart attack.

Charles smiles, and I reciprocate.

"Okay, then we will proceed with the custody documentation. And after three years, you can legally file for direct adoption," Cecilia's lawyer says.

"Three years?" Charles asks.

"There are some procedures that will be necessary during this period," Giovanni passes two copies of documents to me and Charles. "Since Cecilia and you are applying for direct adoption, legally you both need to have custody of Vincenzo for three years before you can file for adoption. This process can lead to some problems that may occur in the future."

"What kind of problems?" Charles asks.

"There are several different factors, but the most common are biological mothers who regret giving custody and appeal to the courts for a new ruling," Giovanni says, and both Charles and I look at Cecilia.

"I won't do that," she asserts firmly. "It wouldn't be fair to you or Vincenzo."

"There are also guardians who, after a period of coexistence with the child, realize that there are more challenges than expected and do not feel capable of continuing to be responsible for the minors. And thus, they choose to return the child to the parents or an adoption center," the other lawyer says.

"We will face it in the best way we can," Charles responds somewhat crossly. "I know we're new at this, and we don't expect it to be all roses and candy. Vincenzo is an older child and knows who his mother and father are, even if he hasn't met them. We will deal with all the necessary procedures and ensure Vincenzo has the opportunity to have a happy and comfortable life, as well as the best education possible." He says firmly.

My hands tingle with the desire to touch him, but I restrain myself and clench them into fists. When did Charles become such a decisive man? It's sexy. Contain yourself, Marie! This is not the time or place.

“So I don't see any problem in proceeding with the request for temporary custody.” Cecilia's lawyer responds, looking at Charles.

“If that's the best way to ensure that Vincenzo stays with us, then it's okay.” I reply, and Charles just nods. “But is there any possibility of getting custody faster? Charles and I still have a lot to do to prepare for Vincenzo's arrival, and we don't want this news to spread and interrupt our privacy. “ I ask.

“To be honest and maybe a bit unprofessional, but realistic, the process could be much faster for both of you.”Giovanni says. “Charles is a world-famous and wealthy athlete. Talking to the right people, I do not doubt that it will take more than a few days for Vincenzo to be under your care. “ He clarifies his point of view, and I can only agree. Of course, Charles's influence would pull some strings, and even though I always repudiate this kind of action when I witness it, this time I could only feel grateful. We'll do whatever it takes to keep Vincenzo safe with us. Even using the privileges that Charles's fame and money can provide.

“So what are you guys waiting for to find these people? “ Charles asks, and I try to disguise my smile.

Well, this will be more exciting and scary than I thought.

[leclerqueensainz]

Uma Família de Três (C.L 16)

Parte. V- A culpa, a esperança e o medo.

⚠️Avisos: Smut (+18), sexo oral (mulher recebendo), angústia, raiva, menção a embriaguez, Charles muito bravo quebrando as coisas. Esse cap pode conter gatilhos!

*lembrando novamente que nesta história, Jules Bianchi morreu em 2019, o que pode alterar a data de alguns acontecimentos*

Aproveitem a leitura!

Quantidade de palavras: 7.907

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18 de setembro de 2018 — Monte Carlo, Mônaco

Calor, é tudo o que eu consigo sentir. Muito calor.

Monte Carlo amanheceu no que eu posso chamar de Chamas do Inferno. Eu estou praticamente derretendo no apartamento de Charles, mesmo que o ar condicionado esteja ligado em 16 °C.

Jogada na cama, enquanto tenho a sensação que cada célula do meu corpo virou lava, que me queima de dentro para fora, escuto a voz suave e desafinada de Charles cantando ’Kids’do Current Joys, no chuveiro. Essa manhã em particular, ele acordou um pouco estranho, não sei dizer se posso considerar bom-humor matinal de fato como algo estranho, ou se estou apenas sendo uma pessoa amarga, mas pelo amor de deus! Quem acorda em um dia que está sendo uma verdadeira amostra grátis do inferno, tão animado?

— Ai que Inferno! — Tento me arrumar na cama, jogando os lençóis e cobertas para o lado vazio de Charles.

Eu odeio o calor, e mesmo que as pessoas na Europa chorem de felicidade quando acordam com raios de sol e passarinhos cantando na janela, eu acordo como se isso fosse presságio de um dia terrível que se seguirá. A chateação toma conta de cada parte do meu corpo e eu me sinto frustrada e menos produtiva durante todo dia.

Cansada de tentar achar uma posição em que eu me sinta mais fresca, eu decido tirar as poucas roupas que visto, sendo elas uma camiseta de Charles e shorts do meu pijama — que já está só pela misericórdia de tão velho-, ficando apenas de calcinha.

Escuto o barulho do chuveiro sendo desligado e em minutos um Charles, com uma toalha envolta na cintura e cabelo molhado, sai pela porta do banheiro. Ele fica parado e me encara com uma sobrancelha arqueada e um sorriso de canto adorna seus lábios. Se fosse qualquer outro dia eu estaria babando pela visão dele desse jeito.

— Pelo visto o dia vai ser melhor ainda do que eu imaginava.

— Só se for para você, Leclerc, porque para mim já começou péssimo. — Digo azeda.

Charles ri baixo e anda lentamente até a beirada da cama.

— Vamos querida, não seja assim. — Ele diz se curvando um pouco para pegar meu tornozelo direito.

— Não sei como você consegue acordar tão feliz com esse clima parecendo que jogaram nossa cama num vulcão.

Solto um suspiro baixo quando suas mãos começam a fazer uma leve pressão até meu pé.

— O dia está lindo, tomei um banho bem agradável para acordar e ao chegar aqui, dou de cara com a minha belíssima namorada jogada em cima da minha cama, fazendo um ‘topless’. — Ele beija o meu calcanhar e eu aperto os olhos aproveitando a sensação. — Tem como ser triste?

— Tem, quando você acorda com a sensação de estar sendo abraçada pelo capeta — Respondo e sinto as vibrações de sua risada silenciosa o meu pé.

Charles coloca minha perna em seu ombro e vai engatinhando na cama, arrastando beijos suaves pela minha pele, me dando arrepios.

— Precisamos melhorar esse seu humor, não é? — Ele diz baixinho, sua voz engrossando alguns tons.

Eu prendo meu lábio inferior entre meus dentes e agarro o lençol abaixo de mim. Sua voz e seu toque me causando diversas sensações diferentes em simultâneo. Seguro um gemido quando sinto os leves arranhões que sua barba rala vai deixando em minha pele macia.

— Não acredito que isso vai ser possível… Charles! — Uma mistura de grito e gemido deixa meus lábios, quando sinto seus dentes cravarem minha carne da coxa, o suficiente para deixar uma marca.

Para aliviar um pouco a dor, Charles põe a língua para fora e a passa lentamente pela pele sensível que ele mordeu.

— Porra… — Eu solto um gemido e jogo a cabeça para trás, totalmente perdida na sensação.

— O que você estava dizendo, meu amor? — Ele pergunta ficando totalmente entre minhas pernas, seu rosto a centímetros do lugar onde queimava por seu toque.

— Você é um desgraçado. — Digo e uma de minhas mãos vão até os seus fios molhados, minhas unhas se arrastam levemente pelo seu couro cabeludo o fazendo soltar suspiros baixos.

— Não seja uma megera, não quando eu estou tão disposto a te fazer gozar na minha boca. — E ele enfia a cara na minha intimidade vestida.

Mesmo com o tecido fino do algodão da calcinha, posso sentir o calor da sua língua molhada se arrastando lentamente por todo o caminho do meu clitóris até a minha abertura. Não conseguindo mais controlar deixo que um gemido alto e vulgar ecoe pelo quarto.

— Charles… — Chamo por ele, implorando para que acabe com a minha tortura.

Meus dedos se emaranham em seu cabelo e puxam os fios lisos, fazendo-o gemer e afundar ainda mais o rosto em mim.

— Eu vou acabar com a sua agonia, ma belle. — Ele diz e suga meu clitóris em sua boca.

— Foda-se! — Eu exclamo e sem controle do meu corpo, que parece estar pegando fogo por razões diferentes, meus quadris saem da cama e vão ao encontro do seu rosto.

— Ah! eu vou, mas antes quero sentir o seu gosto. — Charles aproveita meus quadris erguidos e engancha as mãos uma de cada lado da minha calcinha e a puxa para baixo. Suas unhas curtas arranhando levemente a minha pele por onde passa.

Quando ele finalmente se livra da peça intima a jogando no chão, seus lábios macios vão direto para o meu clitóris agora nu.

— Porra, Charles! — Minha voz soa alta e quebrada.

Eu afundo minha cabeça nos travesseiros macios, sentindo sua língua cobrir cada parte de mim. Charles começa um ritmo implacável com a boca na minha parte mais íntima. Ele alterna entre lambidas, chupões e as vezes posso sentir até mesmo os seus dentes roçarem levemente pelo meu botão sensível, me levando à loucura.

— Seu gosto é tão bom, Mon amour. Tão doce. — Ele geme e sinto as vibrações passarem pela minha intimidade, me causando ainda mais prazer e arrepios.

— Charles, e-eu vou… — Não consigo terminar a minha frase, pois sua língua ágil me invade e começa a fazer movimentos de vai e vem.

As mãos de Charles apertam meu quadril no colchão de uma forma bruta, me fazendo sentir seus dedos afundarem na minha pele e sei que ao decorrer do dia, sentirei suas digitais em mim.

— Vamos, querida. Se solta, vem para mim. Vem na minha boca, me deixe beber cada gota do seu prazer. — Ele exige e é tudo de mais.

Minha cabeça e meu corpo estão cheios de Charles. Sua boca, suas mãos fortes, seu cheiro, seu calor, é tudo demais. Tudo demais para ser suportado, tudo tão bom. E eu explodo.

Minha mente fica em branco enquanto gozo em sua boca. A sensação do orgasmo é tão devastadora e intensa que sinto meu corpo entrar em colapso, tremendo e se contraindo, enquanto minha boca solta os mais eróticos sons.

Quando finalmente desço da minha euforia, ainda com os ouvidos zumbindo pela força do orgasmo, sinto o corpo de Charles agora totalmente em cima de mim. Sua corrente batendo no meu queixo. Abro os meus olhos e o encaro preguiçosamente. Os olhos escuros de desejo e ele tem um sorriso convencido e sujo estampado nos lábios e com os cabelos selvagens pós-foda. Sua boca e queixo brilhando com o líquido do meu prazer e como se não bastasse eu quase gozar novamente só com a visão dele assim, sua língua sai de sua boca e passa pelos lábios, coletando o meu gozo. Porra…

— Seu humor está melhor, querida?

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29 de janeiro de 2023 — Monte Carlo, Mônaco.

Tudo cheira a Charles. Cada pequena molécula presente nesse quarto carrega o cheiro do meu ex, o banheiro, as cortinas, o closet — que mal consegui terminar de ajeitar minhas coisas, pelo cheiro dele estar me intoxicando — mas o pior era a cama. Aquela maldita cama, naquele maldito quarto, com aquele maldito cheiro. Eu estou enlouquecendo.

Há muitas memórias que foram geradas nesse quarto e nessa cama. Aqui foram nutridas esperanças de uma vida inteira ao lado do homem que eu amei, mas que agora por ironia do destino, a única razão pelo qual eu estou pisando novamente nesse cômodo, é devido as escolhas do acaso.

Eu balanço a minha cabeça e rio irônica. Vá se foder universo e suas escolhas filhas da puta! Vá se foder por me fazer acreditar precisar supera-lo e agora me fazer viver sob o mesmo teto que ele novamente! Se há um Deus, eu realmente espero que você esteja rindo muito agora! Divirta-se! Faça com que minha agonia e futura insanidade valha a pena!

Antes que eu possa perder totalmente as estribeiras, ouço o barulho de leves batidas na porta. Me ajeito na cama colando o lençol até a cintura, para cobrir a pele exposta que a camisola de seda deixa.

— Pode entrar, está aberta! — eu exclamo e logo a porta se abre apenas um pouco e a cabeça de Charles aparece.

— Mm… e-eu só queria saber se você conseguiu se instalar e se está confortável. — Ele pergunta desconcertado e se eu não estive a um passo de dar uma de coringa apenas a algum segundos atrás, eu riria do seu constrangimento.

— Eu estou bem, Charles. — Eu respondo tentando soar o mais doce possível. — Obrigado novamente pelo quarto. Você está confortável na sala de jogos? Nós podemos mudar se…

— Não! — Ele grita me assustando. — Desculpa. Eu só queria dizer que não há problema nenhum, você já fez muito se mudando para cá. — Ele entra um pouco mais para dentro do quarto, metade de seu corpo para ser mais exata.

— Nós precisamos soar convincentes para a assistente social, certo? — pergunto meio incerta. — Além disse, Vincenzo não pode ganhar uma família nova dividida. Ele precisa de estabilidade mais do que tudo, nesse momento.

— Sim, sim! Você tem razão, mas mesmo assim, sei que você deixou de muita coisa, então o mínimo que posso fazer é deixar você com o quarto principal. Essa é sua nova casa e quero que você se sinta o mais confortável possível. — Ele sorri e abaixa a cabeça por uns segundos.

Essa é sua nova casa. Por que caralhos isso soa tão bem saindo da boca dele?

— Nós dois renunciámos a algo, essa é a consequência de decidir criar uma criança com seu ou sua Ex. — Eu digo em uma tentativa falha de fazer uma piada, mas o sorriso no lábio de Charles vacila por um momento.

— Certo… — Ele sussurra com um olhar perdido em seus olhos antes de voltar a ficar totalmente em mim deitada em sua cama, que agora pertence me pertence — Sei que minhas roupas ainda estão no closet, mas é que ainda não instalei um armário novo no quarto, então tudo bem se eu tiver que vir pegar algumas coisas aqui durante o dia? Prometo que não vou ser um esquisito e vou sempre bater antes de entrar. — Ele diz rápido demais o que me faz rir.

— Está tudo bem. Você pode vir quando quiser, desde que bata antes, vai que eu estou pelada. — Eu tento, tranquiliza-lo com graça, mas novamente suponho que falhei. Porém, os olhos de Charles mudam para algo intenso e seu olhar viaja para minha parte superior.

A camisola que uso é de seda e um tanto quanto fina, não o suficiente para ser transparente, mas fina ao ponto de marcar meus seios sem a proteção de um sutiã. E é justo meus peitos que tomam a atenção de Charles. Eu me sinto quente sob seu olhar, quase derretendo. E quando ele passa a língua pelos lábios, sinto certas partes minhas apertarem.

Okay, chega!

— Vincenzo conseguiu dormir? — Pergunto tentando tirar a atenção dele dos meus seios.

Com a menção ao nome de Vincenzo, seu olhar se suaviza e volta para o meu rosto. As bochechas de Charles ficam vermelhas por um momento e ele pigarreia antes de dizer:

— Sim, ele pegou no sono rapidamente. Mal comecei a ler a história da ‘raposa morta’, e ele dormiu. Acredito que gastou toda a energia dele brincando no quarto novo, mais cedo. — Charles da de ombros e eu sinto minha sobrancelha franzir.

Ele disse raposa morta?

— Raposa morta? — pergunto confusa e ele sorri e da de ombros.

— Eu sei, é esquisito, mas é o livro favorito dele. Ele disse que a ‘Poposa’ é como Jules. — Meu coração esquenta e dói ao mesmo tempo, com a declaração de Charles.

—Oh! — É o único som que consigo fazer.

— Sim, Oh! — Ele me imita e caímos em um silêncio. Ambos pensando o quanto aquela situação era tragicamente adorável. — Enfim, só queria saber se estava bem e como já vi que está, vou dormir agora. Boa noite, Marie. — Ele se despede.

— Boa noite, Shal. — Eu o chamo do mesmo jeito que Vincenzo o chama, com um sorriso travesso no rosto.

Charles me encara com as covinhas aparecendo e um olhar divertido.

— Até amanhã, princesa. — Ele diz com um tom baixo e rouco e mais uma vez aquele olhar volta para seu rosto. Ele definitivamente não utilizou aquele apelido com a inocência de Vincenzo.

Charles sai e fecha a porta atrás de si rapidamente e eu quase caio de joelhos, agradecendo por ser antes de eu deixar um gemido totalmente constrangedor escapar da minha garganta.

Destino, você é um filho da puta!

30 de janeiro de 2023 — Monte Carlo, Mônaco.

— Então é só eu fazer assim e… Pronto! — Charles exclama feliz quando finalmente termina de arrumar o cabelo de Vincenzo.

— Fiquei bonito, Shal? — Vincenzo pergunta com olhos grandes.

— Você está lindo, campeão! Não é, Marie? — Eles se viram para mim que estou sentada na poltrona em frente aos dois, com charles em pé e Vincenzo sentado em uma das banquetas altas.

— Você está um charme, meu amor! Muito bonito! — Respondo para Vincenzo e suas covinhas surgem em seu rosto, que também cora um pouco.

— Obigado, Princesa! — Ele diz baixinho e puxa a camiseta de Charles para que fique na frente dele.

— Pelo visto alguém ficou envergonhado com o elogio, não é? — Charles cutuca a barriga dele com as pontas dos dedos o fazendo rir alto e eu solto uma risada baixa também.

— Para, Shal! Eu sinto cosguinhas! — Vincenzo diz as palavras erradas com aquela voz de criança e em meio a risos e eu quase explodo de tanta fofura.

— Certo, certo. Vou deixar as cócegas para depois, precisamos ir até o restaurante. Tudo bem? — Charles pergunta para Vincenzo e ele assente.

— Vamos conhecer a vovó e o vovô hoje, né Shal?

— Sim! Hoje é dia de conhecer os pais do seu papai Jules. Você está ansioso? — Charles pergunta e Vincenzo assente animado.

— Então vamos lá! Você está pronta, querida? — Charles se volta para mim e eu aceno me levantando da poltrona e pegando minha bolsa e a mochila do McQueen de Vincenzo que estavam em cima da mesa de centro.

— Ótimo! Então vamos, marquei às 12h com Christine e não quero atrasar. — Charles diz pegando Vincenzo no colo e pegando carteira e a chave do carro.

Andamos para a porta de entrada do apartamento e antes que charles abra a porta eu toco em seu ombro chamando sua atenção. Ele se vira para me encarar e Vincenzo também me olha curioso.

— Você acredita que eles vão reagir bem? — Pergunto me sentindo nervosa.

— Vai ser uma baita surpresa, assim como foi para nós, se não ainda mais intenso para eles. Não é fácil descobrir que tem um neto depois de quase quatro anos da morte do seu filho. — Charles responde e eu sinto meu estômago afundar em ansiedade.

— Vai dar tudo certo, Marie. Fique tranquila. — ele tenta me acalmar segurando firme, mas gentilmente a minha mão, e a ansiedade da lugar a pequenas borboletas em meu estômago.

Eu aceno novamente com a cabeça, me forçando a não parecer que seu toque de conforto me abalou.

— Eu vou proteger você, Princesa! — Diz Vincenzo sem ter muita noção do que realmente está acontecendo.

— Eu sei que você vai, meu amor! — Digo sorrindo com carinho.

[…]

Como se conta a alguém que de repente eles são avós de um filho do seu filho morto? É exatamente essa pergunta que venho me fazendo desde o momento em que entramos no carro de Charles e fomos para o restaurante nos encontrar com Christine e Philippe.

Pensei em diversas formas diferentes de lhes contar toda a história maluca a qual Charles e eu fomos submetidos nas últimas semanas, porém nenhuma parece ser razoável o suficiente para que não faça os pais de Jules sofrer um ataque cardíaco no meio da mesa.

Pensei em ser direta e simplesmente soltar tudo de uma vez, mas a possível imagem deles se engasgando com a comida, me fez desconsiderar isso rapidamente.

Esse assunto não é algo suave para ser dito tão diretamente. É necessário ter cautela e um bom preparo. Mas ai que está: há como estar preparado para uma notícia dessas? Não. Não há. Nenhuma preparação no mundo é o suficiente para evitar o choque de um assunto desses.

Charles se levantou e foi com Vincenzo ao banheiro, pois pelo visto tomar três caixinhas de suco é demais para a bexiga de um garotinho de 3 anos e alguns meses. Eu permaneço sentada à mesa que está em um canto mais afastado do restaurante.

— Com licença, senhorita. — A voz do garçom se faz presente e eu o encaro. — O Sr. e a Sra. Bianchi. — Ele anuncia e eu vejo que Christine e Philippe estão parados um pouco mais atrás dele. — Com licença. — Ele se retira.

Me levanto rapidamente e logo Christine vem em minha direção me dando um abraço apartado.

— Marie, minha querida! Como é bom ver você! — Ela diz esfregando minhas costas e eu retribuo o abraço apertado.

Fazia tanto tempo que eu não havia, e posso jurar que ela não mudou quase nada. Christine permanecia a mesma mulher elegante e adorável a qual eu cresci admirando. Nós nos soltamos, mas suas mãos permanecem nos meus ombros, ela me analisava de cima a baixo com um sorriso amável no rosto e olhos cheios de lágrimas. Não pude deixar de notar a diferença desse abraço com o da última vez, que havia sido no funeral de Jules.

— Christine, é muito bom rever você também. — Eu sorrio para ela o mais honestamente que consigo.

— Philippe, venha aqui! Olhe só para ela! Virou uma mulher muito linda. — Ela diz e se afasta para que seu esposo possa me ver.

Phillippe se aproxima e estende a mão para me cumprimentar, ele sempre foi mais formal e fechado do que a mãe de Jules, entretanto é um homem muito gentil e amoroso.

— Olá, menina! — Ele pega minha mão nas duas dele e aperta forte em um gesto carinhoso. Em seu rosto há um sorriso cansado, mas gentil.

— Também é um prazer revê-lo, Sr. Bianchi. — Digo e ele acena com a cabeça antes de soltar minha mão. — Por favor, sentem-se. Charles foi até o banheiro, mas logo estará de volta. — eu aponto para às duas cadeiras disponíveis que estão ao lado direito da mesa. Charles e eu ficamos acomodados ao lado esquerdo e o garçom nos trouxe uma cadeira para alimentação de crianças que está ao lado da de Charles.

— Como você vai, querida? Já faz muito tempo que não nos vimos, desde… — Christine para por um momento e percebo que seu sorriso cai por um momento.

Phillippe aperta levemente os ombros de Christine, tentando, reconforta-la, o que parece dar certo, pois ela sorri triste e sussurra um “tudo bem” para ele.

— Eu me mudei para a Itália, após sabe… tudo o que aconteceu. — Digo e volto meus olhos para a taça de vinho a minha frente. — Pensei que seria bom recomeçar do zero em outro lugar.

— Claro! E você estava totalmente certa. É sempre bom recomeçar a vida quando se tem a oportunidade. — Phillippe diz e vejo um pequeno lampejo de tristeza passar por seus olhos.

Eu tento imaginar o quão é difícil para ele poder falar de recomeço quando a pessoa quem ele mais amou na vida está morta.

— Você terminou a faculdade, sim? — Christine me pergunta e eu assinto.

— Sim, terminei na Universidade de Milão e hoje trabalho como curadora de artes. — Respondo dando um gole no meu vinho.

— Isso é ótimo! Mas pensei que você quisesse pintar. Lembro dos seus quadros, suas obras sempre foram maravilhosas. — Christine elogia.

— Eu pintava, mas não tive mais vocação depois que Jules… — Eu me interrompo quando percebo o significado das palavras que iriam sair da minha boca.

Olho rapidamente de Christine para Phillipe com meus olhos arregalados, ambos me encaram com um olhar triste, mas um sorriso gentil e reconfortante nos lábios.

— Me desculpem. — Eu me ajeito na cadeira, me sentindo desconfortável.

— Está tudo bem, menina. — Phillippe diz com um tom baixo. — A morte dele mudou algo em todos nós. É difícil aceitar que ele partiu, mas isso é o que é. — Ele e Christine se olham e depois voltam a me encarar.

Os meus olhos ardem com suas palavras. Realmente a morte de Jules mudou algo para cada um de nós, e talvez para pessoas ao redor do mundo inteiro. É difícil para todos os fãs de Fórmula 1 saber que não terão mais o ídolo competindo todo fim de semana de corrida. E para nós, seus amigos e família, é difícil ter que se acostumar com o vazio que ele deixou em nossos corações. É duro acreditar que ele não estará mais fazendo parte de nossas vidas.

— Mas sei que aonde quer que ele esteja, ele sempre estará olhando e torcendo por nós. Um dia de cada vez. — Christine diz e uma lágrima desce pelo seu rosto, que ela logo enxuga com o guardanapo de pano.

— Tenho certeza que sim. — é o que consigo responder para ela.

Ficamos em um silêncio por um momento, talvez apenas refletindo sobre o significado da imporá de Jules em nossas vidas.

— Princesa! Você não sabe o que nós descobrimos… hmm, olá? — A voz de Vincenzo se faz presente chamando a atenção de todos.

Christine e Phillippe encaram Vincenzo com olhos curiosos, o que o deixa tímido e o faz correr em minha direção. Eu afasto a cadeira e o pego colocando-o sentado em meu colo. Vincenzo esconde o rosto em meu pescoço e aperta minha camisa com a mãozinha.

— Vincenzo! Pelo amor de Deus, não me assusta mais desse jeito, eu quase tive um infarto com você correndo e… Oh! Oi! — Charles aparece na frente da mesa com os cabelos despenteados e o rosto preocupado. — Sr. e Sra. Bianchi, peço desculpas, me assustei com esse pequeno diabinho correndo. — Ele diz e cumprimenta Christine com um beijo no rosto e aperta a mão de Phillipe.

— Está tudo bem, querido. — Christine responde e seus olhos saem de Charles de volta para a criança em meu colo.

Charles se senta ao meu lado e sua mão vai protetoralmente até as costas de Vincenzo, fazendo um leve carinho ali.

— Quem é esse menino lindo? — Ela pergunta olhando para Vincenzo.

— Este é Vincenzo. Querido diga olá ao Sr. E Sra. Bianchi. — Sussurro para Vincenzo que enfia o rosto ainda mais no meu pescoço. — Vamos meu amor, é só um olá. — faço carinho em seu cabelo.

Vincenzo reluta por uns segundos, mas logo seu corpinho relaxa em meus braços e devagarinho ele tira o rosto de mim e se vira para seus avós com olhos curiosos, mas relutante.

— Oi. — Ele diz simples e os dois olham para ele o analisando firmemente.

—Oi, querido. Como você está? — Christine pergunta com um sorriso doce em seus lábios.

— Bem e você? — Ele pergunta educado.

— Estou bem, querido. — Ela responde.

Vincenzo olha para Phillippe que permanece calado apenas o observando cautelosamente.

— Não sabia que você tivera um menino. — Ele fala para mim, mas os olhos ainda estão cravados no garotinho no meu colo.

— Eu não tive. — Eu respondo e minhas mãos apertam um pouco mais Vincenzo.

— Então de quem ele é? — Phillippe me pergunta sério.

— Sr. Bianchi… — Charles o chama, mas antes que possa prosseguir o garçom se aproxima da mesa e nos pergunta se já queremos pedir.

Minha garganta parece apertada demais para querer comer qualquer coisa. Mas não tenho tempo de responder, pois Charles pede apenas mais um momento para que os nossos convidados possam verificar o cardápio e o garçom apenas acena com a cabeça e se retira.

O olhar que Phillippe lança sobre mim, é desconfortável, como se ele quisesse ler todos os meus pecados. O que eu nunca havia sentido antes. Ele está desconfiado.

— Nós precisamos falar algo para vocês e não é nada fácil de se compreender. — Charles começa atraindo a atenção dos dois. — Estamos adotando Vincenzo.

Eu engulo em seco e olho para Charles que me lança um rápido olhar antes de voltar para os pais de Jules.

— Isso é ótimo querido! Parabéns para vocês! Não sabia que voltaram! — Christine diz com um sorriso grande estampado em seu rosto.

— Nós não voltamos. — Eu digo insegura. — Na verdade, voltei para Mônaco apenas por Vincenzo, pois ele precisará de nós dois.

Os pais de Jules se entreolham confusos.

— Eu não entendendo, se vocês não estão juntos, por que estão construindo uma família? — ela pergunta confusa.

— Fomos meio que obrigados a isso. — Charles responde. — Não tivemos escolha, a mãe de Vincenzo apenas apareceu e nos reuniu em Nice, nos apresentou a ele e disse que não poderia mais cuidar dele, pois é uma dependente química.

— Meu Deus! Que horror, pobre menininho! — Christine olha para Vincenzo com olhos cheios de compaixão.

— Vocês a conhecem? — Dessa vez Phillippe quem pergunta, me encarando e eu nego com a cabeça.

— Não, nunca a tínhamos visto antes. — Charles responde.

— Então por que ela escolheu vocês para cuidar do menino? Pelo dinheiro? Ou fama de Charles? — Phillippe pergunta encarando Charles.

— Sim e não. — Charles responde. — Há um motivo maior que o dinheiro, pelo menos nós acreditamos que sim, não é? — ele me encara e eu aceno.

Minha garganta está tão seca que eu não consigo falar.

— E qual é o motivo? Se é que me permitem perguntar — Christine pergunta.

Eu e Charles apenas nos encaramos por um instante, nossos olhos conversando sobre como contar a eles toda aquela loucura. Eu respiro fundo e aperto um pouco mais Vincenzo.

— A mãe de Vincenzo queria que cuidássemos dele porque ela confiou em nós.

— Mas você disse que nunca a viram. — Christine interrompe Charles, ainda confusa.

— E nós nunca havíamos visto, mas ela meio que já nos conhecia. — Charles responde rápido.

A conversa está me deixando agoniada, como se algo muito pesado estivesse em cima do meu peito. Eu queria que aquilo acabasse logo de uma vez, como arrancar o band-aid de uma ferida. Charles deve ter percebido que eu estou a beira de um ataque de pânico, pois ele aperta a minha coxa levemente, tentando me reconfortar.

— Shal, você vai contar agora que eles são meus avós? — Vincenzo diz ingenuamente e minha respiração trava.

Há um choque estampado na expressão de todos na mesa. Meu coração parecendo ir explodir dentro do meu peito a qualquer minuto.

Eu não sabia o que dizer, estou totalmente travada sentada naquela cadeira, sem palavras.

— Meu Deus! — Christine põe às duas mãos sobre a boca, com olhos arregalados.

— O que você disse, garoto? — Phillippe pergunta para Vincenzo que olha para ele com um olhar incerto.

— Vocês são papais do meu papai Jules, não são? — Ele pergunta inocente e volta o olhar para mim como se estivesse com medo de ter dito algo errado.

— Do que é que ele está falando?! — Christine pergunta olhando entre mim e Charles.

— Tudo bem, aqui vai… — Charles começa a explicar tudo para os dois, desde as cartas até ao encontro com Cecília. Falou sobre a real causa da morte de Jules e sobre o processo de adoção estar em andamento e Vincenzo estar conosco.

A todo momento Christine chora e Phillippe apenas nos encara desacreditado, totalmente em choque. Mas para ser honesta, eu não os culpo. Se foi horrível para Charles e eu descobrimos tudo aquilo, imagina como não deve estar sendo reviver um inferno para eles. Entretanto, por mais que tenha sido como abrir feridas redescobrir coisas sobre a morte de Jules, também e esperançoso saber que ele havia deixado um pedaço dele para nós.

Quando Charles finalizou a história contando que Vincenzo está sobre nossa tutela provisória, Christine e Phillippe apenas ficaram lá por um tempo. Sentados, estáticos, processando tudo aquilo.

Ha tantas perguntas que rondam suas cabeças que somos capazes de lê-las em seus olhos.

— Sei que não é fácil para nenhum de vocês ouvirem isso, mas é toda a verdade. — Charles diz.

— E-eu não sei… não sei o que dizer. — Phillippe diz e seus olhos estão brilhando com lágrimas que ele se esforça para não deixar escorrer.

Eu apenas fico lá sentada, com minhas próprias lágrimas e garganta dolorida.

[…]

Voltamos para o apartamento cerca de duas horas depois. Depois de muito choro e palavras incompreensíveis, Phillippe se levantou e puxou sua esposa junto a ele para fora do restaurante. Charles tentou ir atrás deles, mas eu o puxei e disse para lhes dar tempo. Aquilo tudo parecia loucura e não me surpreendeu o fato deles terem saído daquele jeito, talvez se eu estivesse no lugar deles teria feito o mesmo.

Acalmar Vincenzo depois de seus avós terem saído, foi um processo mais difícil. O garotinho acreditou que eles não haviam gostado de si e que não o queriam por perto, o que fez meu coração apertar em um nível inimaginável, e eu e Charles o abraçamos fortemente o confortando e dizendo que eles apenas ficaram surpresos, mas que logo iriam nos visitar para conhecê-lo. Tentar explicar toda essa situação e sentimentos tão profundos de adultos para uma criança que nem havia completado 4 anos, era um processo muito mais complexo e intenso do que imaginávamos, então explicamos de uma maneira bem resumida e em palavras que ele fosse capaz de compreender.

Quando chegamos no apartamento, fui à cozinha preparar algo para comermos, pois, nem ao menos conseguimos almoçar depois de todo aquele alvoroço no restaurante.

Charles colocou o filme dos Carros em algum ‘streaming’, na tentativa de acalmar Vincenzo e se sentou ao lado dele que logo agarrou a camiseta dele o mais forte possível com suas mãozinhas, com medo que de que Charles fugisse também. Eu dei tudo de mim para não chorar ali na frente deles e corri para a cozinha.

Depois de algum tempo, enquanto corto os legumes, percebo a presença de Charles no cômodo.

— Ele dormiu. Tentei mantê-lo acordado, mas percebi que ele só se acalmaria se dormisse um pouco, então deixei que ele se entregasse ao sono. — Ele diz suspirando e se sentando na cadeira da mesa de jantar.

— Ele é muito pequeno para entender todos esses problemas de pessoas grandes. Tenho medo dele estar sofrendo e pensando que as pessoas não o querem. — Eu digo aflita

— Ei! Ele vai ficar bem e logo vera que os avós o amam muito. Que tudo isso foi apenas pelo choque. — Eu aceno com a cabeça e internamente rezo para que ele tenha razão.

— Julgo que seria bom se procurássemos um psicólogo para ele. — digo me virando para o fogão e mexendo o molho.

— Pensei nisso também. Não queria fazer isso logo de cara para não assusta-lo, mas pelo jeito que ele estava agarrando minha camiseta, com medo de que eu fugisse, acredito que não teremos outra escolha. — ele esfrega o rosto com a mão e suspira alto.

— É muita coisa para ele lidar, ainda mais sendo tão novo. Primeiro foi ser deixado pela mãe, depois ter que se mudar para um país novo com dois estranhos, e agora a reação negativa dos avós quando o conheceu. — Pego os pratos nos armários.

— Eu mal posso imaginar o que se passa na cabeça dele. Isso não é justo para nenhuma criança. — Charles de levanta e começa a me ajudar a colocar a pôr a mesa.

— Obrigado. — O agradeço quando ele pega os pratos da minha mão para colocá-los na mesa. — E você? Como está se sentindo?

— Impotente. — Charles responde. — Parece que nas últimas semanas, perdi totalmente o controle sobre minha vida. — Eu assinto em concordância.

— Para ser justa, realmente perdemos o controle de nossas vidas nas últimas semanas. — Eu dou risada e ele me acompanha.

— Sei que isso vai soar meio egoísta, mas fico feliz que eu não esteja passando por isso sozinho. Pelo menos tenho você ao meu lado dessa vez. — Ele diz pegando os talheres que eu havia estendido para ele.

Um sentimento amargo sobe pela minha garganta.

— Dessa vez? — Eu pergunto incerta.

— Desculpa, não deveria ter falado nada. Já tivemos emoções demais por hoje, vamos apenas comer em paz. — Ele diz colocando os talheres na mesa sem me encarar.

— Charles… — Eu o chamo. — Sei que eu não estive presente durante o seu processo de luto, mas eu estava passando por isso também. As vezes ainda sinto que estou presa naqueles dias. — Eu me aproximo dele. — Mas depois de tudo que aconteceu entre nós, eu não poderia simplesmente ficar perto de você e saber que… — Eu me interrompo.

— Saber que o quê? — Ele me encara. — Olha, eu não estou cobrando nada de você, Marie. E quando digo que você não esteve comigo após o que aconteceu com Jules, não é para você se sentir mal e nem culpada. É apenas porque foi tudo tão assustador e você é a única pessoa que poderia realmente entender o que eu estive passando. Só penso que talvez teria sido mais fácil se você estivesse aqui. — Ele diz e seus olhos voltam a encarar a mesa.

— E o quê você pensa que mudaria? — Pergunto mais ríspida do que gostaria. — Você terminou comigo meses antes, nós não nos falávamos, nem suportávamos estar no mesmo ambiente. Não acredito que a morte de Jules mudaria a forma como a qual nos sentíamos em relação ao outro.

— Mas isso não é sobre nós! Isso não é sobre o nosso relacionamento amoroso e sim sobre o companheirismo que construímos desde que nos conhecemos. — Ele soa com raiva e isso me deixa nervosa.

— Você tem razão. Isso não era sobre nós! Era sobre você! Sempre foi sobre você! — Eu explodo e ele arregala os olhos surpreso.

— Marie… — Ele tenta dizer, mas eu o interrompo.

— Você não se importou sobre como eu me sentiria se ficasse perto de você, ainda mais depois da morte de Jules! Você apenas se preocupou em não ter ninguém que te confortasse! — lágrimas de raiva começam a descer sobre meu rosto. — Isso nunca foi sobre ser mais fácil para nós, Charles, mas sim sobre ser mais fácil para você. — Eu rio irônica.

— Ei, ei, está tudo bem. Por favor, se acalma! — Ele tenta chegar mais perto de mim e eu me afasto com alguns passos para trás.

— Não me pede para me acalmar, porra! Eu tô cansada dessa merda! Tô cansada de me sentir culpada o tempo todo como se eu fosse a única quem errou, quando, na verdade eu só fui embora para me proteger! — Charles engole em seco e permanece parado.

— Eu não quis…

— Você terminou comigo, Jules morreu e eu fiquei sozinha! Não tinha ninguém, Charles. — Eu aperto minhas mãos em punhos. — Foi difícil para você? Foi e eu sinto muito mesmo, mas você ainda tinha sua família e seus amigos para te ajudarem a se reerguer, porém, o que eu tinha? Nada. Não tinha nada, porque até a porra dos amigos que fiz desde que vim para Mônaco, eram seus amigos primeiro! E eu sei que é foda querer alguém que você supõe que te entende para passar a mão na sua cabeça e dizer que tudo ficará bem, mas eu não podia ser essa pessoa. Não quando eu havia perdido você também!

Os meus soluços ficam altos e eu tento os controlar ao máximo com medo de acordar Vincenzo. Eu não queria que ele presenciasse toda essa cena, pelo menos não depois de tudo o que ele já havia passado hoje mais cedo.

— Eu sinto muito, Marie. — Charles diz com a voz baixa e mais uma vez seus olhos não conseguem me encarar.

Culpa? Vergonha? Eu não sabia, mas pela primeira vez não quero saber também. É a primeira vez que estou colocando meus sentimentos para fora, depois de todos esses anos. Estou me colocando acima de Charles e isso é assustador, mas também é bom para caralho!

Foi anos de toda angústia reprimida, de toda mágoa e dor de abandono, não que eu pense que Charles tivesse a obrigação de permanecer comigo, claro que não. Mas era sobre tudo ao meu redor ter sido sempre sobre ele ou sobre outras pessoas, sobre sempre ter que viver através de sombras de pessoas e ter esquecido de me colocar em primeiro lugar, sobre realmente ter deixado passar muito tempo da minha vida sem me encontrar.

Passei tanto tempo com medo de perder Charles e Jules, por os ter considerado a melhor coisa que já me aconteceu, que quando eu perdi os dois, percebi que nunca havia procurado nada para mim mesma. Não havia amigos, não havia família, não havia desejos e nem sonhos. Absolutamente nada que não os envolvesse.

Eu havia caído tão fundo na ilusão que sempre os teria, que esqueci de amarrar uma corda na superfície para que eu pudesse sair desse buraco caso as coisas dessem errado.

— Eu não queria que você se sentisse dessa forma. Não queria que se sentisse culpada, essa nunca foi minha intenção. — Ele brinca com os anéis em sua mão esquerda e eu solto outra risada irônica.

— Eu acreditaria muito nisso se essa fosse a primeira vez em que você me fez se sentir assim. — Eu digo seca e ele me encara confuso com as sobrancelhas arqueadas.

— O quê? Do que você está falando? — Ele para de brincar com os anéis e vejo que suas mãos se fecham em punhos.

Eu nego com a cabeça e tento desviar o olhar, me sentindo estupida por deixar aquelas palavras saírem da minha boca.

— Do que você está falando, Marie? — Ele pergunta agora incisivo.

Eu respiro fundo e cruzo os braços a frente do corpo.

— Sobre sua vitória em Monza, em 2019. — Respondo sentindo minha garganta arranhar mais fundo. Pelo menos sinto um pouco de alívio pelos soluços terem parado.

— O que isso tem a ver? — Sua voz está baixa e confusa.

— Você me ligou na madrugada, Charles. Você estava bêbado e nós tivemos uma discussão. — Digo o encarando séria. — Você estava bravo e quebrou coisas enquanto dizia não entender o porquê de eu ter te deixado.

Os olhos de Charles se arregalam em confusão e choque. Se eu ainda o conheço bem, ele deve estar dando tudo de si para puxar essa lembrança da memória.

— E-eu eu não lembro de nada disso. — Ele diz e eu aceno.

— Eu imaginei que não se lembraria. Afinal, você estava bêbado e depois esqueceria de tudo. Acontece que eu não estava e que infelizmente não pude esquecer. Suas palavras continuaram me assombrando durante todo esse tempo.

Charles me encara sem expressão.

— O que foi que eu te disse? — Ele pergunta e mesmo com seu rosto em branco, posso sentir o tom de preocupação e medo em sua voz.

— Você apenas confirmou o que eu imaginava. De uma forma diferente, mas mesmo assim confirmou.

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9 de setembro de 2019 — Milão, Itália

2h45 da manhã. Olho novamente para o horário marcado no visor do celular em letras minúsculas, logo abaixo vejo a tela continuar informando que estou recebendo uma ligação de Charles.

Meu coração acelera e eu não tenho certeza se é pelo susto de ter sido acordada de repente ou se é por ele estar me ligando, ainda mais nesse horário. Minha cabeça começa a funcionar a mil milhas por hora com diversos pensamentos dos motivos por trás daquela ligação. O meu estômago afunda com a sensação de medo e isso leva um arrepio por toda a minha espinha. Ele está bem? Aconteceu algo? Alguém mais morreu?

Após a morte de Jules, o pânico foi tão grande que passei a não aceitar mais ligações durante a madrugada, não importa quem fosse, depois das 00h eu não atenderia uma ligação se quer. Mas, é Charles quem está ligando.

O toque do telefone continua ecoando pela escuridão e vazio do quarto, assombrando minha mente e fazendo com que eu sinta meus ossos doerem.

Atenda, Marie! Se aconteceu algo você nunca vai se perdoar. Minha mente grita.

Com os dedos trêmulos deslizo o ícone de telefone na tela para atender.

Há um silêncio. Um silêncio pesado demais do outro lado da linha, o que não ajuda a aquietar meu coração e os pensamentos amargos que sobem através do meu estômago. Engulo a bile e suspiro, rezando a qualquer divindade, que não fosse nada do que eu estou pensando.

— A-alô? — Minha voz soa trêmula.

Ouço uma respiração descompensada através do aparelho pressionado no meu ouvido.

— Oi.— A voz de Charles se faz presente. Fraca e baixa.

Meu coração pula mais forte dentro do meu peito. Puxo todo o ar que consigo para dentro dos meus pulmões.

— Charles? Está tudo b-bem? — Aperto com força o lençol com a mão disponível. Por favor, diga que está tudo bem.

— Eu venci hoje, na verdade, ontem. Em Monza. — Ele responde com as palavras um pouco emboladas. Ele está bêbado?

Meu corpo relaxa, porém, meu peito se aperta ainda mais com o seu tom. A voz de Charles está embargada e melancólica.

— Eu sei, parabéns. — Engulo em seco para controlar a vontade imensurável de chorar que me invade.

— Eu venci em Monza, Marie. Venci em Monza pela Ferrari. E vocês não estavam lá. — A voz dele quebra e ele funga.

Não, não, não.

— Charles, eu-

— Venci sem acreditar que seria possível. Venci por Jules, pelo meu pai e por você. — Meu corpo gela. — E nenhum de vocês estavam lá. — Sua voz soa tão ferida que não posso mais segurar as lágrimas. — Jules e papai eu entendo, mas você? Por que você não estava lá?

A culpa é um sentimento obscuro que vai te consumindo até dilacerar. Ela dói, machuca, destrói, te envergonha e faz com que você queira conseguir voltar no tempo. A culpa te assombra, te faz sentir miserável, apenas pele e ossos ardendo. A angústia que ela causa vai dominando cada célula que compõe o corpo, invadindo o sono e te fazendo ter pesadelos, mas você não consegue acordar, não consegue escapar. Você procura todos os dias por um remédio que cure o remorso que sente, uns vão para álcool e drogas, outros recorrem ao sexo, ou qualquer outra coisa que possa preencher e substituir aquele buraco escuro que os domina. Entretanto, não há nada supérfluo que possa ocupar o lugar daquela ruína interminável de remorso. A verdade é que a única coisa capaz de curar uma pessoa que sofre com a doença da culpa, é o perdão. O perdão divino, ou perdão daqueles que se sentiram feridos, mas principalmente o de si mesmo. Não há autopiedade o suficiente que possa cicatrizar essas feridas, somente o perdão.

E no momento eu me sinto afogada naquele sentimento umbrífero. A culpa de ter fugido consumindo cegamente qualquer raciocínio lógico que meu cérebro tenta me entregar. É como se estivesse sendo engolida pelas águas salgadas em alto mar, a única civilização que eu possa correr para me salvar sendo um perdão que eu nem mesma sabia pelo quê ou de quem.

É algo irracional, pois sei que, querendo ou não, eu não devo nada a Charles. Ele quem terminou comigo meses antes da morte de Jules e no fim, eu fui a única quem ficou sozinha, pelo menos foi o que eu achei há algumas semanas enquanto fazia minha mala.

— Por que você está me ligando, Charles? — consigo dizer em meio a respiração descompensada — Você sabe que eu não poderia estar lá para você, eu não pertenço mais ao seu lado.

— Mas eu queria você lá! Era para você estar lá, Marie! Você não morreu, não é? Então por que eu tenho que te perder também? — ele explode em raiva.

Eu afasto o telefone do ouvido quando escuto seus gritos e barulho de coisas quebrando no fundo. Aperto meus olhos com força e torço para que tudo isso seja apenas mais um dos pesadelos que ando tendo.

— Eu não aguento mais perder todo mundo! Isso é tao injusto, porra! — Ele grita em meio a soluços e aperto fortemente o aparelho em minhas mãos.

— E-eu sinto muito, Charles. — sussurro mais para mim do que para ele.

A linha fica em silêncio por alguns segundos, sem gritos apenas o barulho da respiração pesada dele.

— Onde você está? Eu preciso te ver… por favor.

Não faça isso, ele está bêbado e confuso.

Eu coloco novamente o celular no ouvido e respiro o mais fundo que consigo, tomando o resto de coragem que me sobra.

Não posso dizer a Charles onde estou. Não posso dizer a ele que estamos no mesmo país, a poucos quilômetros de distância. Isso o quebraria ainda mais e faria com que todo o inferno que eu passei — e ainda passo — fosse em vão.

Acabou, Marie. Não há mais nada para vocês.

— Eu estou no Brasil, Charles. — A mentira sai lisa pelos meus lábios.

— O quê? No Brasil? Por que tão longe? — Sua voz falha e eu volto a apertar novamente o lençol.

— Porque eu não podia ficar perto… não depois de tudo. — Respondo.

Uma risada seca e vazia ressoa do outro lado da linha, um som de descrença e de mágoa, que faz com que outro choque passe pela minha espinha.

— Então você fugiu? É isso? — Ele pergunta seco.

— Sim. — respondo baixo. — É melhor assim, Charles. Não havia mais nada para mim em Mônaco.

— Você tinha a mim. — Ele responde rápido.

— Não, eu não tinha. Você terminou comigo, lembra? Você disse ser melhor se fôssemos apenas amigos.

— Porque eu não queria atrapalhar a sua vida! Você estava infeliz com toda a atenção, com todas as mensagens e perseguições! Você me disse que não queria viver na minha sombra!

— Nós dois sabemos que não foi apenas por isso, Charles! — Respondo ríspida. — Passei a minha vida toda na sombra de vocês. Claro que isso me incomodava, mas não foi esse o motivo pelo qual terminamos!

— Então qual foi?! — Ele pergunta com raiva.

— Você se apaixonou por ela!

E o silêncio se fez presente novamente. Meu coração quebrando quando eu finalmente soltei o que segurava a meses.

— V-você se apaixonou por ela, mas não teve coragem para me dizer. — Meus olhos ardem com as lágrimas e minha garganta queima com o gosto amargo das palavras.

— E-eu não… — Ele tenta dizer, mas eu sou rápida em interrompê-lo.

— Acabou, Charles. Não há mais nada de mim para você e vice-versa. A morte de Jules não muda o que já estava feito. — Eu soo firme. — Não há mais nós.

— Marie… — sua voz soa como se ele implorasse. — Por favor, me deixa explicar. Eu e ela nunca — Eu o interrompo novamente.

— Boa noite, Charles. Por favor, não me ligue novamente.

— Marie, espera…

Então eu desligo. Era isso, acabou. Respiro fundo e faço uma nota mental para trocar o meu número de telefone amanhã.

Talvez agora com esse ponto final, eu finalmente possa me libertar e seguir. Essa é uma promessa que faço para mim.

Acabou. Não há mais nós.

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Nota: OLHA EU AQUI DE NOVO! Peço desculpas pela demora e sei que prometi atualizar na semana passada, mas infelizmente não consegui. 😥 Mas o importante é que o cap novo chegou e com ele grandes emoções. Nesse capítulo eu resolvi desenvolver um pouco mais sobre o relacionamento e o passado de Charles e Marie, ainda há muitas coisas que precisarão ser mais desenvolvidas, como os sentimentos dos avós de Vincenzo em relação a essa grande descoberta e é exatamente o que eu pretendo explorar nos próximos capítulos, além de claro, mais do passado dos personagens principais com Jules e a adaptação de Vincenzo a sua nova vida.

Enfimmm, espero que tenham gostado! Me deixem saber! Até e próxima!

[leclerqueensainz]

Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz | Azerbaijan, 2023

[leclerqueensainz]

A Family of Three (C.L 16) - Part.I- Discoveries, Reunions, and Surprises

Paring: Charles Leclerc X OC!Marie Anderson

Synopsis: Charles and Marie ended any chance of a relationship years ago. They just didn't expect to have to share custody of a child after the death of their best friend.

⚠️ Warnings: Mention of death and murder, swearing, Charles being a little aggressive in his reactions, mention of sex and drug use. (This chapter may contain triggers!) (+16)

**In this story, Jules Bianchi died in 2019, not 2015, which changes some facts in the careers of the drivers.

A.N: Hello! How are you doing? After a long time, I finally brought Part 1 translated into English! Remembering that English is not my first language, so there may be some mistakes! I tried my best!

Feedback is always welcome. Let me know if you liked it!

Word Count: 7.882

Read the prologue here!

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January 15th, 2023 - Milan, Italy

"Good morning, Marcella!" I greet my secretary as I enter the office. "Any news for me?" I ask the blonde girl who is sitting with her eyes fixed on the computer in front of her.

"Good morning, Marie! And...HA! I did it!" Marcella suddenly jumps, startling me. "I'm sorry! It's just that I managed to schedule the meeting with Fred Lacroix for next week." She says, trying to compose herself, and I smile."

"That's great! You're amazing," I say, leaning over next to her at the table and taking a peek at her computer. "Do you think he'll be in a good mood? He's not exactly known for being pleasant when it comes to selling and buying his art," I ask and Marcella just shrugs.

"I don't know, and honestly, I don't worry about it," she says, and I can see a smug smile spread across her face. "Either way, we're awesome! We always get what we want," she finishes, and I laugh at her enthusiasm. 

I agree with Marcella. We are awesome and always get what we want when it comes to work.

After Jules died, I moved from Monaco to Italy. I felt like I needed to leave it all behind, even if it meant burying a part of who I was with my past. I needed a fresh start, and I closed my eyes to my old life. I had nothing left in Monaco. Nothing held me back or was even worth staying for.

I needed time and a new life, and that's exactly what I found when I came to Italy, where I was able to enroll in arts just in time to continue the school year. And a year and a half later, I graduated and started interning at one of the best galleries in Milan. Shortly after that, I realized I had a lot of potential for curating and dedicated myself to the field, of which today I am still a part, with the highest success rate in recruiting and selling new artists.

Today, I can say that my life is more than comfortable, and I spend so much of my day occupied with work that I hardly have time to think about everything I left behind a few years ago.

"Ah!" Marcella screams and catches me off guard, making me take a few steps back.

"Oh my god, Marcella! You're going to kill me, girl!" I say and put my hand on my chest, feeling my heart skipping like crazy.

"Sorry! I just remembered you got a letter this morning," she says, and I swear my confusion is written all over my face. "I mean, you didn't really get it, it's more like 'they passed the envelope under the door while we were closed, and I stepped on it when I got here'," she says and pulls out a crumpled white envelope with a half footprint on it. "I tried to clean it up, but as you can see, it didn't go very well. Seriously, someone should clean the streets of Milan more," she says and hands me the envelope.

I examine the envelope to find the sender, but I only find "Marie Anderson" written in delicate handwriting.

"There's no sender. That's strange." I say and Marcella nods.

"I thought it was kind of creepy too. I mean, who still sends letters In 2023? Isn't it easier to send a message on Insta? Or like, an email?" I nod my head and shrug.

"Well, let it be," I say and start walking towards my office. "Please let anyone who wants to speak to me know to leave a message. And that includes my mom, okay?" I say and Marcella nods. "Great, thanks," I say, entering my office and closing the door behind me.

I throw my bag on the desk and sit in my chair. I analyze the envelope in my hand again and for a moment, I feel a strange sensation as I stare at it.

"Okay, let's end the suspense, Marie," I say to myself and I grab a staple remover from the pencil holder, passing it over the glued part of the envelope.

Opening the envelope, I take out a sheet of paper with the same handwriting as the envelope, and two photos of a little boy with dark hair and eyes who I swear I've never seen before, but who somehow seems very familiar to me. I turn over the photos to see if there's anything written on the back.

"Vincenzo. 24/12/2021" 

Was written in one of the photos. The little boy was sitting next to what looked like a Christmas tree. I took a look at the next photograph, where the same boy, who seemed a bit older, was sitting on a mat surrounded by toys. "Vincenzo. 19/12/2022."

Feeling even more confused and with a strange sensation spreading through my chest, I picked up the letter I had left aside on the table and began to read it.

France, January 2nd, 2023.

Marie,

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've thought about how I would write to you. You don't know me, and to be honest, I don't think anyone in his circle of friends and family has even heard of me.

My name is Cecilia, and that's all you need to know about me right now, aside from what I'm about to write to you next: I was engaged to Jules Bianchi.

I know this is strange and perhaps even unbelievable, but it's true. Jules and I had a brief but passionate love story. I loved Jules, and I can say that he loved me too.

Two days before his death, I found out that I was pregnant. I gave birth to Vincenzo on December 24th, 2019. He was a healthy and strong little boy, very similar to Jules.

I loved him from the moment I found out he was growing inside me. The result of something so pure and beautiful, from my relationship with Jules.

I know it's a lot for you to process right now, but so that you can know that I'm telling you the truth, there are two photos of Vincenzo. I want you to look at them and see Jules, just as I do every time I look at my son.

"I've been wanting to write to you for a long time. Jules saw you as a sister. I'm sorry I hid this from you and his family too, but I was so afraid. Afraid of rejection, of being seen as a liar. I couldn't go through any of that. I only had Jules, and after he left me, there was no one else I could trust, so I've been raising Vincenzo alone until now, but I don't think I can do it anymore. Vincenzo has a family besides me. And I need him to grow up knowing that he is loved.

I promise I to explain everything you need to know. Please meet me at the café where you used to meet every time you came together to Nice. January 18th at 4 pm.

- Cecilia.

My hands tremble as I put the letter back on the table.

What the hell is this? Is this some kind of sick joke?

I take the two photos back in my hands and stare at them, now realizing why I found that boy so familiar. It was Jules. That boy is the spitting image of Jules.

But how is this even possible? Why didn't Jules tell us he had someone? That's not like him. Jules was always an open book to us. He told us everything, just as we did with him. He wouldn't hide this from us...would he?

With my head swimming with questions and my heart heavy as lead, I found myself shouting Marcella's name, and less than a minute later, her short locks appeared through the door.

My hands tremble as I put the letter back on the table.

What the hell is this? Is this some kind of sick joke?

I take the two photos back in my hands and stare at them, now realizing why I found that boy so familiar. It was Jules. That boy is the spitting image of Jules.

But how is this even possible? Why didn't Jules tell us he had someone? That's not like him. Jules was always an open book to us. He told us everything, just as we did with him. He wouldn't hide this from us...would he?

With my head swimming with questions and my heart heavy as lead, I found myself shouting Marcella's name, and less than a minute later, her short locks appeared through the door.

"Yes?" She asks before looking at me for a moment and entering my office complete with a worried expression. "Are you okay, Marie?" She says kneeling by my side.

"Book a flight for tomorrow morning. I need to go to France."

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January 18th, 2023. - Nice, France.

I stare again at the clock hanging on the wall above the counter of the small café. 3:45 PM.

15 minutes. Just 15 minutes until I could find out who Cecilia was and why she decided to contact me now, after all this time. And why me? Yes, Jules, Charles, and I were always very close despite the age difference. But why reach out to me? If she intended to introduce the boy to Jules' family, why didn't she contact Christine or Philippe?

I hadn't seen Jules' family in a long time, we didn't even exchange messages. I left them behind when I decided to move on to Italy. They were buried with my past in Monaco.

The bell on the entrance door rings, indicating that someone has entered the premises. My head quickly snaps toward the sound.

And it's like in one minute, everything I struggled so hard to forget and leave behind comes back with force and without control like waves of a tsunami.

Standing just a few meters away from where I'm sitting, my gaze meets Charles'.

Charles. My ex-boyfriend whom I haven't seen in almost four years. The part that hurts the most from my past, besides the death of Jules.

He looks different. So different from the last time I saw him at Jules' funeral. This time he's not dressed in mourning black, no. He's wearing casual clothes, dark jeans, and a moss green sweater with the word "FERRARI" stamped in black. There's a scruffy beard on his face and his eyes...damn. The eyes that last time reflected so much hopelessness were now more alive, but still with certain traces of concern.

Charles walks up to where I'm sitting, his steps quick and wide as if he wanted to corner me before I could escape again. He stops half a meter away, and his gaze curiously roams over me. His expression is stern but also covered in doubt. I bet that, like me, he wants to understand why I'm here.

"Charles..." I'm the first to say, my voice low and uncertain. He nods slowly, his gaze still fixed on me, as if he wants to uncover all the secrets I gained during the years we were apart.

“What are you doing here, Marie?" he asks, direct and determined, without any hesitation. It's a tone I would have never expected to hear from the Charles I left four years ago. Yes, he really has changed.

I wished I could answer him with the same intensity, but honestly, I don't think I could. There's so much going on here and my head is spinning with so many questions and emotions. Why is Charles here? What the hell is going on? Did he set all this up?

"Is this some kind of joke? Because if it is, I swear to God it's not funny," he says, his tone now rough.

I sit there staring at him, completely confused.

Charles runs his hand through his hair, messing up his brown locks even more. He sighs heavily and closes his eyes, his tongue quickly passing over his lower lip. He used to do that all the time when he felt anger or frustration. At least that hasn't changed.

"What are you doing here, Charles?" I ask, and he opens his eyes, once again staring at me.

Charles's hand reaches into his back pocket and pulls out an envelope identical to the one that was left for me in the office in Italy. The difference is that I can see that this one was addressed to Charles, only his name, and also without a sender.

"Please tell me it wasn't you, Marie," he says as his eyes shift from the envelope to my face. I look at him with all the sincerity I can muster and answer, "No, it wasn't me." He nods his head, his expression softening a bit. He moves and sits in the vacant chair in front of me, his hands going up to his face to rub it.

"Jules has a son," he says.

"I know," I reply.

"Charles lowers his hands and stares at me once again, confusion etched on his face. Before he can say anything, I reach into my bag on the table, open it, and take out the white envelope. Charles looks at my hand for a moment before reaching over the table to take the envelope from me."

"You got one too," he says, not looking at me, even though it's not a question,  I nod my head in agreement.

"It seems she arranged to meet with both of us. I think it's easier if we hear the story at the same time, that way there's no risk of getting the wrong versions," I say, and his gaze shifts from the envelopes on the table to me.

"Do you think it's a lie? That the boy isn't Jules's son?" he asks seriously, and I just shrug in response.

"I believe it could be Jules's son. I just don't know why she waited all this time and why she chose us. Obviously, we're not the best people to show Vincenzo that he has a family on his father's side," I say, and I see Charles's jaw tighten.

"We were friends with Jules. He trusted us," he says, once again his voice sounding rough.

"It seems he didn't trust us enough to tell us he fell in love," I say, and immediately regret it.

I look at Charles and if we were part of a cartoon, he would have flames in his eyes.

“You don't know what happened. You don't know his reasons, just like me,” he says through gritted teeth. “Don't doubt his motives. Not when he's not here to defend himself.”

In all the years I've spent by Charles' side, I've never seen him so angry. And if I didn't know him, I'd be scared.

But do you still know him? I silently ask myself.

"That's not what I meant," I defensively reply. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to come out that way. Of course, Jules had reasons and we'll find out when Cecilia arrives." Charles relaxes his jaw and adjusts in his seat.

I look at the clock on the wall again. 4:10 PM. She's late. I look at Charles, a little anxious.

"Do you think she's coming?" he shrugs, but his hand goes into his hoodie pocket and pulls out a cell phone. 

"She's late," he states what I already know. "But I think so, she's coming." Charles carelessly tosses the phone onto the table, his anxious fingers fidgeting with his rings.

"Congratulations on the runner-up, by the way," I say, trying to ease both of our anxieties, and he looks back at me.

"Did you follow the races?" he asked, a little surprised.

"Yes," I admit, somewhat embarrassed. "My secretary is a huge Formula 1 fan," I add, which is not a lie. 

Like all Italians, Marcella is a devoted Tifosi. And even though I wanted to leave everything I knew behind, I couldn't escape one of the most beloved sports in Europe, especially in Italy, the home of Ferrari.

Charles lets out a low laugh, his look adopting the expression of a mischievous boy. Oh no.

"Your secretary, huh?" he says with a teasing and suggestive tone.

"Ah, shut up, Leclerc!" I say, trying to sound serious but failing when I let out a laugh. "I'm serious! My secretary is a diehard Tifosi. She can't shut up for a minute about Ferrari and makes me watch all the races," I say, shrugging.

"Yeah, yeah... And I bet I'm your 'secretary's' favorite driver, right?" he says, making air quotes with his fingers and having a smug smile on his face.

"Actually, she prefers Sainz," I say, and instantly his smile turns into a serious expression, which makes me laugh.

Soon, Charles' dimples appear on his cheek and my heart skips a beat at the sound of his typically somewhat flawed and exaggerated laugh. Oh, how I enjoyed hearing that horrible but at the same time very cute laugh again.

At that moment, even though I hated to admit it, I realized how much I missed that feeling of familiarity and lightness. And even though just a few minutes ago, I was doubting whether I still knew the person that Charles had become, I could see that regardless of the years and tragedies that life had subjected him to from a young age, that kind and playful boy that I had once fallen in love with was still there. And maybe he would never leave. And I liked that.

Looking at Charles smiling, sitting in front of me, I wonder for just a second if it would have been different if I hadn't left. But as soon as the thought came, I pushed it away. Because even though I was happy to know that Charles still had something familiar to me inside him, we were not meant to be even before Jules' death. And I doubt that we could have maintained a good relationship with all the pain and mourning that surrounded us. I made a good choice. Yes, I did the right thing.

Leaving Monaco was one of the hardest things I had to face. But it made me grow and become a strong woman. I learned to deal with loss, even if it may not be the healthiest way, it still worked for me. I was able to finish college, got the job I wanted, and met new people. I fell in love, and even though I didn't love them like I loved Charles, I still allowed myself to feel and try happiness. Clearly, it didn't work out, but the experience was worth it.

And I can also say that Charles has achieved what he wanted, or almost everything. He is one of the best Formula 1 drivers and drives for Ferrari, which is almost every motorsport athlete's dream. He has a successful career and is known worldwide for it. And even though he didn't get the title he so desperately craved last year, he may get it this year. He is focused, grateful, and kind. The golden boy. Il Predestinato.

Even though Charles is so young, he has given his family and friends everything they ever dreamed of. Pascale must be so proud of him, and if Harvé were still alive, I'm sure he would also be proud of the son he raised. And Jules would also be proud to see Charles' progress.

And then the emptiness appears again. Jules. I try my best not to think about him. The memories are still painful even after all these years.

I think I let my thoughts reflect too much because Charles, who was laughing before, now looks at me with a compassionate expression. He probably thought of Jules too.

"I miss him too," he says and I nod my head. "And I missed you too," his hand meets mine on the table.

There were no ulterior motives. Just a gesture. A gesture to affirm what he was saying. And it hurt. It hurt in my heart and soul.

I quickly withdraw my hand from his and stare at the table. Charles withdraws his hands and keeps them close to his body.

"I know you didn't owe me anything, Marie. No explanations, not loyalty," he starts, his voice a little broken, making my heart tighten. "But Jules died and you left. Why did you leave?" he asks, and I can hear the hurt in his voice.

I wished I had the strength to lift my gaze and tell him while looking him in the eyes that everything I did was out of fear and thinking that there was nothing left for me in Monaco. That I still loved him even after he broke up with me and that losing Jules to death destroyed me, but knowing that I would lose Charles while he was still alive would only ruin me even more. I couldn't see him every day and know that he no longer belonged to me. And that every minute I spent mourning and heartbroken without him reminded me that love was impossible for me. That I didn't deserve to be loved. That there would never be anyone to love me.

"I had to go," I say, still staring at my hands. "I don't expect you to understand or forgive me. Because I'm not asking for any of that, Charles," my voice sounds firm but my eyes burn.

I take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds before releasing it. I raise my gaze to meet his when I'm sure the tears won't fall.

"I had to make a choice and I did. I chose myself," I say simply, perhaps trying to convince myself.

Charles nods his head and goes back to fiddling with the rings on his fingers. This time it was difficult for him to look at me.

"I'm happy to see who you've become, Marie. And I hope you've achieved what you wanted when..." he pauses for a second, unsure of what to say, "when you left Monaco." A tired laugh escapes his lips. "I'm not going to judge you, especially since when you left, we were no longer a couple. But I was an idiot to think that we were still friends." He looks back at me. "I was foolish until I realized that there would be no possibility for us without Jules being here."

I wanted to scream. I wanted to stand up and throw everything in front of me at him. I wanted to curse at him and tell him that he didn't have that right. But to be fair, I could never do that. Not when I left, when it was me who left what was left of the three of us. Jules had died and I had fled. When I left, I didn't think of Charles or his feelings. I only thought of myself and how I could never live with that.

I don't regret it. I did what I thought was necessary and would do it again. Charles might have needed me, but I needed to leave and heal. And that's what I did. Charles still had friends and family to rely on, and I had no one. No present family, no friends, and no boyfriend. Charles and I both mourned, of course, but we mourned in different ways. He had lost a friend, and I had lost everything.

There was no one to come home to and hug. There was no one there to tell me that they were sorry for my loss and that everything would be okay. So I went after what I thought I needed and I got it. I went in search of myself, a new life, new choices, and opportunities, and I found them. I found myself. Of course, I let go of a lot, and the void left by Jules and Charles was never filled, but I learned to cope and use it to my advantage for other things, and that was enough, at least for now.

Before I could respond to him, I'm interrupted once again by the sound of the damn doorbell.

Charles and I turned our attention to the door at the same time. Both of us were staring at a slim blonde woman, wearing a green coat and leggings. But what caught our attention the most was the little boy in her arms. He was about 3 or 4 years old, with dark hair, lying with his face hidden in the woman's neck, and his small hand clutching onto her collar as if he were afraid she would leave if he let go.

Charles and I stood up in rehearsed gestures, all at the same time. He stopped beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder, covered by my own coat this time. The woman looked at us and came slowly towards us. When she got closer and stopped about a meter away from us, I could analyze her.

Her face was thin and perfectly symmetrical, and even though it seemed like she hadn't slept in days, her tired eyes were a beautiful shade of greenish-brown. She is very beautiful. Her lips opened in a small smile, and there I could see that she easily fit Jules' type.

"I assume you are Charles and Marie, right?" She says, her voice sweet and tired.

My gaze moves from her to the little boy in her arms, and then they cross with Charles'. He tells me through his eyes the same things I am thinking. We return our attention to the blonde in front of us and nod.

"Great!" She clears her throat before continuing, "I'm Cecilia, and this little guy here is Vincenzo." She gently shakes the child, who tightens his grip on her coat collar even more. "Jules' son."

Charles' grip on my shoulder becomes stronger, and I swallow hard. I can't take my eyes off the little boy, and now up close, I can see his profile. His chubby childlike cheek and long eyelashes, just like Jules'.

Cecilia shifts uncomfortably, her feet shifting the weight from one to the other, and she adjusts Vincenzo's position in her lap.

"I know you must have thousands of questions, and I promise I will answer them all. But before that, would you mind if I sit down? Vincenzo is a bit heavy, and I walked here with him in my arms," she says, embarrassed.

"Of course not. Please," Charles approaches her and pulls the chair he was sitting in a few minutes ago. Cecilia sits down, careful not to make any sudden movements and wake Vincenzo.

Charles points to the empty chair, and I sit down. He takes a few steps hto the table next to us and takes an unoccupied chair to sit on. Once the three of us are seated around the table, Charles calls the waitress, whom I only now notice has been staring at us this whole time. The redheaded and smiling girl, who probably can't be more than 19 years old, approaches with her gaze fixed on Charles- she probably recognized him.

Charles is the one who orders. A cappuccino for me- which causes a sensation in my stomach that he still remembers- an iced tea for himself, and he asks Cecilia what she would like to drink, to which she responds that coffee would be enough. The redhead writes down the orders and asks for permission to leave. Her eyes still glued to Charles.

I roll my eyes internally, but I know I can't blame her. After all, it's probably not every day that she serves a public figure. When we used to come here with Jules, the employees were different, and the small café is located on a somewhat isolated street in Nice, so it's unlikely that many famous people come here.

I take my gaze off the waitress and turn back to Cecilia, who was already looking at me attentively with a small smile on her lips.

"Well..." Charles begins. "Why are we here, Cecilia? Why only now have you contacted us?" He leans forward a little more, his arms resting on the wooden table.

Cecilia shifts in her chair carefully and her eyes briefly glance at Vincenzo before turning back to us.

"I wanted you to meet Vincenzo. While he was alive, Jules always mentioned you as part of his family. He loved you both very much," she says, and I feel my chest tightening.

"But why only now?" I speak for the first time. "I know you wrote in the letter that you were afraid, but it still sounds strange that you would come looking for us now, without any reason," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Cecilia falls silent for a few seconds as if she wants to formulate the next words carefully.

"There's a reason," she confirms. "Look, I know it's strange, and I assure you that I'm not looking for any money or anything like that." Her gaze shifts from me to Charles, as if she wants to confirm the latter part specifically for him. "Jules and I met about six months before he died, and it was love at first sight."

"He never told us about you," Charles responds cutting her off and she nods. 

"I know he didn't. I asked him not to," she says and Charles and I exchange confused looks before turning our attention back to her.

"What do you mean? Why would you ask him not to?" I ask, finding it all very odd.

"When I met Jules, I was in a complicated time in my life," she answers and I see her face darken. "I was only 19 and had run away from Italy." Her voice trembles as if it's hard for her to mention those times again.

I wish I could tell her that she didn't need to tell us if she wasn't feeling comfortable, but the truth was that it was really necessary. After all, that's what Charles and I are here for.

Charles nodded for her to continue and I could feel his tension.

"I got involved with the wrong people in Italy," she continues. "There was a boy I had been in love with during my teenage years, Paolo was his name. We were very young and stupid, you know?" Cecília laughs and her eyes fill with tears. "Like every teenager, we thought we were invincible, but we weren't. When I was 17, I spent most of my time at parties and clubs with him. We drank and did drugs, and everything was fun and happy until it wasn't anymore. Over time, the drinking and drugs stopped being just for parties and began to become necessary for anything. From being able to concentrate on studies, to being able to get out of bed. My parents assumed that Paolo was to blame for my addiction and banned me from seeing him. I obviously went against them and they made me choose between a life with them or my ruin with Paolo. I, being young and foolish, chose love and abandoned my parents without looking back. I left the life I had to chase adventures with Paolo and he did the same, running away from home. But the thing is, we were two addicted people without a home and money. There was no more money from our parents, so we started doing whatever we could. Small thefts and even..." She stops for a moment, thick tears streaming down her face.

"Here." Charles extends a napkin and she takes it, wiping her face immediately after.

"Thank you," she says and he offers her a half-smile. "Even prostitution," she continues, and I feel my stomach churn. It wasn't disgust, but rather a pity for imagining someone in that situation. Beside me, I could see that Charles was equally uncomfortable. It was hard for him to put himself in her place.

Charles grew up with great parents who did everything for their children, and even though they weren't millionaires at the time, they still managed to have and offer a comfortable life for them. And I bet that if any of the three, Charles, Lorenzo, or Arthur, had gone the wrong way, Pascale would never have abandoned them.

And me, well, I was lucky. I spent my teenage years with Jules and Charles, who had a structured enough family to share with me because my parents were absent.

Obviously, Charles and I had our rebellious phase with occasional drinking and smoking weed. But Jules, being almost ten years older than us, always kept us in line like a good older brother. And if he knew that we had crossed the line at parties or anywhere else, oh God! He would freak out.

- "Cecilia, I know it's difficult for you to say this, but I think it's important for Charles and me to understand," I say and she nods.

Cecília takes two deep breaths before continuing, and that's when I'm sure the story would only get worse. I try to prepare myself to hear what she had to say.

"I prostituted myself a few times without Paolo's knowledge. Some traffickers gave me drugs in exchange for sex and since many times I had no other choice, I accepted. But one day he found out and that ended us. With us." Tears returned to stream down her face. "Paolo went crazy when he found out and went after the trafficker I had slept with. He got a gun and killed the guy. We were on the run for a few weeks, but it was too hard for two homeless addicts to hide in Italy. Soon they found us and..." She closes her eyes and sobs.

I stretch my hand across the table and take Cecilia's hand. There was a lot of pain there and part of me wanted to curl up and stop listening, but I couldn't. I glance at Charles and he meets my gaze, his eyes reflecting distress at hearing everything that came out of her mouth. It was too surreal for him to hear all of that.

"They killed Paolo and thought they had killed me too. But by some miracle, I managed to survive and ask for help at a church. The priest there was friends with my parents and managed to find a family in Nice who were willing to help me. So I came to France, went through rehabilitation, and started attending meetings for drug addicts." Her eyes become distant again, and I continue holding her hand. "It was on the way back from one of those meetings that I met Jules, and that's where I understood the reason why I survived. We fell in love, but he had a public life and I couldn't expose myself because I was afraid that they would come after me. I told Jules what had happened and unlike what I thought he would do, he embraced me. He promised me that he wouldn't tell anyone, not even you two until I was ready and safe. And he did that. He kept us a secret for months. We saw each other every time he came back to Nice, after the races." She finishes.

Charles and I watched as Cecilia tried to calm her breathing, her grip on the sleeping Vincenzo's body tightening as if afraid he might disappear from her arms at any moment.

It breaks my heart to see all her pain and gives me a completely different perspective from when I walked in here today. She loved Vincenzo, and that was clear, just as she had loved Jules. And that's the part that hurts me the most.

Knowing that the reason Jules never mentioned her to us, his friends and family, was sole to protect her, made my heart heavy and warm at the same time. That was so Jules.

I remember months before he died, he started to spend more time in his hometown and whenever we asked him about it, he said he wanted to spend a little more time with his family. We even found it a little strange, but Jules always had a great relationship with his parents and closest relatives, which made us simply let it go and just enjoy the time we spent together before he and Charles had to go back to racing.

"I'm sorry for all of this, really, Cecilia," Charles is the first to say after she seems calmer. "But we still need to know why you're only coming to us now," he says, and I agree.

Cecilia nods and looks at Vincenzo in her arms. The tension emanating from her makes me shiver, and Charles probably noticed it too as his hand finds my thigh under the table.

"About two days before Jules' death, I found out I was pregnant with Vincenzo," she says and I nod in understanding. "Jules was racing in Shanghai and I was scared and alone here." The tears that had ceased returned in stronger waves.

My mind teleports back to 2019, to Jules' last race. He was so happy to finish seventh that day. But, all of a sudden, he just wanted to go home and rest, not even celebrating with the boys on the grid.

"I sent him a message after the race. I said I needed him to come to Nice as soon as possible because something had happened," Cecilia looks at Charles as she speaks. "Then he sent me a message saying he would take the first available flight back to France."

As Cecilia talks, Charles' grip on my thigh gets stronger. I look at him from the corner of my eye and I can see the moment his Adam's apple goes up and down.

"So that's why he left so quickly that day," Charles' voice sounds low. "He left before I could talk to him..." His eyes fill with tears and his breathing becomes a bit unstable. Cecilia just nods and closes her eyes tightly before continuing.

"When Jules arrived in Nice, it was already early morning and it was raining heavily. He tried to get a taxi or Uber, but couldn't get either," this time I feel my breathing falter a bit as she continues. "He managed to rent a car from a nearby 24-hour agency and sent me a message saying he would arrive soon and that I didn't need to worry because no matter what was happening, everything would be okay and that he loved me."

Charles stood up abruptly. His face adopted a look of disbelief.

"It was you..." his voice was weak and accusatory. "It was because of you that he... My God!" He flinches and his hands pass through his face and his hair.

"Charles..." I try to calm him down, even though I am also anxious. "Charles, please sit down and try to calm down." I try to grab his hand, but he recoils in a sudden movement.

"Calm down? It's her, Marie!" he says, pointing to Cecilia who only shrinks into her chair and holds Vincenzo even tighter, as he moves uncomfortably in her lap. "She killed him! IT'S HER FAULT THAT JULES DIED!" he screams.

My breathing becomes difficult and my heart races. In front of me, Cecilia sobs and holds Vincenzo even closer to her body.

All that commotion made some employees start to appear and approach at a safe distance from the table.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," Cecilia pleads. "I swear I never wanted this to happen, I was so scared and..." She stops when she hears Vincenzo's low cry.

Charles' attention goes to the little boy as he realizes he is now awake. He shakes his head in a negative motion and leaves the café in a hurry, slamming the door hard behind him. We are startled by the noise and the little boy cries even louder. I quickly get up to go after Charles, but before I do, I turn to Cecilia.

"Please wait here, okay? I'll try to calm him down. Don't leave," I say, and she nods, her face stained with tears that continued to fall, and her breathing accelerated as she rocked Vincenzo, trying to calm him down.

A dark-haired waitress approaches with a glass of water in her hands and places it in front of Cecilia. I thank her with a gesture and quickly leave through the door to find Charles.

It doesn't take me long to find him, he was in front of a black car. His body leaned against the driver's side. Even from a distance, I can see his body shaking and hear the sound of his erratic breathing. I approach him slowly, so as not to startle him.

When I get close enough, I think about touching him, but the thought leaves my mind when I realize it's not a good idea.

"Charles..." I call him softly to get his attention. "I'm sorry, but we need to go back there. She-"

"No!" he exclaims. "Please, Marie! Don't ask me to go back there. She killed him! It was her fault!" He stares at me with red and swollen eyes.

My heart tightens at the sight of him like this. I find myself being sent back to the year of Jules' death, specifically to the day of his funeral.

I wanted to hug Charles and tell him that everything would be okay, but in reality, I didn't know if it would. Jules had died almost four years ago, and yet it still hurt every time his name was mentioned. And hearing today from a stranger the reasons that resulted in his death was not easy. But there was a reason why Cecilia wanted to contact us after all this time, and we needed to know.

I take a deep breath and decide to approach Charles more. One of us had to try to be rational at this moment, and if it had to be me, okay. I wasn't going to go back to Italy without an answer.

"Charles, I understand that it's difficult to hear all of this suddenly," my hands go to his face. "I know it hurts, Charles. I'm feeling it too." He closes his eyes and I feel tears rolling down my face. "But we can't blame her entirely, Charles. She was scared and just wanted to talk to him.”

“And it resulted in his death." He says, his eyes opening and meeting mine. "Marie, if she hadn't done what she did, he would be here now. He would be alive and he would have met..." His voice trails off. "He would have met his son." He cries and I pull him into a hug.

Jules died without knowing his son. Jules died without knowing that he would have a son. Jules died in the dark without knowing what was happening to Cecilia. Jules died alone and worried, and nothing we can do will bring him back. He died. It's over. But Charles and I are still here.

"Jules died without knowing his son, but we're still here and we can do this for him," I say and he squeezes me tighter.

 "We're still here, Charles. And we can do this." He breaks the hug and looks at me with a face full of sorrow. I nod. 

"We need to go in there together. Together," he looks down at his feet. "Charles, I need you to go in there with me because I can't do this alone." His eyes come back to me and he understands that I used the same words he did a few years ago. "Please, Charles. I don't want to do this alone. I can't." He nods and I take his hand and slowly lead him back to the cafe.

When we walk through the door, my eyes meet Cecilia's. I nod my head to let her know it's okay, and she nods in understanding. I look at Charles who stares at her expressionlessly. His gaze is icy, totally different from the one I once knew.

Still holding Charles' hand, I walk toward the table where she uncomfortably waits for us. I notice that Vincenzo is no longer in her lap and feel momentary concern that quickly passes when I see him playing with the same red-haired waitress who had served us.

We sit in our chairs and I see that our orders are placed on the table. I feel my stomach churn just looking at the cappuccino in front of me. I take glance around and notice the employees trying to avoid looking at us. I make a mental note to "solve" this problem so it doesn't follow us when we leave.

"Just say what you want," Charles breaks the silence, his eyes still staring at Cecilia who nods and swallows hard.

"I understand your anger, and I know I have no right to ask for what I'm about to ask," she says and my hearing sharpens. "I live with guilt for years. Whether it's for Paolo or Jules, guilt and remorse follow me wherever I go. No matter what I try to do, they're always there." She looks at her hands. "Last year, I relapsed. I used heroin, once, but I used it. After years of resisting and not even going near drugs, I let my messed-up mind fall into the hole and I shot up." She lets out a desperate laugh and her eyes fill with water.

My body freezes and Charles makes a sound of scorn beside me. When he opens his mouth to say something, Cecilia cuts him off.

"Yes, I know I'm a whore, and I deserve the worst shit life has in store for me. But that's the thing. I deserve the bad things, but my son doesn't," she says firmly, looking at us seriously. "I need Vincenzo to have a good and decent life. I need to make sure he grows up loved and that he never lacks anything." She looks away for a moment to the table where Vincenzo was happily playing with the waitress and then back to us.

Cecilia takes a deep breath and leans forward. I could swear she was capable of asking for anything at that moment. Money, a house in a distant place, a period in rehab, anything.

"I can't take care of Vincenzo anymore," she asserts, her tone exuding bitterness. "I promised Jules that I would do everything to make him different from me. And that's why I came to you after all these years."

My head spins. She's asking for...? No, it's not possible.

"What do you mean by that?" Charles asks anxiously.

"Cecilia wipes the tears from her face with her hand, blinks a few times, and adopts a determined look, a look that I knew well. The same look I gave to myself in the mirror when I decided to leave Monaco. Suddenly, I feel afraid because my suspicions are confirmed.

"She wants us to take care of Vincenzo," I say.