#Second Hand Audi R8 engine

[autobahnengineering]

Is a Used Audi R8 Engine Worth It? Hidden Dangers Every Buyer Should Avoid

[jessicaloons]

Chapter 17:

But there was one prize I’d cheat to win…

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"Lizzie? Lizzie!" Pete tapped my shoulder. I looked up and took the headphones off.

"Sorry, didn’t hear you!" I said apologetically.

"Could you please take a break? You’re in there for hours!" he looked worried.

"I’m fine. I need to understand why the conditions in Imola had such an impact on my driving!" I mumbled.

"Lizzie, almost the whole grid struggled! It was wet. Raining like crazy at times! You we-…" Pete began but I interrupted him.

"I’m good in the rain, Pete! Damn good! I love a wet track, I was always superior when it rained! I just don’t understand why the car was so… so difficult to drive! Valtteri did good and as we switched my car into the same set up it got only slightly better! The rear felt fidgety…" I let out my frustration.

"We’re on it, Lizzie! It wasn’t you who struggled, it was the car!" Pete tried to reason with me but I shook my head.

"But how can we be sure that it wasn’t me who just wasn’t good enough?" I said, looking down on my hands in my lap.

"Because, as you just said, you are brilliant in the rain and we all know that. The feedback you gave us? As soon as we changed your set up it got better… not perfect but better! And Valtteri had the same problems… so, Lizzie, take a break!" Pete looked at me, reassuringly and I sighed.

"Okay…" I sighed and got out of my seat "Chris? Can you put up Barcelona next? Raining."

"Sure." Chris smiled and I left with Pete.

"You’re expecting rain in Barcelona?" he asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"No, I just want to be prepared for anything!" I replied and he smiled.

"Choosing you as a driver really was our best move!" he chuckled and I laughed.

"If you say so!"

5 days of intense simulator sessions, strategy meetings, brainstorming with the engineers and an event with some sponsors later and I was ready to leave. Only one last meeting with Felix and then I would be on my way back home.

"Lizzie, come on in!" Felix smiled and I closed the door, sitting down "You did a good job in the sim! I think we’re well prepared for Barcelona!"

"Yeah, it was good. We gathered a lot of data." I agreed and Felix nodded.

"So, I wanted to let you know how happy and satisfied we are with your work! You’re doing amazing! You represent Audi in the best way possible!" Felix practically cheered.

"Oh stop it! Thank you, Felix! That means a lot!" it really did.

"As our driver, you should represent us at all times… especially on the streets! That’s why you need an upgrade…" Felix laid two boxes on the desk and I looked at him confused "These are yours. Not company owned. Yours. We would like to thank you and show our appreciation…" he slides the boxes over to me and I opened the first one. Car keys. Then the second one. Car keys.

"What? 2? But… Felix.. I’m umm- I don’t…" I stuttered and Felix laughed and got up.

"Come on, follow me." he pulled me up and we walked out of the building, Dad stood next to Pete, talking away.

"Lizzie? Are you okay?" Dad asked as he saw me, looking confused.

"Give her a moment, she’ll be fine!" Felix said and right on cue a dark grey Q8 e-tron parked in front of us, license plate LB-LD-7398. I almost choked and looked at Felix.

"What the…" I began but then the loud roaring of an engine startled me and I turned around as a white R8 Spyder, license plate LB-L-7398, parked next to the Q8.

"Lizzie, you’re new cars!" Felix chimed and I was overwhelmed, eyes tearing up.

"That’s… Felix… I can’t- I can’t accept that? That’s too- that’s too much!" I stuttered again and Felix just pulled me to his side.

"You deserve it! They’re yours!" he smiled as Dad walked up to us "So you two have to discuss now who drives what car back home!"

"Wow! Thank you Felix! Thank you everyone?! Who do I have to thank? Like seriously? The board? CEO?" I hugged him and he laughed.

"I’ll tell the board that you were overwhelmed and very thankful!" he said and patted my back.

"Thank you, Felix! What a surprise!" Dad side hugged Felix and then looked at me.

"I’m taking the R8." I smiled.

"Good, because I don’t think that I could get into it!" he laughed and I did as well.

"Probably true!" I agreed.

"Oh my god! OH MY GOD!" Daniel almost screamed at me as I got out of my car "Is that? Is that your car? Oh god it is! The license plate! Fucking hell!"

"Yup, that’s my car. One of my cars…" I had a big smile on my face and he looked at me with big eyes.

"One of your cars? What?" he looked confused and excited at the same time.

"Pops has my Q8 e-tron… they just gave me two freaking cars! TWO! Amazing ones! My dream cars!" I jumped excitedly and Daniel carefully opened the door.

"It smells like new car!" he laughed and I nodded.

"Get in, we’re having a ride! Pops will be here in… I don’t know, as soon as I saw the unlimited sign I was gone, 317 kph, could’ve gone faster but there was a little traffic." I was giddy and Daniel whistled appreciative.

"Damn! How far behind is he?" he laughed.

"Well there was a traffic jam, so I lost time as well. He was also driving fast at times. Maybe half an hour?" I said and started the engine. I drove out of the drive way and straight to the motorway "I’ll show you what this baby can do!"

"Please don’t kill us!" Daniel laughed nervously.

"Oh come on! Have a little faith in me! I know how to drive a car!" I replied, pouting a little.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. I trust you!" he sighed and that was the moment I spotted the unlimited sign.

"Let’s go!" I pushed the throttle and accelerated, the engine roaring.

Feeling the adrenaline rushing through my veins never felt better. My phone started ringing.

"Pops is calling." a female voice said and Daniel and I started laughing.

"What the fuck?" I accepted the call "Hey Pops! Where are you?"

"I just passed you!" he said and Daniel laughed "Hi Daniel, how is she driving? Like a lunatic? That’s what I thought when I saw her speeding away!"

"Hey Juergen, no it’s alright. She didn’t kill us… yet…" Daniel chuckled and I groaned a little.

"You guys do know what I’m doing for a living, right?" I said.

"Driving around in circles, going vroom vroom?" Daniel asked and I hit his arm.

"I’m not a NASCAR driver you moron!" I said a little agitated.

"You’re not?" Dad teased.

"Ha-ha… you’re so funny boys!" I fake laughed.

"Oh come on! Don’t be sour! Drive safe and come back in one piece! See you guys later!" Dad hung up and Daniel chuckled.

"So, you wanna drive?" I asked and he looked at me.

"No? Definitely not? Not here anyway!" he looked at me with big eyes.

"Alright, let’s get back and then on the fields." I steered the car to the exit and left the motorway, to join it back in the opposite direction again "God I love my job!" and with that I pushed the throttle trough, zooming through the traffic.

I parked the car on the opposite side of the street and got out, leaning relaxed against its side. It was a sunny day and I watched a group of kids play in the courtyard. I pulled my phone out and scrolled through Instagram, as Dad called.

"What’s up, Pops?" I answered the call.

"I was just checking in, will you come home first, or do we meet at the track?" Dad asked.

"Let’s meet up at the track!" I said checking the time "Yeah, we‘ll have some lunch and then we head straight to Hans."

"Alright. See you in a bit!" Dad hung up and I saw 2 men approaching me.

"Hi, umm- sorry to bother you, but… are you the racing driver for Audi? Lizzie Doetterer, right?" the tall, blonde one asked and I nodded.

"Can we maybe take a picture together?" the dark haired one asked.

"Yeah, sure." I smiled, pushing my sunglasses up.

"Cool!" they said and we took a selfie together.

"So umm- I didn’t know you were married and have a kid?" the dark haired one said and I chuckled.

"Me neither…" I answered as the door of the nursery school opened and the teacher stood at the side. Letting the kids out one by one after spotting whoever was supposed to pick them up "I’m picking up my nephew."

"Ah ok. Cool." the blond guy said and I just nodded, pushing my sunglasses back down, waiting for Liam."So you’re single?"

"Sorry?" I looked at him.

"I’m just shooting my shot here." he laughed and I felt a little uncomfortable, not knowing what to answer.

"Nope. I’m in a serious and committed relationship with my car. That’s my number one priority right know. My career." I said tight lipped.

"Come on, you surely could make some room for a couple of drinks, this weekend maybe?" he stepped closer and I saw out of the corner of my eyes Liam walking out.

"Nope. I’ll be driving in Barcelona this weekend. And like I said. I’m focusing on my career. But thank you for asking. That was very kind of you!" I pushed off of the car and crossed to street, Liam spotting me and immediately bolting into my arms.

"Lizzie! You’re picking me up today?! That’s so cool!" he exclaimed and I hugged him.

"You and I will go to Mama Leone‘s for some pinsa and then we’ll meet Pops, Daniel and Shima and her nephew at the karting track!" I said and Liams eyes sparked with excitement "Ready?"

"Let’s go!" he screeched and I sat him down, holding his hand while we crossed the street "Where’s your car?" he was searching for my Mini and I opened the R8. Liams eyes widening "IS THAT YOUR CAR?" he yelled and I laughed.

"Yup. How do you like it?" I asked as I opened the door for him, watching as he climbed inside, sitting down in his child seat.

"What an amazing car! Is it fast?" he asked and I nodded.

"It is. I’ll show you a little later on." I buckled his seatbelts in and closed the door "Pinsa first!"

"You’re brilliant! But you already know that! You have no idea how proud I am of you, Lizzie!" Hans looked thinner, his voice sounded a little breathless, pale face, thinning hair.

"Thank you, Hans! Really!" I hugged him. He felt weaker than usual, his body lean "Are you okay? You don’t look too good?"

"You know, some days are better, some are worse. I’ll be fine! Having my former star driver here is definitely lifting my spirit!" he chuckled a little and I smiled "The kids will have thousands of questions for you!"

"I’m happy to answer them all!" I answered and he nodded a little "But for now, I need to drive a few laps!"

"You go ahead and do that!" he walked over to the group of kids and I watched him closely. He didn’t look good at all. When I heard at the beginning of the year that he was sick, I was hoping he would be fine in no time, but it was quite the opposite.

"Ready?" Daniel approached and I sighed a little.

"Yeah! Let’s go!" I put on my helmet and climbed into a kart.

It was thrilling, exhilarating. I loved every second of it. There was a rare beauty about karting. It always grounded me, soothed me. Although my body was buzzing, I rarely felt this at peace and calm somewhere else.

Next up I buckled in Liam and Josha, Shima’s nephew, and explained them the kart, how they had to drive, before I got back into my kart, accompanying them on their first laps. Both boys started out a little hesitant, careful. But after the second lap Liam pushed the throttle, speeding away. Lapping Josha and me after a while.

"Looks like he has some of Lizzie’s talent in his bones!" Hans laughed as I climbed out of my kart "He’s always welcome to join the academy!"

"Yeah, he’s just as fearless as his aunt!" Dad replied next to him, watching me pulling my helmet off.

"And reckless! Did you see his move on me in turn 5?" I said and Hans chuckled.

"I had a Déjà vu to when you were driving here for the first time! His move looked just like yours!" he said and I nodded.

"He handed me my ass there!" I laughed.

"Dad, will you look out for the boys? I will have a little talk with the junior academy!” I smiled at the kids, waiting in the corner, all sitting on the benches staring at me.

"Yeah, sure!" Dad walked to the track and I followed Hans to the ground of young drivers.

"Kids! Say hi to Lizzie, former WSeries champion, current Formula 1 driver for Audi, first girl to score a podium in a F1 race and former Bircher Academy driver!" Hans introduced me and I blushed a little.

"Oh stop it! When you say it like that, it sounds super fancy!" I chuckled a little bit and the kids laughed with me "It’s really amazing being back here, seeing you guys doing what I was doing all these years back!"

"Was it hard to become a F1 driver?"

"When did you start karting?"

"You really started here?"

"Do you think you can win a race? Or even the championship?"

They bombarded me with questions and I tried to answer them all one by one. Seeing young kids like them being so passionate about racing really warmed my heart, but when the two girls in the team said that they only decided to join the team because they saw me becoming a F1 driver last year, against all odds, as a girl, I almost choked up.

"You are a real role model! You showed the world that girls can race too!" the blonde girl, Chiara said.

"Not just race! No you showed the world that we can be winners too! I told my dad that you would win a race this year! I’m sooo sure that you will!" the other girl, Lena, a bold brunette said.

"I will give my best to win!" I smiled at them and Hans nodded.

"I have a feeling, that win will come faster than you know it!" he said and I chuckled a little.

"If Hans says it, then it must be true! I can only advice you to listen carefully to everything he teaches you! Without him, I wouldn’t be standing here today, as a Formula 1 driver! He’s the best teacher out there! Consider yourselves lucky to learn from him!" I said and the group of kids all nodded in agreement "And now I want so see you kids race! Let’s go!"

"Hi Lizzie, how are you today?" Dr. Lindner asked and I plopped down on the sofa, sighing "Oh, that bad? What happened?"

"Imola happened! I was bad. Like fucking bad." I groaned and he opened up his notebook, reading through his notes.

"Okay, step by step, please. Did you talk to Charles? About why you felt so uncomfortable at his home?" he asked and I started picking at a loose thread at the sleeve of my sweater "I take that as a no?"

"No… I just didn’t know how to tackle it? We had to sleep in the guest room anyway and then I left for home, the next time we saw each other was in Imola and after a Imola I went straight to Neuburg where I was until yesterday… so yeah…" I let out and Dr. Lindner nodded.

"Okay, so you’ve been avoiding the topic, why did you have to sleep in the guest room? Did Charles sense something was wrong?" he asked and I chuckled a little.

"He spilled a whole bottle of water on his mattress… and it was completely soaked" I said and he cocked an eyebrow.

"Oh… well. Good for you. I guess." he wrote something down and I looked at him questioningly, but he ignored it "When will you stay at Charles place again?"

"Probably before the Monaco GP… I always was at his place for it. I guess I have to tell him the truth then." I said and closed my eyes, leaning back.

"Yes, you should. Let’s practice it." he sat up, putting his notebook on the little table next to his armchair.

"Like role playing?" I asked disbelieving.

"Kinda. I want you to sit down with Charles, next to him, not to look at him. Because this is where you always will retreat. Looking in his eyes. Seeing his smile. That’s your biggest enemy. I want you to speak to him in a firm voice. Ask him to not interrupt you, let you speak. And then you tell him exactly what’s going on. Say it in one go. Just let it out. Everything. And when you’re done. I want you to take a deep breath and calm yourself down, before turning to Charles and work together with him through this issue, then when he has an insight of how you’re feeling." Dr. Lindner said and I gulped.

"And you think this will work out?" I asked, voice quiet.

"Only one way to find out." he answered and I nodded slowly.

"Probably."

After the fiasco that was Barcelona, with Charles starting from pole, leading the race comfortably for the first 25 laps just to be forced to retire due to engine issues and myself finishing in P8 after I struggled with the set-up of the car during the whole weekend. I wasn’t really excited for Monaco next. I loved the track and even managed to win the sprint race back in F2 all those years ago. But as it was Charles’ home race, for him it was always the most exciting race of the year, he loved it. The track, the city, the people. But there was also the infamous Monaco-curse. Although Charles said he doesn’t believe in it, I wasn’t so sure about it. As we arrived in Monaco on Tuesday in the morning, our moods weren’t the best and the thought of having now a conversation with Charles about the bed situation made my anxiety level rise dangerously. Charles rolled our suitcases into the bedroom and I stood in the hallway, gathering myself. Open communication. That’s what Dr. Lindner said. I had to just tell Charles honestly how I felt. I could do that. It’s Charles after all. He would understand. Right? Right! I took one last deep breath, then I followed Charles into his bedroom.

"Charles, can we talk?" my voice sounded weak and I cleared my throat.

"Sure, what’s up?" Charles looked up from

the floor where he rummaged through his suitcase. He saw the look on my face and got up, grabbing my hands "Do you want to sit down? What’s going on? You know you can tell me everything?" he lead us to the bed and I stopped abruptly.

"You bought a new bed?" I was shocked when I looked at the new bed frame.

"I overheard a little of your therapy session, I’m so sorry, cara mia! I swear I didn’t intend to! I thought you were done and left the kitchen to talk to you but then you continued and as I silently retreated into the bedroom I overheard what you said and thought about what it could mean… and as soon as I realised it, I made sure that you won’t have to sleep in that bed ever again! I know this was only the easy part… but I want you to know, that I would do everything for you!" he said and I looked at him with big eyes, my breathing hitched. A single tear streaming down my face, that Charles gently wiped away, I sniffled a little and he hugged me close to his body.

"You bought a new bed…" I repeated.

"I would buy a new flat for you, if you couldn’t stand being in here…" he whispered and the tears now fell freely. Charles kissed the side of my head and rubbed soft circles on my back as I started giggling, thinking about his words "What?" he turned me a little so that he could look at my face.

"Did you pour that water bottle on purpose over your mattress?" I asked and Charles chuckled a little.

"Like I said, I would do everything for you!" he whispered.

"I love you… so, so much!" I said and Charles laid a soft kiss on my forehead.

"I love you too, mon amour!"

"People won’t think it’s weird that I stay at your place during race weekend?" I asked Charles.

"No? You’re always staying here when you’re in Monaco! Not weird at all!" Charles answered and switched off the light in his en suite bathroom, then plopped down next to me on his stomach.

"Ok, ok… you’re right!" I sighed and turned on my side to face him. "Hi… how are we feeling about this weekend?" Charles smiled a little and I looked him up and down. He was only wearing grey sweatpants and I started drawing figures on his back with my fingers, I could feel him relax under my touch.

"The car is good. You’re here in my bed. I can’t really lose this weekend." he mumbled and wiggled closer to me.

"So no fear of the Monaco curse this year?" I chuckled and Charles groaned.

"It’s getting out of hand with how often they ask me about it!" he sat up and ruffled through his hair "It’s no curse when I’m at fault for the results! I have to be better this year, there is no room for mistakes!"

I pulled him down on me and he rested his head on my chest, then slung his arms around me.

"You will win this year, pretty boy. I can feel it!" I said quietly, underneath my breath and began to massage his scalp gently. I could see the goosebumps erupt on his skin, his body relaxing into mine, his breathing getting more evenly and quiet, then a little yawn "My sleepy koala." I whispered and could hear his quiet chuckle, after another minute he lifted himself up, holding himself above me with his hands propped up at both sides of my head.

He looked me in the eyes, his smile widening, it was that smile that always made me weak in my knees, my insides melting, body tingling, and I felt myself blushing. He chuckled again and kissed me long enough to drain every bit of oxygen out of my lungs, then he pushed himself up and laid down next to me.

"Come on now pretty girl! We need to rest! It’s media day tomorrow" with that he pulled me into his side and threw the duvet over us, then he turned to the side to switch the light off. I snuggled into his side, head buried in his chest, leg slung around his "I really could get used to this, cara mia." he whispered before giving me one last kiss on the crown of my head.

After the media day we returned back home from the paddock and I had a quick shower. I laid down on the sofa, scrolling through my phone, but after a while I was reading the same page over and over again as because my mind was occupied by Charles. How he sat at the piano, playing a beautiful melody. He was so focused, his fingers dancing over the keys, eyes closed. He looked ethereal. I abandoned my book and just kept on looking at him, listening to his beautiful song.

"I can feel you staring…" Charles chuckled after a while and I sat up. I laid the book on the table and got up, standing behind him. I leaned down on his shoulders and watched him play a melody I heard him play for a while now "Do you like it?"

"I love it!" I whisper and kiss the side of his head and he turns a little.

"Come here." he said and pulled me down on his lap "I’ll teach you…" he laid my hands on the keyboard and guided my hands over the keys, playing the melody from before, slightly off key. With every minute it sounded better and better and Charles decided to take his hands off of mine and I played alone. He began to litter my face with little kisses, starting at my cheek, going down my jaw, then gently tilting my head, exposing my neck and throat where he continued the gentle caressing. Focusing on the piano got harder with each light kiss. I lost myself in his touch and a shriek sound from the piano startled me. I blushed immediately and Charles chuckled "I thought women were masters of multitasking?" he turned my reddened face to look at him and cocked an eyebrow.

"We are, but there are only a few things, that can meddle with it… and you are one of them…" I answered and he smiled, then he pulled me closer, biting his lower lip before he closed the distance between us and pressed his lips onto mine. They were soft and warm. I sighed a little, parting my lips slightly, allowing him to slip his tongue inside. I felt hot, a stirring began in my lower belly. A tiny moan escaped my throat and Charles smirked into our kiss, gently pulling away. I was breathing erratically, cheeks flushed, heart racing. And he just smirked, happy with the effect he had on me.

"Are you okay?" his smug smirk only getting bigger "Cara mia?" he nudged my nose with his a little and smiled, I got up, legs slightly wobbly, but I tried my best to not show it.

"Yup. All good." I breathed out and plopped down on the sofa again, grabbing my phone, trying to calm myself down a little. Charles started to play his melody again and I took a deep breath. I scrolled through some reels and had to stop as I saw one of a girl playing piano. The song she was playing was one of my absolute favourite songs and I looked up at Charles. I googled for the notes and as I found them I put my phone down, watching Charles again.

"And you’re staring again…" he said and I laughed "You want another lesson?" he looked at me, not stopping to play.

"Nope. But I was wondering… can you learn any song?" I asked him and he thought for a moment.

"Probably… why?" he replied and I beamed at him "Oh… what comes now?" he stopped playing and turned on the stool, facing me.

"Would you learn a song for me?" I asked, channeling my sweetest voice.

"Depends… what song?" he said and as my smile grew bigger he groaned "No."

"I didn’t even say what song!" I pouted.

"Taylor Swift… No." he said and I made puppy eyes, pouting even more.

"Oh come on! You said yourself that her music is nice! Which is like the understatement of the century, but I let it slip… but pleeeaaaseee! Please, Charles! For me!" I almost begged and I knew that his resolve was already crumbling.

"Yeah, her music is good. But you know that I’m not playing pop songs and stuff like that! I stay on the classical side, cara mia!" he said and I got up, still pouting, puppy eyes on full display. I straddled him, carding my fingers through his hair. Kissing him slowly. Breathing each other in.

"Please, mon cœur…" I whispered into his ear, leaving tiny kisses just below it, I saw the goosebumps erupting and kissed his jawline "Please…" I saw Charles Adam’s apple bop in his throat and he swallowed hard, as I left light kisses along. I gently rolled my hips against his pelvis and his breathing hitched. He grabbed my waist with both hands, trying to stop my movement "Only one song…" I whispered in his ear, pressing my whole body against his. I felt him shuddering and his grip on my waist got stronger. I raked my nails down his neck over his shoulders, rolling my hips against his tight hold. "That’s all I’m asking…" I sucked at his pulse point, leaving a tiny mark and he groaned.

"One song…" he answered breathlessly and I smiled at him, I could feel his heart beating against my breast and he closed his eyes "Which one?"

"One of my favourite songs… Lover." I said quietly and he nodded slightly, opening his eyes.

"I try my best." he answered and my smile got wider, I sat up a little and froze, his grip on my waist tightening again "Stop moving." he whispered under his breath and I even stopped breathing "Just give me a moment, please." he almost whimpered, the sound sending a heatwave through my throbbing core "Can you get up, please? Slowly…" he pressed out between clenched teeth and I nodded, carefully lifting myself up, the outline of a bulge between his legs clearly visible.

"I umm… I’m going to… umm kitchen. I’ll cook. Yeah… what do you want? Pasta with Pesto and Chicken? Or Salmon?"

"You decide… I need to…" he said and got up quickly, leaving the room. I took a deep breath, feeling more than hot all over. In the kitchen I leaned against the counter and closed my eyes. Trying to calm down a little. As my knees stopped shaking and my breathing wasn’t as ragged as before, I opened the fridge, grabbing the chicken and some veggies. As I prepared our food, Charles stepped into the kitchen, hugging me from behind.

"All good again?" I had to giggle and Charles kissed my shoulder.

"Yup. But just so you know… you’re a tease… and I’ll have my revenge!" with one last kiss on my cheek he left "I’m learning your song now…"

"I can’t wait!"

As we made our way into the paddock on Sunday morning, the buzzing atmosphere was overwhelming. It always warmed my heart to see the support and love Charles received from his fellow Monegasques. But today there were a lot of people cheering for me as well. As we arrived at the paddock entry two little girls were screaming for Charles and me and we walked over to them.

"Oh my god! It’s really you! Charles! Lizzie!" one of the girls screeched.

"You are the best! We love you two! Can you sign our caps?" the second one beamed up at us and we crouched down, the girls blushing a little.

"Thank you so much!" Charles said and signed their caps, then handing them to me, to sign them.

"Can we take a picture as well?" they asked shyly and I nodded.

"Of course!" I said and the girls squeezed in between us and their mother snapped a picture. And the older girl grabbed the phone from her Mum to check the picture.

"You’re so pretty, Lizzie!" she said, showing us the picture and I blushed a little. Charles looked at the picture and smiled.

"Wow! Look at that! How lucky am I to be in a picture with 3 of the most beautiful girls on earth?" he said and the girls beamed at him.

"I hope you can win today! And Lizzie I hope you’re on the podium as well!" the younger one said and looked up at Charles.

"I will try my best! And I know Lizzie will as well! Maybe she’ll win!" he said and I laughed.

"No, no. She’s right! You win, I’m on the podium. That’s a good result." I said and the girls nodded.

"Good luck you two!" they said and we hugged them goodbye.

"That would be a dream result. You win. Me on the podium? I’d take that!" I chuckled as we made our way into the paddock.

"Yeah. Same. But realistically… I don’t know…" Charles sighed and I grabbed his hand, squeezing it.

"Hey! You can do it! You’re fast! You’re amazing at the start! That’s all it takes! And your team not screwing up. But still! Come on! Today is our day!" I said and Charles smiled a little.

"If you say so!" he answered and we kept on walking, hands still intertwined "Oh shit! Sorry!" he let go of my hand and I smiled sadly.

"No, it’s okay. It was nice to hold hands once in public." I chuckled a little. "I’m sorry!"

"Don’t be… it’s okay!" he said and stopped in front of the Ferrari garage "See you later, mon amour." he pulled me into a short hug.

"Yeah… see you later!" I said and walked down to the Audi garage, preparing for the race ahead.

"Lizzie, your first Monaco GP! Tell us, how does it feel? How do you feel?" Martin Brundle appeared out of the blue next to me "First in F1, of course!" he added and I smiled at him.

"It’s different, you know? Different cars, faster cars obviously, different race distance, yeah overall it’s been a good weekend for us, we had a good pace, tires were good. The weather can be a factor. It might rain towards the middle or end, we’ll see what we can do today."

"What does it take, to attack Max today and go for P1?"

"Well, get past Charles first, chase Max, second!" I laughed.

"Yeah, obviously get past Charles first! Thanks Lizzie, have a good race!" Martin chuckled and walked away.

After yesterdays qualifying I was quiet confident, without that stupid yellow flag I might’ve had a chance on P2, Charles on pole, but instead it’s P3 for me and P2 for Charles, Max in front of us. Overtaking was almost impossible in Monaco. It was all down to position, the strategy and gambling of the possibility of a safety car.

I leaned over my car and patted the 7 on its nose, as I always did before every race.

"Ah, old habits never die, you also did it in karting!" I heard Max say in German and turned around.

"Monaco is not the track to try and risk something." I answered and he laughed.

"On a scale from 1-10, how furious is he?" Max asked and shook his head in the direction of the Ferrari in front to our right.

"Where would you be?" I looked at him and tilted my head.

"12. Definitely!" he shot back and I nodded.

"Given the fact that he’s a bit more tame than you, I’d say 11. It was fucked, like come on! 50 metres? Yellow flag in the second sector? He had all purples…" I said as Charles turned his head and looked at Max and me.

"78 laps to take the win!" he answered and walked up to his car, on his way he and Charles fist bumped each other and they started to talk.

"Lizzie?" Felix walkd up to me "How are we feeling?"

"Confident! The car felt good. I’ll give my all, as always!" I say determined and Felix hugged me, before he made his way to Valtteri first and then the pit wall. I took a sip out of my bottle when someone poked my side.

"Hey!" Charles said and I turned around, he hugged me with a clap on my back, a bro hug as Charles calls it.

"Ready, Leclerc?" I asked as I saw a tv crew passing us, he recognised them as well and nodded.

"Always, Lizzie, always." he answered and squeezed my shoulder before he gave me another one of his bro hugs "Take care, cara mia!" he whispered in my ear, his warm breathing tickling my skin.

"You too, mon cœur." I smiled and he walked away, right as Pete came over.

"The rain might come earlier than expected, lap 45-50 probably, we’ll keep an eye on it, but just so you know." he said and I nodded.

"Rain as in droplets or rain as in downpour?" I asked and tucked my braids into my racing suit and moved my head around to check that they’re not disturbing me, as I was happy with the adjusting I put my headphones in and next my balaclava on.

"No downpour, but definitely more than droplets. The rain radar shows some heavy clouds, but they might pass us, if the wind gets stronger. We consider a second pit for inters. We’ll update you." he squeezed my shoulder and left. I took one last sip out of my bottle, giving it back to JK who handed me my helmet in return and I put it on, opening the visor, he adjusted the straps and the HANS.

I stepped to my car and climbed in, my mechanics buckled me in, adjusted the headrest, plugged in the radio and put in my steering wheel. Lastly they handed me my gloves and I put them on. Matt gave me a thumbs up and I tested everything out, then I nodded and gave him as well a thumbs up.

"Radio check." I heard Pete and pushed the radio button.

"Loud and clear." I replied.

The grid emptied slowly and I could see my mechanics preparing themselves to take off the heating blankets.

As the grid was ready, the heating blankets came off, revealing everyone’s tire choices, myself on medium, then the formation lap started and I began to warm the tires.

As soon as we all got back into our spots again I focused on the lights above, hearing Croftys commentary in my head as always "…and it’s lights out and away we go!" I accelerated, Charles in front of me had a phenomenal start and sets Max under a lot of pressure and then even managed to breeze past him, I was more than happy for him. Hoping he had finally a good home race.

Lap by lap I managed to close the gap to Max. Charles, who had more pace than ever as it seemed, stayed ahead of Max with a comfortable gap.

"Lizzie, front tires look good. Spare the rears a bit more."

"Copy. Gaps?"

"P1 to P2 1.6. P2 to P3 0.7"

"Alright." Radio silence again.

Overtaking in Monaco was mostly impossible, the only potential part of the track where I might had a chance was at the chicane, so I tried to squeeze past Max but he defended the attack lap after lap.

"Lizzie, Gap to P4 currently 1.3. Try to push more."

"When I push more I kiss Maxs ass!"

"Don’t."

"Left front doesn’t look good."

"Having a bit of graining. We‘ll keep tabs."

"Stay out?"

"For now."

"Copy."

The next few laps were uneventful. Some more failed attempts to pass Max, Charles gap getting bigger, mine to Max smaller. The rest of the grid far behind as it seemed. I passed through sector two as a yellow flag in sector 1 was shown.

I pushed the radio button.

"PSF?" Potential safety car.

"We‘re checking."

"Ok." I took the next corner, only 2 left before the pit entry, if we make the right call and box before the safety car is officially deployed. We get ahead of Charles and Max if they decide to pit a lap later, one last corner before the entry.

"Box, Box." Hopefully the right call. I steered into the pit lane. The only car for now.

Pit stop 2.3 seconds. Pretty good. I pushed the throttle and right as I’m at the pit lane exit the virtual safety car message appeared on my screen.

"Fucking amazing! Good job guys!"

"You’ll get out behind Russell in P6."

"Alright. Go time."

I entered the track again and as predicted the cars in front of me pitted in the next lap and I was leading the race.

"So Charles behind 1.8. Max behind 1.1."

Could this be my first GP win? Monaco? The most prestigious race on the calendar? And more importantly, could this be Charles' first podium at his home race? Fuck yes.

The next laps Charles came closer and closer. But he never tried to attack, too big of a risk. P2 was better than a DNF.

"Big shunt in sector 3. Lot‘s of Debris. Careful."

Double yellow. In front of me Tsunoda and Latifi, Magnusson in the wall. As the two drivers passed him they drove over some debris and the parts were flying through the air and I felt some hits. I pushed the radio button.

"There’s debris everywhere, I think as Latifi and Tsunoda went through something flew up and hit me."

"Copy. We Check and come back to you."

"Is Kevin ok?"

"Yes, he’s ok."

Safety car through the pitlane.

As I followed the safety car I felt something loose at my thigh but then it was gone. I moved my leg slightly but couldn’t feel anything.

"Prepare for the restart, Lizzie."

"Yeah."

Another 6 laps in and I again felt something loose at my legs and I pushed the radio button.

"I think there is something loose between my legs, guys."

"What do you mean?"

"I felt something at my thigh. Do I have damage?"

"We’re checking."

I waited patiently for Pete’s radio message and kept driving.

"No damage. Keep pushing."

"Alright. Copy."

I still wasn’t convinced but tried to get it out of my mind.

"We’re expecting rain in the next 5-10 minutes."

"Inters?"

"We’ll wait for your input."

"Ok."

"Full stat?"

"You. P2 Max. P3 Sainz. P4 Charles. P9 Seb. Out Magnussen. Tsunoda. Latifi. 27 laps to go." I gulp, Charles was in P2 behind me? How did he end up in P4?

"What happened to Charles?"

"He had to pit again."

"Why?"

"They gave him the wrong tires."

"Fuck off."

"Lizzie."

"Yeah, sorry."

Fucking Ferrari compromised Charles’ race yet again. From Podium to P4. I couldn’t even describe how sorry I felt for him. I just knew he would only blame himself after the race, he still could’ve drove faster and try to overtake or some shit like that. He would never criticise Ferrari, he loved his team too fucking much. But at this point they've failed him one too many times and worst of all, out of all places it had to be here, at his home GP.

It slightly started dripping.

"Go for two laps in mode R62. Rain out of turn 7."

The track got slightly wet, but the traction was still good.

"Inters. What do you think?"

"Traction is pretty good. Track is not too wet. Do others pit?"

"Not yet."

"Copy."

The traction was still considerably good, despite some wet patches on track. Would it keep on raining like this, I thought I could manage without inters. But if the rain picked up, staying out would be impossible.

"Rain picks up slightly between turn 2 and 3."

"Let me try it."

"Copy."

Up the hill the rain did pick up indeed a little and I could feel the track got a bit slippery, but still manageable. The track seemed to be dry besides between the turns 2 and 5.

"Where would I come out if I pit?"

"Between Norris and Ricciardo."

"How’s the rain?"

"Picks up slightly, but according to the radar only couple more minutes."

"Then more or?"

"Should clear up in about 5 laps, but still one more dark cloud front coming up, earliest prob last 5-6 laps.”

"Ok."

With around 20 laps to go, should I risk it and stay out, if I risked it and the rain gets too much at the end of the race I’m fucked. If I pit and the rain comes after the race, I’m stuck behind.

"Box Max, Norris, Daniel, Pierre."

"Ferrari?"

"No."

They gonna risk it, they would have two cars behind me, if the rain picks up they could try an undercut. As I drove up the hill to turn 2 I could see that the sky looked not dark and grey. It cleared up. I took a deep breath and pushed my radio button.

"I’ll stay out."

"Copy."

Please, dear god or whatever is up there, let this be the right call.

"Ferrari called for a double stack."

Great, even more that they could fuck up.

Charles would lose even more time and positions and with only 16 laps to go, the podium was lost.

"Charles stayed out."

"What?"

"P2 Charles, P3 Perez, P4 Max, P6 Seb."

Did he ignore his team’s orders? Holy shit.

As I looked in my mirror I saw him coming out of the chicane. On any other track we could battle this out. But here it was just too dangerous unfortunately. Even though a P2 would be Charles’ best result ever in Monaco, he would see the checkered flag for the first time here, I knew that he would still be disappointed. Winning his home Grand Prix was his biggest wish, a really close second after winning the WDC. And wouldn’t they delete his lap time yesterday, he would’ve started from pole. He could’ve won. No, he would’ve won. If the clownery that was Ferrari wasn’t spitting in his soup yet again.

"How’s the track?"

"Good. Almost dry only out of turn 4 into 5 slightly wet."

"Seems to be your lucky day. Heavier rain estimated 15-20 minutes after the race. 11 laps to go."

Now I just had to calmly manage the tires and all was good. My first win in Formula 1! In Monaco! Monaco. Charles. After so many disappointing races. Still one step away from his dream. One step away from the promise he gave his father, winning his home race for him. And all because his team let him down, once again.

"Lizzie, keep pushing. Charles is catching up. 0.9."

"Alright."

"You’re at 71 % on the throttle."

"Pete, I push it through."

"We’re checking."

Radio silence, I could see Charles coming closer as I’m slightly getting slower.

"Change to mode FX98. FX98."

"Something’s wrong. I push the throttle fully."

"Just keep pushing. Gap to Charles 0.7. 7 laps to go."

Still getting slower, Charles came closer than ever. Something has to be wrong, right?

"Guys what’s happening?"

"Lizzie, we’re checking. Just keep…"

"I AM PUSHING. But there’s just nothing fucking happening!"

"Understood."

Charles was practically at my ass now. I pushed the radio button.

"Am I losing power?" I asked.

"Negative. You’re not losing power."

"Why is the car so slow when I’m pushing the throttle as hard as I can? I’m breaking out of the car that’s how hard I’m pushing!"

"Throttle now only at 67 %"

"FUCK!"

"4 laps to go. Charles behind 0.2 seconds."

As I steered into the chicane I knew he was going for the overtake, he had the speed and I couldn’t do anything at this point, so I let him pass me, without defending. He speeded away.

"2 laps to go, Gap to Perez 1.6 seconds."

"SD?" Striking distance.

"2."

I pushed the throttle through and the next 2 laps were the longest of my life. As I parked my car next to Charles’ I leaned back for a second. P2 in Monaco is amazing. Charles deserved this win more than anything. I unbuckled my belt took the steering wheel off and put it on the bonnet. Then I stood up and felt something fall back from where seconds before my feet were, I spot the carbon part in my seat. I leaned down, took my steering wheel to put it back in, at the same time I took the carbon part and threw it back to the pedals and jumped off the car. I turned around and saw that Charles was still in his car. I took my gloves off and walked up to him. As soon as he saw me he quickly got out and embraced me. I only pushed him toward his team as I walked up to mine, opening the visor of my helmet and jumped into them.

"Sorry Lizzie!" Felix looked disappointed, but not in me, in the car.

"There was something loose! I swear I could feel it." I said and hugged him "P2 in Monaco! Fucking good result, I’d say!"

I hugged everyone before I walked up for my weighing. After that I took off my helmet and balaclava, grabbed a towel and put my helmet down, then I dried my face and neck. Liam cheered from the top of his lungs for me and Charles and I walked up to him and Dad, hugging him tight.

"You almost won, Lizzie!" he almost yelled and I kisser his cheek. "And Charlie won! He won!"

"Yes he did! Isn’t he amazing!" I smiled and Liam waved Charles who immediately joined us, Liam practically jumping into his arms.

"YOU WON, CHARLIE! YOU WON!" Liam screeched and I laughed as Dad pulled me into a hug.

"You did amazing, Lizzie!" he whispered and I smiled, hugging Lorenzo and Arthur next.

"Amazing race, Lizzie!" Lorenzo said and Arthur only nodded.

"Good job!" Arthur smiled and I looked at Pascale, tears in her eyes.

"Oh Lizzie! Congratulations!" she sniffled a little as she held me close.

"Merci, Pascale! You can be proud today. Charles did amazing!" I smiled at her and be wiped away some tears.

"I am proud, mon fille! I’m proud of both of you!" she said and I smiled.

I made space for Charles, who still carried Liam and went back to the tables in front of our cars, grabbing a bottle of water.

"Congrats Lizzie! Good race!" Checo walked up and he patted my back and I smiled at him.

"Thanks Checo, you too!" I replied as Charles walked up to us. I smiled at him and almost jump led in his arms, but could stop myself, instead I hugged him tight.

"You did it, Charlie! You did it! I’m so proud!" I whispered and I heard him sigh.

"You let me win, Lizzie." he pushed himself off of me and smiled, but I could see it wasn’t real. He walked away to do his interview and I stood there dumbfounded. Throughout his interview he had a fake smile and always when he looked my way his smile hardened. Then it was my turn and I had to pull myself together, trying not to think about what Charles said.

"Lizzie, congrats on P2! Phenomenal race! You made some good strategy calls!"

"Thanks! Yeah it was an amazing race, we had a strong weekend, both cars in the points. Overall a good result. As for the strategy, my team is amazing! Shout out to our strategists!"

"You made some good calls yourself!"

"Yeah but only because they give me the confidence to do that."

"But what happened at the end? It looked like a safe win?"

"I really don’t know, we need to check if I maybe had damage at the car from some of the flying debris from Kevin’s crash. But it felt weird."

"You reported twice before that you felt something loose between your legs?"

"Yeah, that wasn’t just a pun to Seb, it really felt like there was something moving around but we need to investigate what happened."

"Thanks Lizzie, enjoy the podium!"

"Thanks!" I gave back the mic and followed Julie, who waited already for me as Sebastian approached.

“Lizzie! What a race! I’m so proud of you!" Sebastian cheered in German and hugged me.

"Thanks, Seb!" I answered.

"Almost your first win!" he said and sighed but I only shook my head and smiled.

"Yeah almost, but a win in Monaco for Charles? After last year? He deserves it so much!" I couldn’t help myself and practically beamed and Seb just cocked his eyebrow knowingly and I chuckled nervous "What?” I asked an Seb just hugged me again.

"It’s good that you two finally realised that you’re meant to be! I told him so many times to make a move, back when we were teammates!" he whispered in my ear and I tensed up "Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me for as long as you want it to be!" he released me and left smiling.

Julie came up to me, ushering me towards the cool down room, where Charles already was waiting, sitting in the chair for the second place.

"I believe you’re in the wrong chair…” I said and walked up to the table with the cap for P2, towels and water. I put my helmet down, grabbed a towel and dried my face off agin, then my neck. I used my visor as a mirror and loosened my braids, smoothing my hair down. Then I grabbed a bottle of water and the P2 cap and walked up to the chairs. Charles didn’t move so I sat next to him on a box, not on one of the chairs for the drivers.

"What are you doing?" he asked in French.

"Oh, so now you’re talking to me?"I answered in French as well "I’m not sitting in P1 and jinx it!" I continued in English and Charles got off of his chair and pulled me up, then pushed me gently into the P2 chair as Checo walked in.

"What a race!" he exclaimed and grabbed a towel and a bottle of water, then sat down in the P3 chair, Charles still standing "They gave you the wrong tires?" he then asked Charles who only nodded.

"Yeah, they gave me softs, planned were hards." he answered and I snorted, but was able to turn it into a cough. "But yeah like this I could go on the mediums again, so I had more pace, not really helpful in Monaco but you never know." Checo nodded.

"You ignored your team orders? When they wanted to do a double stack?" I asked Charles and he shook his head.

"I didn’t understand the radio at first… but I said I think they want me to pit for inters but I want to stay out." he answered "What was with your car? You didn’t put up any fight whatsoever? You just let me pass you!" the last part sounded accusing.

"I don’t know what it was, I felt something loose between my legs before, I thought I had damage from flying debris or something? But they said there was nothing wrong but I don’t know! I pushed the throttle completely through, more and my foot would break out of the car… they need to check what that was before the next race!" I said but Charles wasn’t fully convinced "I want them to run all the tests that we have.”

I tried to reassure him, that this race win was really his, that I tried my hardest to win. The car was lagging. After almost a minute of him looking at me, my every move, he nodded and sat down in P1. I convinced him.

Charles POV:

I stood on the podium, Lizzie on my right, beaming up on me, her cheeks flushed, wide smile on her lips. She looked gorgeous and I would give everything that I owned to kiss her right here, right now. But her smile was enough to make my stomach flutter, my body tingling. I won Monaco. My home race. After so many tries. So many failures. Today I finally made it. And to make this day even more memorable, Lizzie, the most beautiful, enchanting girl, love of my life, stood next to me. Celebrating this milestone. I closed my eyes, taking a moment to fully grasp what just happened. This win was for Dad. For our beloved home. His voice rang in the back of my head, telling me that one day I would win our home race and all of the principality would cheer for me and he would be the loudest amongst them. I could see his face in front of me, his smile, the wrinkles around his eyes, the glasses that were always sliding down his nose and he had to push it back with his finger, his messy hair. I opened my eyes, feeling overwhelmed, throat closing in, eyes teary and as the Monegasque anthem was played, tears began to fall. I looked down and saw Maman, Lorenzo, Arthur, Juergen and Liam smiling proudly at me.

"Congratulations, Charles! Today you’re making yourself immortal! We’re all so proud of you!" Prince Albert hugged me tight, smiling bright as he handed me the trophy.

"Thank you so much!" I replied as he stepped back and I lifted the trophy up above my head, pointing with my other hand in the sky. For Papa. For Jules. I watched as Lizzie lifted her trophy up as well, smiling at me. As soon as all trophies were handed over, it was time for the champagne. Les Toréadors played and I sprayed Lizzie from head to toe, while Checo poured a large amount of champagne over my head and I flinched as the cold liquid trickled down neck into my race suit. We cheered our bottle together, all taking a swig of champagne and then it was time for a picture. I pulled Lizzie close to my side, brushing away some wet strands of her hair, that were sticking to her face and she smiled brightly at me. I felt her love and adoration radiating from her.

"He is so proud of you, Charles!" Lizzie leaned in, whispering in my ear and I choked up a little, she kissed my cheek, a tingling sensation spreading across my skin where her lips had touched me. She then gently wiped away a stray tear that was running down my cheek and I smiled at her. I won my home race. I had the girl of my dreams. Could it get any better than this?

"And you really don’t want to go out and party? Charles, you won the Monaco GP? Your home race?" I asked him laying in his bed, I watched him drying his hair with a towel, another one slung around his hips, body glistening with little droplets of water.

"Do you want to party? We can go out if you want to! But I much rather stay at home and celebrate here, just you and me, a bottle of champagne, maybe watching a movie?" he answered and stepped in front of the bed, I got up on my knees and hugged him. After a moment, he leaned back and kissed me, first slowly and sweet, his hand at the small of my back and at my nape. Our body’s pressed together, the kiss intensified. Only when we were both running out of air we pulled away a little and leaned our foreheads together.

"Nope, this is perfect." I whispered and Charles chuckled. I got up and walked into the bathroom, closed the door and took a deep breath. I felt hot, a quick cold shower would help, when I brushed my teeth I realised that I had forgotten to take my fresh clothes with me, I sighed, putting my hair into a messy bun, wrapped the towel around my body and opened the door. Charles, now in sweatpants and t-shirt, sat on the bed against the headboard shuffling through Netflix as he looked up at me, a smile on his face. I felt my cheeks blushing.

"I forgot my clothes…" I whispered and pointed at the pile on the drawer and he just nodded, as I walked over, took it and went back into the bathroom, where I quickly changed and then walked out "So, what are we watching?"

"You decide, I just want to hold you close and I’m happy." Charles said and I blushed again and he grinned "God Lizzie, I love when you blush like that…" he got up from the bed and walked over to me, putting his hands on my waist, pulling me close and I shuddered "Are you cold?"

"No, it’s just, you make me, I don’t know how to explain… but when you look at me like this, I’m like… I’m getting nervous…" I whispered and looked down and tried to hide my intense blushing, Charles gently grabbed my chin and lifted my head up to look at him.

"Hey, hey… please, don’t hide from me." he said quietly and smiled at me "What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?"

"It’s embarrassing…" I tried to look away but he cupped my cheeks, looking at me.

"What is embarrassing? You know you can talk to me about everything? So what’s going on?" Charles asked and his voice was so genuine and sweet that I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"I’m… I’ve never done it…" I almost whispered it but Charles looked at me confused "I’m still a virgin…" my heart was beating in my throat, skin burning hot, as I looked down ashamed.

"Oh Lizzie, hey, look at me! Please!" Charles smiled at me encouraging "It’s nothing to be ashamed of!"

"I just, I don’t know, deep down I always wanted it to be you and… I don’t know, it’s silly because now that you and I… it’s just- umm… I’m scared because I- I don’t have any experience…" I mumbled and Charles pulled me into his arms.

"I wish I would’ve waited for you…" he sighed and I shook my head "But please, don’t feel ashamed and please don’t be scared! I mean I’m probably not the most experienced as well… but that doesn’t matter! It’s you and me. And no matter when it will happen, it will be perfect. So please don’t feel like to put yourself under pressure or anything! This what we have, it’s perfect, it’s amazing and when you’re ready for the next step, we’ll take it. Together. As always."

I smiled at him and kissed him, tried to show him how much his words meant to me.

"Why are you so perfect?" I whispered and he just chuckled.

"I’m by far not perfect, but I try to be the closest to perfect for you, because you, cara mia, are perfect and deserve it." he answered and by now my face was probably the shade of the darkest red possible.

"Charles, you are more than perfect, I just wished you could see it as well…" I said and kissed him again, slowly and sweet, but as Charles pulled me closer into him, his hands gently stroking my waist, I felt heat rushing into my core.

As he gently pulled away I chased after his lips again, sealing our lips together, fiery, exploring his mouth. My hands started travelling down his sides, gripping the hem of his t-shirt, slowly sneaking my fingers up his skin under it. I felt him shudder underneath my touch and pulled away from our kiss, giggling at his reaction.

"Are you laughing at me, pretty girl?" he whispered, brushing his warm lips over my ear. Now I shuddered and he chuckled slightly. I turned my head, leaving little kisses along his jaw, my fingers running up his back, leaving goosebumps in the process. As I pulled him even closer into me, my breathing hitched as I felt his hard length pressing against my stomach. I slowly pulled away, only to look Charles in the eyes "That’s what you’re doing to me, Lizzie" he pulled me back in, nuzzled his nose in my hair and inhaled deeply "You’re driving me crazy…" I tugged at his t-shirt, making Charles now pushing himself off of me, cocking an eyebrow. I bit my lips, nervously pulling his shirt over his head, revealing his muscular, well proportioned upper body. My hands trailing over his hard chest, down his abs to the hem of his sweatpants, his growing bulge clearly visible. I looked up at him, his eyes full of lust and passion. He captured my lips in a mind blowing kiss, devouring each little sound I made, my body started trembling, heat waves crashing down on me. He held my waist in a strong grip, playing with the hem of my shirt and I nodded. Charles understood and slowly pulled it up, breaking away from our kiss only to let the fabric pass over my head. His eyes wandered down for a moment before they landed back on mine "God, you’re beautiful." He pulled me back into him, our naked chests colliding. Feeling his hard body pressed into mine, I moaned quietly, feeling arousal pooling in my core. He kissed me again, this time more aggressive, messy, his chest heaving. I grabbed his shoulders, to steady myself, rubbing my sweaty palms over his bare skin. I felt myself becoming more eager, hungry even and tangled my hands in his hair, pulling him even closer. I trailed one hand down his chest, over his groin, carefully rubbing his hardened length. Charles groaned into our kiss, pulling away, huffing loud "I can’t control myself if you keep doing that." he muttered under his breath as I kept on rubbing, making him groan even louder.

"Then don’t…" I answered and he looked at me for a moment.

"Are you sure? We can wait, cara mia…" he whispered but I just nodded.

"I love you, Charles… and I’m more than sure."

"I love you too, Lizzie…" he kissed my forehead and my heart swelled at this sweet and sincere gesture. I took a deep breath, pulling his sweatpants down, freeing him from his confines, eyes widening "I’ll be gentle, pretty girl."

————————————————————————

Little Note:

Chapter 17 and we’re racing in Monaco, baby! Giving Charles that win was more than amazing, let’s manifest it, so that we can watch our favourite Monegasque lift that trophy up IRL!

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