Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"I honestly don't know what they all see in him" I groan, walking past the array of girls lined up to get a glimpse of their fantasy man. "They must know he isn't going to date any of them, right?"

"But they all believe they'll be the one to change him" Oxland, my best friend of 15 years sasses beside me.

"And to be dressed like that, I mean, they aren't leaving much to the imagination" I tease, glancing at their barely covered legs and torso's. Mind you, it's also been one of the coolest days Europe has ever recorded in a July month, I'm rugged up in triple layers, and these girls have their midriffs out.

Oxland scoffs beside me, mumbling something under her breath.

"Sorry" I apologise, knowing that Oxland too had been one of Charles past conquests.

"It's fine, that's so old news" she rolls her eyes, as I tuck my arm into hers as we make out into the McLaren garage. "Plus, not everyone gets to have a "Lee" in their life" she mocks, bumping into my shoulder.

The very mention of his name causes me to blush and also prompts me to check my phone.

I met Lee on this dating app a few weeks ago, and he was every definition of perfect. He lives in Monaco and we had plans to meet for the first time whilst we are there with the Formula 1.

"There's trouble if I ever laid eyes on it" Lando teases as soon as we walk through the doors.

Oxland flips him off before he embraces her in a hug, offering the same to me.

"Come to check out all the talent?" he boasts, pulling gently on the collar of his hoodie.

"If by talent, you mean watching you just creep into the points, then sure" Oxland shrugs in sarcasm.

"How are you feeling about today?" I ask, crossing my arms in front of me.

"Yeah, excited. Should be a good race" he responds. "And what the bloody hell are you wearing?" He asks, his eyes darting down the entirety of my body.

I look down at my attire. "It's a tracksuit?" I defend, sounding more like I'm questioning it.

"It's connected" he informs, pulling at my mid section.

I swat his hand away, "It's meant to be, you jerk"

"You look like you're about to hit the ski fields" he further teases.

"Moving right along" Oxland encourages, sending an evil glare in Lando's direction.

"Are you watching from in here or are you going up to the club house?" He asks, pointing to the roof of the garage, "but seriously Adley, you need to start dressing more like her" he points toward Oxland.

Although she isn't dressed for the weather, at least she's covered somewhat up in her skin tight jeans, bare middle, cropped camisole and cropped hoodie.

"Thank you?" She appreciates in a question. 

"Welcome" he sends her a condensing wink.

"Okay enough about this" I hold my hands up in defence, tugging on the opening of my puffer jacket, pulling it tighter around my body.

"Upstairs" Oxland answers. "We better get going" she instructs.

On our way out, I send a quick text message to Lee, asking about his day. Lee was at university studying law, and it was said he was going to one of the top firms in London to complete his professional years.

- Counting down the days until we get to meet. What are you up to today? - Adley

His response comes back immediately and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

- Cant wait. It's going to feel surreal. Nothing too much. Just a relaxing day before another big week. What about you? - Lee

As we exit out the back of the garage into a sea of people, fans from several teams all rush to get a glimpse of their favourite drivers, and when the high pitch squeals come from the far right, you can bet your last dollar who just walked in.

"He's just the hottest thing since... I don't even know" gushes one fan

"It's like the gods personally designed him from gold" another one squeals.

"I heard, that his, you know what, is so big that..."

Okay that's enough.

I begin to reply back to Lee whilst following Oxland toward the steps to lead us to the balcony, when I come crashing into a figure, my hands having to stop myself from barrelling over.

"Oh dammit" I curse.

"If you wanted to touch me, you could have just asked" the voice mocks from above.

Glancing up, I feel almost disgusted in his cockiness, although it should have been expected.

"Trust me, I didn't" I scowl.

"Where's the hot friend of yours?" He asks, making a point to duck his head past me.

"No longer interested in you, Charles" I mock, holding my head up high.

He smirks and shrugs, holding his confidence strong, "She'd come if I commanded"

My eyes roll voluntarily. "You speak of woman like they are pieces of meat" I hiss.

He tightens his lips and shakes his head, "I'm actually vegetarian" he announces, holding his hand against his heart in some weird school boy honour.

"You're revolting" I boast.

A group of girls let out a high pitch squeal beside us, calling for his attention.

"I best tend to them" he tilts his head. "Always a pleasure Adley, nice... outfit" he mocks, his eyes glancing down before he pushes his sunglasses further up his nose, turning to pose for another hundred pictures.

I let out a scoff before jogging up the stairs after Oxland. Glancing back over my shoulder when I reach the top, Charles is looking up in my direction with a cocky smirk all over his face.

I shake my head dramatically at him, making a point for him to see the disgust on my face before turning around and joining Oxland on the edge of the balcony, over looking the pit lane.

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Had to post one chapter - its been too long since a race :( :)

Chapter Text

ADLEY

As expected, Charles took the checkered flag an impressive 38 seconds in front of the rest of the pack.

Regardless of his problematic attitude, Charles Leclerc was a beast of a driver. There was no question that he could drive and it was such a dynamic duo to have Charles and Ferrari in a partnership.

"I know he's good, but I wish, just once, he wouldn't win" Oxland groans.

We make our way down to he podium area to watch the presentation.

P1: Charles Leclerc

P2: Max Verstappen

P3: Carlos Sainz

and all the way down in P8: Lando Norris

"You know he's going to kill you for jinxing him right?" I mock toward Oxland.

She lets out a chuckle, "Let him try" she winks.

Secretly, I think Oxland has had a thing for Lando for a while now and visa versa, but the very fact she got burned by a Formula 1 driver before, makes him off limits to her. And the fact that she'd been with Charles, made her off limits to him.

"He's an absolute dick" Lando groans as he makes his way beside us.

"Isn't that obvious" we both chuckle.

As we glance up at the podium, watching Charles be announced and crowned the Imola Grand Prix winner, I can't help but roll my eyes in disgust. He really does get everything.

During the playing of the Monégasque National Anthem, Lando walks off in a scoff and pulls Oxland off with him. I'm left standing with the masses, watching them worship someone who's arrogance destroys his successes in his profession.

Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I glare up having my heart stop, and my chest fall into my stomach when he's glaring straight back at me, a huge smirk on his face

I turn around to check who else could be in his line of vision, but it's one of the mechanics from Red Bull and his attention is on the person next to him.

My head flicks straight back up toward Charles and he sends a wink in my direction.

I can't help but have my head shake in response. Sure, I could understand what girls saw in him. And guys too. Charles Leclerc had this way about him where every guy wanted to be him, and every girl wanted to be with him.

I understood the physical attraction. His head was well proportioned to his body, his face not completely troll like, and I suppose from what I had seen underneath that shirt, it was nothing to be disgusted over.

But, for me, especially, someone's personality was enough to completely cancel out their physical.

I force my head away from our impromptu staring competition, and begin to weave through the crowds back towards the garages to find Lando and Oxland.

"Gross, you stayed to watch that?" Oxland comments as I walk through the doors.

I roll my eyes at her, and turn my attention toward Lando. "Really great race today."

"Please" he scoffs, "this car seriously has no pace. I honestly hate being so slow when last year, we were top midfield"

"I know, it can't be easy. When do you bring the upgrades?" I question.

"Silverstone I'm pretty sure" he nods.

"Hopefully that'll improve something?" I shrug.

Unzipping his race suit, he steps out of it along with his fireproofs so he's just standing in the garage in his jocks.

"They have bathrooms for that" Oxland mocks.

Lando pulls a smug face at her, "I thought you'd like the show?" He teases.

"Eww gross. Not from you" she fake vomits.

I shake my head in amusement, because I can see the slight shade of blush covering her face.

"Suit yourself" he shrugs, pulling on a hoodie and some track pants.

My attention is drawn down to my phone with an incoming text.

- Sorry; I fell asleep.  How was the race? -  Lee

"Is that lover boy?" Lando gushes.

I flip him off as I turn my back to them, some sense of privacy to reply.

- That's okay. Yeah it was okay. Same old. My mate got 8th so he got a few points for his team ,which is good. How was your sleep? - Adley

"Are you guys coming out with us tonight?" Lando asks.

"Where's out?" Oxland questions, although we both know we'll be going.

"Just one of the local bars. They usually section it off for us"

I return to Oxland and Lando, "So much royalty" I tease.

"But seriously, if you guys are coming, you're going to have to change" he gestures to my outfit.

I pull my jacket from my shoulders, still fully covered in my one piece tracksuit, and tie it around my waist. "There, changed" I sass.

"We'll come, but you leave her alone" Oxland warns, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

"Yeah" I defend weakly, joining forces with Oxland.

"Please let me help you dress when you get to meet lover boy?" He begs pathetically.

"Any excuse to see her naked" Oxland mocks and I chuckle.

"You know, I am genuinely curious as to what she looks like under all of that" his arms wave around in front of me. "You could be 200kg for all I know. You could have green skin" he gush's dramatically.

"How'd you know?" Oxland joins in on the mockery. "She's Princess Fiona. You're a genius" as she pulls me away from Lando and out the back of the garage, although he follows.

Pulling out my phone just as Lando wraps his arms around each of us, forcing us to part, we make our way toward the paddock.

- worried now I won't be able to sleep tonight. Good to hear about your friend. Did that arrogant guy win again? - Lee

"What is Mon Beau?" Lando reads over my shoulder.

I quickly turn my phone away from him.

"It's nothing" I defend, just as Oxland pulls out her phone.

"It means My Beautiful One" she reads.

"Eww" Lando sasses.

"Shut up. He called me it the first time we spoke and I guess it just kind of stuck. I'm under that in his phone too" I defend.

"Okay Ad" Oxland mumbles.

"You guys don't need to understand it. This is my crush, let me live out it's cringy fairytale on my own" I sing out, holding my phone close to my chest as I run ahead.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Umm no" Oxland shakes her head. "You can't be serious, Ad"

"What?" I ask her as I emerge from the bathroom.

"We're going to a night club. You're in Jean shorts" she disgusts, gazing up and down my body.

I look down at my outfit, "what's wrong with Jean shorts?"

"Nothing" she shrugs, "if it's matched with a cute camisole or a crop. But you've chosen a pink polo"

"Why does everyone keep commenting on my outfits lately?" I ask as I walk in front of the mirror, pulling at the base of my shirt.

She eyes me cautiously, "I'm sorry" she apologises, walking up behind me and placing two hands on either side of my shoulders.

"Is it really that bad?" I ask, turning either side and analysing my appearance.

I can see the answer weighing around in her mind.

"Be honest with me please?" I beg, turning around to face her.

Giving me a comforting look, she turns me back around to face the mirror again, "It isn't bad" She assures, "You can wear whatever you want too"

"Can you help me? For tonight?" I ask.

She looks at me regretfully, "you don't need to change who you are Ad, I'm sorry if I made you feel that way"

I shake my head at her, "You're right" I acknowledge. "I kind of dress like a middle schooler"

I hear a stiffened chuckle. "Sorry," She apologises, "That was just accurate is all"

I roll my eyes at her, "So, help me?" I whine.

"Okay, okay" she holds her hands up in defence.

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"Stop playing with your dress, you look hot" Oxland compliments as we approach the club.

"I don't think I've ever worn anything this short" I inform, pulling the hem down of Oxland's black dress she loaned me as low as I can, but I'm at a losing battle. The more I pull my hem down, my neckline comes down further too.

"Right, look at me" Oxland instructs, turning to face me right out side the door. She begins fiddling with my hair and reapplying more red lipstick. "There" she announces, satisfied with her work, "Perfect"

I glance inside the already chaotic club, the noise getting progressively louder each time someone opens the door.

"Are you sure about this?" I ask nervously.

"Ad, you look hot, okay. Own it. It's one thing for a woman to dress sexy, but it's not going to do anything unless the confidence is there to go with it"

I let out a deep breath, shaking my hands out in front of me to get prepared. "Okay, let's go" I breath out.

Oxland grabs my hand, leading me straight past the awaiting line, checking our names off at the door and having one of the security men lead us inside. We circle around the side of the club before going up some stairs by the side of the bar, up to a secluded VIP section.

Oxland lets out a howl as we reach the top of the stairs, dropping my hand and throwing her hands around as she makes our arrival obvious.

"There she is" Lando coos towards Oxland, wrapping one hand around her waist and pulling her close to her. "Hey, who's your friend?" he asks, gesturing his cup toward me.

I flip him off instantly.

"No fucking way" he gasps, letting go of Oxland and bringing his hand up to his mouth as he approaches me.

He takes my hand and twirls me around in a circle under his arm, "Look who has a pair of legs" he compliments, holding me out to get a look at my full appearance.

"Shut up" I shy away embarrassed.

"No, you look really good Adley, seriously" he assures.

"Thank you. I feel weird though" I admit.

He shakes his head as he takes a sip of his drink, "Don't. Here, come on, lets get you a drink and then you'll relax a little" he suggests, pulling me toward the special VIP mini bar they have set up for the drivers.

I follow Lando toward the bar, glancing back toward Oxland who is already sat between a few of the drivers, sipping out of a martini glass.

"What will you have?" he asks, resting his elbows on the bar.

"Ummm, just a soda please" I reply, shooting a comforting smile to the bartender.

"No, no" Lando boasts, "I said a drink to relax, not one that you order at bounce and slide for kids." He waves his hand toward me before turning his attention to the bartender, "She'll have a gin martini please"

I shoot him a concerned look before finally relaxing, needing to trust that people may have my best interest at heart.

"Right, drink this, then we'll dance" he informs, walking backward slowly away from me. His eyes dart down the length of my body before he brings his fist up to his mouth, biting on his knuckles as he shakes his head in disbelief. "So gorgeous" he mumbles before turning away.

His compliment gives me a small boost of self confidence. I take the martini in one hand and pull myself up onto one of the bar stools, pulling my phone out of my bag.

- Out at a night club with Oxland and a few of the drivers tonight. Really looking forward to next weekend when we can do this - Adley

I shoot a message to Lee before sliding the phone back into my bag.

"You must be new?" I hear the condescending tone come from beside me.

"Seriously?" I shoot him a look, "Go away Charles"

He lets out a boastful chuckle, "No way. Adley?" he gasps. "Shit, look at you" he takes a seat next to me uninvitedly.

I roll my eyes and turn my chair away from him.

"So, what happens? You have to make it out of here before midnight?" he sasses.

I don't offer him the satisfaction of a response.

"Oh come on now, Adley, I'm just playing. I could be Prince Charming"

I can't help the laughter that falls out, "You could never. You're definitely the villain, of any story" I sass.

I swivel on my chair to face the bar, ignoring his presence beside me. That is until I feel his hot breath hard up against my neck and his strong frame pressed up behind me.

I shudder when his lips graze past my ear, "Trust me sweetheart, no guy has ever had their name screamed by the girl who's got their legs wrapped firmly around their shoulder for being a nice guy. It's the bad ones you ladies desire"

Chapter Text

ADLEY

By the time I had somewhat composed myself, I hitched a breath before noticing that my legs were pushed so tightly together I was beginning to send them numb.

I look toward the bartender who was at the other end of the bar, serving some of the drivers and click my fingers, gaining his attention.

As he slides his way toward me, I tap on the martini glass "another one of these please" I request breathily.

He chuckles low at me, "you haven't finish this one love" he mocks.

"Trust me" I mutter, picking up the glass and downing the whole contents, "I'm going to need it".

"Woah, are you okay?" Oxland asks as she slides into the chair beside me.

"Just fine" I deadpan, sipping on the newly placed glass in front of me.

"Well come on, finish that" she bursts, "we're going dancing"

I take a hold of her hand as she drags me off the stool and we head down toward the dance floor.

Mixing amongst the sweaty bodies of everyone else in the club, Oxland pulls me right into the middle of the dance floor, gazing up to select the very centre underneath the disco ball.

As we take our position, having to steady myself from all the crashing bodies, Oxland taps my shoulder. I turn my attention to her as she points up toward the DJ booth.

"Check it out" she yells over the top of the music just as I see Lando appear next to the original DJ, securing a pair of headphones to the top of his head.

My jaw drops as a huge smile appears, "No way" I reply, wrapping my hands around her shoulders from behind and swaying with her just as the music beat swaps.

"Ayooo!" She sings out, raising her hands up in the air.

A serious look crosses Lando's face as he beginnings fiddling with the board in front of him.

Our bodies move in response to the beat, as we can hear it starting to pick up. His eyes glance up, finding the disco ball on the roof and then dropping straight away to the crowd, catching sight of us immediately.

A toothy grin appears on his face just as the beat closes in, remaining static before that big drop.

Lando stretches his hands out in front, pointing to the crowd as we all mimic his position. I've never felt this kind of rush before, waiting for that moment.

As soon as it hits, every single person responds immediately by jumping up and down, their hands moving in unison. As are mine.

I feel a weight on my shoulders as I glance to my right, finding Oscar Piastri by my side, steadying himself on my body. "Fucking cracker of a night" he yells.

A few more of the drivers, Esteban, Daniel, George, Niko and Max all complete our little circle as we all bounce around to the beat.

Once the song is over, our hands go up in applause toward Lando's sound deck as he takes his modest bow.

"I didn't know he could do that?" I gush, having to position myself right up against Oxland's ear.

She just simply nods with her eyes brows heightened in pride just as Lando joins us on the dance floor.

"That was amazing" I compliment as he accepts a drink off Alex.

"Thank you" he replies, wrapping one arm around Oxlands shoulders and pulling her close to him.

I give her a subtle wink and she shakes her head, snaking out of Lando's grip and claiming mine, as we dance off to the side of the group of boys.

We spend the next handful of songs bouncing around, performing some of the most cringy dance moves ever performed and throwing back drink after drink that's given to us.

"I need a break" I call out to Oxland who waves her hand off at me, moving over to join the boys.

I push past the crowds, making my way back to the stairs and heading up to the drivers VIP area.

"Oh Jesus" I curse as soon as I reach the top, covering my vision. "Can you not?"

The vision of not one, but two girls straddling Charles on one of the sofas was definitely not what I figured I'd walk into.

His hand circling on the backside of the one seated on his lap whilst his tongue remain plunged down the other ones throat.

His head slowly cocks in my direction, his egotistical smirk alluding to his lack of respect for women in general.

"There's room for one more" he mocks tapping on his other knee.

I turn my nose up at him, "I'd rather sit on a cactus"

"Suit yourself, Porter" he hisses, returning to his initial position.

I cross the room, doing everything I could to not look in their direction as I make my way over to the bar.

"Another martini?" The bartender asks.

"Got anything stronger?" I ask in a half chuckle.

He points his finger knowingly at me before turning around and collecting a bottle from the shelf, pouring it into a shot glass before sliding it in front of me.

"What is it?" I ask, pulling the napkin it's situated on closer.

"Something stronger" he replies in a sass with a wink.

I pick up the glass and make the mistake of bringing it up to my nose, "Woah" I gasp out.

"Don't smell it, just drink it" he chuckles.

In one swift motion, I down the glass, slamming it onto the table as the wave of burning liquor passes down my throat.

I let out a cough as I struggle to handle its effect.

"You look more like a wine girl" a voice comes from beside me.

I glance over whilst still trying to compose myself, realising it's the girl who was straddling Charles.

I roll my eyes at her and pay her no attention.

"Josè, can we get 6 shots of Spirytus?" She orders.

I feel her eyes on me, before she adds, "make that 7, our friend here looks like she could do with another"

"I'm not your friend" I hiss.

She chuckles deeply, waving her perfect hair around, it smells like coconut.

"Whatever you say" she mocks.

"You realise he's just going to sleep with you, and then never speak to you again, right?" I inform her, judgement coating my tone.

I feel Charles heavy weight around me as he wraps one arm around me and one around the skank to my right.

"God I hope so" she replies.

They're all pathetic.

The sound of lips smacking together makes me feel sick to my core as I try and wiggle from his grip.

Charles places one hand on the glass in front of him, the girl doing the same. "Alright then" he announces before they throw them back.

I stare at the one in front of me, just as Charles lets out a big sigh. "Come on, Porter. You going to drink that? Or can I have it?" He mocks.

"Knock yourself out" I respond.

He makes a point to grab it from across my shoulders, forcing himself to invade my personal space even further, taking the glass in his hands and bringing it up to his lips.

He pours it down easily, leaving absolutely no reaction to it as I still struggle to hold mine down.

"By the way, I don't sleep with anyone." He deadpans. "I fuck them."

Chapter Text

ADLEY

Waking up the next morning, I feel absolutely wrecked. I roll over and collect my phone which is facedown on the bed next to me. Tapping onto the screen, nothing happens. I click the side button to where the empty battery icon flashes on the screen. 

"Great" I mumble to myself, laying on my stomach and reaching off the side of the bed for the charging cord.

Once it's plugged in, I roll myself out of bed and manage to drag myself to the shower.

I'm not sure what it is about a night out, but I feel the need to wash my hair again, even though I only did just before we went out. It's just something about the sweat and atmosphere that makes me feel like I need a detox when I leave.

Stepping out and wrapping myself in a towel, securing one around my head as well, I tip toe across the carpet and collect my phone, enough charge now in the dock to allow me to turn it on.

- Good morning Mon Beau, How was your night? I didn't hear from you so I presume you had a nice time - Lee

Checking the time of sent, I've only missed him by a couple of minutes. I'm not entirely sure why I feel like I'm in debt to him. Like I need to reply to him right away in order to make him feel secure. It isn't like we are even dating either. I just never want anyone to question my loyalties. And I've been really getting along with Lee, I don't want him to think I'm this type of girl to sleep around and that I have 100 different guys I'm talking too.

I guess that's what your past does to you.

You're accused of all these things you don't do, so you bring that baggage into your next relationship and act like you've been unfaithful before.

- It was okay. I make the same promises never to drink again and apparently I don't listen to myself. How was your night?- Adley

Pulling the towel from my head, I leave my head flipped over, rubbing the towel through my locks before throwing it back over my back and crossing over to my suitcase. Pulling out a white tee shirt and my long overalls, I secure them on my body before letting my hair fall naturally over my shoulders, squeezing the ends into the towel.

My phone begins vibrating on the side table, Oxland's name crossing the screen.

"Morning" I announce as I answer.

She sends a loud groan back in my direction.

"How are you feeling?" I ask with a slight chuckle.

"Fantastic" she mocks, "what time are we leaving?"

I pull the phone from my ear, checking the time, "you've got about an hour to be ready before we leave" I inform her.

I hear a mumble in the background of her phone before she shush's them, "Okay" she answers.

"Was that Lando?" I gasp.

"Don't say a word" she warns.

I let out a chuckle, "I didn't say a thing" I hold my hands up in defence although she can't see me.

Oxland let's out a loud groan, and I hear Lando's cackle in the background before he makes a grunt in pain. "Shut up" she boasts, however it wasn't at me.

"I'll see you soon" I amuse, hanging up the phone before she can respond.

Securing the rest of my items into my suitcase, placing it by the door ready for when I leave.

I take a seat on the edge of the bed, pulling out my phone and bringing up my conversation with Lee.

Haha I have the same issue. I guess we'll never learn. My night was okay, missed not having our regular conversation over our microwave meals. I need your opinion, I'm starting a new novel, shall I read Stephan King? Or reread the classic? - Lee

I smile at his message. Pulling my leg up onto the bed, I get myself comfortable, checking the time to ensure I'm not late.

Well I guess that depends on what you're classing as a classic? - Adley

The Great Gatsby, of course - Lee

I let out a gasp with a chuckle.

The number you have attempted to contact is no longer in service - Adley

Damn, I was really starting to like the person on the other end too - Lee

I can't help but blush at his message, those childlike warm fuzzies taking over my stomach.

I try my best to keep my cool in my reply.

Is that the case? - Adley

Look whose number is back in service ;) - Lee

But seriously, The Great Gatsby is your classic? - Adley

The Great Gatsby is a classic and you cannot argue with me on that - Lee

I'm not doubting it's a great book, but the works of Herman Melville, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, would be baffled you threw them in with F. Scott Fitzgerald. - Adley

Touché. What are you doing right now? - Lee

Waiting to leave, our car is picking us up soon to take us to Monaco. Are you still okay to catch up on the 29th? - Adley

Wouldn't miss it. Can't wait x - Lee

I tuck my phone into my pocket with a smile on my face, I've been counting down the days to finally meet him. The drive to Monaco should take us roughly 5 hours, I've made sure I've charged up my kindle into my handbag for the trip.

Double checking I've left my room in order, I collect my luggage from the door and head out the door.

Whilst waiting for the elevator, I send a message to Oxland to make sure she's up and ready to go.

Yes mum, I'll meet you in the lobby - Oxland

I roll my eyes at her sass, letting out a slight chuckle.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

An hour into the trip, Oxland has been passed out in the seat beside me since we pulled out of the driveway, and with every minute that passes, I'm becoming increasingly anxious and excited about seeing Lee.

"Everything okay back there?" Hector, our driver, asks through the rear vision mirror.

Letting out a struggled breath, I run my hands down and back up the length of my thighs.

"I'm okay. Just questioning life" my mocking chuckle accompanies my response.

"Take it from me, we as humans, never satisfied" he offers with commitment. "We're always wanting more, searching for the next best thing" his thick French accent coating his response. "Nothing is ever enough, no. Humans are selfish"

"How do I not be selfish?" I ask in laughter, crossing my arms over my chest and sinking back further into the chair.

He shrugs his shoulders, "No idea. I constantly want more, so I'm the worst person to ask for advice"

I let out a loud chuckle, shaking my head. "Do you have any advice?"

"What are you questioning?" He asks, his eyes flicking toward me every now and again through the mirror.

"I'm not sure exactly, I took this year off to travel, and we were lucky to be given the chance to travel with Lando. But like, after this? I don't even know where I see myself?" I vent.

"Sometimes the best things happen to you outside of a schedule?" Hector suggests.

I let out a chuckle, "you obviously don't know me very well. I struggle when there is no schedule" I mock.

"Maybe that's your problem?"

I consider it for only a moment, but the very thought seems absurd. I shake the thought out of my head. "I honestly couldn't do it"

Hector let's out a boastful chuckle, "Suit yourself missy".

I gaze out the window, the endless landscapes all blending into one another as we set off toward Monaco. Pulling my kindle from my bag, I reload my current chapter in 'A Thousand Ships' by Natalie Haynes. My finger swiping constantly over the screen as I skim read through the tails of fallen Troy.

**********************

CHARLES

Waking up with a groan, the affects of the night before weighing heavy on my head. Yet it never stops me from repeating the same behaviour weekend in and weekend out.

Most of us on the grid like to enjoy a drink every now and again, but I guess you could say that my ratio alcohol/water may be a little more dramatic than say, the likes of Rookie boy, Oscar. The very thought of a droplet of liquor passing his lips and he scolds away like the proper school boy he is.

Give him time.

Once your in this sport, at this level, for as long as the rest of us, drinking away your stresses not only becomes a want, it's a need to survive in this game.

I feel the weight of the bed shift beside me.

Fuck.

I hate it when they stay over.

Reluctantly glancing over to the right, I see her tangled hair, smudged lipstick and bare body sprawled out on the mattress beside me.

She looked a lot better when I was drunk.

I say she, because I have no fucking idea what her name was. Nor did I care to learn it. They were all just nameless whores who shared a common interest in screaming my name.

Gazing back up to the roof, I let my arms stretch above my head, gripping onto the bed head behind me. The memory of, whoever she is, head banging against the wood so much we had to adjust the pillow brings a confident smirk to my lips.

It's always so much better in the night.

I don't understand what they expect from me the next morning? I don't know why they bother. They have to know I'm just going to send them on their way the minute they're somewhat conscious.

"Good morning baby" the nameless creature coos from beside me.

Did she always have that thick Irish accent?

"Hey" I grumble back, flipping my body away from her and pulling myself out of bed, heading for the bathroom.

"I was thinking we could go out and get some breakfast?" she hopelessly suggests, not for the first time.

Flicking on the tap, I grab the glass cup beside the sink, filling it to the brim and bringing it to my lips, downing it's entire contents before returning it for a second fill.

"Sounds good, but I've got to leave soon. I'm heading out to Monaco for the next race this morning" I attempt to coat my words with the best possible regretful tone.

"What about just a take away coffee?" She begs whilst I roll my eyes away from her direction, pouring the second glass full into my mouth.

This is why I hate it when they stay.

"Listen" I announce, walking back into the room, using the back of my arm to wipe the remains from my lips, "How about I just call you next time I'm in town? I've got a lot to do before I leave and my manager will be here any minute." I retrieve a half used napkin off the desk area and hand it to her with a pen.

Once she's up and dressed and On her way out the door, she hands me back the napkin between two fingers before placing a morning breath filled kiss on my lips.

Gross.

"FaceTime me if your ever up late, and lonely" she coos with a wink.

I take the napkin from her hands and tighten my lips immediately the moment she pulls away, raising my eyes brows and offering her a slight nod.

She sends a cringey wave in my direction as she disappears down the hallway before I slam the door closed between us.

Making my way back to the bed, I toss the napkin into the trash, making note to never contact her again.

Throwing myself back amongst the sheets, I lay flat on my stomach and allow myself to fall back into slumber, knowing full well I don't leave until tomorrow.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Wake up" I announce, for the fifth attempt in the last 15 minutes, shoving my hand onto the side of Oxland's shoulder.

As she mumbles and grumbles beside me, I watch as Hector begins to empty our suitcases from the trunk onto the sidewalk in front of our hotel.

"Oxland, come on, we're here. Jesus Christ what did you take?" I chuckle as she brings her hand up beside her lips, swiping away some drool.

"A few sleeping pills" she groans, dramatising her yawn, stretching over to my side of the car.

"Yeah well, they worked. You've been knocked out for about 5 hours. Don't you even think about keeping me awake tonight" I inform.

"I can't believe we have to share a room with Lando" she moans.

"Oh yeah" I sass, "I can tell you're so cut up about it. Besides, you should be well adjusted to having sleepovers with Norris by now"

She sends me a warning look but I can see the embarrassment taking over her.

"I'm just playing" I apologise, settling a comforting hand on her arm. "I don't want to tease you about it. I'm actually, strangely, really happy about it"

"Stop" she groans, "I don't even know what it is, don't freak me out by putting all these weird labels on it"

I chuckle, "you know he's not Charles, right?" I comfort.

Oxland let's out a loud scoff, "they're formula 1 drivers. They're all Charles" she mocks.

I shake my head, trying my best to keep the conversation serious. "Not this one, not him" I reassure.

As we file out of the car and toward the lobby, we wave goodbye to Hector as he settles our bags onto one of the trolleys for the hotel staff to collect.

"Hi, we are here with McLaren Formula 1, surname Porter." I announce as we approach the desk.

"Could I see some photo idea please?" The receptionist requests before Oxland and I slide our photo ids across the desk.

"I just need to find somewhere to eat, I'm starving" Oxland groans beside me as we wait.

"We can" I chuckle, "we'll go out as soon as we settle into the room"

"Can we not just order room service?" She begs.

"We cannot afford room service" I inform her with a shake of my head.

"No, we can't, but Lando can" she wiggles her eyebrows at me knowingly.

I giggle as her whilst we collect our ID cards. "You're in room 6 on the 15th floor, enjoy your stay" she welcomes, handing us both a key card each.

"Thank you. Does Lando need to check in with you tomorrow or can we just give him the room number?" I ask her.

"Mr Norris will be taken care of upon his arrival" she informs with a serious tone.

"Alrighty then" I mumble, cautiously sliding the keycard off the desk and into my grip.

Once we are in the room, Oxland and I take the king bed by the window, leaving the other double bed ready for Lando when he arrives.

"You sure you two don't want this bed, I'm happy to take the other one" I tease.

"Leave me alone" she chuckles, throwing her stuffed elephant at me that she's had since she was a little kid.

"Okay, okay, I'll stop. But there was no need to include Ellie in this fight" I mock, holding the elephant up and making her look at Oxland with puppy dog eyes.

Oxland holds out her hand for Ellie's return and I toss the plush toy to her.

"Food. Now" Oxland orders, placing Ellie onto the bed in an upright position against her pillow.

Making our way around the streets of Monaco, the overcast skies make it just hot enough that I need to roll up my sleeves, yet cool enough that I regret doing so.

"When are you meeting Lee?" Oxland asks.

That reminds me to check in on him, "Not until Monday. He's busy in London over the weekend doing a trial at the firm. I can't wait to see him, finally"

I pull out my phone, handing it to Oxland. "Could you take a picture of me please?" I ask, positioning myself in front of the sea side holding my hands out and posing.

"Gorgeous" she compliments, snapping a few pictures.

When I retrieve the phone from her, I shade it from the sun and take a look at them.

"This one's cute" I acknowledge, hitting the share button and sending it to Lee.

Finally in Monaco, can't wait for the weekend to fly by - Adley

I caption the picture and send it off as we continue down the sea side.

"Here looks good" Oxland announces, pointing to a pasta bar.

"Sure" I accept, following her into the restaurant.

Stunning! Can't wait to see you, there's so much I want to show you! - Lee

Lee's reply comes in almost instantly as we take our seats.

I'm left smiling at the phone like an idiot when Oxland's fingers begins clicking in front of my face between me and the phone.

"Hello, earth to Adley!" She chuckles, "damn girl, you got it bad"

I shake my head shyly, "I do not." I defend. "I can't wait to see him though" I quickly add.

"Have you like, spoken to him yet?" She asks questionable.

"Yeah" I nod, "we talk on the phone a lot, but not like a FaceTime or anything"

"So he's not like some 60 year old creep?" She asks mocking.

"We'll find out" I chuckle with a shrug.

"Ready to order ladies?"

Chapter Text

ADLEY

Monaco Grand Prix weekend rolled around quicker than I expected and next thing we are back Harbourside watching the boys go through their practice runs around the track.

We're currently finishing up Free Practice 3 and surprisingly enough, no one has crashed yet, but we won't count our lucky chickens too fast.

"Every single part of me does not want to hear that Monegasque National Anthem on Sunday" Oxland groans beside me. "I'm pretty sure by now, I've subconsciously learnt the words"

I chuckle, "unfortunately we are going to hear it anyway. We are in Monaco after all"

She rolls her eyes and lets out an exaggerated moan. "Fine, once is the limit for the weekend"

I grasp a hold of her hand as we make our way across the paddock and over toward the pit lane to find Lando.

"Excuse me" we stop when a group of girls approach us.

"Hello?" Oxland asks impatiently.

"Are you heading over there?" One asks excitedly, glancing at the passes around our neck.

"Yeah, we are" I decide to answer, not trusting Oxland.

A book is suddenly held between us, "do you think you could give this to Charles Leclerc for us? We made him a book telling him how much we love him, but we didn't get passes" they genuinely sound upset.

"Oh honey, he's an arse, he isn't worth it" Oxland deadpans.

I shush her and take a hold of the book, "I'll see what I can do. Thank you" I accept, sending Oxland a warning look.

"This is my Instagram. Can you message me if he gets it, and could you film it if he does" one of the other girls asks Oxland.

"Are you for -" I cut Oxland off again.

"We'll try our best" I assure, taking the username scribbled onto a chewing gum wrapper and stuffing it into the pocket of my jeans.

As we walk away, I could hear the excited screams coming from behind.

"That is weird" Oxland comments as we move out of ear shot.

"They're all the same" I accept.

"You're not actually going to give that to him are you?" She asks in a gasp.

I shrug, "if we happen to pass him, I might throw it at him" I chuckle.

"Give it here" she demands, pulling it from my hands to hers as she retrieves a pen from her handbag.

Flipping open the first page of the book where a giant picture of Charles is centred, taking up the length of the page. We both groan at his smug face.

"Don't ruin it" I mumble, "they worked hard on it"

Oxland rolls her eyes at me, "you think he's going to read this? Unless it contains nude pictures and contact numbers assuring No strings attached,he's not going to bother"

I can't help but agree with her, but as she begins adding some very immature comments around the picture of Charles, I can't help but feel bad for the girls.

Making our way into the McLaren garage, we are met with Lando and Oscar as they listen in to a few of the mechanics and engineers whilst sipping on water.

Lando's eyebrows raise as we come into visual, gesturing for us to make our way over to him.

Without missing a beat in the conversation, he wraps his arms around Oxland's shoulders, pulling her in front of him, resting his chin on top of her head. I settle in beside Oscar as we exchange a silent hello.

Not long after the meeting ends and the mechanics leave.

"Hello ladies" Oscar announces, Lando still holding Oxland tight in his grasp.

"I can't believe noone is in the wall yet" I comment.

Lando points a knowing finger toward Oscar. "Yeah I got pretty close" Oscar admits.

Lando's mocking chuckle fills the garage.

"Hey, he still didn't make contact" I help defend.

Oscar wraps a comforting arm around my shoulder to join forces against Lando. "Yeah" he boasts.

"Isn't it meant to be like chucking down with rain over the weekend?" I ask.

The silence is golden.

"Yeah your no crash analysis isn't going to last long" Lando mocks.

"You better be careful" I point a warning finger at him. "You too" I add Oscar in.

"Yeah, we didn't take a year off to spend it in a hospital" Oxland teases.

"Aww, you'd stay with me in hospital Oxy?" Lando coos.

"What's this?" Oscar asks, pointing to the book in my hands just as I hear Lando grunt over in pain, obviously as a reaction to his comment.

"Some girls over there wanted us to give to Charles. Some fan book or something" I inform.

"You're not actually going to give it to him are you?" Lando asks.

I send him a weird look, "you two are weirdly synced up" I point between he and Oxland. "And yeah, maybe. If I see him."

"Now is your chance" Oscar announces, gesturing to the front of the garage where Charles is standing, talking with Max.

I let out a groan before regretfully making my way over to him.

His eye catches mine as soon as I leave the garage, "I was right, it did all return to normal after midnight." He mocks.

I ignore his comment and greet Max.

"Some girls out by the dock wanted you to have this. They made it for you" I inform him, handing over the book. "Oxland made some edits in the front" I chuckle.

Charles takes the book, flipping to the first page and gazing over Oxland's drawings and comments, "she still wants me" he boasts.

"I'll see you later" Max departs, leaving me alone with Charles.

"Yeah I'm going too" I announce, turning away from him.

"It was very sweet of you to make this for me, Adley" Charles calls out.

I whip around quickly, "what?"

He holds the book up to me, "I mean, I almost believed the story about the fans, but I know now, this is all you"

I scoff loudly, "I couldn't think of enough nice things to say about you to fill one page, let alone a whole book"

His playful smirk angers me. "Why do you hate me so much?" he asks

"You hurt my best friend" I announce without hesitation. 

"That doesn't mean you have to hate me. I didn't hurt you" he chuckles.

I shake my head at him, "You know nothing then. About girls in general. We pack together. You hurt her, I hate you. Same would be applied in reverse"

"You wouldn't even give me a chance to prove I'm not that bad?" He smirks.

"You said yourself Charles, you're one of the bad guys" I sass, flicking my hair around as I spin on my heel, walking away from him.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

No surprises, Charles qualified on pole for the Monaco Grand Prix. Of course he did. The minute he set his lap time, none of the drivers even came close to challenging him for it.

"I don't think Lando is going to be much fun tonight" I smirk as we cautiously make our way to the back of the McLaren garage to meet him.

The rest of the paddock has closed down for the night and it's really just the drivers and a few members of their teams left. Plus a few eager fans still waiting by the exits to get a glimpse of their favourite drivers.

"No I don't think so either. We should stop and get some of his favourite snacks. Bets are he'll just want to chill" Oxland suggests.

"We'll see what he wants to do" I reply.

"Now you're waiting for me? Geez Porter, you have it bad" I hear the condescending voice come from behind us, not needing to turn around to know who it is.

I ignore him instead, wrapping my arms across my chest and rolling my eyes.

"Leave us alone, Charles" Oxland demands.

"Oxland, baby, looking as fabulous as ever" he coos toward us.

I can feel the rage radiating off Oxland as I feel him settle right behind me.

"Enjoy the session, Adley?" He asks, demanding my attention.

"Sure" I deadpan, offering him nothing.

"You should come down and watch from the Ferrari garage tomorrow, better to be surrounded by the winners, right?"

He completes his insult just as Lando exits the garage.

"Find a new hobby, Leclerc" Lando boasts, joining Oxland and I.

"Nice qualifying, Norris" Charles mocks.

Lando unfortunately had a terrible qualifying session this weekend. He didn't even make it out of Q1 and will start tomorrows race in P17, and on a circuit like Monaco, overtaking his near impossible.

I can feel Lando tense beside us, his face showcasing just how frustrated Charles comment made him.

"Put it this way though, for the first time in your career you'll know what it's like to have me behind you" Charles mocks, "given I'll be about to lap that tractor McLaren gifted you this year"

Before I even have time to blink, I feel Lando shift beside me just as Oxland stands in front of him, placing herself between Lando and Charles.

"Let's go" Oxland pressures with two hands on his chest, pushing him away from the situation to which, thankfully, he doesn't seem to fight it and walks off with Oxland, throwing his backpack over his shoulder.

"Wouldn't hurt you to be nice" I comment as he stands there with a smug chuckle to his face.

"I was just playing" he groans, holding his hand out toward where Lando was.

"No" I shake my head, "you were being a dick."

"Woah" he drastically holds his hands out in defence, "careful there Porter.  I don't think your mummy would be too happy to hear those kind of words come out of your mouth"

I roll my eyes at him. "Such a jerk" I mumble.

"Good girl" he compliments, sending an automatic glare in his direction. "Well, unless you'd like to be the one to come home with me, Adley, I'm going to go and collect one of those lovely ladies by the gate to escort me back to the hotel." He pauses for a moment, "actually, I might take two or three"

He sends a wink in my direction which makes me feel instantly sick.

"God forbid you ever just stay faithful to one woman in your life" I tease. 

"Why on earth would I just stick to one when I can have them all?" He questions as if it's morally acceptable.

"Why would you want them all when you could have just one?" I throw the question back at him. "Wouldn't it be so much better to know you're developing something genuine with someone rather than a one night stand every night of your life?"

He's face automatically changes to overly amused. "That sounds awful, Porter. People actually want that shit?" He chuckles.

I shrug my shoulders and begin to question why I'm even still here. "I guess not everyone"

"I'll leave that nightmare to you and your books. I'll be over here, enjoying the likes of playboy and porn"

He staunches past me, ensuring that his shoulder brushes across mine as he does.

"Oh you're still here?" Oscar approaches me from out the back of the garage.

"Hey, I was just going. I was.." I think better of it. "Never mind. Hey, congratulations today! What a run!" I gush.

"Oh thank you. I think a lot of that was pure luck" he replies.

"Take the win, you deserve it." I reassure him.

"Oh well, thank you. Good to finally get a good result. Have you seen Lando?" He asks.

I nod cautiously, "Yeah, he's with Oxland at the moment. He's got to be so displeased with today" I offer.

"It was unlucky, just not our weekend"

"I know" I accept. "But you know how he is, takes it all personally. He just loves this sport too much"

Oscar nods knowingly. "Don't we all"

"You're all mad" I chuckle in mockery.

"I won't argue with that. Can I walk you to the car?" He offers.

"That'd be great, Thankyou" I accept as we head off down the paddock and toward the car park. "Will Lily be coming tomorrow? I haven't seen her in the longest time" I inform him.

"Yeah, she's actually coming tomorrow, finally. We've been trying to get her to a race for a while now actually"

I smile, "good. Well, link her over with us. Oxland and I can keep her company for the day" I offer.

"She'd love that. She really likes the two of you"

By the time we are back at the hotel, Oxland has managed to get Lando to calm down a little but you can tell he's still so disappointed in himself.

"Can I get you anything?" I offer as we settle into the hotel room.

Lando shakes his head, "no it's okay. Well just chill, try and not overthink tomorrow. I need to just accept it's going to be a poor result."

"Hopefully Spain will be a better weekend" I try and keep positive.

Lando offers me a comforting smile just as my phone begins to vibrate on the bed beside me.

Wow, huge day. How was your day? It's weird knowing you're in Monaco - Lee

"Is that lover boy?" Lando mocks.

I turn my phone away from him before shifting myself further up the bed until my back is leaning against the headboard.

My day was okay. It was qualifying day and Lando didn't do too well, we are just back in the hotel room trying to make him feel better. Only 2 more days until I get to see you. Where am I meeting you? - Adley

"I'm going to order some icecream in, do you want some?" Lando offers.

"Mint choc chip for me" Oxland calls out.

"I'll have vanilla please" I accept.

"Vanilla? You're so basic" Lando mocks.

I roll my eyes at him before staring back at the phone, eagerly waiting for Lee's reply.

No good to hear about Lando. Hope he's okay. We will meet at Blue Bay at 10am. I'll meet you out the front - Lee

Butterflies automatically fill my stomach in excitement. I feel like I've been waiting for this moment forever, even though it's only been about a month.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Alright, that's it, we have to call it a night" I announce after glancing to the clock revealing we've made it past midnight.

"It's fine" Lando groans, immediately before his body betrays him and he lets out an exaggerated yawn.

Oxland and I fall against the headboard in laughter.

"Shut up" Lando boasts, throwing one of his pillows toward us.

"You have a race tomorrow, today" i correct " you really need to get your rest" I explain.

"If he says he's fine, then he is fine" Oxland betrays me.

I give her a warning look, "So faithful" I mock.

She shrugs her shoulders knowingly, "I'm just saying, he's a big boy, he can handle himself"

I roll my eyes as Lando lets out an approval grunt.

"Suit yourselves" I mumble, throwing my legs off the side of the bed and heading for the bathroom.

I can hear Lando and Oxland giggling once I close the bathroom door, gazing at my appearance in the mirror.

I've never been that concerned with my presence, but knowing I'll be meeting Lee tomorrow, I'm suddenly noticing the imperfections.

Running my fingers down the sides of my nose, noticing my skin feels a little oily, my eyes dart to Oxland's skin care set up on the vanity.

I wouldn't even know where to begin.

Picking up the first bottle and reading the directions on the back, it seemed easy enough. Although it said to use after the cleanser.

I gaze around the other bottles for a moment before giving up and putting 'skin care' into the too hard basket.

Turning on the tap and cupping my hands into a small boat, I gather up some water and splash it across my face before going in for a second round.

I brush my teeth and pull my hair around into a braid ready for bed.

When I exit the bathroom, Lando is now in my spot where he's right up against Oxland watching something on her phone.

"I'll just take this bed then" I announce, flopping myself onto Lando's bed.

"No, it's fine, here" Lando begins to object.

I roll over in duvet and tuck myself in, "Too late" I defend in a chuckle.

Turns out to be the worst decision ever, as their constant talking and giggling had me up most of the night, and I didn't even want to let my mind wander as to what they could have possibly been doing.

The following morning, I'm awakened by the sound of all three of our alarms going off at the same designated time.

I hear Oxland's usual morning groan before she mumbles "Get your fat ass arm off me, you freak"

I can't help but smirk, those two are so weirdly perfectly matched for each other.

"Say's the one who just had to put her cold feet in between my legs all night" Lando teases in defence.

"Morning you two" I call it.

"Good morning, Adley" Lando replies.

"Adley? I need coffee" Oxland shouts in a groan.

I let out a chuckle before throwing the covers off and forcing myself out of bed.

Ducking into the bathroom quickly, I throw my hair up into a bun on the top of my head, brush my teeth and pull one of my oversized hoodies over my shoulders.

"I saw a little bakery by the hotel, I'll go get breakfast. What time do you need to be leaving here?" I ask Lando.

He rolls over onto his back, his forearm covering his face. "8" he barely makes out.

I check the phone time, "Okay, you have about an hour, get up you two" I order before rushing out of the room.

Once down at the bakery, I order our coffees and an assortment of pastries. I wait over by the counter and flick through my phone to not feel like a complete idiot.

"ADLEY" the coffee attendant calls out after a few minutes, handing me a brown paper bag full of the pastries and a cup tray with our three drinks.

Tucking my phone and wallet under my arm, I balance the cup tray in one hand whilst pushing the door open with my back side.

"Watch it" I hear being called out as soon as I exit the building.

I let out a yelp whilst spinning around trying to dodge the runner.

"You're starting to scare me, Porter"

My head falls back in frustration, piercing my eyes shut.

Turning around slowly, I know exactly who I'm going to be facing.

"Hello Charles"

He runs his fingers through his sweaty hair. "Are you following me?" He asks.

I hold up the three coffees and paper bag. "Clearly not, excuse me"

I step around him, heading back toward the hotel before he calls out after me, "Offers still there to watch from the Ferrari garage"

"Why do you do that?" I ask in annoyance.

"Do what?" His smug face makes me so angry.

"Try and cause trouble? Just seems like no matter what, you just want to annoy people"

He shrugs coyly.

"You really need to grow up" I boast before spinning around and heading back to the hotel.

Kicking open the door, Lando and Oxland are still in bed, fast asleep.

"Seriously, you two?" I shout, making a point to slam the door closed.

Lando jumps at the noise whilst Oxland just rolls over in a grunt.

"What time is it?" Lando asks in a mumble.

"9" I say in full seriousness.

Immediately, Lando propels himself out of bed, almost tripping over his jeans as he tries to pull them onto his legs.

"Wh, How, Ad, Come" he stumbles.

"Lando" I muse with a chuckle, clicking my phone screen on and holding it up in his direction. "Calm down"

Lando flicks his eyes back and forth between the time and my face as I can't hold the smile in any longer.

"Coffee. Now" he pleads, staunching over toward the little table where I had placed down the drinks and food.

With a mouthful of one of the pastries, he points his finger at me whilst holding onto the cup, "You're an arse" he teases.

I shrug, throwing a pair of clothes on top of Oxland's head, urging her to get up. "Now, Oxland"

Chapter Text

ADLEY

The race deemed a little more eventful than we previously expected.

It seemed like every corner someone else was hitting the wall, causing an array of yellow flags and red flags to be waved around the circuit.

Oxland and I, along with the rest of the crowd, huddle amongst whatever shelter we can find as the heavens' open up, casting an unforgiving blanket across the sea side circuit.

I'm surprised they haven't cancelled the race yet.

Out of the 20 drivers, only 16 remain on the track and Lando has managed to make his way up the grid, somehow, to find himself in P5.

"This is not the year off I bargained for" Oxland groans as she pulls her hood further over her head, pulling herself closer to me as a gentleman behind her pushes closer to the barrier.

"This is way too dangerous for them to be driving in" I worry.

I watch over the racetrack in fear, worried who the next driver will be to fall victim to Monaco Grand Prix.

We see the next round of red flags illuminate the track and our eyes flick toward the big screen to see who it was.

"I can't see" I comment, trying to work out who it is through the rain.

"It's Leclerc" a man announces behind us, turning around we see the headphones secured in one of his ears.

"Charles crashed?" I gasp.

I hear Oxland chuckle beside me and I send her a dirty look. "Nice" I mock before turning my attention back to the man with the headphones. "Is he okay?"

"I'm not sure" he shrugs, "Waiting to hear" he informs, holding up his phone where he has the live feed playing.

My head snaps back to the track where the drivers are slowly making their ways back to the pits.

Lando's car comes around the corner slowly, his hand coming up slightly out the top, giving us a thumbs up to let us know he's okay and it takes a weight off my shoulders.

I turn back toward the man, "Anything?" I ask impatiently.

"Yeah, he's out of the car. Seems okay" he informs.

I nod in appreciation, opening my phone to see if there are any reports about the race.

"Why does it seem like you're concerned?" Oxland questions me.

I glance my head immediately towards her in a snap, "What?" I gasp.

"Charles, why does it seems like you care if he's okay?" She repeats.

I shake my head and shrug all at once, "I care that all of them are okay. I don't want to see any of them get hurt" I defend.

"You didn't seem as concerned when the others crashed though?" She continues to push.

"You're being silly." I push it off.

"Are they cancelling the race?" Another man asks behind us.

We turn our attention around, interested in the answer ourselves.

The man with the phone shakes his head, "Says that the race is restating in 11 minutes"

I shake my head in disbelief, "That's ridiculous"

Once the drivers follow the safety car ready for a rolling re-start, everyone has moved up a place seeings as Charles is now out of the race and it makes me even more nervous. With Lando now being so close to a podium, he's going to take extra risks to try and get ahead.

With Lewis, Max and Oscar in front of him, I just hope he doesn't do anything too stupid.

The safety car comes in and Max leads everyone to the restart as he takes off through the streets of Monaco.

I feel like I hold my breath the entire time for the remaining 27 laps.

Lando undercuts Oscar in the pits as they come in for inters as the rain settles slightly and the track begins to clear up, becoming the first driver to come off the extremes.

I now have the live feed playing on my phone as we watch the race play out.

Lando's in for a podium if he can hold this position for the next few laps.

Lando and Max both come in to the pits for the inters, leaving Lewis the last one on the track still on the extremes and he seems to be struggling.

Max exits the pits in front of Lando just as Lewis comes in, leaving Max in P1, Lando in P2 and Oscar in P3.

If they can make this work for the remaining 10 laps, it will be a double podium for McLaren and boy do they need that this year.

"I can't take his cocky ass if me gets on the podium" Oxland chuckles beside me.

"He'll be unbearable" I agree in mockery, although I know we both secretly really want this for him.

They pass us in the final lap and Lando has been able to hold onto his second, Oscar onto third.

"Holy shit" a man gasps behind me.

Oxland and I turn around in unison.

"Max has a 5 second penalty" he informs.

"What!?" We both gasp.

"Speeding in the pitlane, he has a 5 second penalty"

Oxland and I turn to face each other, our wide jaws mirroring each others.

"No way" she breaths.

We leave the barrier in an instant and sprint back towards the pits, desperate to be there at podium.

"He won? HE WON!" We scream as we sprint through the seas of people.

We stand beneath the podium, waiting for the first glimpse of our champion.

"In P3, Max Verstappen" calls out the announcer and we all applaud, but I can feel the butterflies brewing in my stomach.

"In P2, Oscar Piastri" and the crowds around us erupt into a bigger cheer, being that we have placed ourselves amongst the McLaren masses.

"And your Monaco Winner, Lando Norris!" As soon as his goofball cheesy smile appears around the corner and onto the podium, Oxland and I jump around and scream like the embarrassing cheerleaders that we are.

I can feel my throat vibrating with our insane we are going. His eyes search the crowds for us and the moment they find us, his smile grows even wider and he sends a fist bump up into the air.

As we follow the masses back toward the garage, I feel so excited to see him. I just know this is going to mean so much to him. And based on yesterdays performance, this was the last thing any of us expected.

"Talk about lucky" I hear beside me.

Turning to see Charles dressed back in his regular Ferrari clothes with a par of sunglasses covering half of his half.

I shake my head, "Uh uh. No" I ward him off, "No way are you going to ruin this one"

He chuckles, "What do you mean? I'm just saying, he's lucky" he boasts all innocently.

I can't help but chuckle, "Whatever, turns out I was in the winners garage all along then hey?" I tease.

He lets out a genuine chuckle and it makes me smile, "Fair play, Porter"

Chapter Text

ADLEY

Today was finally the day.

I couldn't sleep much throughout the night thanks to nerves, apart from the fact that Lee and I had been up talking most of the night.

It started as just wanting to continue talking until midnight so that we were able to say, I'll see you today. But before we knew it, it was approaching 3am and we were still deep into the most random conversations about everything.

That's what I was liking most about him. That no topic was off limit and it seemed like no matter what it was, we saw the world through the same pair of eyes. We seemed to just connect and gel together.

It was refreshing.

When my alarm went off at 8am, I knew I had only been asleep for about 3 hours, which really didn't help the whole wanting to look my best, but I couldn't help it. It felt like christmas morning.

"You really need to help me" I groan to Oxland.

"For the 10th time, I cannot come with you" she teases.

My head falls back in frustration, "Ox" I groan.

"I'm sorry" she mumbles, crouching behind me and running her fingers through my hair. "What do you want?"

"You need to decide, whatever I choose is going to be wrong" I moan.

Oxland shakes her head with a chuckle, "Ad, you need to be more confident."

"The only time I've felt even slightly confident is when you dressed me. You need to do that again" I insist.

"I think a short cocktail dress is not really restaurant appropriate' she mocks.

"Ha Ha" I deadpan. "Help, please" I beg.

"Okay" she breaths, sitting higher on her knees and separating parts of my hair with her fingers.

After the longest time, which doesn't help my confidence knowing that it's taking this long to make me look okay, she steps back, analysing her work.

"Okay, I'm done" she concludes, stepping aside and allowing me access to the bathroom.

Oxland had loaned me one of her full length fitting, yellow, summer dresses and she's done my hair in what feels like a headband braid with some loose curls.

Once I step in front of the mirror, I see her creation.

"Beautiful" she remarks as she comes to stand behind me.

"Do you think he'll like it?" I ask.

"Do you like it? That's the main thing" she confirms.

"I do" I appreciate, turning around and giving her a hug.

"Now, Go" she pushes, "You don't need to keep him waiting"

I feel so nervous and excited, but ready more than anything.

Grabbing my handbag, I check my phone in case he wants to cancel last minute, but the last message on my phone was one he sent this morning, telling me how excited he was to see me.

The restaurant is in walking distance from the hotel, so I decide to walk instead of fighting for a taxi.

"Wish me luck"  I breath out to Lando who's seated on the couch.

"You don't need luck, Ad. He's going to adore you. How could he not?" Lando compliments. "and from what you've said Ad, he's like, perfect for you. Don't stress out about it. Just have a nice time okay"

I let out a deep breath. "Okay"

Walking down to the restaurant, I feel the butterflies intensifying with every step I take. Once I'm outside, I check the time to see I've spared myself 5 minutes, which I'm happy about. I didn't want him to be waiting for me.

I pace back and forth and begin to analyse every single person who passes me by, finding myself wondering what every single one of them are doing and looking at the couples and wondering how they met.

Loads of people passed wearing their Formula 1 merch from yesterday's race. Unfortunately, a lot of them in support of Charles.

I glance down to my phone at 5 past 10, and wonder where he could be. I decided to enter Bay Blue and see if he has arrived yet.

"Excuse me, I'm wondering if Lee Flinders has arrived yet please?" I ask the receptionist.

She checks onto her computer before glancing up and shaking her head, "Not yet sorry. I can see here he has a reservation for 2 at 10am"

I offer my thanks before heading back outside to wait for him.

Checking down at my phone, it's now 10:30am. He's half an hour late.

I've tried messaging him but I've not been given any response, nor has he even seen the message.

Maybe he changed his mind?
Maybe he fell back asleep?
He was up late and it wouldn't surprise me if he did.

By 11am, I feel stupid and decide that I've waited long enough. I try and tell myself that he just slept in. That he didn't stand me up.

Pulling out my phone, I click on Oxland's number and pull it up to my ear as it begins to ring.

"Oh no, calling only an hour in isn't a good sign" she saddens.

"Helps if it actually started" I mumble.

"What?" She gasps, "He stood you up?"

I try and force down the lump in my throat, "I'm telling myself he slept in" I sound delusional and stupid.

"Where are you? We'll come and get you" she orders.

"Standing out the front of Bay Blue like an idiot."

"Give us 5" she quickly assures and hangs up the phone.

Not too much longer, Lando's jolly pulls up out the front of the restaurant and I jump into the back seat.

"Ad, I'm so" Oxland begins before I cut her off.

"Don't, it's fine. Let's just wait until I get an explanation." I assure her.

Lando glances at me through the rear view mirror, giving me a comforting nod.

I nod back slightly at him, assuring him I'm okay, before he takes off into the streets of Monaco.

"What were you guys doing today? Did I interrupt?" I ask.

"Never" Oxland comforts. "We were going to the Princess Grace Botanical Gardens. Apparently it's beautiful, according to this idiot" Oxland teases, rubbing the back of Lando's head roughly.

"The type of place a Grand Prix winner goes?" I mock in pride.

"Ayoo!" Oxland joins in to our mini celebration of Lando's win yesterday. Not like we didn't do enough of it last night with him when he stumbled in completely wasted after being out with the boys.

My phone vibrates in my lap.

Adley, oh my goodness I'm so sorry. I slept in. Are you still there? - Lee

"He slept in" I announce to the others.

"Pathetic excuse." Oxland shakes her head.

I thought so. I'm not there anymore, no. Are we able to meet up later? - Adley

Dinner? - Lee

"What are we doing tonight?" I ask, leaning forward and having to hold my hair back with my hand.

"We were going out to the club, why's that?" Lando asks.

"Lee wants to do dinner instead" I announce.

"You're going to give him another chance?" Oxland gasps.

I give her a look, "I've waited so long to meet him, I kind of feel like I owe it to myself to at least try?"

She shrugs, "whatever you want to do"

Dinner sounds great - Adley

Great, I'll message you later when I make a reservation. I'm really sorry again - Lee

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Has Lee messaged you yet?" Oxland questions as we finally make it back to the hotel after walking around the gardens for hours.

Unfortunately, I had dressed for a nice lunch date at a fancy restaurant, and my 6 inch heels did not like the consistent walking around the concrete paths of the gardens.

"Yes, he has scheduled dinner at the same place in which we were meant to meet for lunch. He said it's the nicest place in Monaco." I inform.

"Seriously?" She gasps, "Surely that has to have some weird, bad juju to return to the scene of the original crime" she mocks.

I chuckle "No one died Oxland, so dramatic' I tease.

She shrugs her shoulders innocently, "I'm just saying, if your man cancels on you twice in that place, I would leave a serious warning sign on their review page"

I shake my head at her, sitting on the edge of the bed and sliding my heels off my feet, feeling like I was peeling off a bandaid that was stuck on an open wound.

"Do you think this outfit is okay for dinner?" I ask.

"Hmm" She thinks it over, squinting her eyes in my direction. "I think we go for the short cocktail dress" she mocks.

"Oxland, No" I chuckle. "Be serious"

"How about this?" She suggests, holding her finger up to me in waiting before she begins to rummage through her suitcase like an animal in the wild. "Uh-huh" she announces in success.

Pulling out a long black outfit, I see that it is a strapless, pant leg, jumpsuit with a really flattering waist belt.

"Oh wow" I gush. "How is it you just have all these flattering outfits in your suitcase? What is it you thought we would be doing all year? All I packed was hoodies and leggings" I chuckle.

"Shut up and go and try it on." She orders. "I need to fix your hair as well"

Closing myself into the bathroom, I step out of the sundress and into the jumpsuit, making sure to place my boobs into the tiny little pocket holes that these things never really allow enough space for. I swear, most of women's clothing is just asking for mishaps.

When I exit the bathroom, Lando is back from wherever he was, eating, again. Once he captures sight of me, he dramatically drops his burger into his paper bag with his jaw dropped.

"If he stands you up again, I'm going to beat his ass" Lando compliments.

Oxland lets out a breathily chuckle.

"Fine" he moans, "I'll hold him, whilst Oxland beats his ass" he corrects .

"Better" she appreciates.

"Okay you two, I appreciate it, but I don't think he will. He feels terrible about this morning and he seems really excited for tonight." I assure.

Hey, getting ready to leave, is it 5pm you booked? - Adley

I make sure to send a message that makes it seem like I was just checking in, but i think subconsciously, I was reminding him to come.

5pm, yes. Can't wait to see you Mon Beau. - Lee

His reply relaxes me, given that its only half an hour away. Surely in that time nothing can come up and ruin it.

"Okay" I breath out, the roller coaster of emotions today really exhausting me. "Where will you guys be? In case I need you?" I ask.

'You won't need us" Lando assures, "But we will be at Jimmy'z. I'll keep my phone on me the whole time. If you need a getaway car, I'm here" he assures me.

"I don't plan on killing him" I chuckle.

"Yet" Oxland adds, in a joking way, I think.

"I better go" I inform, feeling a little more nervous this time than before.

"Wait, let me fix your hair" Oxland pleads.

"Why? It's fine" I assure.

"At least brush it, the wind has not done you any favours my friend" she teases.

Trying her hardest to pull the brush through my mid length curls whilst I'm trying to put my wallet and lipgloss into my purse.

"I have to go" I chuckle.

"Okay, okay. Have fun. And if you want to bring him to Jimmy'z after, do it. I'm sure we all want to meet him" Oxland suggest.

"I'll see how the night goes"

Walking down toward the restaurant, I have the worst gut feeling that this isn't going to go the way that I had hoped. A thousand different scenarios playing through my mind and I just hope it is the nerves playing tricks on me.

My last relationship didn't exactly have me believing I could trust someone's word. That I definitely need to pay attention to actions rather than empty promises.

But I wanted this to be different.

I needed this to be different.

"Hello, I have a reservation with Lee Flinders please" I admit to the same hostess who witnessed me getting stood up this morning.

"Right this way" she instructs with a grin.

I'm lead through the dimly lit restaurant, past couples and friends all gathered together, wondering how many more were meeting their online flings for the first time? Or how many were here on anniversaries, proposals, possible breakups? The options seemed limitless.

"Right here, Miss Porter" The hostess gestures me to an empty table where we would be sat across from one another.

Now I'm left with the impossible decision, do I want to sit so I can see him come in? Or sit with my back to him? What one could possibly be the better option?

He'd sent me plenty of photos of him before, I was pretty confident I would know what he would look like, but what happens if I sit to face him coming in, and I don't recognise him? That he walks in and I'm staring at what I think is a stranger with no reaction on my face? Or do I sit with my back to him and he walks in and changes his mind and I'm none the wiser?

And now I've been standing here staring at the table looking like an idiot.

I opt for the viewing him coming in, taking my chances, but trusting that I'm going to know. I have to know. I'll have this pull to him the moment I see him, I'm sure.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Can I get you another drink, Miss Porter?" The waiter offers me with pity.

"No" I shake my head in defeat, "I'll just have the check please"

"There is a card stored on file with the reservation, shall I charge it to that one?" She asks.

"Yeah, you can definitely charge it to that one" I sass.

I pull my handbag off the floor and walk out of the restaurant with my head down, hoping not to catch anyone's attention.

Luckily for me, the waitress from this morning left about 20 minutes ago, but she definitely saw me sitting alone. I wonder if I'll be the topic of tomorrow's conversation when she arrives. Asking if the poor lonely girl got stood up again?

As soon as I'm outside, I hail a cab and make my way to Jimmy'z.

I text Lee on my way over to the club, letting him know that I'm done. I leave Monaco tomorrow and I'll be gladly, leaving him behind.

Well played, sir. Hope you enjoyed the show - Adley

I hate men.

As soon as we pull up out the front, I throw some cash over the front seat and exit the car, slamming the door closed behind me.

Flashing my ID to the security outside, he removes the red rope and lets me inside.

I find where the VIP section would be in the club and make my way over towards it.

I spot Lando and Oxland immediately at the bar, their faces only inches apart from each other. The only time their impending romance annoys me.

"Can I have 3 shots of tequila please?" I ask the bartender.

My voice alerts Lando and Oxland who pull away from each other and glance toward me.

"Adley, No" Oxland coos, pulling me in for a hug.

"That fucking bastard" Lando boasts.

"It's fine, can we just have a good night, please?" I ask him as the bartender lines the three shots up at the bar.

Oxland is about to grab one when I shake my head. "No no, these are for me. You need to order your own" I inform her, picking up each glass one by one and allowing the liquor to burn down my throat.

"Steady on there, girly" Lando suggests.

"Leave her" Oxland warns, clicking her fingers at the bartender who fills up my three glasses whilst placing down three more beside them.

"Alright, lets do this" I prepare, lining myself up with two of the glasses as Lando and Oxland do the same.

"Fuck men" I salute, to which Oxland yells out the same.

"Screw it, FUCK MEN" Lando calls out before throwing back his two shots.

"Dance. Now" I inform, pulling Oxland toward the dance floor.

I push past the sweaty bodies until I finds reasonable space on the dance floor, the effects of the alcohol fuelling through me and slowly taking away any responsibility or care.

Lando arrives shortly after with a drink each for us, handing one to Oxland and one to me.

I bounce around and sway to the music, finishing my drink way before the other two have.

"Can you get me another?" I shout to Lando.

He sends a concerned look to Oxland who holds her hands up in defence, "You heard the lady, get her another one"

He nods cautiously before weaving his way back through the masses.

"Are you okay?" Oxland shouts to me over the music.

"Never better" I deadpan, completely sure that I look like a spider monkey at the moment with these dance moves, but not having a care in the world.

"I'm going to get Lando to get you a water as well, are you okay here?" She asks.

I shoo her off with my hand has I turn my back to her, dancing with some other random people who are around us.

Within a few moments, I feel a hand wrap around my waist, pulling me hard up against their body as they sway with me to the music.

Not caring, and being in the state I am, I ignore my senses and sway back and forth with them, reaching one of my hands around and wrapping it around their neck.

"I never knew that sir would be such a kink word for me, you can use that again" the voice whispers in my ear.

My eyes widen in shock, spinning around to the mystery figure.

"What the fuck?" I shout, a word I never use.

He holds his hand out in defence, "What's wrong Mon Beau?"

"You can't be serious" I suddenly feel completely sober, as well as all the blood draining from my face.

"What?" He chuckles.

"Charles?" I hitch a breath.

"Surprised?" He mocks.

My throat runs completely dry, and the music around us drowns out in my ears.

And I have no idea what comes over me, because one minute, I'm standing there staring at him, and then next, he's holding his nose and my fist aches at it's clenched beside me.

"Did you just punch Charles?" Oxland gasps as she appears at my side.

"What the fuck, Adley?" Charles shouts, wiping some blood from his nose.

"What did we miss?" Lando asks from the other side of me. "What's you do to her?" Lando accuses, pushing his hands hard up against Charles' chest.

"Nothing, she's exaggerating" he blows off.

"Adley, what's wrong?" Oxland asks.

I can't answer, or even move. I feel my blood pulsating around my body and I can hear my heartbeat in my ears.

I push past all of them, to what seems like a never ending stream of people as I struggle to find an opening, feeling more and more constricted as I move.

By the time I find a break through, I head straight for the exit and out into the night air.

"Adley" I hear Oxland's voice call out to me as I pace down the street.

"Adley, wait" she stops me by holding onto my arm.

"It's him" I breath out.

"What's him? Ad, you know he's an asshole, don't let him get to you" she assures.

I shake my head and try and free myself from her grip, tears threatening to overtake the anger I feel right now.

"No, Lee" I manage to get out.

"Adley, you're confusing me" she stutters.

"Lee is Charles. Charles is Lee" I breath out.

Her eyes widen, "What?" She gasps, "You have to be kidding"

I pace back and forth in front of her, my hands coming up to my face as I feel like the temperature has risen 100 degrees.

"Are you sure? How do you know?" She asks.

I shrug as I continue pacing, "He, I don't know. He didn't admit it, but he, he repeated the message I sent to him tonight"

"You messaged Charles?" She asks in confusion.

"No" I yell, "The message I sent Lee. Charles repeated the message I sent to Lee"

Just then I hear a commotion coming from the direction of the club.

Glancing over, I see Lando running out of the club with a crowd surrounding him.

I race over to where the crowds are gathering just as my eyes spot Lando on the ground, body entangled with Charles.

"What the hell?" I scream, stepping out of the forming circle, knocking a phone out of one girls hand who thought it would be a good idea to film this.

I grab a hold of Charles and pull him away from Lando. "Get off him, you dick"

"He started it" Charles defends, just as Lando comes for him again.

Oxland manages to grab hold of Lando and lead him out of the group.

I realise I've got my hands on Charles' arms and I throw them away forcefully.

I scoff at him before walking away. He catches my hand and pulls me back to him. "Come on Mon Beau" he coos, "Thought we had plans?"

This time, my tears invade my anger, and now all the rage I felt 5 minutes ago, has been saturated with hurt. "How could you?" I sob.

"Oh come on, it was harmless" he defends.

I shake my head as I pull away from him and back away slowly. "You are heartless"

I turn on my heel and race away from him. 

Chapter Text

CHARLES

Adley was being extremely dramatic about the whole situation. It was a joke.

I signed up to the website as a way to find some conquests in each city we visited, and when I came across her profile, I thought it'd be interesting to get inside the head of the prude of the paddock.

I really thought nothing of it, I thought that after she found out then whatever, it would be game over, all put to bed. But these last two races have come with a sort of 'dark cloud' over them and apparently three quarters of the grid don't approve of my behaviour.

It would be because of how innocent she is, no one would give a fuck if she was a whore. They'd laugh. They would join me equally in how amusing this was.

But the sly comments and evil looks are getting a little old, and I'm tired of it if I'm honest.

"You coming to my hotel to fuck me tonight?" I ask one of the fans who had been standing by the exit gate for the past 2 hours.

I clocked it.

I saw her arrive a while ago and I timed it, stood here just waiting to see how long she would last before she gave up.

Turns out she didn't even budge.

Her wide eyes and eager expression was no different to any of the others and I filed her into the back of my car just like the rest of them.

"I'm Rachel, it's so lovely to meet you Charles" she gushes in the car beside me.

Turning onto the street of the hotel, I decide it's best to lay out some ground rules. "Listen, you get an hour, then I have to ask you to leave okay? And I'll need you to sign an NDA and leave your phone with the reception desk. Am I clear?"

I've already forgotten her name, but she nods eagerly at my demands.

"Good"

Ushering her through the lobby of the hotel, I slide the doorman a 100 dollar bill for his troubles in our silent agreement and lead, what's her name, toward the elevators after discarding of her phone.

The sex is average. It gets a little creepy with the fans sometimes as they are just that little bit too eager.

I find myself wondering what it would be like to fuck someone who hated me. I think I would enjoy that twice as much.

Adley hates me.

But I think she'd be a boring fuck.

I think she would just lie there and then give me some detailed report at the end. Analysing the behaviours and the movements, offering some advice for next time.

Or worse, she admitted to liking her literature, she'd expect to to light some candles, play the latest Harry Styles love song only to have her relate to the tragic tales of Taylor Swift after I don't call her back.

I realise that I'm thinking about it'd be between Adley's legs whilst this girl is on her knees with her lips wrapped eagerly around my throbbing erection.

As I reach climax, I watch the look of satisfaction sprawl across her face as if she's some sort of sex goddess. Unknowingly that I'd be able to do this successfully by myself if I wanted, it's just better for my ego if I have a women present in that moment.

She's merely just a tool.

"Uber is out front for you" I inform her as she exits the bathroom looking almost hopeful I was going to somewhat change my mind.

She opens her mouth to speak, but I hold my finger up to her and call the front desk.

"Leclerc" I announce, "She's on her way down"

I open the front door and wait for her to exit.

"Oh, umm, okay" she mumbles.

"Goodbye" I deadpan, slamming the door closed after her.

Speaking of Adley, I hadn't seen her around the track lately either. But I knew she had been there. I have eyes all around the circuit, I know exactly what's happening, at every corner.

Which means she's avoiding me.

Like I said, dramatic.

We have a week off before the Austrian Grand Prix and it couldn't have come at a better time. I am heading to Ibiza for some R&R. Couldn't wait to be away from the judgey eyes and glares.

Plus the women in Ibiza are next level hot.

ADLEY

I have been through the messages that I had been sending to 'Lee' over the past month, just realising how stupid I had been.

I had opened up to this person, expressing some of my dreams and aspirations, the whole time it was being received by the most arrogant and self centred human being possible. Someone who clearly didn't give two thoughts to how I was feeling.

I thought back to the times I had spoken to him on the phone. I often made the link between his accent and the way Charles had sound when we did speak, but so did everyone else who came from Monaco. I just assumed it was an accent thing. And when I've spoken to Charles, he's never sounded so sweet and calm.

I just felt stupid.

"Adley? Are you awake?" I hear Oxland's voice at my hotel door, as she knocks to accompany her arrival.

"Come in" I call out.

The door opens cautiously as she peers her head around the corner. Another horrible and embarrassing byproduct of this prank, Oxland has been treating me like some poor wounded animal these past 2 weeks.

"Morning" I try and sound as cheerful as I could.

"How are you?" She asks cautiously.

"Ox, I promise, I'm okay. I just feel stupid now" I shake my head.

"You don't need to feel stupid" she assures me, "He's the asshole not you"

I let out a breathily chuckle.

"Are you sure you can't come with us to St Tropez?" She begs for the fifth time since last night.

"I'm sure" I shake my head, "My grandpa is expecting me, and we really don't know how much time he has left. I need to go down there as much as I can"

Oxland forms her lips into a pout. "You know I love your grandpa. It just sucks, St Tropez is going to be amazing"

"I'll see you in 10 days in Austria" I assure her, stuffing my hoodie into my bag and calling for a car.

I wrap my hands around Oxland as I check out, "Be safe, love you"

"Love you. Say hi to Grandpa Joe for me" she calls out.

"To the airport please" I ask the driver as I place myself into the back of his car.

"Holiday or returning home?" He asks.

"Visiting family" I inform him.

"Oh that sounds lovely, where are you off too?"

I click out of the messages from.. whoever, and make a mental note to decide what I want to do with them later.

"Ibiza"

Chapter Text

ADLEY

Touching down in Ibiza brings back so many wonderful memories of my childhood at Grandma and Grandpas house. When Gran died 5 years ago, everyone expected Grandpa to go into a care facility, but he was so adamant about keeping the beach villa and in his words he'd only leave the beach villa in a body bag.

Ibiza felt like a second home, and everything here was familiar.

I catch an Uber from the airport up towards the beach villa, updating my diary entries during the travel.

Call me later tonight, I miss you already - Oxland

She's been keeping a close eye on me the past two weeks and it's really not necessary. He's just a guy. Not worth my effort, or my emotions.

Missing you too. In an Uber on the way to Grandpa's. I'll call you when he's in bed - Adley

"Is this your first time here?" The driver asks.

"No" I shake my head, "I've been coming here since I was a little kid. My grandparents live here" I explain.

"Beautiful place, seems to disconnect really from the normal world." He gushes. "Anything is possible in Ibiza"

And I could feel that too. I felt like things could change forever whilst being here. It just had this way about it.

"There you go, enjoy your stay" the driver welcomes as we pull up out the front of the beach villa.

"Thank you so much" I appreciate, sliding myself out of the vehicle and pulling my duffel bag with me.

Walking through the entrance gates, Grans rose garden has been kept in the most beautiful state, and I know for a fact it isn't Grandpa. He wouldn't know the first thing about gardening.

As I make my way to the door, I can already smell his famous cherry pie. Reaching for the handle and opening it, I'm met with the wave of relief.

Everything is exactly the same.

"Grandpa?" I call out, the sound of utensils dropping into the sink alert me of his whereabouts.

"Is that my Addy?" He asks, hobbling through the hallway.

I rush over to him, wrapping my hands around him tightly.

"Good to see you princess" he coos. "Did you have a nice trip?"

"Good to see you as well Grandpa. Yes it was great" I comfort.

He grasps onto my hand and leads me toward the back deck, where the table has been set for two, cherry pie and all.

"I've missed this" I admit, taking a place by the window.

"I'll bring the tea out" he informs.

Grandpa and I sit on the deck overlooking the Balearic Sea well into the afternoon. I catch him up on everything that's been happening in my life and my plans for the future.

Regardless of how lost I feel, I always try and make sure that I sound confident and ambitious when I'm speaking with Grandpa. I never want him to feel disappointed in me.

"I'll tell you what, Addy, it's a good thing you did getting rid of Bradley. He brought nothing to your life and took everything from it" he reflects.

"I know. I can't believe it took me that long to realise" I admit in disbelief.

"You're still only young, sweetheart. Don't beat yourself up over it" he comforts.

"I was with him for 4 years, Grandpa. That's a lot of time wasted"

He shakes his head as I speak, "don't think of it like that. Yes, 4 years sounds like a long time when you look at being 23 years old. But you've got the opportunity to be with someone 40+ years. 4 years isn't so bad when you compare it to the rest of your life"

I smile warmly.

"You're right" I admit.

"I know" he responds proudly. "Now what are your plans for the evening, I usually go to bed around 5, but I don't need you wasting your time here sitting around the house. Go and explore" he instructs.

I nod my head, "yeah I will. I think Ainsley is still working down at Amnesia. I'll go and say hi" I inform him.

"Ainsley? Mitch and Pru's daughter?" He questions.

"Yeah, she comes back every summer" I remark.

"Oh lovely. Tell her I said hello" he requests. "You can take the moped around if you like. God only knows it needs a good drive" he chuckles.

"I will. Thankyou"

As the sun sets over the horizon, I change out of my travel clothes, pulling a pair of white jean shorts and a a long sleeve blue and white pinstriped blouse onto my body, leaving my hair out with natural waves.

Grandpa is already snoring by the time I tiptoe out of the house and make my way to the side shed where I knew the moped sat.

Once I was at Amnesia, I park the light blue scooter by the side of the club, undoing my helmet and latching it onto the handlebars.

As soon as I'm inside the club, the music radiates through my eyes and down my entire body, Ibiza just hit different every time.

I squeeze past the crowded dance floor and over to the bar.

"What can I get you sweetheart?" The bartender asks.

"Is Ainsley working tonight?" I shout.

"Who?" He replies, leaning slightly over the bar.

"Ainsley Burke?" I reply.

He shakes his head with a look on his face like he's never even heard of her whilst he dries the cup in his hand before throwing the dish cloth over his shoulder.

"I'll just get a Diet Coke please" I request.

He lets out a chuckle before nodding and moving to the other end of the bar.

"Alright my kings and queens, tonight is royalty night and you all know what that means" the loud voice comes through the speakers, grabbing everyone's attention before they erupt in an explosive cheer. "It's time for the coronation"

The cheers somehow become more intense as the crowds of people swarm towards the stage.

The bartender return with my drink. "What's coronation?" I ask him.

His eyes flick between me and the stage, looking completely confused in my question.

"Coronation night, they bring a fresh 18 year old up on stage and the cougars bid on him to entertain him for the night"

My face screws up instantly, "That's distasteful" I sass.

He shrugs with a chuckle, "the money goes towards charity, it's harmless. Tonight's meant to be even better" his face gestures towards the stage, "they've got the younger Leclerc"

My head whips towards the stage just as I see Charles holding the shoulders of a younger boy who looks exactly like him.

"Tonight's young Prince is none other than, 4 time world champion and heartthrob, Charles Leclerc younger brother, here is Arthur" the announcer sing songs out.

The crowd erupts as Arthur poses on the stage, pulling up his tshirt and posing off some of his abs.

"If you go wild enough queens, maybe we can convince Charles here to play for charity too, what do you reckon?"

And that's when the stampede began, as the masses swarm even closer to the stage, pulling at their purses and flashing around cash.

"What do you think?" The bartender asks, "interested in taking a bid?"

"Absolutely not" I boast. "And I'm not a cougar" I chuckle.

He shrugs his shoulders amused, "Ah, they let everyone play"

My head turns back toward the stage just in time to make eye contact with the very last person I wanted to.

He sends a smirk my way and holds his two fingers up, rubbing them together, signally for my money with a wink.

Chapter Text

CHARLES

She was the last person I expected to see when I took that stage in Ibiza with Arthur. But considering I was gazing out on a sea of desperate, single, alone, naive and pretentious women, all hopelessly wanting to clutch onto something with a little life in it, seeings as though theirs are so depressing.

I guess she fits the bill.

She stays seated on the barstool, looking as equally disgusted and amused at the circus currently taking place on stage.

"Come on ladies, dig deep into those pockets, or bras, wherever it is you're keeping the cash, trust me, you don't want to pass up the opportunity on this ride" Aidan, the front man, exaggerates on the prize that is my brother.

"You're enjoying this a little too much" I chuckle at Arthur as he prances around the stage.

"I'm actually kind of worried about who I'm going home with, they aren't actual cougars are they?" He asks in fear of his shoulder, mid hip thrust.

I shrug at him coyly, to which his eyes widen in horror.

Arthur ends up getting sold off to one of the regular foxes we have around here, Manuela, for 6,000 euros.

"What about you, Charlie? Can we offer you a dare?" Aidan coos in my direction.

I glance over toward Adley and am surprised to see her cheering along with the rest of the masses.

"Yeah, go on then" I agree, eyeing Phillip on the bar and giving him my sign before pointing to Adley.

ADLEY

I find myself cheering on Charles as the host offers to whore him out to the sea of eligible go-getters.

Although I found the idea of this 'Coronation Night' absolutely disrespectful, this was Ibiza, and I wasn't actively getting involved in the pimping, so I guess I could enjoy it from afar.

"Excuse me, miss?" The bartender taps on my shoulder gently from behind.

I turn around to face him, another drink being served up for me.

"Oh, thank you" I appreciate, picking up the martini glass between my two hands and taking a sip.

"Boss said you can use his account to place bets with" he inform me.

I choke slightly on my drink, "Excuse me?"

He gestures up to the stage.

Turning around just as the music changes tracks.

Instantly, my mouth runs dry, responding to the atmosphere in the room.

The host announces Charles' coronation has begun and he drinks walking around the stage, offering the crowd exactly what they desire.

"He said to bid on him" the bartender pushes again.

I wave him off with my hand whilst keeping close attention on the stage.

"That's 2,000 Euros, come on ladies, you know you want him" boasts in commentator.

"3,000"

"5,000"

"7,000"

His bids seem to be getting higher by the second, and I find myself actually getting flustered and nervous about the aspect of the bids ending.

"Go on, sweetheart." The bartender pushes.

"Oh, no" I disregard, "I'm honestly not interested in taking him home. Or talking to him at all really"

He sends a nod in the direction of the stage, my head glancing over to see what he's agreeing too, worried that I'm on the menu.

As I glance back toward Charles, I see him signalling some frustrated fingers toward the bartender.

"What's he saying?" I ask in urgency.

"He's kind of insisting, and I guess begging for you to bid on him."

I really don't want too, and the last thing I want to do is pay for time with him. But I guess, I'm not the one paying, am I?

"8,000"

"9,000"

I push off the barstool, edging myself through the crowds of people toward the stage.

Once I'm at the front, I place my hand up toward the host, gesturing for him to come over.

"37,000" I whisper into the guys ear.

He draws himself back, looking at me shocked and questioning if he heard me correctly.

I nod my head confidently.

"I think we have a winner" he announces.

I make a point of not even looking back at Charles.

Excusing myself past the crowds, I make my way out the front of Amnesia and into the cool night air.

I let out a sigh of relief. Just because I was told to bid on him, they never said I had to actually take the winnings.

"Porter?" I hear him call out, and I should have expected it.

Moment of relief is gone.

"Adley" he calls out again, catching up to me.

Turning around to face him, I will myself to keep my best composure.

"Well at least the charity is well looked after" he sasses.

I shrug my shoulders innocently. "You paid well"

"Interesting figure?" He asks.

I roll my eyes at him and begin to head towards the moped.

"Where are we off too?" He asks.

"We are off to no where" I inform him sternly.

"But you were the highest bidder"

"Technically you were" I correct him.

He gives me deadpanned, unamused look.

"Goodbye, Charles. Enjoy Ibiza" I muse, stepping around him.

"Adley, wait" he grabs a hold of my arm, pausing me in place.

I gaze down at his connection with my arm, noticing that my heartbeat begins to pick up at his very touch.

"Let me go, please" I ask him in a whisper.

He holds his hands up in defence, stepping back and gesturing toward the scooter.

"Thank you" I appreciate, stepping past him.

After securing the helmet onto my head, I swing my leg over the top of the seat, positioning myself comfortably on the soft cushion.

"Just tell me one thing, Porter?" He asks in a chuckle, rubbing his hands together.

"Why 37?" I suggest.

He lets out a breathily chuckle. "Yeah"

"That's the amount of days you wasted of mine"

Chapter Text

CHARLES

To be completely honest, what Adley pulled last night was kind of funny. More power to her for that one.

The only reason I needed her to bid on me, was because I had been warned, sternly warned from Ferrari to at least control my image for the time being.

The 'catfish' drama had made its way across socials and I was looking like the bad guy, not doing great for the image of Ferrari as a whole right now. The last thing I needed to add to that was some more late night partying with questionable women during the week off.

Adley was the safest and only option to get me out of that situation.

Speaking of,

Are you alive? - Charles

Barely - Arthur

Do you need me to come and get you from anywhere? - Charles

I don't even know where I am brother - Arthur

I let out a chuckle, knowing full well that Manuela would have taken good care of him last night.

"Mr Leclerc, can I get you anything else?" Cindy, the house maid, requests.

"No, that will be all" I accept, waving her off.

"Just call, if you need anything, please" she begins to beg almost pathetically.

When father hired the new, gorgeous, blonde, leggy house help, I was throughly impressed with his choice.

But then, of course, I fucked her, and it wasn't as easy as just asking her to leave the next morning. This one had to stick around, and every single time I come back to the family home in Ibiza, her clingy nature comes back in two fold.

"That's all, thank you" I reply more sternly.

She leaves the room with a scoff, accompanied by soft whimper of disappointment.

Actually, I need you to come get me - Arthur

Ha ha, drop a pin. I'm on my way - Charles

On my way to the barn behind Manuela's place, I grab the essentials that I am sure he's going to need after a night with Manuela.

"Thank god you're here, she's insane" he whisper shouts on my arrival.

I let out a chuckle, reaching across the car and opening his door him, since his hands are preoccupied holding a torn off tarp in front of his manhood.

"Here" I offer, reaching into the back and pulling forward a plastic bag with spare clothes in it.

"You knew I'd end up like this?" He gasps in horror.

I can't help but double over in laughter, "I'd hoped so, yeah"

He shakes his head slowly at me in disappointment, "You whored me out to a psycho" he disproves hitting me on the arm.

"It was for charity" I chuckle. "I brought you coffee too, figured you'd need your strength"

"Don't" he warns.

"Beach?" I offer.

He slumps back into the chair, crossing his arms like a child having a tantrum, "Fine"

We've claimed our usual sun lounges under the cabana right on beach side, and I am pretty sure that Arthur fell asleep  the moment his head hit the pillow.

I knew Manuela would wear him out.

"Did you end up going home with your buyer?" Arthur mumbles almost inaudibly beside me.

"No, that was a planned affair, I was never going to go home with her" I chuckle.

"Shame, she was pretty" he compliments.

I can't help the scoff that leaves my lips, "Trust me, brother, she's not worth any trouble"

"Why do you say that?" He groans, rolling onto his back.

"She's into books, and like proper smart. Too smart for the people she hangs around. She believes in fate and destiny, karma and guardian angels, she eats pineapple on pizza, which in itself should be enough to answer your question. You think she's quiet and reserved, but she also is quite headstrong and stubborn. She never misses a sunset and wishes on the elevens. You know, just all that cringey, weird things girls do"

When Arthur doesn't say anything, I gaze over to see him zoned out again.

"Asshole" I mumble, pushing myself off the sun bed, needing to get cooled off from the summer heat.

Walking over into the waves, I let my hands brush against the breaking crescents as they approach the shore. Pushing off the sea floor, I dive in underneath the waves, fully submerging my body into the sea.

Pulling myself along the sea floor, I scoop though the bodies of water, urging me further out to sea.

Breaking the surface, I take a gasp of air.

"Dammit" I exclaim, bumping straight into another person floating along the surface.

The swimmer turns over in the water and I'm actually floored.

"Now you're scaring me, Leclerc" she mumbles.

"Adley?" I gasp, my eyes completely glued to her chest.

"Are you following me because I seem to... hey" she chirps.

"What?" I ask, my eyes failing to move.

"You are literally starring at my breasts" she deadpans, and its only when she uses her arms to cover them that I can bring my eyes up to her face.

"I'm just surprised you have them" I shrug.

"I am a woman, Charles" she displeases.

"I'm aware, I just didn't realise you were.." I wave m hand around that general area, "A proper woman"

"A prop" she spits, stopping herself. "I'm going, as always, this was not a pleasure"

She begins to walk through the water, the more shallow she went the more of her woman 'parts' continued to expose themselves to me.

"I know you're starring" she calls out, not even turning around to face me. "And you can stop"

"You should wear that around the paddock" I suggest in mockery.

She turns to face me this time with amusement on her face. "I' fit right in with the rest of the eager women, begging for your attention." She teases.

"You wouldn't need to beg, Porter" I admit.

"I wouldn't even be in the line, Leclerc" she mocks.

I clutch onto my chest, dramatically falling back into the water as if she just shot me in the heart.

The only part that confuses me, is why I can actually feel a sting. 

Chapter Text

ADLEY

Grandpa went to bed a while ago, and I'm sat in my room struggling to get to sleep, so I've resorted to scrolling through social media aimlessly.

I think the initial video was an update on the Formula 1, and now I'm watching animas scare each other.

I have no idea how I get so deep into these rabbit holes online.

Are you up? - Lee

His message catches me off guard. Although he's still saved in my phone as Mon Beau, I still find it disconnected that it's actually Charles.

Clicking on the update information tab first, I change his name to "DEVIANT" as I considered it more fitting.

I figured I owe you some sort of an apology. - Charles

I wouldn't even know what to say to him, or even if I want to engage in any conversation with him.

Simple fact, I don't trust him.

I will never trust him.

Suddenly my phone starts vibrating in my hand, Charles' incoming call appearing on my phone.

"You bored?" I answer the call.

I hear his chuckle come through and I can picture just how smug he'll be on the other end.

"You weren't replying" he states as if it wasn't on purpose.

"I have nothing to say to you" I sass.

"You really hate me, don't you?" I can hear the amusement in his voice.

"I didn't care for you much before you used me like a puppet, so no" I breath out, "I don't like you very much"

"But you answered my call?" He mocks.

And with that, I pull the phone away from my hear, ending the call.

I find myself just starring at the empty screen, wondering what his next move will be.

I receive an incoming text almost instantly.

That was just rude - Charles

I let out a breathily chuckle.

You don't deserve me being nice - Adley

Don't tease me like that, Porter, you know I prefer them nasty - Charles.

I roll my eyes, you can never get a decent conversation out of him.

I shut the phone off, stuffing it underneath my pillow and willing myself to actually get some sleep.

The following morning, I take Grandpa down to one of the local restaurants to have a nice lunch together.

"I wish we got to do this more" I admit.

"You have a life to live, sweetheart. You don't need to worry about visiting this old man" he mocks.

"I'll always have time for you grandpa" I assure, reaching across the table and grabbing a hold of his hand.

With a slight squeeze back, we share a moment I know will be locked into my memories for the rest of my life. This place, this atmosphere, this man. All of it completes the most important parts of me.

"Are we ready to order?" The waitress asks as she approaches our table, notepad in hand.

"I think so" I admit, glancing to grandpa who gives me the nod of approval.

After the most delicious meal of my life, I let the knife and fork drop onto the plate and welcome my food coma. "Wow" I gush

"That was lovely, darling. Thank you so much" he appreciates, using the napkin to wipe the corner of his mouth.

"Your fish was good?" I ask.

"Of course, and your pasta?"

"So good. I always forget just how good the food is here" I appreciate.

"Adley?" I hear the question from behind me, my eyes closing involuntary, I know exactly who it is.

He's everywhere.

"Charles, hello" I try and keep my most polite form in front of Grandpa.

"Beautiful day isn't it?" He coos and his fake personality couldn't be more obvious.

"Are you Charles Leclerc?" Grandpa asks.

"That I am sir, it is wonderful to meet you" Charles offers his hand.

"Grandpa, would you excuse us for a minute please" I request, standing up and pushing Charles away from the table.

"What are you doing?" I whisper shout once we are out of ear shot.

"What?" He asks innocently, "I was just introducing myself"

"Yeah and you called him Sir, and correct me if I'm wrong, but last time we spoke about that word, you said it was a kink" I mock.

He screws up his face in disgust, "Adley, really?"

I shrug innocently, "I'm just saying. Look, I know you like to play this stupid cat and mouse game with me, but not in front of him okay." I beg.

"What do you mean?" he asks coyly.

"Charles, I mean it. Please. Grandpa Joe means everything and I don't need him being a pawn in your game please"

"Alright, okay" he holds his hands up, "I'm sorry"

"Thank you" I appreciate.

Leading him back toward the table, I take a seat, giving Charles a warning look.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, I best be off" he offers his wishes and walks away from the table.

"He seems like a nice young lad" Grandpa offers.

I simply just smirk and nod. Not really wanting to get involved in this conversation.

"Hell of a driver though, he's been doing really well this season" he gushes.

"Yes, he has" I agree, "Shall we go?"

Heading out of the restaurant, I can't help but look over my shoulder where Charles is seated up at the bar, watching us walk out.

I give him a thankful nod and he salutes me with his drink.

Whatever chaos I know is about to unfold with Charles, I think I can safely say that Grandpa will be kept out of it.

"Have you thought about getting yourself a boy like Charles?" Grandpa offers, catching me off guard.

"Sorry?" I choke.

"He's driven, strong willed, ambitious, not a bad looker either, and you love that world." Grandpa begins to rattle off.

I rest my hand on the back of his shoulder blades. "Yes Grandpa, I'm sue he's wonderful" I lie, "I just don't think he's exactly the one for me"

Grandpa looks at me cautiously and then gestures his head inside the restaurant, "Then stop looking at him the way you do sweetheart, you'll give the boy false hope"

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"I can come with you" I offer as Grandpa tightens the tie around his neck.

"It's a community meeting, Addy, I don't even want to go" he mocks. "Go out and enjoy yourself. You're only here for what? Another 2 days?"

The realisation of that hurts. Time goes so fast whilst I'm here and then it seems like it takes forever come back.

"Well tomorrow then? The whole day is you and me. We can explore like we used too when I was little?" I ask.

"Sounds good blossom, now go, enjoy being young" he coos, giving me a tight squeeze and a rub on top of my head.

Changing out of my lounge sweats and into a pair of black skinny jeans with a white crochet top I made last year before pulling my hair around into a braid over my shoulder.

I knew I was going to regret doing this, but it seemed as if as history had it, I would run into him anyway, may as well prepare myself for it.

Hey, what are you up to tonight? - Adley

I knew it, Porter. You couldn't resist me - Charles

Correction, I'll be using you just for entertainment on a Thursday evening. I have no other plans, thought I could hijack yours - Adley

I could already feel I was going to regret doing this, but I guess it beats walking around the city by myself.

Meet me at Allude, I'll drop you a pin. It's a nightclub, so leave the turtle neck at home - Charles

Walking through the doorway of Allude, I head down the steps and into a basement type nightclub, completely shut up from the rest of the world.

"Do you need any change?" I'm alerted, flicking my head over to the gentleman behind the counter.

I shake my head, "I'm fine" I reply, confused.

After he nods in acknowledge, he pushes off his stool and opens another set of doors.

Before me, the flicker of a red strobe light and a soundtrack which was enough to make your legs squeeze together on instinct.

My eyes dart around, trying to take in the scenes. Circular tables positioned around the room, parted around a stage with a runway. Each table has a pole in the middle of it that attaches to the ceiling.

The tables are full of... men. All men.

Glancing around, I see some curtained off rooms where men were led in and out by beautiful girls in black swimsuit looking outfits.

I can feel myself drop my jaw as I realise I am standing in the middle of a strip club.

Of course he would.

"Hell no" I mumble, turning around, "Oof" I grunt.

"Going somewhere, Porter?" Charles sasses, holding his hands onto my shoulders.

"This isn't exactly what I had in mind, Charles" I defend, holding my hand out to the surroundings.

"What?" He chuckles, "What's wrong with it? It's practically a day care centre"

I chuckle and shake my head, "You have serious issues"

Charles takes a step forward, wrapping his hand around my shoulders and begins leading me over to one of the tables. "Relax, Porter. I'm not asking you to perform, unless you want to, I definitely won't complain"

I shoot him a look.

"I'm just saying" he holds his hands up in defence. "Now, sit down, and enjoy the show"

Charles leads me over to the corner tables, where a mixture of people are sat around a beautiful woman dancing her way round the roll in the middle of the table.

"You can sit here" he offers, pulling out the chair closest to the stage.

Cautiously, I take a seat, pulling my handbag close to my chest feeling like it's in danger of, i don't even know.

I hear Charles' chuckle beside me.

"What?" I boast.

He shakes his head, "I've never seen anybody look more out of place here" he mocks.

"Shut up" I mumble, fidgeting in the chair, not too sure where to place my eyeline.

I feel like watching the 'dancer' invades her privacy, but making eye contact with any of the other men, feels like I'm joining in on his fun, and I don't know which one is worse.

"Porter" Charles exclaims, grabbing my attention, "Relax"

He signals over to one of the bar maids, who is wearing less clothing than the girl on my table, if it were even possible.

"Yes, sir?" She coos as she arrives.

Charles makes eye contact with me, sending me a wink.

"Keep the drinks coming, plenty of them, in 7 minute intervals" he orders.

I shake my head in amusement.

"Of course, sir. And if you feel like a dance later, I'll be available" she flirts, grabbing a hold of his forearm and giving it a squeeze.

"Thank you Candy" he appreciates, smacking her on the behind as she walks away.

"Is her name really Candy?" I ask in disgust.

He shrugs, "I have no idea, I just went with what I thought" he chuckles.

By the time the drinks are coming in waves to the table, I find myself lightening up with every sip, giving into the experience a little. As Charles said, it isn't like he was asking me to perform or anything.

"Why don't you get up there?" Charles offers once our dancer leaves the table.

My eyes widen at him in horror.

He doubles over in laughter, "I'm only joking" he chuckles. "You wouldn't be game enough"

I shake my head, watching as another women climbs onto our table, making impressive swings around the table and placing her legs in positions that I am sure dislocates her hips.

I lean over toward Charles, tapping his leg and gesturing for him to come closer. "Do you have any money?" I ask him.

He eyes me, giving me a are you serious look.

"I have plenty of money, Porter" he sasses.

"No" I shake my head, "Like on you now?"

He looks at me in confusion. I gesture my hand toward him, edging him to had some over.

One he places a 20 in my hand, I sit back into my chair, swallowing the lump in my throat. I tap the ankle of the girl at the table, the remaining ankle, the other one is currently high up above her head.

"Yes sweetie" she coos as she bends backward toward me, her breasts right in my face.

Cautiously, I slowly edge the folded up 20 toward her, tucking it between her breasts extremely carefully so I don't actually touch any part of her. "You're flexibility is very impressive" I shout.

"No way! You did not just do that" Charles shouts in disbelief, clapping his hands together once before standing up and cheering like it was the final 20 seconds of a football final.

"That is my cue to leave" I mumble, feeling the embarrassment overtake my face. "I tipped the entertainment, I've drunk some drinks, I'm out"

I push my chair away from the table, holding my hands up as I step around the half naked, Candy, who is hovering around our table hoping for Charles to get desperate.

"I'm coming with you" he announces, running through the crowd after me.

"Oh, no you really don't have too" I offer, "Stay here with your friends"

He glances back over his shoulder, "I don't even know those guys" he mocks.

"You owe Candy a dance" I tease.

He looks up at me through his eyebrows, "I owe her nothing"

I let out a staggered breath, crossing my arms over my body.

"At least let me walk you home" he offers.

"I brought the scooter" I reply, gesturing outside.

He lets out a frustrated moan, "Come on, Ads, it's one night, and you said it yourself. You wanted to use me for something to do tonight" He reminds me.

He holds his phone out to me, to signal it's only 11:15pm. "Just for tonight"

I think it over, realising I have nothing to lose.

"You have 45 minutes, then the night is over and you've fulfilled your duties" I agree.

Chapter Text

CHARLES

Adley agrees to 45 minutes and to be honest, I'll take it.

I wasn't sure what it was, but I just couldn't stay away.

We walk side by side along the shore, silently, both of us just taking in the surrounds and all the different lives happening around us.

The crowds of people still partying way on into the night, and you could tell who the mothers and fathers are who finally have their children off to bed, and are now running loose.

"Can I ask you something?" She requests, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Sure" I agree

"Why?" Is all she asks.

I knew exactly what she was referring too, but i decide to question it anyway, trying to remain unamused. "Why what?" I ask with a chuckle.

She looks over at m knowingly. "Can we hit the pause button on the jackass act for 5 minutes please?"

I squint my eyes, tilting my head, pretending to consider her proposal.

"5 minutes, you got it' I agree.

"So." She edges, innocently.

I shrug, in an attempt to hide how bad I do actually feel. "I don't actually have an answer for you, Porter"

I can sense her deflating beside me, and it makes me feel worse.

"Porter" I begin, "Sorry, Adley. I don't know why I did it. I didn't want to actually hurt you, that was never my intention" I try and assure. "I'm sorry if I did"

She lets out a chuckle, but I know it wasn't in laughter, "You didn't hurt me, Charles. You embarrassed me" she admits.

Damn it.

"I'm sorry" Is all I can manage to say apparently. But I know she needs some sort of explanation.

"Look, I've got another, what?" I check my empty wrist, "2 minutes of not being a jackass left, truth is, I didn't hate talking to you. I guess that part was always seperate from whatever it is I was doing. And everything I told you, that was all coming from me, so I did enjoy that. The plan was to come clean at breakfast, but then Monaco Grand Prix happened and everything with Lando, I guess I was just acting on emotion"

It's the closest thing to an apology I can give her right now.

"Why Lee?" she asks, amused.

"Leclerc, Lee" I offer my worst excuse. It seemed smart at the time, and now saying it out loud, I realise how stupid it was.

"Oh. My. God." She stutters, face palming herself in the forward. "I am such an idiot. I should have known"

"No" I chuckle, "You aren't an idiot. It was me, and I do apologise. I didn't mean to make you feel embarrassed"

"It's okay" she accepts "You committed though, we spoke on the phone"

"I know, every single night" I chuckle, "I was sure I would have been found out then"

She chuckles through her pain, "I feel so naive now"

"You don't need too" I assure her.

"Okay, you're 5 minutes is up, and I think I've gotten my explanation" she accepts.

I shrug my shoulders, "I can try and not be a jackass for a little longer" I suggest.

We walk aimlessly along the shoreline, and admittedly, I have no idea where we have ended up. And also realising that we have to make it all the way back too.

"Oxland is going to kill me for being here with you" she informs with a chuckle.

I let out a laugh, "So don't tell her"

She looks at me like I'm mad, "I tell her everything"

"So don't" I suggest. "Ibiza is our every"

She shakes her head, "She knows I'm in Ibiza" she deadpans.

"Okay fine" I announce, turning around and continue to walk backwards so I'm facing her. "This night then."

I can see her actually considering it, and it makes me excited.

"We'll see" she settles on.

I can't help but smile, I reach forward, wrapping my arm around her shoulders, pulling her right up next to me as we continue down the path.

"We shall see" I mock her, silently relieved that she hasn't recoiled and pulled me away from her.

Once we get together one end of the beach, I suggest we sit down here for a while before we end up needing to do a lap of the entire island just to make it back.

Adley settles herself on a rock, pulling her feet up and dusting off the sand and pulling her knees up to her chest.

"Are you cold?" I ask her

She shakes her head, "I'm fine" she insists.

I shrug my blazer off my shoulders, stepping forward and wrapping it around her back.

"Thank you" she mumbles.

"Of course" I insist.

"How are you feeling about Austria?" She asks.

I let out a breathily chuckle, "You want to talk about Formula 1?" I ask.

"I know everything else about you. We never talked Formula 1" she sasses and I have to hand it to her.

"Touché" I admit. "I feel nothing for it. I go, I drive, I win. Same as every weekend" I boast.

"Except Monaco" she reminds in mockery.

"Now you're being mean" I tease.

"I'm sorry. I was actually really worried for a moment there" she admits shyly.

"You were worried about me, Porter?" I coo.

She glares at me.

"Sorry" I hold my hands up in defence.

"I was only a little worried" she admits, holding up her finger and thumb by her head.

"Well I appreciate it" I admit.

We sit on the rocks, gazing out at the sea and listening to the waves crash against the shoreline. I feel like I want to have the same conversations I had with her on the phone, but I also feel like I don't deserve them.

I betrayed her trust getting her to open up to Lee, that I feel like I don't deserve to know her the way I do.

"What are you thinking about over there?" She asks, lightly nudging me with her shoulder.

"Nothing" I lie.

"You can tell me" she encourages.

I hesitate.

"I don't feel like you're 'Ferrari royalty, Charles Leclerc' right now" she gushes.

"How do you mean?" I ask.

"Kind of feels like how..." she stops herself.

"I know" I finish it for her.

Without thinking, I lean forward, acting on a feeling rather than a thought.

I hear her breath hitch in her throat, snapping my eyes open.

"What are you doing?" She whispers.

I pull myself back, clearing my throat. "I actually don't know"

Chapter Text

ADLEY

Oxland, help, I think he was going to kiss me - Adley

My phone immediately starts vibrating with her incoming call.

"Ox?" I answer.

"Grandpa Joe tried to kiss you?" She gasps in horror.

"What?" I chuckle, "No, Charles"

Theres a moment of silence.

"Ox, are you there?" I ask

"How would Charles be trying to kiss you?" She asks in a confused tone.

Oh yeah. I haven't exactly been updating her on my current situations.

"He is here, in Ibiza" I inform.

"Oh shit" she gasps. "What, did he not recognise you or something? Or was he drunk?"

I don't know why but her question insults me. "No, I'm pretty sure he knew it was me" I inform her.

"How sure is pretty sure?" She pegs further.

"He knew it was me, okay" I boast, almost frustrated.

"Ad, did you want him to kiss you?" Oxland asks, concerned.

"What? No" I admit a little too unconvinced.

"Ohhh, Ad, No" she moans. "What did he do to you?"

"Nothing. What do you mean?"

I sit up in my bed, pulling myself up against my headboard, feeling a little defensive.

"He's gotten to you. Ad, use your head. He's a player and an asshole. You know how this story will end." She reminds me.

"I'm not into Charles" I defend, unconvincingly.

"It sounds like I'm missing a lot of the story here. How did you two even get in a position where Charles could be kissing you?"

I'm not sure why I suddenly feel exposed. "We went for a walk?" I'm not sure why it sounds like a lie.

"You went for a walk?" She repeats.

"Yes, I wanted to know why he did what he did, and then next thing, I swear he was leaning in and I freaked out"

She's silent again on the other end for too long.

"Ad?"

"What?" I ask.

"Be careful, okay." She warns.

"I'm fine" I lie.

"I know how into Lee you were, and I know you thought you were connecting with someone on this intellectual level, but Lee doesn't exist. It was Charles, he was playing into your interests and your insecurities. It wasn't real"

Her comments hurt, but I think it's because I don't believe her words. No one can pretend that much can they? And Charles said that everything was true, about what he was saying. And I feel almost protective of those parts.

I think back to the phone calls, how free flowing it was and honest, and real. There is no way that he could have just been playing that whole time. There was not enough time for him to do any 'research' to work out the perfect answer and yet he gave them anyway.

Those parts had to be real.

"Ad?" She asks when I don't reply.

"I'm not into Charles. I know Lee isn't real. I'm fine okay"

"You know I love you, yeah?" She reassures.

"I know" I whisper. "I love you too. Goodnight"

"Night Ad"

Once I pull the phone toward my chest, I can't but replay, and I guess, overthink everything. All the phone calls, all the messages, the beach.

Maybe he wasn't leaning in. Maybe he doesn't even like me at all and he's just bored here? After all, I used him because I was bored, so there was nothing stopping him from doing the same thing.

Tonight was really fun, I'm glad you messaged me - Charles

When  his message comes in, it forces me back into the land of delusion. I know the game he's playing, he's played it so well before. I can't trust him.

Tonight was a mistake, I am sorry I did message - Adley

I shut my phone off, sliding it underneath my pillow and rolling the opposite direction from it.

The next morning, I wake up feeling hungover, even though I never got to the point of intoxication.

My emotions were everywhere and my head was scrambled.

I wasn't sure why I felt protective and defensive when I spoke to Oxland, but also, so closed minded when I messaged Charles.

I drag myself out of bed, my oversized t-shirt falling to around my knees. I pull my messy curls up into a ponytail which I'm sure looks absolutely atrocious, but I needed coffee, and I needed it now.

Tiptoeing down to the kitchen, I hear Grandpa taking with someone in the kitchen but when I hear no reply, I presume he's on the phone.

"Do you take milk?" Grandpa asks his guests just as I round the corner. "Good morning, Addy"

His guests whips his head around into my direction and my jaw hits the floor.

"Morning" Charles welcomes.

"What on earth are you doing here?" I boast.

"I'll leave you two to talk" Grandpa offers.

"It's okay, Grandpa, Charles was just leaving" I demand.

Charles pushes himself off the barstool and makes his way over to me.

"I just wanted to talk" He offers.

"I have nothing to say, why are you..." I pause, glancing over at Grandpa and realising I'm putting him in an uncomfortable position in his own house. "Balcony" I instruct, grabbing a hold of Charles sleeve and pulling him across the kitchen and out of the sliding doors, mouthing sorry to Grandpa as I close the doors between us.

As soon as the door closes, I get a glimpse of my reflection in the door and recoil.

"You look cute" Charles compliments and I shoot him a look. "I'm sorry for just trying up, but you wouldn't reply last night, or this morning and when I called, it was going straight to voicemail"

"Which usually suggests to a person that I didn't want to talk to them" I sass.

He drops his shoulders, looking defeated and lets out a sigh. "Ads, please, what happened between dropping you home and the message?"

"I asked you not to bring this around my family, Charles. Why are you here?" I ask in defeat.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do" he admits.

"As history has it, we run into each other a lot on this island, why didn't you just rely on that?" I mock.

He shrugs his shoulders, just as Grandpa slides open the balcony door, two coffees in his hands.

"Thank you" I appreciate as he hands me one.

"Thank you, Mr Porter" Charles offers.

"Call me, Joe" Grandpa insists. "Oh and Addy, I forgot, I have a bunch of appointments and things to take care of today, so I'll have to take a rein-check on our day together"

Grandpa has never been the best liar.

"That's okay, I'll come with you" I insist, giving him a stern look.

He sends me a not so subtle wink, "No, it's okay. Why don't you two go out and enjoy the sunshine?"

He can't be serious?

"I'll take care of her, Mr.. Joe" Charles offers.

I glare over at him.

"Wonderful, I'll leave you two to it then. Lovely to see you again, Charles. I'll be cheering you on from the TV next race"

With that, Grandpa heads back through the doors.

"One second" I announce to Charles before going after Grandpa.

"Grandpa" I call out, running through the hall after him. "What are you doing? We had plans?"  I ask.

"Oh" he chuckles, resting a hand on my shoulder. "You don't want to waste the day away with an old grump like me, when you've got a perfectly good, young, handsome man out there who wants to take you out"

"Nothing about Charles is good, Grandpa" I inform.

The corners of his lips turn up as he smirks, "He told me what happened" he recalls. "It's quite romantic if you ask me"

I scoff, "I think he told you a different version of events" I sass.

"My advice, go and give the boy a day to make it right. Forget what happened before, pretend like this is the first time you two have ever laid eyes on each other and spend one day together. If by nightfall, you still think there is no good in him, I'll make sure he never sets foot on this property again. But I know I'm not wrong"

I let out a staggered breath, "Fine" I agree, "But when nightfall comes and I come home and tell you that you were wrong, you owe me the Cherry Pie recipe" I bargain with a chuckle.

He pulls me in and plants a kiss on my forehead, "You'll never get your hands on that recipe" he teases.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

We make our way around the local township, weaving in and out of some small seaside markets, we haven't said a word to each other since we left the villa.

Stopping by one of the tables, I glance down at the little crystal figurines. I run my fingers around the edges, tracing the lines of all the different characters. I feel Charles pull up right beside me.

"My grandmother used to collect these" I inform.

"Does Joe still have them?" He asks me.

I shake my head, trying desperately to swallow the lump that appeared in my throat. "No, her sister took them just after her funeral. Grandpa was in no mood to fight with her over it. But I remember when we would visit when we were little, she would give me 5 Euro to dust them all" I chuckle in remembrance.

"How many did she have?" He quizzes in a chuckle.

"Oh" I can't help but giggle, placing down the elephant figurine, "About 40 or 50. I am sure now I was getting paid well below minimum wage. But I guess for a 7 year old, that was a lot of money"

"She never worried you'd break any?" He teases as we continue through the different stalls.

"I broke one every single time I was dusting them" I announce, "But she didn't care. We'd come down to the market every day and replace them"

"She sounds like a lovely woman" Charles compliments.

I nod in pride, "She was."

We walk in silence again side by side, only stopping by a taste testing table for some sample cheeses.

"Are you still planning on attending Cambridge next fall?" He quizzes.

His question catches me slightly off guard because that was knowledge that I told 'Lee', not him.

I stop suddenly in the middle of the pathway, just starring at him.

"Adley, are you ok?" He asks, walking back to join me.

"Yeah" I shake myself out of it, "I just forgot that you know all these things about me"

I see the disappointment wash over him.

I begin to walk again, leaving him standing there, although I presumed he would follow eventually.

Turning back over my shoulder, I give him a look. "I just forgot, sorry, your question caught me off guard" I explain.

Thankfully, he starts to move again. "I get it, and I feel bad. But, you know a lot about me as well" he shrugs, trying to even the playing field.

"Do I?' I question.

He gives me a sarcastic glare, "The Great Gatsby is still the best book ever written"

I can't help but double over in laughter. "Ok, fair enough.  I know things about you I wish I didn't" I mock.

"You're hilarious" he teases.

"So" I quickly change the subject, trying to pull myself out of being sucked into his orbit again, "What's your angle here? Why did you show up a my Grandpa's house?"

"I told you, I wanted to apologise" he informs.

I shake my head, "You want to play with me more" I defend.

His eyebrows raise slightly in amusement, "Well.."

I play hit him in shoulder, "You're disgusting"

"I'm sorry" he holds his hands up in defence, "You put the idea in my head and I couldn't let it go" he chuckles.

I don't want to admit what the thought of Charles thinking of me like that does to me.

"Well, get it out of your head, it's never going to happen" I demand.

He gives me a wink before walking straight past me, "We'll see"

He is so infuriating.

I slightly run to catch up with him. "You really think so much of yourself don't you?"

He shrugs with a smug look, "Someone has too"

My jaw drops, "Are you kidding, the entire world loves you" I gush. "Every woman wants to be with you"

"Every woman?" He asks, wiggling his eyebrows at me again.

"Oh my god, seriously?" I gasp.

"Well, you said, every woman, I was just clarifying" he sasses.

I study him for a moment, "What is it, really?" I question.

"What's what?" He asks in confusion.

I consider it for a moment, but chose to leave it. It''s not the sort of insight I think I want to know about Charles. I want to continue to believe he's just this self-centred, egotistic, narcissist, without underlying issues that explain all of it and I end up feeling sorry for him.

"Nothing, it's nothing" I wave off.

"No, what are you asking me?" He insists.

"It's almost like you need consistent admiration. And when someone doesn't idolise you, it frustrates you" I consider.

"No it doesn't" he amuses. "You don't know what your talking about"

"Okay, fine" I grunt as I begin to walk off.

"Nope, we are not doing this" he boasts, grabbing onto my hand and pulling me out of the line of market stalls.

"Charles" I gasp, "Slow down, where are we going?"

He continues to pull me through the street until we cross the boardwalk and onto the beach.

"Charles?" I ask more concerned.

He finally stops by the rock faces, not another person in ear shot. "Okay, I'm sorry about that, but I was feeling" he shakes his hands beside his head. "I can't have you continuously closing up on me, it's doing my head in"

"What do you mean?" I ask in confusion.

"I have control over every other person in my life, but I can't seem to control you" he admits.

My jaw drops, and shock overtakes my entire expression. "Wow"

"No," he shakes his head in frustration, "That came down totally opposite of how I wanted it too"

"I sure hope so" I grit, getting increasingly frustrated.

He lets out a frustrated groan, holding his hands up on either side of his head. "God" he curses.

"I'll allow you to try again" I suggest.

"Every other person in my life is scared of me, or in awe of me" I eye him from his modesty, but he continues anyway after waving it off, "Even those who hate me do it respectfully."

"What does any of that have to do with me?" I ask.

"Whenever I try and get to you, you manage to pull up these walls of defence" he explain.

"Because I can't trust you anymore" I shout. "There is no other agenda to it other than I can't trust you. There's no point opening up to you, or telling you how I feel because it isn't being received by a genuine place"

"I want you to open up to me" he defends.

I let out a frustrated scoff, "I don't just do things because you want me too"

"Why can't you forgive me? I said I was sorry?" He frustrates.

"But you didn't mean it. You said it yourself, you love to control and you didn't have it over me anymore. You wanted it back. None of this came from a genuine place to get to know me, Charles."

Chapter Text

ADLEY

I don't know what made me want to come back to Allude. I guess I felt invisible here amongst the other women. But suddenly I was huddled over one of the tables, about 6 empty glasses on the table surrounding me and not entirely sure that I had drunk every single one of them.

When I left Charles down on the beach, it felt like a break up. Or rather, a break from fantasy land and being forced back into reality.

Even when Charles was 'Lee', I got this whole other side to him than what everyone else gets and hanging out with him here in Ibiza, I got that same different side.

It wasn't real.

None of it.

"Adley?"

"Go away, Charles" I beg.

"No" He exclaims, "I'm not going anywhere" he demands, taking a seat at the chair right next to me.

I roll my eyes, picking up the glass that only has a sip in it left before waving my hand over at the bartender, 'Candy' requesting another.

"I need you to listen to me when I tell you that I'm sorry and that I really hate that I humiliated you" he apologises.

I smash down the glass onto the floor and begin to yell at him "You don't get to come in here and..."

The very moment his lips close themselves over mine I feel every single fibre of my being react to this touch.

The way in which his hand dominantly grasps the inside of my throat, using his thumb to guide my chin higher to claim ownership, as I feel him rise from his chair above me.

When his warm, claiming tongue darts out to part my lips, creating a friction of desperation between us, I swear I hear his inner moan as I comply with his orders.

Disconnecting his lips for only a moment, still positioning himself close enough to have them graze across my lips whilst he whispers "Yell at me again, and I'll give you a reason to scream, princess"

My lips part in reaction to his statement but only to have him take the advance and position himself right over me again.

My inner overthinking takes ownership of me again and I push him away by his shoulders, "Wait, wait wait" I gush, gasping for air.

"You've made me wait long enough, Ads. Please, don't torture me anymore" he begs.

I lunge forward, grasping the front of his shirt in my hand as I pull him toward me aggressively, forcing our lips to form back together.

The grunts and groans that leave his throat only increase my lust and desires for him.

"Is there.. Is there somewhere we could go?" I ask.

He pulls back from me, his eyes lit up in desire. "I'm not going to be able to last going anywhere far" he whines.

My head glances over toward the rooms I remember seeing last night behind the curtains.

Charles' head follows in my direction and then quickly snaps back to mine.

He lets out a relieved groan, grasping onto my hand and dragging me over in the direction of the hidden rooms.

He slips the front door man a tip and leads me through the curtains.

As soon as I'm inside, I only get a moment to gaze around before my legs are whipped out from underneath me as they lock around the waist of the man who now has me pinned up against the wall beside me.

Feeling his body in full force up against me, I can feel his muscles tense beneath me as we move in sync.

"This feels wrong" he mumbles against me, and I don't like the way that comment makes me feel.

"What?" I gasp, pulling away from him as much as I can whilst pinned against the velvet covered walls.

"No, no, no" he quickly clarifies, pressing a quick peck on my lips, "Not this. I mean this room, this place" he explains.

"It doesn't bother me" I exclaim, leaning forward and closing y lips around his again, thankful when I feel him respond to my touch.

But deflated again when he pulls away. "It bothers me. This room is for meaningless hookups. That isn't what this is. Come with me" he instructs, lowering me onto the floor and grasping onto my hand.

As I allow Charles to lead me back down to the beach, realising that it's becoming a running theme for us, he slows the pace of his walk down as we approach the sand.

Wadding hand in hand down the sand, we stop just before the ocean meets the sand, and he pulls me to face him in his direction.

He brings his two hands up letting them trace the outside of my face, pushing my hair back over my ears, as I feel him gazing directly into my soul. As his hands make their way to the base of my jawline, he cups it within his grasp, sending a tidal wave of goosebumps to scatter across my skin.

As our lips are brought back to one another, I feel a different urgency to their connection, an increased lust to the way in which they move together.

Once his hands disconnect from my jawline, I feel them feather along my waistline, hovering just above the skin around my lower back.

I feel myself grasping aimlessly at his shirt, pulling him toward me.

His lips disconnect from mine and find their way down my jaw and onto my neck and along my collarbone. My head tilting to the side to allow him further access.

When I feel the grip on my shirt tighten and begin to move up my body. I reach my arms above my head, pulling back to look at him directly in the eye, giving him silent consent.

His little nod of reassurance gives me everything I need to nod back as the material passes between us and over my head. He leaves his hands up above his head. I let out a breathily chuckle as I reach for the hem of his shirt and guide it off his body.

We share a silent chuckle before we reach out for each other again, his hands appreciating every line and curve on my newly exposed body before bringing his lips back over mine, the smile that coasts his lips evident to me.

Gaining some confidence, I shrug myself out of my skirt, and reach for the buttons of his pants.

Once rid of the clothes, he pulls himself from me, before reaching between us, grasping my hands into his and leading me out to the water.

We don't speak a word, although a thousand things are being said.

Once we reach about waist deep, I turn to face him, steadying myself on his shoulders and bringing our two bodies up against each other.

His height over me causes me to kink my neck up to look at him, only increasing my desire for him as he bends down to match my height, moulding our lips back together.

With a hoist, he picks me back up, wrapping my legs around his waist to stabilise myself as he dips us lower into the water.

Settled right up against Charles' body, we gaze into each others eyes as I run my hands through his hair.

"What are you smiling at?" I whisper to him.

"Nothing." He replies, his hand finding it's way through my hair, "Everything" he corrects.

"Are you regretting being here?" I ask.

"What?" he gasps, "No. Not at all. Are you?"

"Strangely, no" I mock.

He gives me a smug look before placing another longing kiss to my lips.

Tightening my legs around his waist, edging him closer to me if even possible. Our lips part in sync to deepen our connection, and slowly, surely and completely willingly, I fall victim to Charles Leclerc.  

Chapter Text

ADLEY

I'm due to fly to Austria today, to meet up with Lando and Oxland for a few days before the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend.

Before last night, I'd been looking forward to the trip, unknowing that I was going to experience something with the very last person I expected to connect with, that made me want to stay around.

When I open my eyes, I feel his arm beneath me, and the scattering of sand covering us as the morning wind picks up as it welcomes in a new day.

"Good morning Mon Beau" he coos behind me, bringing a smile to my face.

"Good Morning Lee" I mock.

As I feel his other arm wrap around me, pulling me toward his body and placing a kiss inside my neck, I have to try and remind myself I'm not dreaming.

"What time is your flight?" He asks.

"Noon" I inform regretfully.

"We should get you back to your Grandpas" he admits and I groan in disappointment.

As we walk hand in hand back up toward the driveway, I'm hesitate to ask what happens next? What happens when I leave?

"Should I.. leave?" He asks cautiously.

"Hmmm," I consider, "maybe. I haven't had much time with Grandpa since I got here, and I think I owe him an explanation as to why I didn't come home last night"

A wave of guilt washes over his face.

"Last night was..." I begin, watching the anticipation take over him, "incredible"

A sigh of relief rolls off his shoulders as he pulls me in close to him, wrapping his arms around my shoulders and placing a kiss on the top of my head.

"I was worried" he admits.

I let out a breathily chuckle.

"I'll see you okay?" Unsure why it sounds like a question.

"Yeah, I'll call you. Message me when you land and we'll go from there okay?" He informs which leaves me hopeful.

We say goodbye at the end of the driveway and I watch as he walks off down the hill and round the corner.

Taking a deep breath, I cautiously open the front door.

"Morning" Grandpa announces with a smirk on his face right on the other side of the door.

"Geez" I shout, my hand grasping onto my chest in a freight.

"I've been waiting here all night. You had me worried sick" he announces.

"What? Grandpa, really?" I ask in horror.

He can't hold in his chuckle, "no not really. Geez, Addy you're old enough now. I was just on my way to the kitchen when I heard the door. Great timing though" he mocks.

"You're good" I coo, pointing my finger at him, following him into the kitchen.

"Looks like you won't be needing this" he teases, picking up a piece of paper from the kitchen bench and ripping it into thirds before tossing it into the trash.

"Grandpa?" I boast. Rushing to the trash and pulling out the recently thrown out paper containing the recipe.

As I place the torn pieces together and study it, I realise it's the phone number for a gardener. "What?" I ask in confusion.

Grandpa starts chuckling again, "I rang him this morning, I don't need it anymore" he replies innocently.

"What has gotten into you?" I gush in amusement.

He shrugs his shoulders as he fills up the kettle. " Was a good night then?"

"Yeah. It was. It was, it was actually amazing" I reminisce.

"Good for you chicken" he appreciates.

By the time I make it to the airport, I'm actually really upset to be leaving. Grandpa and I at least got to enjoy the morning together, going through some of Grandmas old things in the garage.

It's incredible how much love for her still radiates off him.

Their love was always the bench mark and boy was it high.

"I'll see you soon okay?" I announce to him as we make it to my gate.

"You're welcome here anytime" he informs me.

"I love you Grandpa" I appreciate.

"Love you too, Addy. Oh and here" he hands me a small gift bag.

Pulling the tissue paper out, I secure my fingers around the small crystal figurine. Placing it onto my hand and bringing it up to my eye line, the most gorgeous butterfly settles in my hand.

"Oh Grandpa" I gush. "You shouldn't have"

"I didn't" he announces, reaching into his back pocket and handing me a piece of paper.

The butterfly represents transformations and new beginnings. I thought it was relevant - C x

My eyes dart up to Grandpa who is looking oddly proud of himself.

"When did he give this to you?" I ask.

"The morning he came over at breakfast" he replies.

I think back, "I hadn't even told him about these yet" I remember.

Grandpa shrugs his shoulders innocently, before giving me a final goodbye hug and waving me off as I make my way through the gate.

Once settled, I pull out my phone, taking a picture of the crystal butterfly and sending it to Charles.

I can't thank you enough for this, but how did you know? I hadn't even told you about the figurines yet? -  Adley

I asked around about your family after I ran into you and your Grandpa at the restaurant, some relatives of mine remembered how important the crystals were to your Grandmother. I figured they meant something to you as well. When we were at the market, you just confirmed the rumours - Charles.

Shutting my phone off and securing it into my bag, I rest my head back on their airplane chair and think back to that day at the restaurant.

We were no where close to the position we are in now and still he found a way to find the most important parts of me. Still then, he was able to care enough to reconnect me with my past.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

By the time the Austrian Grand Prix rolled around a few days later, and I've been judged to the hills and back by Lando and Oxland, I was more excited than ever to see how the dynamic on the grid had changed.

"So, are you like a couple? Are they going to be tagging you as a WAG all weekend?" Oxland mocks.

"I hate that word" I scoff in amusement. "And no, I don't think we are a couple, but like, I don't know. It just feels, different"I shrug.

Since I arrived in Austria, Charles and I had spent every waking minute either calling or messaging one another. It was back to how things were when I thought he was 'Lee', but this time it all felt different.

"I am excited to see him though" I gush.

Oxland makes a fake vomit sound beside me as we get organised to head off to the paddock.

"What?" I groan as I can see it written all over her face. "As my best friend, what?" I encourage.

She let's out a deep sigh. "It's, I don't know Ad" she stutters.

Attaching the new gold hoop earrings that arrived the day after I landed from Charles to my ears before picking up the straightener and running it through my hair.

"That for one" she comments.

"What?' I ask confused.

"Look at yourself in the mirror, Ads and tell me what you see?" She instructs.

I stand back slightly from the free standing full length mirror.

"I'm not understanding?" I ponder.

"Look at what you're wearing Ads"

I gaze down at my outfit. A pair of black, parachute, cargo pants over a white body suit and white doc martins. My hair is straighten with a part down the middle, minimal make up and my gold hoop earrings.

"You don't like it?" I ask, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

"I do like it, the outfit is hot and you look absolutely stunning. But Ads, compared to how you dressed two weeks ago, and who you're dressing for, it concerns me" she admits.

"I'm not dressing for him" I mumble.

"You know what I mean" she deadpans, titling her head downward at me.

Turning back to my reflection, I run my fingers through my hair and down the length of my body.

Oxland comes up behind me, wrapping her hands around my waist and resting her head against my back. "I love you, okay. I just don't want to see you get hurt"

"I know, I love you too" I appreciate. "Do I need to change?" I chuckle.

"You don't have time to change" she mocks, bringing her phone around the front of me to see the time displayed on the screen.

"Oh shit" I gasp, peeling myself away from her arms.

As soon as we make it to the track, I feel a different presence around me. I don't know if it's just because of everything that happened, or something else, but I don't feel invisible anymore.

"So, where are you going?" Oxland teases as we approach the Ferrari garages.

"I'm coming to McLaren, I'll catch up with him later" I chuckle.

She links her arm in with mine in a chuckle, "Good, because there was only one answer I was going to accept from you, and that was it"

I roll my eyes at her, but make sure I catch a quick glimpse at the back of the garage from the paddock as we pass the Ferrari section.

"I think you're heading in the wrong direction there, Adley" We hear Lando's mocking voice come from behind us.

"Hey, you." I announce as he wraps his arms around our shoulders, positioning himself in between us.

"I didn't think I'd see you up here" he teases.

"Oh come on" I groan, "I'm here for you."

"Sure" he deadpans, turning his attention to Oxland the two share a look that makes me suddenly feel like a third wheel.

Oxland and I watch from above the McLaren garage in the hospitality section as the drivers make their way around for the only practise session of this round as tomorrow holds the qualifying and sprint shootout.

"How do you think tomorrow will go?" Oxland quizzes beside me.

I shrug, "I'm not sure. I didn't expect Monaco to go the way it did." I remanence.

"Monaco was intense" she agrees. "I feel like our men are like pinned up against each other now. You and I have this unspoken competition going on"

"Our men?" I ask her.

"Oh god". She chuckles, "You know what I mean, Ad. Don't turn this into something it isn't" she warns.

I hold my hands up in defence, "They were your words, not mine" I tease.

She gives me a warning glare.

"I know what you mean" I back down. "But there isn't. I always want Lando to do well, he's one of my best friends"

Her eyebrows shoot up at me as she glances back towards the track as the cars pull into the pit lane.

"Come on, we better go down" I suggest.

Standing at the entrance to the garage at the pit lane, we watch Lando as he hops out of the car before pulling off his helmet.

I find myself shifting my head down the pit lane where I can see the Ferrari mechanics working around what I presume is Charles' car.

"Go and see him" Oxland encourages as she catches my attention.

"He's probably busy" I excuse.

"Go" She pushes, giving me a supportive look.

"Okay" I chuckle, pushing myself off the garage door wall.

As I walk down toward the garage, I catch sight of a few of the other drivers having to do a double take of me.

Once I reach the garage, I step out the way of one of the mechanics as they exit the building and I see Charles immediately, his back to me as he pulls his helmet off his head, pulling the balaclava down and tossing his hands through his sweaty hair.

"Hey, Adley, how are you going?" Carlos announces from his side of the garage.

I give him a welcoming nod as I watch Charles' reaction. His head turns to Carlos first before looking over his shoulder at me.

"Hey" I wave awkwardly, standing at the entrance, feeling like I'm not allowed in.

"Hey" he replies, pulling his headphones from his ears, but doesn't make any moment toward me.

"Just wanted to come down, and see you" I stutter, cringing my face as I say it.

He nods his head as he takes the water bottle from the side cart, bringing the straw up to his mouth.

"I'll , umm, I'll message you later then?" I ask pathetically.

"Yeah, okay, sounds good" he nods before turning his back to me.  

Chapter Text

ADLEY

I make our way to the hotel, messaging Oxland to let her know I would meet her there later.

Once I get back to the room, I change out of my clothes, suddenly feeling ridiculous in them and changing into a pair of leggings and my oversized sweatshirt.

Knowing that Oxland won't be back for a while as she will stay with Lando down at the paddock, I take the time to snuggle up on the bed and open my book.

After a few hours, although I've been waiting to do it since I left him in the garage, I send Charles a message.

Hey, was everything okay

I back space that one.

Hey, how are you..

Delete that one.

Hey, how did today go

Ahh, why can't I get this right?

I fall back onto the bed in frustration. I can't even construct a message to him.

I flick through the older messages between Charles and I and everything seemed so normal, all the way up until this morning where he said he was looking forward to seeing me.

The face of that man in the garage did not look happy to see me.

Suddenly my phone vibrates in my hand and I've never brought it to my vision so fast before.

Hey, are you busy right now? I think we need to talk? - Charles

My heart sinks.

Yeah, okay no problem. Where are you? - Adley

I'm on the roof of your hotel, can you meet me? - Charles

On the roof?

I push myself off the bed and head straight for the roof.

Once I push open the door, I see the dim lights of the city in the distance, and can see Charles leaning against the railing in the car corner.

"Hey" I announce, to which his turns around in shock.

"Hey" He coos, moving forward and wrapping his arms around me, squeezing me tightly. "How are you?"

I bury my face into his neck, "Good, how are you?" I ask.

He pulls me back from him, but still grasps onto my hands, "I feel shitty. I'm so sorry for today. I don't know why I acted like that" he apologises and he relaxes me immediately.

I shake it off, "It's okay, you were busy. I shouldn't have interrupted"

He shakes his head and squeezes my hand a little, "No, no, no. That's not it at all baby, I was so happy to see you, it's just.." he trails off.

"What is it?" I encourage.

"I didn't know how to like, act, or behave around you. I've had the same, reputation, for so long, I didn't know what to do when you arrived" he explains.

"It's okay" I assure him.

It hurts me that he genuinely looks upset by this.

"What are you doing tonight?" He asks.

I shrug my shoulders with a pleasing smile on my face.

"I have to go and do some simulation work back at the paddock tonight, but later on, I was thinking you could come to my room, and we could eat some dinner and just put a movie on or something?"

He sends a surge of butterflies to my stomach on his request. "That sounds really nice" I accept.

His hand comes up between us, using his index finger to remove a strand of hair from my face, a look of admiration in his eye.

"Good" he confirms before gripping the back of my head and pulling it in close to him and pressing our lips together.

"I'll see you later then?" I ask him.

He nods his head against mine, his fingers still rubbing a strand of hair through his fingertips.

"Okay" I whisper, not wanting to make the first move to disconnect us, but apparently, neither does he as we stand there just wrapped up in each other.

"I really have to go" he groans regretfully.

I close my eyes, "Okay" I repeat.

I feel his head remove from mine before being replaced with a firm kiss to my forehead.

"I'll message you when I'm back okay?" He suggests.

"Sounds good."

Later on that evening, I brush my teeth for the third time and consistently check my phone for an update from Charles.

I admit that I begin to feel a little stressed when the clock ticked over to 8:30pm and I still hadn't heard from him yet.

Letting out a frustrated groan, I fall back onto the bed and begin to psych myself to be all independent and come at him with the 'what took you so long' and 'no sorry, I've already made other plans, sorry' but in that very moment I can hear the phone vibrating with his call at the end of the bed, I sit up and go to it faster than I'll ever admit, to anyone.

"Hey" I answer.

"Hey, baby, I'm so sorry, that took way longer than what I wanted it too. I'm on my way back to the hotel now. Can you still meet me?" He begs, sounding all out of breath.

"Yes" I chirp. "Umm, yeah, that's fine. I'll see you in a little bit" I correct myself.

"Okay, I'm looking forward to it" he announces before hanging up.

I pace around the room a little, trying to work out what I do with myself for the next few minutes, and how long does it take to get from the track to the hotel?

Pulling out my phone, I type in the directions into google map and see that it takes 40 minutes to get back to the hotel.

"Okay" I whisper to myself, checking the time on the clock. "But he said he was on his way, so"

Throwing my phone down in frustration, I head back to the bathroom for another time, using the head of my toothbrush to flick the lid open on the toothpaste.

Going in for round 4.

Leaving it a safe 40 minutes, I head out of my room and make my way up to his floor.

When I knock on the door, I have the worst head scenarios of him not even being in the room and then seeing me in the hall, and then what happens if he just walked in and I'm knocking as soon as the door closes.

I hate how uncool I am when it comes to him, or just in general.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

The very minute Charles opens the door, he urgently grabs a hold of my hand and yanks me inside, the door slamming behind me before I'm pushed hard up against it to find his lips on me, all over me, instantly.

It takes me a minute to catch up to his urgency, but once I do, I'm aimlessly grasping at his hair, and his clothes, trying whatever I could to pull him closer to me.

"I'm so sorry" he mumbles pretty kisses that I can barely understand his words.

I shake my head against him, trying to let him know that it was okay, which only seems to boost his lust as I'm pulled slightly away from the door only to have his body forced up against me, sending me back into the wood as I feel his body respond underneath me.

Reaching my hands behind him, I take a hold of his shirt and pull it up over his shoulder and over his head,desperately trying to reconnect to him as soon as we were forced to disconnect.

As soon as I become aware that he is standing in front of me shirtless, I push him by his shoulders backwards, allowing my eyes to take in the man that stands before me.

His heavy panting is sending his shoulders into a motion as I watch the lines of his chest concave and straighten under each breath.

The corners of his mouth turn up slightly before he reaches out for my hand, pulling me toward him as one hand cups my face whilst the other one curves around my back, holding me close against him.

His lips graze lightly across mine, testing the waters, fuelling the lust. As I peel my eyes open, I'm met with his, gazing purely and generously into my soul.

"Ma Belle" he whispers, his hands drawing a line from the top of my head, around my face and continuing down my hair.

Still tangled in with each other, we stumble backwards across the room. When I feel the back of my calves press up against the mattress, I assume we will slowly descend together.

That is, until he disconnected his lips from mine, and with a rough shove, I fall back into a seated position on the edge of the bed.

Gazing up at him, I watch as he lowers himself to his knees in front of me, his eyes never failing to leave mine as his fingers graze up the outsides of my thighs, edging higher and higher,

His eyes hold trained on mine, seeking permission with every inch he trailed.

Feeling his fingers hook in over the top of my leggings, grasping onto both the layer of cotton and silk of my under garments, I lift myself onto my feet in the slightest manner, allowing him just enough room to shimmy the fabric from my body.

I watch as he cautiously discard them off to the side, his eyes he'd captive in mine.

As he crawls back toward me, settling himself right between my thighs. I expect him to meet my height and allow his lips to fold over the top of mine. Instead, he grips onto my outer thighs, holding them spread as his head begins to bury itself beneath me.

At first, the sensation flows warmly inside of me, a tingle of vibrations allowing itself to settle in the pit of my stomach. But the more he laps his tongue along my centre, I feel the build up intensify, my hands blindly finding their way to his hair, grasping for stability as I feel the flow tingle the deepest parts of me.

Feeling my lips part slightly in pleasure, I can feel my hips open on command as he sets himself deeper in between my legs.

An involuntary moan and whimper falls from my lips as my head falls back, tightening my grip in his hair to hold him firmly in place, feeling my climax build within me.

As my legs begin to shake, attempting to clench together as he hand comes between us, cupping one of my breasts with his hand before bringing his fingertips to the edge, squeezing my nipple as he begins to nipple on my sex.

I let out a moan, grasps onto his head and pulling him eagerly up to me, needing friction on where he'd sent my clit into a sensitive frenzy.

Pulling himself up onto his knees, I scoot forward on the bed, guiding his head up to meet my awaiting lips.

It's a hard way to explain it, but the way in which I feel his lips close so effortlessly around mine, the way I feel the warmth of his breath slightly hitch every time my tongue darts out to lightly feather against his bottom lip, it just doesn't feel like we are two people making out, or devouring ourself in a quick fuck. It seems like every move is calculated, every touch is purposeful, every kiss is to taste the fullest of pleasure.

As he begins to crawl up on top of me, feeling the bed dip slightly as his knees make their way past my hips, we use each others bodies to guide us up to the top of the bed, my head finding the pillow.

His warm lips travel from my lips, down onto my collarbone, leaving tiny nibbles in his path toward my chest, down my stomach, across my pelvic line as I struggle to keep an even breath every time I feel his lips make contact with my skin.

"Baby, I want to hear you moaning my name, struggling to form the simplest of words" he grunts, sitting back onto his heels and allowing his gaze to completely penetrate me.

I find myself squirming at his words, struggling to get myself up against him, throbbing to have him inside of me.

Using his hand to reach across me, grasping onto one my hips, he flips me over onto my stomach before immediately edging my hips up toward him, bringing me onto all fours in front of him.

"On your elbows baby" he instructs, making me comply immediately.

I feel his tongue draw a pathway from the back of my right thigh, highlighting my curves up to the base of my arse, before his fingers take over the path, testing and teasing the entrance to my already waiting sex.

"Tell me you want me" he instructs.

Letting out a breathily moan, I struggle to compose myself. "I want you, please" I beg.

A tiny whimper falls from his lips as I hitch my breath, his finger entering and filling me completely. I grasp onto the bedsheets, clutching for dear life on them.

I find a hitch hold itself in my chest as he repeats this movement, allowing his fingers to trace in and out of me, my toes clenching behind me to try and level myself out.

"I need you" I beg, needing him to find the friction I was so hopelessly desperate for.

"Soon, baby. I want to take my time. I want to control you tonight"

I let out a defeated whine.

"Getting restless already, Princess? I'm only just getting started"

Chapter Text

CHARLES

I could still taste her on my tongue when I woke up the following morning. A taste that held me captive as I rolled over to find her still in my bed, sound asleep with her face smushed into the pillow.

Her body, still bared naked beside me, and not an inch of me wanting her to be anywhere else but beside me in this bed.

Sitting up onto my elbow, I reach my opposing hand over and smooth a fallen hair from her face, having her not even flinch at my movement.

I wanted her here.

I wanted her here.

Why does that scare the shit out of me?

Everyone else I couldn't wait to get rid of, never wanting any sort of transaction between them again, but with Adley, I couldn't wait to taste her, tease her, have her again.

Pulling myself up out of bed, I hit the shower, desperately needing a cold one.

Letting the water wash its way over my body, my head hangs low, reminiscing over the way I felt her clench around me the moment I entered her. How her fingernails carved lines into my back when I hit the deepest part of her.

The way that when my name fell from her lips, I only wanted more and craved to hear her whimper them again.

In frustration, I flick the tap off, halting the flow immediately, yet still feeling the droplets fall from my face and down into the ground beneath me.

Feeling with a heavy breath, I reach for my towel, rubbing it through my hair before wrapping it around me.

Once I'm dried off, I open the bathroom door gently, trying not to wake Adley whilst doing so. I get changed into some grey sweats and a grey hoodie before picking up my trainers and tip towing out of the room.

Once out of the hotel and into the fresh morning hair, I still feel like my breath is tight in my chest, like I'm struggling for air.

My head darting from one side of the street to the other, I take off down the street in a vast jog.

Roughly 2 hours and 26km later, I've made it back to the hotel in a full sweat.

Panting and puffing at the entrance of the building, I hold my hands above my head, interlocked together on top of my head to try and regulate my breathing a little.

As I make my way back up to my room to get ready for the qualifying day, I'm not exactly what I expect to see when I walk through the door.

But as I open the door, and am presented with an empty bed, I hate that I almost feel relieved. Not because I didn't want to see her, but because I don't know what to say to her.

Catching sight of the bed, my mind takes me back to the sights of last night, watching her body respond to me in the way it did, watching her react and whimper and fidget beneath me, yet so willingly begging for more. For me.

Staggering over to the sink, I down 2 glasses of water before getting changed into my Ferrari gear.

Pulling out my phone, I dial Nicolas, my managers number.

"Nicolas, hello?" I announce once I hear his voice through the receiver.

"Charles? Everything okay?" He asks.

"Yeah, yeah I'm all good. What time are they sending the car?" I ask, knowing I'll be stressing him out, as I should know this.

"Oh Charles" he groans, "car will be there in about 20 minutes, are you going to be ready for it?"

I chuckle, "yeah, yeah. I'll be there. 20 minutes is good"

After hanging up, I contemplate on what I should do. Do I text her? Do I go and see her? Should I call her?

20 minutes later I'm staring at my phone, having done none of the above and suddenly it's too late as the text is through from my driver announcing his arrival.

"Fuck it" I mumble to myself, putting it in the too hard basket and leaving it at that.

Today was an important day, and after the result in Monaco, I needed to do everything I could to get my head back in the game and my name back on top.

I'll deal with Adley later.

Once I arrive at the track, I feel myself actively making sure I dodge her, staying well away from the McLaren garage and not placing myself in any common areas where she could find me. I needed to focus on my qualifying session and the sprint shoot out, and then I'll work out what is going on.

But I really want to keep my professional life seperate, and having her around the track was going to make that hard.

"Charles? Charles! Charles?" The usual array of screams from the adoring fans as I enter the paddock help to bring me back into my comfortable skin.

I pose for photos, I sign autographs and my favourite parts of the female body. This is where I know what I'm doing. With these people, amongst this persona, I know what to do. I know what people expect of me.

"Hey Charles, there's an after party happening down at Afterlife Strip Bar tonight, I'm performing" once drop dead gorgeous blonde invites from my left.

"Oh yeah?" I ask her, my head nodding slightly.

She brings her hand up to her black crop, pulling the fabric slightly to the side to reveal the most sexy, vibrant lace bra top.

"In honour of you" She flirts with a wink.

"Well I guess I'll definitely make it down there then" I reply, not knowing if I have any actual intention of going.

"Just look out for Christine" she informs me.

"Christine, okay" I reply, moving onto the next round of girls.

"Alright, thank you" I accept as I move away from the pen, turning around to head back down the pit lane.

As soon as I turn around, I come into view of Adley, Oxland, Lando and Oscar making their way towards the fan pen.

"Of fucking course" I mutter, ducking my head and darting around the long way.

I don't look back to see her reaction, but I hope I'm able to play it off as I didn't see you.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"That fucking.." Oxland pounces forward before she's held back in Lando's arms.

"Relax, girl" he warns, half chuckling.

I can feel all their eyes are on me waiting for my reaction. It hurts, it confuses me more than anything, but I'm trying to play my best poker face.

"Come on, we better head over" Oscar inputs, placing his hands on my shoulders and giving them a little squeeze in comfort.

Oxland and I follow the boys toward the fan pen, holding back whilst the boys sign some merchandise and pose for photos. We try and help the best we can by offering our backs as rests and taking group pictures with different fans.

"Thanks guys" Oscar announces as they wrap up their final autographs.

"Charles is totally into you, I saw how he was looking at you" my head snaps in the direction of the voice.

My eyes catch onto two of the fans have a discussion amongst themselves, one of the looking like the girl Charles was talking to before.

"Oh I know, I'm expecting maximum satisfaction tonight" the blonde coos back, confidently.

"Just so you know, his dick is tiny and I heard, all the girls who get with him end up needing a shot after" Oxland boasts over the top of my shoulder.

"Ox!" I whisper shout at her, earning me a nudge.

"I think you're full of shit" the blonde bites back.

Oxland lets out a cocky chuckle, "I think you're a little desperate, slut"

The blonde goes for Oxland as Oxland boasts her chest back in her direction and next minutes they are on the dust in front of us, hair being pulled and arms flailing around,  as both me and the blonde's friend try and hold back our little chihuahuas.

"Oxland, stop" I scream as crowds begins to form around the commotion. 

"Come here bitch" Oxland growls, going for the blonde again.

"Both of you, can leave" security pipes up from beside, pulling Oxland off the top of the blonde.

"What?" The blonde boasts.

"Leave. Now" the security guard reiterates, this time her eyes darting between Oxland and the blonde.

"Umm, they are actually with us" Lando pipes in.

"I don't care if she's your sub driver, she's to leave these grounds immediately" the guard demands.

The blonde is being picked up off the ground by her friend, obvious blood on her lip and eyebrow before they walk away from the fan pen.

"Yeah, keep going whore" Oxland screams out after them.

"Ox, stop" I beg.

"You need to shut up now Ox" Lando mutters with his teeth grit. "I respect the position you are in right now, but.." Lando begins to explain to the guard.

"The rules are very simple Mr Norris, they don't bend for anyone" she informs before walking away.

"It's fine, I'll catch you later" Oxland announces.

"Wait, I'll come with you" I suggest.

She reaches back and grasps my hands as we walk quite swiftly out of the paddock.

"What's a stupid whore, does she not realise how stupid she sounds?" Oxland mumbles as we wait on the curb for our Uber to arrive to take us back to the hotel.

"Maybe she isn't though" I comment.

"Of course she is" She pushes.

I shrug, "That's what Charles does though, she will be no different to any other girl he picks up"

Oxland looks at me dumbfound before shaking her head, "He's meant to be with you now, Ads, or did you forget about that?"

"I didn't forget" I choke down the lump in my throat, "But he doesn't owe me anything" I lie.

Oxland is shaking her head furiously now, "Nope, Screw this" she mutters before storming away from the curb and back toward the entrance gates to the paddock.

"Oxland?" I call after her, needing to jog a little to keep up with her.

She is surely on a mission as she passes through groups of people and manages to weave her way effortlessly through the crowds as I struggle to find a clear path, constantly bumping into everyone on my mission to keep up.

"Oxland" I shout again, as she passes the McLaren garage, which confuses me at first and then it dawns on me, "Oh shit" I exclaim.

She doesn't even hesitate when she enters the Ferrari garage.

"Excuse me, you can't be here" Someone in Ferrari stops me as I go to follow her.

"Listen here fuckhead" Oxland shouts and as I glance over the man who stands between us shoulder, I see Charles in her line of vision.

"Woah, Oxland, Hey" Charles mutters confused.

"Do you think for once if your life you can think about something other than your dick and realise that you've got literally the most amazing girl in your grasp and you don't give a shit" she bellows.

Charles seems speechless as another member of Ferrari approaches the back of Oxland.

"Don't you dare even think about putting a hand on me" she comments, stopping the guy in his tracks. "I'm leaving anyway"

"We all knew you were a dog, we all knew you were an ass, we all knew you were a pathetic man whore. I just never thought you were stupid." She makes her final comment before turning on her heel, pushing past the man and returning to my direction.

I glance up to find Charles looking at me with remorse, I shrug my shoulders at him before turning to leave with Oxland.

"Now, I'm ready to leave" she comments, looking awfully proud of herself.

"You two can hide in here if you want" we hear the offer come from the McLaren garage as we head back up the pitlane.

Glancing our head over toward the garage, Zak is resting up against the edge of the door, casually munching on an apple.

"Zakky Boy, good to see you" Oxland coos as she skips over in his direction.

"Oxland, I hear you're giving the guards grief again" he mocks, looking at her knowingly.

She shrugs playfully, "You know me, need to keep them on their toes"

Zak throws me a sympathetic look as I retreat into the garage, "Thank you, Mr Brown" I appreciate.

He chuckles whilst shaking his head, "No idea how you two are friends" he teases.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

After the successful day with qualifying and shoot out, Lando is in a desperate need to party and I'm in a desperate need to find a distraction.

"You two have half an hour, that's it" Lando warns as he walks us to our hotel door. "I mean it Ox, half hour or I leave you here and not tell you where we are going"

"Whatever" she mutters, slamming the door closed after we enter.

I quickly open it, poking my head out the door, "We'll be ready, I promise" I inform him.

Lando points his finger at me, "Control her" he chuckles.

As I retreat back into the hotel room, Oxland is laying on her back on the bed, her phone up in her gaze.

I let out a playful chuckle, "Ox, I love you, but we are going to give that poor boy a stroke if we aren't ready in 30 minutes"

She waves her hand off at me, "He'll wait"

I roll my eyes, "Where are we going anyway?" I ask.

"I have no idea, some secret spot" she mocks. "What are you wearing?"

"Umm" I hesitate, throwing open my suitcase.

This grabs Oxland's attention as she sits up urgently in the bed, "What is that?" She coos, pointing to the gift bag sitting on top. "Adley?"

"I bought it yesterday, I don't know, it's a little out there" I admit.

Oxland pushes herself off the bed, closing the gap between us, "Out there is good" She comments.

"I thought you said my new styles wasn't acceptable" I tease.

She shushes me, "That was before we wanted to offer out on a silver platter showing dickhead what he missed out on" She mocks.

"Oxland!" I screech.

"I'm joking" she admits, but not convincingly.

I let her open the bag, as she pulls it out and lets it hang off her fingers.

"Oh yes, oh definitely yes" she gushes.

I feel embarrassed, "Maybe it's too much" I admit.

"Nope, nope, nope" she declares. "Put this on. Now"

"I feel like your barbie, you're constantly dressing me" I chuckle as I enter the bathroom.

As I pull the cotton up over my hips, feeling it settle right up tight against me, I'm having instant regrets. Why is it that everything that is comfortable to wear, looks like trash.

Studying myself in the mirror once the look is complete and I run my hands over the lace of the bodice, I try my best to calm out my nerves.

"Alright, let me in already" Oxland bashes on the door to the bathroom.

"Calm down, I'm almost ready" I call back out.

"No, you're ready, you're just starring at yourself in the mirror talking yourself out of it" she mocks.

"Got something you want to tell me about this new x-ray vision you've adopted" I tease as I open the door.

"Holy shit" she cusses.

I cover my chest with my forearms, wrapping myself as tightly as I could in my arms. "What? What is it?"

"No, Ads, you look hot, that looks so amazing on you" she compliments.

I take a few back steps toward the counter to place myself back in front of the mirror. "Do you think?" I ask.

Gazing at my reflection, the laced low-neck bodysuit that tucks in neatly to a pair of high rise, red pants with a accented belt to highlight my waist.

"Adley, you look amazing" she assures from behind me. "And I'm thinking a slick, middle part ponytail" she adds, pulling my hair into a messy style on my head.

"I'll let you decide" I chuckle.

"Let's make this boy regret the day he ever decided to fuck you over" she mutters in pure evilness. "And the fact that you are wearing red" she places her fingertips to her mouth and delivers a chef's kiss. "We will do a little photoshoot out on the balcony, we all know he'll be stalking the socials, bets are, he will come and find you tonight"

"I wouldn't even know what to say to him" I confess.

"You say nothing" she chuckles "You salute him the middle finger as you stick your tongue down a hot guys throat"

I offer her an equally disgusted and horrified look.

"Okay, so maybe just the finger" she corrects. "But honestly Ad. Thank your lucky chickens that I'm into men, because this is enough to throw me"

I blush at her over the top compliments. Oxland gives the greatest pep talks that she almost starts to make you believe her.

Once she's finished doing my hair up so tight, I think I've just received a personal facelift, and applied enough makeup that I shouldn't go near any heat In case I melt, we are out on the balcony and she's working the camera angles like never before.

I'm feeling like a praying mantis with every pose she puts me in, and then being reminded every minute to soften the face, pout the lip, smirk, smile, look away, look at her, tighten my cheekbones (as if I know how to do that on command)

"Okay, these look hot" she compliments, flicking through her phone. Tapping on a few, and then opening them in apps and sliding her fingers around filters and then saving to move onto the next like it's absolutely second nature to her, I watch in awe as my phone begins to light up with the finished images.

"Wow" I mutter under my breath, "I don't even look like me"

"You look beautiful" Oxland assures, "Upload these four with the caption, 'thank u, next''

"Seriously?" I chuckle.

"Yes, I'm serious." She grasps the phone from me, typing in the caption and uploading before I have a chance to refuse. "Done"

She hands the phone back to me as she walks back inside, picking up some clothes off the bed and entering the bathroom. I sit on the outdoor furniture, flicking through the images that were just uploaded and watching an influx of comments and likes coming through my notifications.

Swiping back to my Instagram grid, I compare it to the neutral aesthetic of the rest of my feed, displaying book chapters and coffee art, sunrises and the odd selfie which is usually posing with a book, coffee or sunrise, hiding half my face. Whereas these bold red images display someone of confidence, fierceness and power. Not qualities I poses on a daily occurrence. 

I hear a knock at the hotel door followed by a howling noise, "You better be ready, I swear Oxland, you better open this door, handbag in hand, ready to go"

I let out a chuckle, running over to the front door and opening it, revealing Lando, Oscar and Lily on the other side.

"Where is she?" Lando demands, before doing a double take of me, "Ohhh, she's out for revenge" he coos, dancing up to me and twirling me around.

"Okay, okay" I mumble.

"Seriously, you look stunning though, very beautiful, very demanding regret-i-ness" he puzzles.

I glance over to Oscar and Lily where we all hold the same confused look.

"English is as strong as ever" Oscar mocks, giving Lando a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"In all seriousness, where the hell is she?" he demands.

I point in the bathroom in a chuckle as he rushes over, opening the door and slamming it behind him.

"They are just going to have sex in there, now aren't they?" Oscar deadpans.

I burst out in laughter, "You've got 2 minutes, Lando, that isn't enough time" I call out in amusement.

Lando opens the door, poking his head out, his shirt halfway off his head, "That's enough for 4 rounds, princess" he sasses. "We'll meet you there"

I look over to Oscar in amusement, "Do you know where we are going?" I ask.

"Yeah, Afterlife Strip Bar" he announces.

Lily shoots me an amused look.

"Fantastic" I deadpan, linking my arm with hers as we follow Oscar out of the room, on route to Afterlife.

Chapter Text

CHARLES

After today's events, I wasn't exactly sure I was going to go down to Afterlife to see whatever her name was from the paddock dance. But I had no other plans tonight, and Adley hadn't been answering any of my calls or text messages.

So, I've joined Logan, Carlos and Pierre down here at Afterlife for a boys night.

Upon arrival, we are taken off to the barricaded area like we are in any of the clubs. To be fair, I would like to just mingle with the masses, but there was that one time that Pierre and I had snuck into the general section of a club, and next minute, security are involved as we become immediately mobbed by some crazed fans.

"Who is it we are asking for again tonight?" Pierre asks over the top of the loud music.

I shrug, accepting a drink from the half naked bar tender, walking around with a selection on a tray. "No idea. I only remember the name of the club" I mock.

"I'm sure she'd find you anyway" Pierre insists.

I give him an accepting nod.

"Did you hear that Oxland got into it today with some chick at the fan pen" Carlos informs.

"What do you mean?" I ask in confusion. After Oxland had left the garage after getting her panties in a twit over something, I assumed she just left.

"Oscar was saying before that she got into it with some blonde who had been talking to you"

Pierre nudges me with his hand, "Was the girl blonde?" He asks.

"I don't fucking remember" I chuckle.

Pierre offers an eye roll in my direction, seemingly to be chuckling at something in amusement.

"Gentlemen" the security standing at the not so secure red rope between areas welcomes as we approach the deepest part of the club.

"Evening sir, how's the menu looking for this evening?" I ask in confidence.

"I'm sure you'll be very impressed with what they have on offer" he replies with a wink.

"Excellent" I mutter, finding myself a comfortable couch with a great view of the stage in front of us.

The boys settle themselves in the chairs around me, and soon enough, the small table in front of me has been stocked completely with drinks, awaiting my hand to claim them.

"Welcome to Afterlife" the host announces over the speakers as he steps out onto the illuminated stage. "We promise you that the entertainment we have on offer for you tonight, will make you believe you've died, and gone to heaven"

The crowds erupt around us, as I dart my eyes around, surprised that the ratio of audience members is pretty even, not like the strip club we went to in Ibiza.

I have a momentary flashback of that night, zoning myself out from my reality.

"You good?" Pierre's interruption snaps me out of it.

"Yeah" I choke down, reaching forward and grasping another glass before bringing it up to my lips.

"Here at Afterlife, we only have one rule" the host continues to work the crowd as some stage hands start to set up some interesting looking props on the stage, "Whatever happens here in the afterlife, stays in the afterlife"

The crowd seems to enjoy that part of it, looking around, I wonder how many people are relying on that rule tonight. Explains why everyone had to check their phones in at the entrance. I'd definitely enjoy it if whatever I got up to tonight, didn't end up on some headline tomorrow, or used against me by some woman tomorrow morning begging for more than what we both knew was on offer.

"So, without further, or do, I'd like to introduce you to, the Golden Gates"

The first part consisted of erotic dancers who just stepped foot out of that one Star Wars episode in Gold Bikinis, definitely playing into whatever fantasy Carlos has going on, because he was enjoying the show a little too much, if you know what I mean. 

"That, was absolutely incredible" Carlos coos as the dancers leave the stage. "That g-string was metal"

I chuckle in amusement.

"Welcome to heaven, ladies and gentleman. But where there is heaven, brings a little bit of hell, let me hear you welcome, Double D Devils"

The lights of the club dim as a red light erupts through the corners of the club, this time, a pairing of 2 guys and 2 girls hit the stage, the men putting the girls into positions where I'm starting to feel like I need a pen and paper to take notes.

These women are a little more up my alley, the brunette hair and toned bodies wrapped up in black leather. It was a site to see.

The girls split from the boys and make their way out into the audience, and luckily for me, one is heading in my direction.

As she makes her way through the red divider, I give a light pat to my lap as she takes a seat, straddling my left leg and snaking her body right up my torso.

"Hands where I can see them, Leclerc" Pierre mocks as this girl finds a way to rub her vagina over every inch of my body. Her tongue finding parts of my neck to feather again as she guides my hands to feel her curves.

"Careful Princess" I tease in her ear.

"Come with me" she replies, sliding off my leg and grasping onto one hand, guiding me toward the stage.

I hear the boys go absolutely insane behind me as I glance over my shoulder, giving them a playful wink.

As I hit the stage, I'm shoved down onto chair, facing the side of the stage as my dancer straddles my lap, grinding and swaying all over me, embarrassingly enough sending me close to the edge.

As she stands up, signalling over the top of the chair, I feel a pair of hands on the back of my seat, spinning the whole chair around to face the middle of the stage.

I'm rewarded with another girl in my face now, well, her chest area is in my face, as both women begin to tend to me, showing off their flexibility and artistic nature to turn their bodies in ways that gives me thoughts.

Glancing at the other side of the stage, I see the men have their female audience member up, doing the same pleasure movements to her.

"What the fuck?" I gasp once I catch sight of her face.

One of my dancers places herself between us, blocking my view and I immediately grasp her shoulders, pulling her out of the way.

Sitting on the chair opposite, having her hands guided down the front of the man who's straddled backwards on her legs, is an absolute fire looking, Adley.

As her dancer proceeds to place her hand on the inner side of his g-string, I see red.

I push up off my chair and cross the stage.

"Get the fuck off her" I boast.

The guy either doesn't hear me, or choose to ignore me, as I watch the other male dancer bury his face into Adley's neck.

"Are you fucking deaf?" I yell louder this time pulling the straddle guy from her lap.

"Charles?" She gasps as she's able to get sight of me.

"Get up, and leave this stage, immediately" I order.

"Woah, man it's just a show, relax" one of the guys makes the mistake of staying, and next thing I know, my fist his throbbing on he is doubled over in front of me, clutching onto his nose.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

As I push through the front doors of the club, meeting the cool night air, Charles is struggling between two of the guards who have just kicked him out.

"What the bell is wrong with you?" I boast, coming up behind him.

He shrugs off the guard as they push him out further onto the side path before retreating back to the club.

"Me?" Charles chuckles sarcastically, "What do you think you were doing? Letting that guy have his hands all over you" His eyes dart down my body in disgust.

I don't even know how to respond to him. I cross my arms over my chest in frustration.

"Or is that what you are now? Just some whore who wants to get in with everyone? Check us all off your list?" He spits.

"Are you kidding me?" I gasp,  "You're the one who wants to sleep with every woman on the planet" I push back.

"Yeah, I'm about half way there" he sasses.

"You're disgusting" I shake my head in horror.

"So you've told me many times before, Princess, didn't stop you from climbing up on this"

My jaw drops in shock. "Unbelievable" I breath.

"Everyone told me it was a mistake getting involved with you" he insults.

"Me?" I shout. "You're the walking red flag"

He chuckles, "Take a look at yourself, you're literally representing that yourself right now"

I can feel myself getting worked up the more he tries to turn this around on me, but with that, I'm becoming incredibly upset because i have no idea how we got it where we are.

"What did I do wrong?" I whimper. "Ibiza was so amazing, and then we come here and we share an incredible night together and then..."

"Then you left" he cuts in.

"What?" I gasp.

"The following morning, you left" he recalls.

My jaw drops, "You left first. I woke up and I waited, I waited for over an hour, and you didn't come back or answer your phone. What did you expect me to do?"

He shakes his head and begins pacing back and forth in front of me.

"Is that why you were with that girl at the paddock?" I ask in disappointment.

"I wasn't with any girl" he defends.

I shake my head, knowing how pathetic I sound.

"Oh, I get it" he chuckles, "You think because we fucked, you've got some ownership on me right?"

"No" I shake my head, pitifully.

"You're exactly the same as the rest of them, think because I show you a little bit of attention, that suddenly we are going to get married and when I don't give you Prince Charming, you send your psychotic friend after me"

How did it all come to this?

"Look at you, Adley. You were a no one, you were invisible. You stalked me to Ibiza, you begged me to fuck you, I did. You stalk me around the paddock here so I give you a little more, and now you're walking around dressed like a whore, begging for it off everyone else. You're pathetic, if anyone here is disgusting, its you"

And with that, he walks off down the street, leaving me standing there shocked.

My hand comes up to my face, catching a flood of tears that have begun streaming down my face.

"Ad?" Oxland shouts, pushing through a crowd of people out the front of the club.

I find myself just following her voice, but my chest begins to tighten, and a pain developing deep in the pit of my stomach.

"Ad?" She calls again, this time finally making it to me as I feel her hands grasp onto my shoulders. "I'm going to fucking kill him" she demands. "Where is he?"

"No" I manage to mutter out, reaching out for her, "I just need you right now" I inform.

She nods her head quickly, wrapping her arms around me and pulling me in for a tight hug just as the skies open up and a downpour falls upon us.

We are in the spa bath, back at the hotel, sitting on opposite ends, sharing a tub of ice cream when the rain finally settles outside.

"I'm really sorry, Ad" Oxland mutters.

I shake my head, "You warned me" I admit in defeat.

"I didn't want to be right" she replies disappointed.

"Did I read too much into it though?" I ask in desperation, "maybe he's right. Maybe all I was to him was another conquest. Maybe I am just like all the others, thinking they'll be the one to change Charles Leclerc"

Just the mention of his name sends a pain through me.

Oxland shakes her head, "no. Don't let him do that. Don't let him convince you this was all in your head. He definitely played his part in this"

I shrug, "whatever it was, it's done now"

"I'm not finished with him" she warns.

I give her an amused look, "just leave it. It's not worth it. And if I cause anymore trouble in the paddock, I worry Zak will say we can't continue the season with them"

Oxland let's out an amused scoff, "don't you worry about Zakky boy. I'll take care of him"

A breathily chuckle falls sadly for my lips.

"Are you okay?" She asks, handing back the cookies and cream tub.

I nod, "I will be, I'll feel sorry for myself tonight and then snap out of it"

Once we are out of the bath after turning our bodies completely into prawns, we get ready for bed and I lay awake, scrolling through my socials.

Reading all the messages of adoration and kindness on my post, my followers increasing by nearly 3,000. I almost feel disconnected from their compliments because the girl in that picture, isn't me.

I consider deleting it, putting my profile on private and returning to being invisible.

My phone vibrates with an incoming notification, the banner at the top of the screen dropping down.

Charles Leclerc liked your post

Charles Leclerc liked your post

Charles Leclerc liked your post

Charles Leclerc liked your post

Charles Leclerc liked your post

Charles Leclerc liked your post

Clicking on the notifications bar, I see Charles is scrolling through my feed, liking every post of my profile.

Every post, apart from the one from tonight.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

Something was off with Charles the following few races. The day after everything at Afterlife saw Charles earning a combined 30 second penalty after running a handful of the drives off the track.

He was always known as an aggressive driver, but it seemed like he didn't even acknowledge that there was others drivers on the circuit. He ended up finishing 15th and left the paddock before any questions could be asked.

Silverstone resulted in a finishing P7 and Hungry and Belgium he took himself out in the first laps, hitting the barriers at speed that were almost fatal.

They break up now for Summer break and I've never been more ready to have a break from everything.

"Are you heading back home?" Lando asks me as we all make our way down to the lobby. 

I nod my head, "Yeah, heading back to London, what about you two?" I gesture to he and Oxland.

"Fiji" she shrugs.

"Maldives" Lando corrects in a chuckle.

"Same thing" she waves off, pulling her glasses off the top of her head and onto her face.

"It's really not" he mumbles under her breath.

I let out a chuckle, pulling my suitcases from the floor and stacking them near the wall, knowing my car isn't coming for another hour.

"Are you going to be okay?" Oxland asks, following me over to the side.

I put on my best smile, "I'm good, it's been a while. I'm good" I convince.

However, she looks at me knowingly, "Promise you'll call me everyday?'

"You're going on a romantic getaway to one of the most beautiful places on Earth, I'm going to be leaving you alone" I chuckle.

Oxland rolls her eyes at me, but gives me a hug anyway. "I love you"

"Love you Ox" I appreciate, waving her and Lando off as they head for their car that's pulled up at the curb side.

Taking a seat in the sofa, I pull out my phone and scroll through the history of messages with Charles, something I do not wish to admit to anyone. It wasn't as if I wanted things to go back to normal, if normal even is the right way to describe whatever we had.

I think I just study the messages, looking for some sort of explanation, as to why it went wrong, or why I thought it was going right.

When my car finally comes and I head back for London, I'm a little hesitant to go back to the life I left only 7 months ago.

Deferring from continuing my studies was more for my wellbeing than anything else. I guess I was feeling like I was becoming locked down into a life I wasn't prepared to live yet. Feeling like life was playing out and settling me down before I was sure I even wanted it.

I was with my ex, Bradley, for four years, we went to high school together and I guess the attraction begun a little later into the years, but when we were both accepted into the same University, we considered it fate and locked in our romance.

It was fine, well for a first love, maybe it was more than fine, but none of my friends liked him and my family saw the red flags way before I could ever.

But I was young and in love, and Bradley came from a very well-respected family, so I just boiled it down to, this is the way things are these days.

We broke up 3 days before I left for my Formula 1 trip around the world, Oxland and I managing to convince our childhood friend, Lando, to let us tag along for the year, escaping our realities. 

By the time the plane touches down at Heathrow airport, I want nothing more than to book another flight straight back out. But I pull through, grabbing my suitcases and heading down to where I expected my cousin to collect me.

As presumed, Bodhi was there waiting with a cute makeshift sign, alerting me straight to her.

"Long time, no see" I coo as I rush to her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders and pulling her in for a tight embrace.

"How was your flight?" She asks, freeing me of one of my suitcases.

"Thank you" I appreciate, pulling my backpack up further onto my shoulder, "Good, getting used to being on flights these days" I mock.

We head out toward her parked car as I catch her up on a quick highlight of the past 7 months.

"Is Oxland finally admitting she's into Lando?" she teases.

I let out an amused chuckle, "Guess who's currently on a romantic getaway in the Maldives"

"About time, she's had a thing for him since she was like 7" she giggles.

"Oh, I know, it's been pathetic to watch them" I reminisce.

"Bradley's been asking about you" she informs as we pull out onto the main road.

I let out a frustrated breath. Things always got a little complicated when it came to Bodhi and Bradley, seeing as though Bodhi had been best friends with Bradley's little sister, Pip, for years.

"He really misses you" she informs.

I can't really blame her, when you split up the way in which we did, knowing where the connections in our family lie, it's easier to give a washed-out version of events. "How is he?"

"He's okay. He was down for a really long time after you left, Pip said he would study the Formula 1 coverage on TV, trying to get a glimpse of you in the background" she chuckles.

I let out a breathily chuckle, "Remind me to stay away from the camera crew" I mock.

"Do you miss him?" she asks.

Bodhi is only just 18, and to her and Pip, happily ever after exists regardless of what happens. That Bradley and I would find our way back to each other and the two families would return to happiness.

"It's a little more complicated than that, Bode, he was a huge part of my life for a long time, so sure, I miss parts of him, but two people sometimes don't work out" I explain lightly.

As we pull into her new apartment, she helps me carry the bags upstairs and inside. "Is the couch going to be okay? I can go and buy you a blow up or something?" she offers.

"The couch is more than okay" I assure her, "I appreciate you letting me stay"

"Anytime" she chirps. "Hungry?"

"Always" I inform with a smile.

Chapter Text

CHARLES

"Still pining over that nun, are you?" Arthur's mocking tone comes from over my shoulder on the Leclerc private plane.

"Fuck off" I defend, swiping out of Adley's Instagram profile.

"Did you end up fucking her?" he asks casually.

I turn around in my leather plane seat, shooting him a filthy look. "Don't show your immaturity, Art. It's not a good quality"

"You're one to talk" he teases. "Rumour is she's the reason you've been performing so badly"

I let out a scoff, "Funny" I chuckle.

Arthur makes himself welcome in the chair opposite me, "Seriously" I deadpan.

"What's gotten into you anyway?" he quizzes.

"I don't know what you're talking about" I sass, placing my feet up on the chair, squeezing them in beside him.

"I'm trying to have a heart to heart with my brother here" he warns.

"And how is that going for you?"

He sends me a serious look, "Do you like this girl?"

"I'm not answering these questions, Arthur, now go away" I respond dryly.

"I can see why you would, she looked so hot that night at Allude, got a real nice ass on her too"

I couldn't control my reflexes when I send my foot flying in his direction, smacking him right in the stomach.

He doubles over in pain, "That answers my first question" he remarks out of breath.

"She's just a girl, Arthur, that's it." I defend.

"Fine, give me her number, maybe I want to hit her up"

My jaw clenches at his question, even though I know he's just looking for a response.  

"Not just a girl then?" he chuckles.

"She is just a girl, but I'm not about sharing the women I'm involved with, with my younger brother" I remind him.

"Hasn't stopped you before" he coos.

"Times change" I inform.

He rolls his eyes at me, picking up his phone and letting his finger scroll through the screen.

I settle myself further back in the chair, crossing my legs over the top of one another and placing my hands in my lap as I close my eyes.

"She is pretty hot though, got that whole girl next door vibe, going on" he comments.

I sit forward in the chair, snatching his phone and tossing across to the other side of plane. 

"Can you boys please knock it off, we'll be landing soon" Mum requests from the seat in front of me.

"Why'd we have to come anyway?" Arthur groans.

"To our brothers wedding?" I ask in sarcasm.

Arthur waves me off, "It's his second wedding, I was at the first, I promise I'll come to the next one" he jokes.

I can't help but chuckle at that one.

"Quiet" Mum hushes.

"It's not as if we have anything to do with him anyway" Arthur comments.

Lorenzo and I were only a year apart where Arthur was 3 years younger than me, and as three boys growing up, Arthur was labelled the annoying little brother.

Usually, it's the middle child who has all these exclusion traumas, but Lorenzo and I were so close growing up, we shared friend groups and ended up on the same sporting teams, but Arthur was shifted to the side.

Part of the time I think that's why Arthur got so involved in Karting, he wanted to have something that Lorenzo didn't in terms of the brotherhood. 

"Bachelor Party tonight, you excited?" I ask him.

"Definitely, Lorenzo may be shit at picking woman, but damn does he know how to throw a bachelor party" Arthur comments.

"You were 14 the last time he had one, you didn't even come" I remind him with a chuckle.

"I saw pictures" he defends, crossing his arms over his chest.

I let out a chuckle.

"Are you boys done? The plane is coming to landing" Mum informs us.

Arthur returns to his seat to collect his belongs, but not before having to walk to the other end of the plane to collect his phone off the floor.

"Jackass" he mutters as he passes me.

I let out a chuckle, shaking my head. 

"Let's go" Mum informs us as the plane touches down on the tarmac.

I follow Arthur out of the plane, pushing my glasses up further onto my face as the wind hitches in front of me.

"How long do we have until the Limo arrives?" Arthur asks.

I pull my phone out of my pocket, pulling up the messages I had with Lorenzo this morning. "Cars coming around 7" I inform.

"Great, time for a nap when we get there" he comments.

On our way to the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, I confirm the arrangements with the bridal party chat Lorenzo created with Arthur and I and a few of his groomsmen for tonight's proceedings.

"Have you met any of these guys?" Arthur asks as his phone pings with the notification.

"A few, Todd and Isaac have been his friends for a while now. And I think the other two are related to his new wife." I inform. 

"Why isn't he getting married in Monaco?" he queries.

I shrug my shoulders, "I think his misses grew up here in London, so all her family is here?" I suggest.

"But all his family is in Monaco?"

"Yeah, but we can afford to fly" I sass.

We manage to get a few hours of sleep in when we make it to the hotel, and when Lorenzo is pounding on our door at exactly 6:30pm, we know the night is about to really get hectic.

"Boys!" he announces as I open the door, still sleepy eyed.

"Lorenzo, how are you, mate?" I ask, giving him a welcoming hug.

"Good, lad, you know me. You know the lads, Todd, Isaac" he reintroduces us as they file into our room.

"How are you boys?' I welcome.

"Smashing season, you've had lately there, Leclerc" Todd mocks.

I send a middle finger in his direction as two other guys file into the room.

"This is Trisha's brother, Dom and my work colleague, Bradley" 

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"I really need to go to bed, Bod. I'm exhausted" I moan after she insists we go out clubbing after dinner.

"You used to be so much more fun than this" Pip, Bradley's sister pipers in.

"Uhh, no she didn't She's always been the party pooper" Bodhi recalls.

"Thanks guys" I sass, "But you two go ahead, I'm sure you'll have the most amazing time and yeah, I'm heading to bed" I quickly change my tone from being excited forcibly, to just plan exhausted.

"I'll see you at home, okay?" Bodhi informs.

"I'll see you tomorrow" I correct her with a wink before hugging them both goodbye, "It was so nice to see you again Pip, you are looking so well, and please, let's keep my visit to ourselves"

"Of course" she promises, returning the hug before picking up her handbag and securing it on her body.

I leave them out the front of the restaurant as we head in different directions. I look upon them as young kids, when in reality, they are only 5 years younger than me. Not a lot of differences, but around them, and around a lot of people, I feel like a grandma.

I don't hear Bodhi when she arrives home, and when I wake up and see her passed out on the couch with her handbag still over she shoulder, I presume she's had a not so memorable time.

I sneak out of the apartment, heading towards the local cafe to secure a morning coffee and disappear into a book.

"Good morning" I acknowledge the barista behind the counter, "Could I please just have 1 grande dirty chai, almond milk and just a small pump of caramel"

"Sure, could I please grab a name for the order?" She requests, punching my order into the register in front of her.

"Adley" I announce, pulling my card from my wallet and tapping on the eftpos machine.

"Adley?" I hear from behind me, turning around to come face to face with a woman I really, really didn't want to see whilst here.

"Oh, Mrs Walters, how are you?" I ask dryly, watching her attempt to get out of her chair and around the divider.

She embraces me into a tight hug, the familiar smell of lavender pouring off her self-knitted cardigan.

"How are you dear, we've missed you" she exclaims.

"I'm well, Thank-you. Yourself?" Plans on both reading in this cafe all day as well as staying invisible have seemed to slip out the window.

"I'm good. Gosh, we've missed having you around the house"

I beg for my coffee to be ready quickly so I can pretend I need to get out of here. I offer a humming noise in return.

"Braddy never really let us know what happened between you two" she queries.

Of course he wouldn't. Your son is a psycho.

"Oh" I exclaim, no idea how to answer that.

"You two were so amazing together, you really kept him in line, we were so sure you two were going to get married" she continues to push such an unwanted topic.

"Adley" the barista calls out.

"It was good to see you Mrs Walters, I really have to get going" I announce, stepping around her quickly and thanking the barista for so much more than what they are aware of.

"You should come around for dinner, does Bradley know you're back in town?" She suggest.

"Umm, I'm not here for long, I don't really have time to be catching up with everyone, but once I'm back, I'll give you a call okay" I lie, trying to get out of there, "Goodbye Mrs Walters"

As soon as I've stepped out on the street I let out a held breath, my face tilting up toward the sun as I try and control my breathing.

"Adley?" I hear from beside me.

A voice that penetrates the deepest, hidden parts of me, sending them into shock waves. A voice that tsunamis a mountain of memories through my mind, making my body tense and my mind fret.

"Adley, is that you?" The voice questions again.

Pinching my eyes shut before dropping my head and glancing in their direction, I psyche myself up for this confrontation.

"Bradley, hi"

He looks completely the same and I hate that.

"Wow, you were the last person I expected to see her" he exclaims in a tone that informs me we are going to pretend everything is okay.

"Likewise" I deadpan, holding my guard up around him.

"What are you doing back, I thought you were away all year?" He asks.

"Just visiting, summer break" I'm trying to give the shortest, most direct responses that I can that doesn't start up a conversation, but also doesn't set him off either.

He nods knowingly, "I'm just meeting mum, you should come in and say hi"

I hold my coffee up to his view, "Yeah, I've just seen her" I explain, "I have to go though, I'm late for a meeting. It was good to see you, I'm glad you're doing well"

I quickly turn around to get myself out of this situation as quickly as I can, but I feel his strong hand grasp my elbow

"Adley" he announces a little more sternly this time. "I was just saying hi, there's no need for you to be so rude" he boasts, his tone now not so light.

"I know, I'm sorry, I just really have to go" I explain, my breathing picking up as I feel the walls around me start to close in.

"Yeah well you better hope that's all it is" his silent threats pin me in place, his grip tightening on my arm as I feel my tears threatening to surface.

"I have to go" I mutter, my voice noticing shaken.

"I look forward to catching up again, so much to talk about" he commands, his hand giving my arm one last squeeze before letting me go.

My arm instantly coming up and being cradled by my other in protection, my hand soothing the area his touch just tainted.

"So good to see you, Ads" he calls out, his tone back to being in disguise.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

I had no idea where I was going, but I couldn't stop my legs from walking me as fast as they could away from that situation.

As I round the corner, my back slams into the concrete wall of the building, my hand flies up to my mouth as my breathing increases, sending pulsates through my body at increased rates.

I hated that he made me like this.

I hated that he still had that control over me.

Coming back here was risky, but I thought I would be able to hide from him, that London was a big enough place to keep us separated for the week that I was here.

I attempt to wipe the tears from my eyes, but they are coming out faster than I can rid them.

"Excuse me, miss" a kind voice announces from my side, "Is everything okay?"

My head reluctantly turns to the side, where I can almost make the vision out of a person.

"Miss?" They ask again, "Can you hear me, is everything okay?"

I think I'm nodding my head, at least that's what I'm attempting to do.

"Here, come sit down" they offer, feeling a gentle hand at the small of my back, and one holding onto my hand very delicately as if I were breakable, but also firm enough that I know I'm stable.

'Have some of this" they suggest, a new bottled water being presented in my view.

"Thank you" I sniffle out.

"You're okay. You look like you're having a panic attack" they comment before they are crouched down in front of me, their face now coming into clear view. "Follow my breathing okay"

I watch intently as he counts to four on his breath in, and four on his breath out. He repeats this movement a few times over, as I feel myself begin to relax.

"There you go" he reassures. "You okay?"

I let out heavy breath, "Yeah, I'm okay, thank you" I appreciate, now feeling awfully embarrassed.

"What's your name?" He asks me.

"I'm Adley" I inform him, taking his held out hand in mine.

"Hi Adley, I'm Wyatt" he introduces.

"Thank you for helping me, Wyatt" I appreciate, attempting to stand up.

His hand grasps onto mine, giving me a steady base to support me whilst I regain my balance.

"That's okay. No problem"

"You must think I'm a right idiot" I muse, dusting my pants from any dirt.

He chuckles a little, "No that's okay, I see it quite a bit, actually" I must look at him with as much confusion as I feel because he adds, "I'm a doctor"

"Impressive" I breath out, then realising I did have a coffee in my hand at one point, and now I do not.

"Everything okay?" He asks when I'm obviously flustered.

"Sorry, just struggling to retrace my steps over the last few minutes. Ran into my past, wasn't really expecting it" I begin to overshare.

I'm thankful when he doesn't seem too weirded out by me though. "I know what that is like. My ex decided to get a job at the cafeteria in the hospital" he muses. "Now, my already short lunch break becomes even smaller by having to leave the hospital for food"

"And even shorter again when you have to help patients out in the street" I mock.

He smiles at my comment, the corners of his eyes wrinkling when he does. "Believe me, I didn't mind"

I can't help but smile back, "Well, I do appreciate it. I best let you get back to your lunch break then" I acknowledge, pointing to the paper bag in his hand.

"Right" he breaths, looking down at the bag almost regretfully.

"Thank you again, for saving me" I appreciate.

"You're welcome, Adley.Hopefully I'll see you around, but not for the same reasons" he quickly adds.

"Bye" I wave awkwardly, as I begin to walk backwards away from him.

As I make my way down the street, I purchase another much needed coffee from a coffee van on the side of the road and find a bench seat in the park to settle on.

Opening my book, I find myself starring blankly at the words, trying to get my head around everything that has happened this morning.

Running into Bradley, as well as Mrs Walters definitely wasn't what I had on my agenda this morning, I was feeling like I needed to go back to bed and start the day again.

Reaching for my phone in my jacket pocket when I feel it vibrating, I swipe my finger across the answer button before bringing it up to my ear.

"How's the hangover?" I tease.

I hear Bodhi let out a frustrated moan on the other end of the line, ignoring my question, she changes the subject. "Do you still know how to sew?"

"Umm" I think, "That depends on what is required."

"My bosses wedding is tomorrow and the zipper on her dress came unhooked from the material and her seamstress is overseas and everywhere she's rung is completely booked out.  Could you take a look at it?" She asks.

"Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem" I accept.

"Okay, well I told her I'd bring you around to her place this afternoon" she informs me.

"Okay" I check my watch for an allocation on the time, "I'll be home in about an hour, we can go down the?" I ask.

"Sounds good. You're a lifesaver, Adley" she compliments before hanging up the phone.

When Bodhi and I make it over to her bosses house a little while after, I managed to pick up enough things from the store to cover all possible scenarios.

"I'm curious" I begin, "Why would your boss ask me to fix this?"

Bodhi looks at me in remorse, "I kind of offered. She came into work this morning after visiting every seamstress in the city and I remembered you used to sew."

"I followed step by step sewing crafts from the dollar store" I remind her.

"Still more experience than anyone in that room had" to be fair, Bodhi worked at a florist, not much need for sewing experience there.

We walk up the front steps of her bosses palace. I'm hesitant to call it a house, because of the valet that were out the front.

"Flower shop must be doing alright for itself" I mock.

"It's who she's marrying" Bodhi whispers, "He's a Leclerc"

Chapter Text

CHARLES

Waking up in Lorenzo's home, well into what I presumed was the afternoon, I could already smell the aroma of Trisha's hangover food being prepared in the kitchen.

Last night was such a good night and the party went off without a hitch. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy the lovely escort I organised for him. Not as much as I did obviously. He's the one getting married, not me, so her body, whilst was on the clock to entertain Lorenzo last night, ended up in my bed this morning.

"You know this doesn't count as overtime, right?" I mock, crawling over the top of her and nuzzling my face into her neck.

"You wouldn't be able to afford me if it was" she teases in return.

I'm tempted to go another round, but when I can hear my brothers out in the hallway, it kind of turns off the mood a little.

"You should go" I inform her.

The thing I like most about these types of girls, no expectations. She got the job done. She got her payment. Now she knows it's her time to go.

Job. Done.

I follow her down the steps, pulling my open button shirt across my body.

"You look great" Arthur mocks as he passes the steps.

"Probably feel better than you do" I comment. "Where is everyone?"

"Bradley left early this morning just after we got in, Lorenzo is out sorting something with the tux, Todd and Isaac are still passed out upstairs and I think Trisha is making food"

I nod, "I like the last part" I comment.

Arthur stretches dramatically as we make our way toward the kitchen, waving goodbye to the blonde as she walks out the door.

Once in the kitchen, Arthur and I fix ourselves a plate of the awaiting food on the stove. A perfect mixture of grease to soak up all the poison we willingly poured into our bodies last night.

"What's the plans for tonight?" I ask.

"You two won't be doing anything" Trisha comments as she makes her way into the kitchen. "I need you all sober for tomorrow"

Arthur and I roll our eyes at each other behind her back in a chuckle.

"Are either of you bringing dates tomorrow?" She asks.

"Not unless you can find Charles' girl crush and fly her over here" Arthur mocks.

"Shut up" I warn, tossing a piece of bacon in his direction.

"No food throwing in my kitchen please" she comments as Arthur and I offer our apologies in unison.

"Now I have one of my workers and her cousin coming by soon to fix my dress, I need you two to run down to the shop and pick up the boutonnières. You'll take them to the hotel with you tonight" she requests.

"Button what?" Arthur comments, highly confused.

I chuckle, "Flower things" I inform him, watching Trisha look at him terrified.

"Finish up and go, store is shutting in 40 minutes and my staff aren't equipped to dealing with overtime" She mocks.

Arthur and I salute her as we stuff the rest of our food into our mouths before heading out the front door.

ADLEY

My day had shifted from bad to worse. Out of all the bad luck I had been e counting today, now being confronted with a Leclerc brother was certainly not where I pictured myself.

"Leclerc?" I confirm, thinking maybe I misheard.

"Yeah, Lorenzo Leclerc, Oh, he actually has two brothers who are in Formula 1' she comments.

"Just Charles is in Formula 1. Arthur is in Formula 2." I correct.

Her eyes light up at me, "You know them?" She gasps.

"Of them" I lie.

As we wait at the front door, I pray to any god that exists in any religion that none of the Leclerc brothers are actually here.

When a woman opens the door, I'm partly relieved. "Bodhi, you're a life saver." She gushes.

"Trisha, this is my cousin, Adley" Bodhi introduces us as she welcomes us inside.

The house is extremely quiet for any Leclerc brothers to actually be here right now, so I make a point to not hang around for any chit chat and get right to work.

Luckily, it was a relatively straight forward fix, the stitching had been caught on something, pulling it undone and it was easy enough to secure it back to the fabric.

After Trisha successfully tried on the dress and was happy with the outcome, we were able to pack up and get out of there as soon as possible.

As we make our way out the front door, I relax, knowing we successfully dodged contact with anyone who may recognise me.

"I don't know how to repay you" Trisha offers as we say our goodbyes.

'There's really no need. I'm glad I was able to help" I inform her, "I hope you have the best day tomorrow"

"Why don't you two come? We have plenty of food and I'm sure we'd be able to find you a seat" she offers.

"Yes" Bodhi accepts the same time I gasp, "No"

Bodhi and I share an exchanged look.

'Lorenzo has two brothers that would suit both of you, I'm sure we'd be able to arrange a dance for you two" she continues and I feel Bodhi's excitement swelling up beside me.

"I have so much to do tomorrow, but you go, Bodhi, it sounds amazing" I quickly add.

"Oh, that's a shame" Trisha pouts.

"Thank you for the offer though" I quickly appreciate, setting off quickly down the stairs and toward the car,

Misjudging the steps, I slide on the upcoming step and begin to tumble down the remaining staircase.

"Adley!" Bodhi gasps as I hit the bottom, my face connecting wth the gravel quite heavily.

"Oh my goodness, darling are you okay?" Trisha concerns as they both appear at my side.

"Yep, I'm okay, ouch" I whine, gasping onto my ankle as I put some pressure on it .

"Come on love, I'll take you to the hospital" she suggests.

"No, I'm okay, really" I lie, my bruised hand coming up into contact with my face and returning covered in blood.

"I insist, really" she demands, gesturing to the valley to get her car.

Although I'm in an incredible amount of pain, I'm just grateful I dodged any Leclerc.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Miss Porter?" The nurse calls my name as we take a seat in the emergency ward. "The doctor can see you now" she informs.

Trisha and Bodhi help me hobble through the doors and to the awaiting bed when I struggle to lift my leg up onto the ledge.

"Okay" the doctor announces as he pulls back the curtain, "What do we have.." he stops himself as we become clear to him. "Well, well, well"

"Wyatt" I exclaim.

"Twice in one day. I must remind myself to thank someone" he jokes. "What happened?"

"She tumbled down my staircase" Trisha informs. 

"Is it your ankle?" He questions, analysing me as I clench onto the bottom of my shin.

"She hurt her hand and her face as well" Bodhi answers for me.

"How about you two wait out in the waiting area, I'll patch Adley up and then I'll come get you" Wyatt suggests.

Once Trisha and Bodhi exit the room, he pulls the curtain closed, leaving just he and I left in his very, not so private, area of the hospital.

"Right" he breaths out. "You sure went to extreme lengths to see me again" he teases.

I shoot him a 'non amused' look, "You're not funny" I comment with a smirk.

He begins to feel around my ankle very delicately, watching my expression intently as he applies pressure to different areas.

"Okay, I don't think it's broken, but I will send you for an X-ray to confirm that. I'll clean up this here on your face" his fingers graze down the side of my cheek, sending goosebumps across my skin. "Does anything else hurt?" He asks.

"What?" I mumble, catching myself distracted.

He chuckles lightly, "Are you in any other pain other than your face and your ankle?"

"Oh" I comment, "Umm, I think I landed on my hand too"

My hand immediately becomes cradled in his, as he applies similar assessments as my ankle did. "I'll run an X-ray on this as well" he informs.

"Thank you, Doctor" I appreciate.

He smirks at me as he writes some notes down on the clipboard in his arm. "I'll be back in a minute, can I get you anything for the pain?" He offers.

I shake my head, "No, I'm okay, thank you"

Wyatt leaves the room, pulling the curtain closed behind him and I find myself flustered by his presence. Shifting myself up in the bed, I'm almost unaware of the pain that is very evidently throbbing in my ankle.

After about 20 minutes of waiting, I flick though the magazine that was on the bedside table, just as I hear some commotion out in the waiting area.

"Sir, you cannot be back here" a nurse exclaims right before my curtain is yanked open and Charles is present on the other side.

"It is you" he announces.

"Sir" a nurse repeats, coming up right beside him.

"It's okay. I know her" he informs the nurse, his eyes saying glued on me.

"Ma'am, do you know this man?" She asks me for clarification.

I nod shyly before she sends Charles a warning glare and returning to her desk.

"What are you doing here, Charles?" I ask.

"I could ask you the same question" he boasts, sounding angry.

"Well, I tripped" I inform him.

"I'm aware, outside of my brothers house. I should file a restraining order, Porter"  he considers with a slight smirk.

"How'd you know I was here anyway?" I ask him.

"Trisha called, telling us that an 'Adley had fallen after helping her with her dress and she'd be home later on' I came straight here, wondering if her Adley, was also my Adley"

"I'm not your Adley." I comment.

"Whatever you say" he coos.

"Alright, Adley, I have.." Wyatt rounds the corner, returning to my room, stopping when he comes into contact with Charles.

"Charles, Wyatt, Wyatt, Charles" I introduce them awkwardly.

"Is this the ex?" Wyatt asks concerned, obviously with no concern for Charles standing right next to him.

"What?" I quiz, "Oh no, no. He's just.. someone I know"

Charles just eyes him defensively, and the amount of testosterone present in the room right now is hard to miss.

"You're Charles Leclerc" Wyatt realises, but with no hint of admiration.

"That's right, and who are you?" Charles defends.

"He's my doctor, Charles" I input.

"I'm here to take you to radiology" Wyatt returns his attention to me.

"Okay" I mutter just as Charles comments over the top of me.

"I'm coming"

"We will bring her straight back up here when she's done. We can only have patients down at radiology" Wyatt informs him.

I can feel the heat radiating off Charles as I'm wheeled away in the wheelchair by Wyatt.

"Wow, intense" Wyatt comments once we are out of ear shot.

"Everything about Charles is intense" I agree.

"So what, is he your boyfriend or something?" He asks.

"More the 'or something'. Charles will never be someone's boyfriend" I mock.

"Didn't get that vibe" Wyatt teases.

I let out a laugh, "It's complicated. Well, at least our history is complicated, our future is crystal clear. There is nothing between us" I comment.

"So, am I allowed to ask you out on a date tomorrow then?"

I whip my head around just as we reach the door to radiology. "Seriously?" I ask.

"Dead serious" he nods with a smirk.

The door opens and I'm wheeled inside.

"Do I get an answer, Adley?" Watt asks.

"Yes" I whisper, but loud enough for him to hear.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that. Usually days off are spent sleeping, but I'll wake up as early as you need me too" he jokes.

I can't help but feel the butterflies swarming in my stomach, but also a layer of guilt, as the minute I said yes to Wyatt, my mind threw me the image of Charles, the memory of his touch, the taste of his lips.

I shake it out of my brain as Wyatt positions me himself inside the X-ray machine.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Well, the good news is, it isn't broken" Wyatt announces as he enters my room where Charles stands defensively in the corner. "I'll get some bandage to wrap it up for you though"

"So, I can take her home then? Charles inputs.

Wyatt's eyes dart between me and back at Charles. "I'm waiting on some blood work to come back first. Then we will discharge her" he offers.

As Wyatt comes in closer to me, checking my vitals, I whisper quietly, "You didn't take any blood" I remind him.

He sends a subtle wink in my direction.

"Isn't there a nurse that can do that?" Charles demands.

Wyatt offers me a gentle smirk, "Just thought I could take care of it whilst I was here" he answers confidently.

I sense Charles tensing up and rolling his eyes in the corner.

"Could you give us a minute" I whisper to Wyatt, placing a comforting hand on his arm.

"Yeah, sure" he accepts politely, excusing himself from the room.

"What a jerk" Charles comments as Wyatt leaves.

"You're acting like a child" I inform him as he moves across the room, taking a seat at the base of my bed.

I shift to the side, my body impulsively wanting to be away from him.

"I didn't know you were in London" He comments, his total demeanour shifting from a defensive to the one side I've learnt not to trust.

"I didn't know you were either" I admit.

I can tell he's uncomfortable, and I am too, but I feel like it's a conversation that is needing to be had.

"Charles, I.." I begin.

"No, Adley, I" he comments, cutting me off.

"What?" I encourage.

He shakes his head, unable to admit his wrong doings.

"We left things a little tense" I comment, trying to encourage an apology or admission out of him.

"Yeah" is all he replies and I let out a frustrated breath.

"I'd like to think we can leave things civil?" I suggest.

"Leave things?" He boasts.

"Yeah?" I mutter cautiously.

"What for, him?"  he questions in a judgy tone, his finger pointing out the door.

I ignore his advance. "I can make sure that I avoid you enough at the track, keep out of your way, I'm sure we can co-exist in the paddock" I begin to mutter, but he's shaking his head the entire time.

"What?" I ask.

"I don't want to co-exist" he admits, saying the word like it's tainted.

"What do you want then, Charles?" I ask.

He shrugs his shoulders and I deflate.

"Are you in pain?" He asks, changing the subject.

I decide to play the game. "Yeah, I am, but Wyatt is bringing back some pain medication"

"Wyatt" he repeats, but I feel like it was just for himself.

"I wasn't stalking you" I assure him.

"I know" he mutters.

"Why is this feeling weird, Charles?" I chuckle.

"I don't know" he softens back. "It just does"

"Can I call you later then? I hear you're busy tomorrow, but I can call you in a few days? Try and be friends?" I suggest.

"Come to the wedding" he suggests, but without questioning.

"I can't" I breath out.

"You can, Trisha said we could bring a date, and you two know each other now. Come" he pressures.

"I have plans" I inform.

"Cancel them" he interjects.

I look at him dumbfounded. "I don't just drop my life for you, Charles. Not after.." I stop myself, not wanting to make anything more tense.

"I know, look, I know I didn't handle things the best, but as you said, friends. Come to the wedding" he repeats.

"I really can't" I push. "I made other plans"

"Plans with Mr Labcoat, come on Ads, be real. That guy is going to bore the shit out of you, and then you'll be fleeing the country again"

I send him a puzzled expression, "he wouldn't bore me" I defend.

Charles looks at me knowingly, "Fine, let him check your vitals for the 10th time today, I'll send a car for you tomorrow" he comments a little too confidently.

"I'm not saying that I'm coming, but I wouldn't even have anything to wear" I call out.

"I will organise that too, see you tomorrow" he reiterates as he rounds the corner of the room, leaving me speechless.

Once Wyatt had bandaged me up and cleaned up my other wounds, he confirmed our plans for tomorrow and we swapped contact information. Trisha was able to drive Bodhi and I back to her place so we could collect the car.

"Charles tells me that you're coming tomorrow?" Trisha exclaims as we pull up in the driveway.

"Oh" I gasp, no idea how to answer her. "I, umm, you see"

She squeezes my hand lightly, "there's a place for you there if you want it"

"Thank you" I mutter placing a gentle hand on top of hers.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" She clarifies.

"I'm all good" I assure.

"Okay, well I'll see you tomorrow Bodhi, and maybe you, Adley. Thank you so much again for helping me with my dress."

"You're welcome" I acknowledge, closing my car door and waving her off in the distance.

Later on that night when I'm laying on the couch, finally opening the book I had been planning to read since this morning, my phone vibrates on the coffee table.

See you tomorrow - Charles

I roll my eyes.

What makes you so sure I'm going to be there? - Adley

Because I know you - Charles

Are you sure about that? - Adley

I watch as his three dots start to appear in the corner of the screen before they disappear, no message coming through though.

Come downstairs  - Charles

I sit up automatically, gazing around the pitch black living room. I see a window in the kitchen just off the living area, tip toeing over to it and gazing out the window.

I glance up and down the secluded street, not a car or person in sight.

Letting curiosity get the better of me, I quietly unlatch the door and descend the staircase carefully, having the hobble with my sprained ankle.

I come to a halt just before I reach the final step, my eye catching something nestled on the concrete floor 

Bending down, I pick it up, placing it in my hand and holding it up for me to see.

My phone vibrates again,

See, I know you. Sorry about the stairs, didn't really think that one through - Charles

Nestled in my hand, was a small puppy crystal figurine.

Glancing my head up, I see the faintest illuminated light from a phone just across the way.

Our eyes lock for only a moment, the smallest smirk appearing on his lips before he continues off down the street into the darkness.

I always thought of Oxland as a little Chihuahua, the way she nips and bites, now she's always with you, even if she's not - Charles

After reading his message, I bring the figure up to my closer view, seeing that the dog figurine is in fact a small chihuahua.

I love it. Thank you, Charles - Adley

Chapter Text

ADLEY

Being awoken at 8am by a knocking on the apartment door frightened me into a new level of existence. Not only as I not yet used to waking p in a living room, but Bodhi had this styles of apartment where literally everything echoed, and a simple pounding on the front door was enough to make you believe you were being surrounded.

"I'm coming, hold on!" Bodhi boasts, making her way down the hallway, acting as a pinball as she bounces off each wall, her sleepy eyes betraying her.

"What?" She exclaims roughly as she yanks open the door.

The vision of a poor little messenger boy awaits frightened on the other side.

"Umm, I have a delivery for Adley Porter" he explain weakly.

Jumping from the couch, I join Bodhi by the door who when realises that the disturbance doesn't even concern her, she groans loudly and pushes off the door ,heading back down the hall.

"Thank you very much" I appreciate to the boy, taking the large white box from his hands.

"Could you please sign this?" He asks as his hand noticeably shakes as he holds out a piece of paper to me.

After signing my name and collecting he package, I like the door closed with my heel and place the oversized box onto the table.

"I change my mind, you can't stay here anymore" Bodhi teases as she appears at my side, coffee in hand. "What is it?"

"I'm not sure" I confess, pulling the tag from underneath the red ribbon.

See you at 3 x - C

"What's it say?" she asks.

"It's from Charles" I inform her, handing her the card whilst I pull the ribbon from the box.

Once I'm rid of the lid and the tissue paper, I pull on the straps of the material that lie within the box.

"Oh my god" Bodhi exclaims.

As the gown unravels from my fingertips, I hold the most gorgeous, detailed, romantic red dress in front of me with intricate floral designs that run from clustered heaps around the bodice to more scattered patters down the full length of the dress.

"Ferrari red, he's subtle" Bodhi mocks.

"It's beautiful" I mumble, pulling the sweetheart neckline closer to me to inspect the design and quality in absolute adoration.

"I didn't think you were coming to the wedding?" Bodhi asks, pulling at the train of the dress.

"I wasn't" I shake my head.

"Charles has other plans" she chuckles.

"He always has other plans" I admit in defeat.

"What are you going to do?" Bodhi asks.

I shrug my shoulders, unable to pull myself away from the beauty in the design of this gown. He's really gone above and beyond.

"I've got lunch with Wyatt" I inform her.

"But that's at 11, the wedding is at three" she informs with pride.

I toss her a dumbfounded glare, "I can't do both"

"Why not?" She asks

I don't know why not, I just know I cant. I fold the dress back up, placing it into the box and returning the lid, feeling like that solves my issue.

"I'll tell Trisha to hold a chair for you" She sasses.

Once I make to the restaurant Wyatt booked for lunch, I feel almost guilty for being here.

"Adley" he calls out when I walk through the front doors, waving me over to the table.

"Hey" I acknowledge, giving me a friendly hug as he places a greeting kiss on my cheek.

"You look lovely" he compliments, as I gaze down at my washed out jeans, black camisole and baby pink jacket.

"Thank you, so do you" this conversation is already feeling so much more forced than our previous ones.

Why does Charles have to get in my head. I need to relax and enjoy this time with Wyatt. He doesn't deserve my cold shoulder right now, not after everything.

"How's the foot feeling?" He asks as I shrug the jacket from my shoulders, hanging it off the back of the chair.

"A lot better this morning actually, thank you. I went to a fairly good doctor, so I expect nothing less" I joke.

He lets out a chuckle that almost seems like he's feeling tense as well.

As I gaze through the menu, I struggle to find something that jumps out at me. Not that they don't have good food here, everything looks... expensive. But nothing that stands out.

"What do you recommend here?" I ask, trying to bring a more natural tone to my voice, as I gaze to the other attendees at this place, all middle aged couples who run with six figures in their banks.

"Umm" he hesitates, scanning through the menu himself. "I haven't actually been here before" he admits.

The awkward tension is rising and I'm starting to feel really uncomfortable.

"Can you see anything you would like?" He asks me.

"Umm" I mumble, "the chicken Al..ma.."

"You know what?" Wyatt announces, placing his menu down on the table and reaching across the table for my hand. "Let's go"

I have to break into almost a slight jog as he pulls me out of the restaurant and down the street feeling confused, but find a moment of clarity when we come to a stop outside of a diner, the specials board out the front displays burgers and hot dogs.

Wyatt turns back to look at me, a question all over his face.

"Much better" I announce with a smile, leading us inside before sliding into one of the booths.

Picking up the menu from the small hook at the edge of the table, my eyes train over the selections where nearly everything is looking like a viable option.

"This feels better" Wyatt announces, undoing the top button of his dress shirt and rolling up his sleeves.

"I definitely prefer this, over, whatever that was" I chuckle.

He leans slightly over the table, "so do I" he whispers in confession. "I'm sorry I even though that taking you there was the right thing"

"It's fine" I wave off, "I appreciate the thought"

"What looks good?" He asks, picking up the menu.

"Everything" I gush. "I can't decide, a burger, or loaded fries, a hot dog or a kebab?" I run through the selection on the menu.

"Are you two ready to order?" The waiter asks.

"May I?" Wyatt asks.

"Go ahead" I agree, placing my menu down and folding my hands on the table in front of us.

"Could we please get 2 of your 'all in' burgers, the loaded bacon fries, the cheesy garlic loaded fries, 2 hot dogs with the lot, and I'll get 1 chicken kebab with everything and 1 beef kebab with everything, chicken salt on the chips and 2 of your jumbo refillable cups" he orders confidently.

The lady takes everything down as he orders before taking our menus and leaving the table.

"Choices are good. I hope you're hungry" he announces with a smile.

"I am now" I chuckle.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

My date with Wyatt was going better than I could have ever hoped, my cheeks are sore from laughing, my eyes still watering from the previous joke, he was so smart and intellectual and kind, and so, so, so funny but I found myself constantly keeping an eye on the time.

"Is everything okay?" Wyatt asks, his glance focused in on my phone.

"Oh" I mutter, "Yeah, everything is fine, sorry" I apologise, not realising my actions were obvious.

Wyatt lets out a breath, "Is it Charles?" He asks regretfully.

My mouth opens to answer, but I force it shut again, "It's complicated". I settle on.

"I can do complicated, do you want to try and explain it?" He offers purely.

I consider it for a moment, "Charles and I had a moment, but that's all it was." I brush off, "A moment is all anyone ever gets with Charles"

"Do you want another moment?" he asks, continuing with my phasing.

I shake my head, even though the action came out a lot smaller than I thought it would. "No" I add.

"Who's on the other end of that phone?" His questions were genuine, I could tell, he had this way about expressing himself, where I never felt judged or under attack.

"A wedding" I admit truthfully.

"With Charles?"

I let out a chuckled breath, "Well he isn't the groom" I joke.

Wyatt smiles briefly, his head then lowering.

"I'm really sorry, I've been a terrible date" I empathise.

"You haven't been" he assures, "Maybe that's part of the problem"

I look at him with concern.

"I felt this date went really well" he acknowledges.

"I do too" I chirp in agreement.

"Maybe just not as available as I would have liked" he comments. 

I don't bother answering, as I feel both answers would still be a lie.

"I will call you though" he adds a little more brightly.

I smile and offer him a nod, "I would like that"

By the time I've made it back to the apartment, I've only allowed myself 40 minutes to get ready.... If I was to go to the wedding that is.

"Hurry up" Bodhi announces as I walk through the door.

"You look nice" I compliment, her baby blue dress accenting really nice against her olive skin.

"You really need to get ready, I already told Trisha you'd be there" she informs me.

"Why did you do that?" I ask, shrugging my jacket and handbag off my shoulder and placing them onto the kitchen table.

"Because you and I both you know are coming, you always were going to come, and receiving that dress this morning canceled out the last excuse to try and convince yourself you couldn't" she rambles, rummaging through a ceramic bowl on the hall table and pulling out two different earrings, studying them in the mirror before settling on one pair.

I nod my head in defeat, "Am I that easy to read?" I moan.

"No, you're not" she assures in a chuckle, "But you have the disadvantage of having a blood relation to me, I just know certain things" she mocks.

Parting my hair slightly off to the side and pulling it around into a loose braid over my right shoulder, I secure an elastic just behind my ear and curl the remaining hair that drapes over my shoulder. Apply a small amount of make up and coat myself in a thin layer of Bodhi's Vera Wang princess perfume.

My eyes gaze up to the gown that is hanging from the coat hanger on the back of the bathroom door. I run my fingers down the fabric, the details bouncing across my fingers as they trace down the length.

Letting out a breath, I pull it from the hanger, stepping into it and shrugging it up my body, securing the straps over my shoulders and placing my breasts into the little cups.

Bodhi knocks gently on the door, "Do you need a hand?"

"Can you zip me please?" I ask.

As she opens the door, I hear her breath hitch slightly as I turn to face her.

"What's wrong? Does it look bad?" I ask in horror.

I then notice her eyes welling up a little as she uses her knuckle to dab the corner of her eye, "You look gorgeous, Ad"

I reach out and grasp her hand, "Thank you"

She steps in behind me, zipping the back of the dress up.

"Asshole" I mutter.

"What's wrong?" She asks.

"It fits perfectly" I answer smugly.

"He's going to die when he sees you in this" she coos as we both gaze at our reflection in the mirror.

I let out a breath before picking up my clutch bag and dropping my phone inside of it, "One can only hope" I tease.

As we pull up to the venue, masses of people are gathering for the event.

"Looks like the Grammy's" I mock.

"Oh please, this wedding will put every prestigious award show to shame, Trisha has honestly spared no expense." Bodhi exclaims.

Making out way inside, we find a seat off to the right, and settle ourselves in.

I spot some familiar faces from the Leclerc family as they settle themselves in the front row and dart my eyes around at the other guests, seeing if I would know of any of them.

Just then, the side door at the front of the room opens, and I see Lorenzo Leclerc walk out, followed by Charles, Arthur and a few men that I do not know, until my eyes catch sight of one I do.

"Is that Bradley?"  Bodhi asks, noticing too.

I feel my pulse start to increase, my hands sweaty  as my breath becomes laboured and my mind begins to go fuzzy.

I try and picture Wyatt, and that day we first met,  trying to control my breathing, counting my breaths in and out.

But I seem to be getting mixed up with the ins and outs and my chest begins to feel tight. Constricted.

"Excuse me, a minute" I stagger, trying to hop up out of my seat.

"You okay?" I hear her ask, but I'm trying to do all I can to jus get out of here.

I manage to get myself to the aisle, begging my feet to move as fast as they can back out the entrance, bumping into a few people along the way.

Once outside the venue and the cool air hits me, I find the first person who looks half sane and make my way over to them.

"Excuse me" I ask in a puff.

"Oh my goodness, dear. Are you okay?" They ask in caution.

"I need you to count to 4 for me, slowly, and just repeat it" I ask in a rush.

The woman looks at me confused.

"Please" I snap.

"One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. One, two..." she begins counting and I try and focus in on her voice, doing my best to keep up with her rhythm.

"Three, four" she finishes.

"Thank you" I appreciate.

"That's okay. Are you okay?" She asks.

"I'm fine, thank you very much for that" I announce before excusing myself and heading out toward the garden.

Chapter Text

CHARLES

I noticed her the minute I stepped foot in the room, how could I not?

I sensed her before I even knew she was there.

But I notice that her eyes are not on me. She's looking as though she isn't exactly present in this reality.

"Adley? I whisper shout, trying to grab her attention. "Adley?"  I try again when she doesn't respond.

When I see her stand up and stumble out from the row she was sitting in, every part of me immediately wants to go after her.

I make eye contact with Bodhi, gesturing for her to explain to me what is going on. Bodhi just shrugs her shoulders.

"Lorenzo, exactly what time will Trisha be arriving?" I ask in him a whisper as I lean in closer to him.

"She'll be here in about 5 minutes" he whispers back.

"Great, see you in four" I announce, excusing myself from the line up and make my way up the aisle at an increased rate.

When I make it outside, I see Adley's red gown float around the corner, so I break into a jog to make it after her.

"Adley?' I call out as I take the stairs two at a time down to the garden.

Reaching out and grasping her shoulder, spinning her around, my heart breaks when I see her face all welled up with tears.

"Baby, oh my goodness, what's happened?" I gasp, finding her face within my hands, trying to use the pads of my thumbs to wipe the tears from her face.

My eyes focus in on her bottom lip trembling.

"Tell me" I encourage.

"Bradley" she mutters.

"What?" I ask in confusion.

"What is Bradley doing her?" She asks in a whimper.

My body flings around back toward the ceremony area before turning back to Adley, "As in the groomsmen, Bradley?"

Her head nods quickly in confirmation.

"He works with Lorenzo, why?" I push.

Adley breaks free from my grip, pacing back and forward in front of me, before her eyes widen and she gasps, "You need to get back in there, Trisha will be here soon"

"Fuck Trisha" I exclaim, "Tell me what's happened baby, I need to fix this"

"He's my ex" she informs.

"Did he hurt you?" I ask.

Her face scrunches up on the mention of the word, and it makes my heart sink and blood boil simultaneously.

I take a step closer to Adley, tilting her head up to look at me directly, "Did he hurt you, Adley?" I ask again.

"We can talk about this later, please, you need to go back in there. Please" she begs.

"Are you coming?" I ask.

"I'll wait out here for a little" she informs me, tears still streaming down her face.

"I'll come straight back out, okay?" I inform her.

"Okay, please, go in" she begs again.

Walking back into that room, it took everything I had not to drag Bradley out by his hair, and although I didn't have context yet, seeing Adley's reaction, gave me enough ammunition to want him dead.

I walk down the side of the function room for the pure need of walking past Bradley as I made it back to my placement.

I glare at him as I walk past, taking every inch of self control not to hurt him.

"Everything okay?" He asks innocently.

It stops me right in my tracks, as I turn to face him. I place myself right up in front of him, "You better fucking watch your back mate" I warn, holding his gaze for a moment.

Continuing back toward Lorenzo, he looks at me in confusion.

"What's going on mate?" He queries.

"Talk later" I suggest, just the music begins to play and the bridesmaids begin to make their entrance.

ADLEY

Every time I tried to convince myself to go back in there, and not let him have this power and control over me, I couldn't do it.

Even knowing that with Charles there I would be safe, he would never let anything bad happen to me and that I had Bodhi there, the entire Leclerc family and especially Charles, I had all the protection I needed.

But by body wouldn't allow it.

I stand outside, pacing in the garden, transported back to the weak and afraid little girl I thought I had escaped from.

"You have a lot of explaining to do" I hear the boastful voice from behind me.

Whipping around, I come face to face with an enraged Bradley.

"Appears you've been running your little mouth around, telling stories" he spits.

I shake my head, "I didn't tell him anything" I defend in horror.

"It'd be very wise for you not to lie to me right now, Adley" he warns.

"I'm not, I promise. I didn't say anything to him" I beg.

"What's your explanation for Charles running after you, and then telling me to watch my back then huh?"

I feel my body tense up around him. Feeling like I couldn't run even if I tried. That every single flight defence in me was frozen and I couldn't scream, run or cry out.

I hear the sound of tyres coming to a halt beside me, my head turning gently over toward it.

"You're going to get in that car without fuss, Adley. You and I need to have a little chat" he commands.

I shake my head urgently, tears now threatening my eyes and a lump burning my throat.

Until my whole body freezes when I hear the safety click and feel the cold nature of the metal press into my side as he steps completely over my space.

"It wasn't a fucking question, Adley." He boasts.

"Get your hands off her" I hear Charles voice bellow from beside me.

My head turns to face the direction of his voice as I see Charles, Arthur, Lorenzo and two other men approach from the rear of the gardens.

Bradley lets out a infuriated laugh, "We were just going to talk" he sasses as I feel the metal leave my side as he fidgets beside me.

"I said, get your hands off her" Charles repeats.

Bradley hold his hands up either side of him in defeat.

"This isn't finished" Bradleys cold warning rushes over me as he whispers for only my ears, right before I lunge myself forward into Charles' arms.

"I've got you, you're safe baby" he repeats over and over, his hand caressing the back of my head as I can hear an inaudible commotion behind me.

"The boys will take care of it, lets get you out of here" he insists.

"No" I gasp. "It's your brothers wedding"

"I think he'd understand" Charles chuckles cautiously.

"No" I defend, "Please, lets stay"

Charles looks at me cautiously, "Okay, but you need to tell me everything"

Chapter Text

* TRIGGER WARNING FOR ABUSE & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE *

A YEAR AGO
ADLEY

"I don't know what you're talking about?" I whimper, my back pressed up against the kitchen bench, unable to move any further away from him.

Bradley wipes the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand after taking another swig of his alcohol, a hand that I have learnt to keep a close eye on.

"Do you want to fuck him, Adley, is that how you expect to get your degree? Is that what happened last year too. Just how many of your professors are you fucking to get your pass marks." He accuses.

"No" I cry, "He's my professor, I had to see him about an assignment" I try and explain, although I know it doesn't do any good.

He scoffs at me loudly.

"Bradley, please" I try and calm him as I watch carefully as his hand comes up, guiding the bottle to his lips one more time, obviously emptying it as he then lunges the bottle in my direction, making it shatter on the corner of the bench, cutting my hand as shards of glass propel into the  air.

I've learnt not to make a fuss, I just simple removing my throbbing hand, wrapping it up subtly in the bottom of my shirt.

He staunches across the kitchen, pulling open the fridge and retrieving another bottle.

I flinch as it slams shut. "Am I not good enough for you?" He shouts. "Do I not provide you enough?"

I shake my head, "No, that's not it at all. Nothing happened"

"So what is it then, Adley? You are constantly making me feel insecure, you are constantly making me feel like I need to be cautious of everything you do. You're untrustworthy" he accuses.

I shake my head even more, "I'm sorry" I sob.

"You're sorry" he chuckles, "you're always just sorry, yet you never change your behaviour"

"I don't know what I've done wrong" I shudder.

Admitting that was my biggest mistake as suddenly he's crossed the kitchen, pinning me further into the cabinet, digging the edging into my back. 

"Always acting so innocent, always playing the victim" he spits in my face. "You're not as sweet as you pretend to be Adeline, I know you, I see right through you. You're a skank, you're pathetic, you're worthless" 

I don't remember him striking me, I don't ever remember what the impact feels like, but I always remember the pain.  I clench onto my cheek as I plummet to the floor. 

"Get up" he commands. 

But I can't move, I don't want to move. 

"I said" he grunts, pulling me to my feet by my hair as I let out a yelp, "Get up". 

With a tightened grip on my hair right by my scalp, he directs my face to stay glancing at his, my vision blurred from a combination of fear and pain. 

"You hit me" I mumble. 

"You made me do it, Adley" he enforces. "I can't control your behaviour anymore and then you like to portray I'm some sort of demon when I react to your bad choices" 

I feel trapped.

Against this counter. 

Against this man. 

In this time. 

In this situation. 

Trapped to the point that I wouldn't even know how to get out if I tried. 

"Stop crying, Adley. You don't get to play the victim" he boats.

But I can't stop the tears from flowing, they come even when I beg them not too. 

His hands are on my either side of my shoulders now, holding me tightly. I'm being shook, his frustration with me overflowing as he continues to command me to stop crying. 

"I said stop" he screams, and that's when I hit the corner of the counter, my body now on the floor. "You're so selfish, it's always all about you. I can't even look at you" 

Once he's out of the room, I reach my shaking hand up to my eyebrow, blood presenting itself on my fingertips as I pull away. 

Pulling my knees up tightly to my chest, I hug them as tightly as I can, searching for any ounce of comfort. 

I flinch when he returns to the room, my phone being flung in my direction, smashing on the floor next to me. 

"You write and cancel dinner with my family. Tell them you're ill" he demands. 

I sit there just glaring at him, my breath coming in waves, shaky and increasing the more I stare at this figure of a man in front of me, wondering how it all got to be like this. Why it all got to be like this. 

"Do it, Adley, I won't ask again" 

"Maybe you deserve someone better than me" I suggest weakly. 

"What?" He screams. 

"I keep hurting you, and disappointing you, maybe I don't deserve you" I play it as my only attempt to go. 

"You're right, you don't deserve me" he agrees and I almost feel slightly hopeful. "But you aren't going anywhere. You're mine. Always" 

I sink further into the counter in defeat. 

"You'll have to sort something out for dinner now we won't be going out. Another thing you've managed to ruin" he mutters as he crosses the room before throwing himself down in the living room couch and turning the sport channel on. 

Bradley's aggression began just after finals last year, he failed and turned heavily to alcohol and partying. The girls had invited me to celebratory drinks after our results were posted and when I had returned home that night, the was incredibly drunk, hovering over my printed file. 

"Think you're so smart do you? There's no way you managed to get a 92, I've seen you, you don't study" he accused. 

It was the first time he had hit me. 

The following morning when the bruise on my cheek presented itself, he held me against him for roughly 3 hours as he cried in my arms, apologising over and over again for what he had done. 

He really convinced the both of us that it was a one time thing. 

But the jealousy, the accusations, the drinking, all seemed to increase as the next year went on when our group moved onto the next study sessions and he had to repeat the semester. 

Nothing I could do helped, and the more and more he inflicted pain on me, the more and more he made me believe and I truly did believe that I was changing, becoming this person who looked down on him for what he had done, for the person he was. 

I didn't think I was, I still loved him the same as I did, and I tried everything I could to make him believe that no matter what I was proud of him, but as time went on, and I began to realise that I was beginning to not love this person as much anymore, that maybe he was right, I only thought that because of his failings. 

And I felt terrible for it. 

Chapter Text

PRESENT DAY

ADLEY

"I'll kill him" Charles boasts.

I reach out and grab onto his arms, "No, please" I beg.

"Adley" he coos, his fingertip reaching out and tracing down the side of my face. "I had no idea"

"It's okay" I shake my head,  "No one does"

"You need to report him" He suggests strongly.

"I don't have any proof, it's my word against his, and his family would be able to protect him anyway"

"My family is more powerful" he boasts which makes me chuckle.

"Adley?" The familiar voice alerts me over in her direction right away.

"Oxland?" I ask in shock just as she makes her way over to me, wrapping her arms around me and squeezing me tightly. "What are you doing here? Is everything okay? What happened?"

"I came as quickly as I could" she breaths out. "I was on the first flight out as soon as I saw"

"Saw what?" I ask, "Ox, breathe"

"Bradley. He's here and he'll be at the wedding and you cannot go in there, Ads"

My face breaks into a little smirk, "I know"

"Ads, he's been planning this.." she pauses, "Wait, you know?"

I nod my head, "I ran into him yesterday too" I inform her. "Wait, how do you know?"

"Remember my friend Lauren, she was out at the same club they went to for the bachelor party last night, she snapped me asking if that was Bradley. I saw that he was with Lorenzo and Charles and I just kind of put everything together."

"You didn't think to call?" Charles remarks from beside me.

"I lost my phone the day we arrived in the Maldives, and don't you fucking talk to me" she spits.

"Woah, Ox, it's okay. He's been really helpful" I defend him.

"Have you told him?" She asks, directing her attention to me.

I nod my head.

She glares toward Charles, "feel like a dick now?"

"Why do I need to feel like a dick?" He gasps.

"Your behaviour towards Adley hasn't exactly been that different from Bradley's now has it?"she accuses.

I feel Charles flinch beside me before I reach my arm down and grasp onto his wrist.

"It's okay" I mutter to him before he lets out a breath and excusing himself.

"Ox" I breath to her.

She shakes her head at me, "no. I'm not apologising for that. Sure, maybe he hasn't put his hands on you, but he sure as hell as been brain fucking you in the exact same ways Bradley did. I'm not going to watch it happen again. I was a shit friend the first time, not realising what was happening" she stops as she gets slightly choked up, "I'm not letting it happen again"

I pull her close, wrapping my arms around her as I place a kiss to the side of her head. "I love you"

"I love you too" she replies, tightening her grip.

"Thank you for coming here." I appreciate, realising only now that's she's left her romantic vacation with Lando.

"I wish I could have gotten here faster, did he hurt you? Did he say anything?" She rambles.

"I'm okay, everything's okay" I assure her, choosing to fill her in more later. "Where's Lando?"

She points over to a car sitting in the parking lot which is only then I see him resting against the hood of the car.

I offer him a wave which he sends back.

"What's happening with Charles?" She asks.

I shrug, "I have a lot to catch you up on" I inform her.

"It's been only like 3 days" she gasps.

"Yeah and so much as happened. I move fast" I mock.

She chuckles, "You do. Do you want us to give you a lift somewhere?"

I shake my head, "Lorenzo has already removed Bradley from the grounds, I'm going to go back inside" I tilt my head over toward Lando, "you need to get back to that"

She scoffs, "he's fine. He knows you always come first"

"So do you" I assure her.

"Okay, well you call me, we're going to hang around London for a little, you and I need to catch up"

I chuckle. "We will"

After I see off Lando and Oxland, I head off in search of Charles.

Walking about the back of the venue to where a small vineyard sits, it doesn't take long for me to spot him in amongst the rows.

"Hey" I announce when I make my way over to him.

"Hey" he replies in a mumble.

"I'm sorry about what Oxland said" I comfort.

He kicks a piece of dirt underneath his foot. "Why are you sorry? She's right" he agrees.

I shake my head, "you are nothing like Bradley, please don't ever say that"

"I haven't exactly been the best person to you" he admits.

I shrug, "you didn't owe me anything"

"Don't say that" he shakes his head in frustration. "You know it wasn't like that"

"What was it like then?" I push.

"I don't know" he mutters, feeling that defence go back up, "it was just, different"

I nod my head, not really understanding but not having the Brain capacity to deal with anything else right now.

"You look beautiful by the way. I don't think I got the chance to tell you" he compliments.

I grab sides of the train of my dress and twirl back and forth, "well someone bought me this incredible dress, it's obviously the reason"

"No" he shakes his head, "it's not the dress" he compliments, sending a wave of warmth to my chest.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Has he said anything? Anything at all?" Oxland stresses as I curl up on the end of her hotel room bed.

I shake my head up, which is resting on the tops of my knees, pulled right up toward my chest.

"That bastard" she mutters. "And you're saying you left everything fine when you parted after the wedding?"

"I thought so" I comment. I'd been reliving the wedding step by step in my head these past few days, trying to pin point a moment which could be a relevant explanation for all of this.

"I don't get it" she breaths out.

"I do" Lando pipes in as he leaves the bathroom, towel wrapped around his waist. "It's Charles"

"Shut up, Lando" Oxland boasts, waving him off.

"Think about it, Ads. And I'm sorry, but he's not the relationship guy. The sooner you girls realise that, the sooner you'll all stop getting your hopes up and your hearts broken."

"He doesn't know what he's talking about" Oxland inputs, standing in the way of Lando.

"He does, actually" Lando sasses, walking right up behind her and placing a kiss on her cheek from behind.

Oxland shakes her head unconvinced.

"It doesn't matter, anyway." I assure, "It is what it is, unfortunately."

"Have you spoken to Wyatt at least?" Oxland asks, hopeful.

"He's called" I mumble.

Oxland lets out a chuckle, "Did you answer?"

"I thought about it" I deadpan in mockery.

I watch as she rolls her eyes in front of me, whilst Lando continues to pack behind her.

"What happened with Bradley?" She asks, throwing a sweater toward Lando.

"From what I heard he's been locked up. Apparently Lorenzo was able to connect him to some of the robberies at work and his fingerprints lit up a long list of unsolved crime" I inform her with almost joy to my voice.

"Unsurprising" Oxland comments with a nod. "Are you sure you're going to be okay here by yourself? Oxland pouts.

I let out a chuckle, handing her another stack of clothes that are folded beside me, as she stuffs them into her backpack. "I'm fine."

"Last time you said that, you weren't" she reminds me.

"Yeah, but he's gone this time, and according to Arthur's instagram story, they all left for Monaco yesterday,  so I'll just be exploring this wonderful city by myself, no risk of running into anyone" I assure with pride.

She sends me an unconvinced glare, "Have you met you? You seem to run into someone no matter where you are on this planet"

I nod in agreement, "I do have some rather funny run ins don't I?"

"We really have to go, baby" Lando informs from the hotel door.

"Yes, you do" I agree, pushing myself off the bed and grabbing her suitcase, wheeling it out towards the hall.

"Lando can go, and I'll stay here with you" she suggests sarcastically as she follows me out the door, sending Lando an amused glare as she passes him.

"Can I object to that?" Lando questions. 

We both look at him and then at each other.

"Yeah, I didn't think so" he adds.

"I'm going to be fine, I promise you" I assure her, wrapping my arm through hers as we approach the elevator.

"Call us if you need us" Lando offers as we make it down to the lobby.

"I will, thank you" I hug them both and get deja vu from only a week ago we were doing this same thing.

How much can happen in a week.

Once I wave off their car, I hail down a taxi to take me back to Bodhi's apartment to collect my things.

The original plan was to only stay with her for a week, and even though I've made plans to stay in London longer, I don't want to overstay my welcome there. She needs her life back too.

"Thank you again for having me" I appreciate as she helps me pull my luggage into the taxis boot.

"You're welcome anytime" she assures, wrapping me tightly in her arms.

"Call me if you ever need anything okay" I make her promise,

"I will, I will" she sasses, closing the trunk as the last bag goes in.

As I make my way across town and further into the city, I watch the passing skyscrapers and people watch the pedestrians on the sidewalk.

"Is it okay if I pull up here?' The driver asks.

"Yes, thank you" I appreciate.

By the time I've settled into my new hotel, I flop down on the end of the bed, feeling oddly alone.

Pulling out my phone, I pull a number I've called too many times.

As expected, it goes straight to voicemail, nothings changed.

"Hey, Charles. It's me again. I'm sorry if these messages are coming off desperate. I guess I'm kind of heading in that direction. I just want to know that you are okay, and I'm sorry for whatever I did to hurt you, or push you away. I didn't mean it, and I'm really thankful for everything you did to help with...."

"Message limit reached, to re-record your message, please press hash"

I pull the phone from my ear in defeat and push the cancel button, hanging up the phone.

Gazing out the window, I try and replay our conversations in my head, everything that happened.

I thought there was vibes. I thought that he was giving me the signal that this time it was different. That it has always been different.

I believed him, and I still do.

I can't shake the feeling that this isn't just Charles being Charles. I don't think this is a game this time. I don't think he's ghosting me this time.

This time, I feel like things are different.

I feel like there is a solid reason for his disappearance.

I can't accept it if it's not.

Chapter Text

CHARLES

"She's desperate, I'll give her that" he snarls, "Whatever you did man, she's obsessed with you. Good job"

I shift in my seat, spitting out some more blood from my mouth to the side, wondering which injury that's come from this time.

"Tell me, how did you hook her?" He asks curiously.

"I'm not talking to you about her" I hiss, fidgeting with my wrists, looking for any sort of relief possible.

"Oh" he chuckles, "Come on now, we could swap stories." His face lights up, like he's got this brilliant idea, "We could swap sex stories"

My vision goes red. All I want do is start ripping this fool, limb by limb.

"You have managed to get her into bed, I'd assume. That's why she's so obsessed with you. Girls.." he tuts, "Can't just leave well enough alone, am I right?"

I don't engage in this convention.

"You give them an inch, they take a mile. You give them your cock, they expect a ring" he rattles off his theories like some professor as he paces back and forth in front of me.

"What do you want, Bradly?" I ask.

He doesn't miss a beat, he just keeps pacing, this time, around the back of the chair, checking on his knot around my wrists as he goes.

"I want to know what she told you, I want to know why I had the feds on my doorstep the morning after the wedding with a search warrant, I want to know what lies she spun not have them rip my homes to pieces"

"That had nothing to do with her" I defend.

"Bullshit" he spits.

"You used to beat her, what evidence for that will the cops find in your walls?" I mock.

He doesn't defend his actions, or tell me it wasn't true, and it makes he even madder. I knew she wasn't lying. I never questioned that. But to have him stand in front of me, and not even admit guilt, makes my blood boil.

"I knew from the moment I laid eyes on that girl, that she was going to bring me all sorts of trouble" he reflects. "Don't you have the same feelings, like just looking at her, you know she's going to ruin your life"

I shake my head in absolute rage. "No"

He lets out a chuckle, "You'll get there. She'll drive you absolutely mental. Always leaves you feeling worthless, always making you question yourself. You'll snap one day too"

"I'd never lay a hand on her" I rage.

He throws me an unconvinced look.

"She deserved what she got, she forced me to do it" he reasons.

"She didn't deserve any of it. You think beating on your woman makes you tough. You're nothing more than a coward" I spit.

My face flings to the side as an instant sting appears on my cheek, more blood pooling in my mouth as I spit it down onto the ground. I catch glimpse of him shaking his fist out in pain from the contact.

"So, what's the plan here? Hold me until what? She decides she doesn't want me anymore? Is that your problem? That she doesn't want you?" I poke.

"She still wants me" he deludes. "She's been using you as a bargaining tool, trying to get my attention. Now I'm just trying to get hers"

"You need to seek some serious mental help" I mock.

He shrugs his shoulder coyly. "Probably. But don't we all"

"You know I'm not going to let you lay a finger on her right?" I assure him.

He chuckles, "What are you going to do from over there, buddy? You've been here 3 days, no one gives a fuck"

It has crossed my mind why things haven't turned out slightly different, but with how much attention Bradley seems to be paying on my phone, I feel like he's a reason for no alarm bells being sound.

"You say you want to get Adley's attention, if she thinks I'm ignoring her, surely that's not doing you any good?"

He shakes his head, "Wrong again." Bradley begins to pace again, "You see, the more you ignore her, the more she'll start to think about how good it was when she never had to beg for my attention, I was always there. Always waiting. She'll miss that, and come and seek it again. I won't need to bring her to me, she'll come all on her own"

This guy is even more delusional than I thought.

"She doesn't want you. She hasn't for the longest time. And besides, you don't deserve someone like Adley. They don't come any better than Adley" I inform him, proudly.

When I feel his elbow cop my across the face again as his knee comes in contact with my stomach, I hunch over in pain. Coughing out the impact.

But I like knowing that I'm getting to him.

"Sounds like you're in love there" he mocks. "Is she really worth all this?"

"She's worth every ounce of pain, every ounce of joy. There is nothing that you, or anyone could do, to make me want to walk away"

Apparently, that was enough to have him kick the chair, as I'm secured in it so it goes tumbling to the floor. My head bouncing off the cool cement, and tilting my vision vertically, his boots coming right into full view of my face.

"She's worth nothing" he spits.

My vision goes black as I feel the impact of his boot come into full contact with my face.

She's worth everything.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Something just seems off" I admit, holding the phone up against my ear with my shoulder as I hand over some cash to the barrister.

"Why?" Oxland snarls, "it's not like he hasn't done this before"

My jaw drops, as I silently thank the man as he hands me my flat white, "your tune as changed"

"I'm just saying, Ad. That.." I hear she shuffle on her end of the phone, before she starts whispers, "Lando might have a point. This is Charles we're talking about"

I chuckle at her fear of admitting his proven right, "I don't know? Maybe?" I consider, pushing the door open with my back.

"Oh sorry" I stumble as I crash into someone on my exit.

The body steadies me by the shoulders, chuckling as they bend down to pick up my dropped phone.

"We have to stop meeting like this"

I peer up at my suitor. "Oh, Wyatt, hello" I announce.

"Is that Wyatt, Wyatt?" I hear yelled from receiver of my phone.

Taking it from him with a chuckle, I hold it back up to my ear, "Ox, I'll call you back later"

"Say hi to lover boy" she coos before hanging up.

"How have you been?" I ask, shuffling my things in my arms, trying not to spill any of my coffee.

"Yeah I've been good." He acknowledges, "and yourself?"

Do I tell him everything? 

"Yeah I've been good. Decided to stay in London another week" I inform him.

He gestures toward my phone, "I was going to call"

My mouth opens to speak, but a thousand different versions of a reply scatter through my mind that none of them make it out.

"Are you, busy, right now?" He asks cautiously.

I consider it for a moment, "No, I've got some free time. Are you on lunch again?"

He shakes his head, "no, just coming off night shift actually. Due for breakfast"

"I could do with some breakfast" I agree, gesturing back inside the cafe I just walked out of.

"Shall we?" He offers, holding open the door for me.

As I make my way towards the booth, I slide in, dumping my folder, handbag and shopping bag down onto the lounge beside me.

Wyatt eyes it carefully, "you've been busy this morning?"

"Ugh, I picked up my next study session catalogues from school this morning"

"Are you going to go back?" He gushes.

I shrug, "I haven't really decided yet. But I thought, no harm in looking over them. The Formula 1 season is coming to an end soon, I need to work out my next steps"

"How is it you got involved in following them around the world?" He asks with genuine interest.

"My best friend, Oxland, and I have been friends with this guy Lando, for years. Ever since we were little. He drives for McLaren, so we just managed to hop on board the train for the year whilst we took some time off" I inform.

"Do you enjoy it?"

I feel my heart quicken with excitement, "Yeah, I really do actually."

He nods as if he understands.

"Do you follow it at all?" I ask.

He turns his lips over slightly, "Now and then. It's hard to keep up with the times, and my shifts are always crazy. But I usually see the updates the following day online"

I nod, although I can't imagine now not ever watching a race live. Being apart of all the action. I wouldn't be satisfied with just the highlights. I want to be involved in the drama and action as it unfolds.

"How did things go with Charles anyway?" He asks, a certain sadness to his voice.

I try my best to tip toe around the answer, but my attention is captured by the two officers glancing in my direction from the register.

As they make their way over towards our table, Wyatt catches on as well as we both stare at them, knowing our table is their destination.

"Morning officers, can we help with anything?" Wyatt announces as they stop at the foot of the table.

"This is Constable Merve and I'm Deputy Lionel, are you Adley Porter by any chance?" They ask, directly their attention to me.

"I am" I reply in a shakey voice, suddenly questioning everything I did in the past 24 hours and whether it was legal or not.

"Wondered if we could ask you some questions about Charles Leclerc?"

My heart stops, "is he okay?"

"His brothers have some questions about his whereabouts. Said that you might know where he is?" They inform.

"He's missing?" I gasp.

"We don't have that information at this time, ma'am. Could you please tell us the last time you seen or heard from Mr Leclerc?"

I knew it. I knew something was wrong.

"The last time I saw him was at his brothers wedding, and I haven't heard from him since"

One of the officers scribbles my words down on the pad in his hands.

"Okay and that was 4 days ago now?" They confirm.

"Yes" I answer, "When did his brothers last hear from him?"

I watch as they exchange a glance in front of me.

"Do you have any idea where he could be, Miss Porter?" They ignore my question and replace it with their own.

I shake my head.

"Okay. Please give us a call if you think of anything else" they ask, handing me over a business card with contact information. "Have a good day".

I watch them as they make their way out of the cafe, and past the shop window.

"Crazy" Wyatt gasps, "did you know he wasn't with his brothers?"

.....

"Adley?" He asks again and I snap out of my daze and look over at him.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

He glances at me cautiously, "did you know he wasn't with his brothers?" He repeats.

"Oh" I breath, "no"

"Are you worried about him?" He asks.

I look back down the street at the officers and then back toward Wyatt. "I feel like I should be"

Chapter Text

ADLEY

I tap through different Instagram stories and posts from the wedding and certain guests afterwards who have added them to highlights, as if I'm some sort of FBI agent myself.

"Have you tried calling him?" Wyatt asks from the sofa of my hotel room.

I instantly want to yell at him, but it's not him I'm frustrated with, and I have to remind myself of that, "yes, I've tried calling him, it goes straight to voicemail"

"The Leclerc family is pretty powerful though, surely they'd have some big team looking for him?" He suggests.

"I'm sure they do" I breath.

"There isn't much you can do, Adley. Don't get yourself worked up over this"

And that's when I lose it.

I slam the phone down against my legs, "Seriously, Wyatt. He's missing" I defend.

"Is he though?" He doesn't appear to agree.

Exercising my self control, I pull the phone back up to my view, texting everyone I can think of to see if they've heard from him.

Wyatt begins tapping on his own phone, "he's been posting selfies, why is everyone freaking out?"

He directs the phone in my direction and I shake my head, "it's an old photo" I inform him.

"But it was uploaded yesterday" he assures.

"That doesn't mean he's the one that uploaded it, it just means someone has his phone, maybe trying to throw us off. It did take 4 days for his brothers to say anything" I think back.

Wyatt looks at me unconvinced, "sounds like too many crime series have been clouding your judgement. No one actually gets kidnapped anymore, do they?"

I shrug my shoulders, only more so because I'm done with his naivety.

"Okay, fine. I'll play along. Does he have anyone that would want to hurt him?" He asks.

My head snaps in his direction, absolutely fuming. "Play along?" I ask. "This isn't a game, Wyatt"

"That's not what I meant" He defends.

I shake my head in anger.

"Is there anyone that would want to hurt him?" He repeats a little more calmly.

"I don't know" I spit in frustration. "I actually don't know that much about him"

Wyatt looks at me in pity. Or judgement. I couldn't tell. Nor care at this point.

"Come on, there isn't much you can do here, let's go for a walk or something? Get some fresh air?" He suggests.

"I don't want to go for a walk" I mumble under my breath, scrolling aimlessly through my feeds.

"It'd be good for you to.." he continues.

"Wyatt" I boast before taking a deep breath, "maybe you should just go?" I suggest.

"What?" He gasps.

"I can call you later, I just need to think right now" I inform him.

"There isn't anything you can.." he tries to input again when I cut him off.

"I can just be here okay. He might call. He might message. And I don't need to be out on a walk with you, I don't need fresh air. I need to sit here, and think, and wait"

Wyatt just stares at me, completely confused.

"Please" I add.

After a brief moment, he shrugs his shoulders whilst nodding his head slightly. "Okay" I breathe out. "Okay".

As he moves over toward me, he places a comforting hand on my shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze as he places a friendly kiss on the top of my head.

"Call me if you hear anything or want me to come by or anything, okay?"

I nod my head with no intention to do either.

"And Adley?" He adds as he collects his jacket from the back of the couch, "be careful. If it's what you think it is, it's not something you're equip to handle."

I don't respond to him, I don't trust myself to make that promise. 

As he leaves the hotel room, I close the door behind him before turning and placing my back against the cold wood.

Taking a moment to collect my thoughts, figure out exactly where I stand in all of this, consider the possibilities. 

No matter how much I try and convince myself of any other explanation, I continue to return to the thought that something is wrong. Something has happened. 

I hear my phone vibrating on the edge of the couch, scurrying over toward it, it is a number I do not know. My heart rate picks up instantly as I swipe to answer as my shaken hand directs the phone to my ear. 

"Hello?" I ask breathily. 

"Adley?" The voice asks on the other end. "It's Arthur, Charles' brother" 

"Have you found him? Have you heard from him? Anything?" I stamper out. 

A moment of silence on the other end of the phone deflates any hope I may have had left. 

"I was going to ask you the same thing" he mumbles.

My free hand flies to my forehead, holding my hair back in frustration as I can feel the tears of fear creeping their way into my emotions. 

I don't even know how to respond to him, or what to say next. 

"Where are you now, Adley?" Arthur asks. 

"I'm at The Tower London Hotel" I inform him. "Are you in London?" 

"We're heading there now, I'm just about to board the plane. I'm in Monaco" the tone of his voice only raising my concern for him. 

"Who's done this?" I whimper, trying my best to catch the escaping emotion. 

"We're going to figure it out, Adley. Just hang tight. I'll be at your hotel in a few hours" he informs me, sternly. 

I nod my head against the phone. "Okay" 

When I hang the phone up from Arthur, my panic level is heightened. This feels so much bigger than I'm going to be able to handle. The Leclerc family is incredibly well known. My mind has sent me through every tangent, every possible scenario, no matter how crazy it may seem. 

Is it to do with Charles?

Is it to do with Arthur or Lorenzo?

Is it to do with his parents? 

Lorenzo's new wife?

Me? 

Chapter Text

BRADLEY

The day Adley left me, and set off around the world following that absolutely narcissistic, Norris, I knew that it was only a matter of time before she would be running back to me. Admitting her wrong doings and coming back to where she belongs.

I had just been sitting, waiting, watching, for the day she would come back.

But then the first whispers started about Charles and Adley sparked, and my keen eye drew in even closer to what was going on. She was baiting me.

She knew I would be watching her.

She knew that I would see every single little thing that was going on in her life, and that's when I knew, I had to do something. She was practically begging for me to do something.

Throwing herself at the most well-known driver in Formula1, knowing that his name, whereabouts and in turn, his dating life would be thrown over every news station in the nation.

She knew.

It was her plan after all.

So, that's when the plan set in place to get a job at Lorenzo's factory.

I had to get inside the inner circle.

I had to find out what was really going on, and why it was Leclerc she chose to taught me with.

Making sure that Lorenzo and I were connected right away, I did my research. Found of his interests, likes, dislikes, and everything about Trisha, his bride to be.

The plan was only as secure as getting invited to the wedding.

Lorenzo surprised me when he asked me to be on the wedding party.

I only needed to be in the same room as Charles and I would find my answers. I would understand the message Adley was trying to send. I would finally get her back.

I knew that with their increased interest in each other, she would be escorting him to the wedding. I was a little taken back to find out that they weren't even aware of each others presence in London.

And so began the mission, and with a little naive help from Bodhi, Adley was delivered to me on a silver platter.

Who would have thought that the plan would unfold so lovely in front of my eyes?

A little hiccup when the police turned up with a search warrant and pulled the place to shreds, but you win some, you lose some.

As I pace back and force of his unconscious bod laying on the floor in front of me, seeing this pathetic excuse of a man so incapable of defending himself, let alone ever considering himself good enough to protect Adley. He's embarrassing. It's becoming more clear by the minute that Adley was only using him as a pawn to get to me.

There is no way she actually sees anything in this disgusting form of a human.

But now I'm getting bored.

He's been out of it since the legs of the stool came in unfortunate contact with his head.

I can be so careless at times.

Hurling him up by the collar of his torn shirt, I secure him back upright in his chair, his head hung low in front.

Crossing the room, I collect the bucket of ice cold water and place it down next to him before going to retrieve the opposing bucket filled to the brim with boiling hot water.

One after the after, I pour the cold water over the top of his head, shrieking him back into consciousness, and just before he has time to process what's going on, I slowly pour the boiling hot pot down his back, the sound of his yelp bringing music to my ears.

I watch as he grunts and groans in pain in front of me whilst he tries to worm his way away from the sting.

"How does that feel, Princess?" I coo, bringing my face down in level with his.

"Fuck you" he spits in my face, his infuriation only increasing my amusement.

I let out a casual chuckle. "I wonder just how long it's going to take for anyone to actually realise you're missing?"

His head turns slightly in my direction, sending me a deathly glare.

I hold his phone up out of my pocket, giving it a little shake in his direction, "Based on the increased calls coming in from Arthur and Adley, I would say that they are cottoning on pretty quick" I amuse.

His head begins to shake slowly at me.

"Of course though, they'll never suspect it's me though. As far as they are concerned, I got picked up by the police already. I'm serving a pretty little sentence far away from this place" I gaze up at the dimly light sky light.

"Where are we anyway?" He mumbles.

"You don't recognise this place?" I ask.

I watch as Charles' head scans the warehouse slowly.

"You wouldn't. You've never been here" I mock. "You're still in England. If that's what you're worried about"

"I'm just making them question everything for only a few more days. Then I might bring you a little buddy. Someone to keep you company" I offer.

"Don't" He warns poorly, as if he has any leg to stand on here. I have the higher ground. I've been controlling his little puppet show for months.

It's all playing out better than I could have ever imagined. It's all coming together perfectly.

"Such a hero" I coy.

"You should be locked up" he accuses.

"You tried that already" I remind him, pointing my bloody finger at him, "whatever lies Adley had been feeding you about me, obviously weren't enough to make anything stick. She's a liar. You'll come to realise"

"You speak so poorly on her, why do you want her back so badly?" He asks, curiously.

"She's mine." I defend, as that's the only reasoning I need. "She's mine and that's it"

He is shaking his head, "She's not yours. She never was" he chuckles lightly at the end of his comment.

I walk confidently over toward the metal table at the far end of the room, picking up a few items required for this cocky bastard before returning to him.

I spin open the bottle cap, pouring the gasoline into drum of newspaper before tossing a lit match down into the centre.

Glancing over, I see his face holding no reaction at all, and I think that pleases me further.

Watching the flames increase and feeling the warm radiate out of the drum, I pick up the branding iron, placing it down into flames with my heat proof glove on.

"You want to rethink that comment?" I taunt.

Pulling out the glowing orange metal bar, I await his answer.

"She was never yours" he repeats just before he lets out a pleasing scream the moment the bar is placed nicely on the dip between his neck and shoulder.

Chapter Text

ADLEY

'Arthur?" I announce as I hear the knock at the door.

"Yeah, Adley, it's us" he replies, just as I reach for the handle.

I feel some sort of comfort when I open it to find Arthur and Lorenzo on the other side. Whatever impulse takes over me, brings me straight into their embrace as if we'd been close for years.

"How are you doing?" Lorenzo asks as his comforting hand runs up and down my back.

I shrug my shoulders, "I just want to find him"

"Yeah, you and us both" he chuckles, although he's in no way amused.

As they make their way inside the hotel room, I make them both a cup of tea as they get comfortable on the couch.

"Does your family have any idea or leads? I talked to some detectives earlier too" I quickly inform.

"Yeah, we know" Arthur muses.

"Why is this happening? Do they believe it's a kidnapping, or is he just, I don't know. Run away?' I suggest.

I watch as they exchange a silent look, although to them I'm sure it tells a thousand words.

"What?" I encourage.

Lorenzo nods his head gently in agreement at Arthur, who flips through an application on his phone.

"The detectives brought this to our attention a little while ago" Arthur informs, handing me the phone.

Whilst analysing the image on his phone, I glance at the list of places and names of people.

I turn my head back up to Arthur in confusion. "Why is my name on his list? And my grandpa's? These are some of the places we visited in Ibiza"

Arthur nods his head, "Yeah, I went to a few of these with him myself" he adds.

"What does this have to do with anything?" I ask.

"Adley, they found his in Bradley's apartment during their search. But obviously at the time, it didn't mean anything" Lorenzo informs me.

"At the time?" I clarify.

Arthur and Lorenzo glance at each other again, a look of torment crossing their faces.

"You think Bradley has something to do with this?" I gasp.

"We think Bradley has everything to do with this" Arthur muses.

I shake my head, "No. He's gone, they arrested him the morning after the wedding"

Arthur's head is shaking the whole time I speak.

"That's what we thought too" Lorenzo exclaims, "But I made a few calls, there wasn't enough evidence to hold Bradley"

My jaw drops as my world sinks, "They couldn't hold Bradley? What does that even mean?"

"It means Bradley isn't in custody"

"Then where is he?" I ask sternly.

Another glance exchanged.

"No one is really sure" Arthur saddens.

I feel the blood drain from my face. This cannot be happening.

BRADLEY

"I don't want to have to keep hurting you, mate" I tease.

I hear Charles let out a choked chuckle. "Could have fooled me"

"Yeah, well, I don't want too. But it's just so much fun. I have to keep doing it. It just brings me so much joy. Wouldn't you agree? Don't you just get that rush of excitement like you do on Christmas morning when you were a child?"

His head shakes loosely with defeat.

"I'll tell you what" I offer, "let's play a little game"

When his silence responds, I just encourage myself to continue.

"You're going to tell me everything Adley told you about us. If I believe you, I won't touch you. But if I don't believe you" I pause for dramatic effect. "Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it"

He doesn't respond.

And I really don't like being ignored.

I decide that the wager to this game needs a little more incentive.

I pick up the compartment from the table, unravelling the wire from it's holding and begin to wrap it around Charles' body. Using the two sticky dots, I place a wire by either side of his head, before wrapping it aimlessly around his body.

I set the device up onto the table beside me, flicking on the power and turning the dial slowly.

"Right, let me see if I remember how to work this thing" I mock. Of course I know how to work it, I built it.

Holding down the red button, I can feel the energy surging around the room.

Charles' loud groan fills the air, only subsiding when I remove my finger from the button.

"Huh?" I grunt, "Interesting"

I push the button down again and relish in the sound of his pain. Only to have it stop when I move my finger.

I let out a sarcastic chuckle, "Oh, is it me that's causing that?" I point between Charles and the red button. "So sorry. What is it? Just a little electric shock is it?"

Charles glares at me through pained eyes.

"Right, so let me just explain the rules again. You answer all the questions I have for you, and if I believe you..." I hold my hands up in mercy off the button.

"And, if I don't believe you.." I instantly turn the dial up on the table and slam my fist down on the button, an astonishing amount of current being passed through his body as I watch his limp body pulsate in front of my eyes.

"Oh, this is so much fun" I coo.

"You were meant to wait for me" I hear his entrance bellow through the warehouse as the door slams behind him.

"Sorry, I was just explaining the rules" I muse.

"Yes, but you also don't want to murder him, just yet" he sarcastically amuses.

"Not yet" I agree.

He moves around Charles, connecting up some wires onto his chest, giving me an amused glance as he slides the wire out of the wait as the heart monitors are secured in place.

"How's she going?' I ask, making conversation.

"Getting warmer" he chuckles.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Where are my manners. Charles, I believe you two have met, but I'd love to do some introductions anyway" I tease.

As the monitors are secured, he rounds Charles to join me at my side, just as Charles raises his head slightly, an equal amount of shock and disappointment taking over his weak expression.

"I believe you know my friend here, Wyatt?"

Chapter Text

CHARLES

"You!" I hiss glaring at a smug looking Wyatt.

He shrugs coyly at me, "What?" He chuckles.

"How could you?" I accuse.

However he and Bradley seem to find that amusing.

"It was simple really" Bradley begins to explain, my eyes dart to him, giving him my full undeserved attention. "I needed to know just how into you, Adley was. Turns out..." he turns his lips up, "not so much"

I remain unresponsive.

"Now he's just here to make sure you don't die" he chuckles.

"Oh, how kind of you" I mock.

"Watch it" he warns with a changed tone before turning back to the self made electrocution box. "Now, where were we?"

I tighten my grip on the arm of the chair, preparing for the impacts I know are coming. Quite frankly I think his rules are bullshit and I'm going to experience the shock regardless.

"First question" he announces. "what did Adley tell you about me?"

"Nothing" I repeat, gritting my teeth the moment the word passes my lips as the shock that followed, even though expected, was unbearable.

I feel the shudder through my veins and all the way down my legs. Making my toes curl at the end.

"I can do this all night" Bradley's coos.

"He can't" Wyatt adds in coyly.

"True" Bradley joins in the laughter. "I'll ask again, what did Adley tell you about me?"

"Nothing" I repeat in a grunt as the impact came before I even finished. "Fuck" I yelp.

"It's really not that hard to answer" he muses. "Right, let's try yes or no questions. Maybe you'll understand better"

My can feel my heartbeat radiating through my entire body. It feels stronger than usual, it feels determined.

"Did she tell you we dated?" He starts simple.

"Yes"

"Did she tell you how long we dated for?"

"Yes"

He claps his hands sarcastically. "Very good, see that wasn't very hard was it? Now, did she tell you when we broke up?"

I gaze up at him through my eyebrows, "Start of the year" I answer.

"Did she tell you why?"

He's scared of something. Something she knows. Something he doesn't want to get out. I can tell, whatever it is he thinks she's told me, he feels powerless that he doesn't have control over it.

I want to play the game.

"She did" I lie.

I see the moment of fear flick over his expression. "Very good" he replies, but his tone is tainted in fraud now. He doesn't like this.

"Did you meet Grandpa Joe?"

His question slightly throws me off. "I did" I nod.

"What'd you like of him?"

I shrug.

"Nice man isn't he?" He says.

My eyes dart to Wyatt and then back to Bradley. "What have you done to him?"

The corners of his lips curve and my heart sinks.

"What did you do!" I boast.

This makes both Wyatt and Bradley chuckle knowingly, "Relax, Leclerc. I'm no murderer"

"Yeah he's safe" Wyatt adds in unconvincingly.

"For now" Bradley chuckles in his direction.

"What do you think Adley told me? What are you possibly hiding that could make you this nervous?" I decide to push for information.

"I'm asking you the questions here, asshole" he spits, his rage multiplying.

This makes me smile.

"Something funny?" Wyatt asks.

I shake my head, "Nope, not funny. Just interesting"

................

ADLEY

"I don't want to believe this" I exclaim, pacing back and forth, "What are we going to do?"

"Do you have any idea as to why Bradley would be doing this?" Lorenzo asks.

"You should know, you're mates with him" Arthur sasses.

Lorenzo shoves him roughly in the shoulder.

"Should we go to the police?" I ask in frustration.

"They're aware of the situation" Lorenzo informs me.

"And what are they doing about it?" I push.

"They're working on it"

I see red, "that's not good enough! We need to find him"

"Not to be rude, Ad, this is Bradley, this is your ex boyfriend. Do you have any idea where to start?" Arthur's accuses.

I deflate immediately, I wouldn't even know where to start. I can't think of why he's done this.

"Adley" Lorenzo calms, "Have you got even the slightest idea where Bradley could have taken him? Or why?"

I shake my head with tears threatening my eyes. It's like I can't even think straight right now. My head is in scrambles.

"It's okay" Lorenzo comforts, "it's okay."

My phone vibrates in my pocket, an unknown caller ID lightening up the screen.

Tapping on the lock button twice, it rejects the call. However, the unknown caller rings back again. And I decline it just as I did the last time.

Trust me, Adley. You'll want to take this call - Charles

All of the blood drains from my face.

"Guys!" I gasp.

"What? What is it?" Arthur asks in a hurry.

I turn the phone screen so they can read the incoming text.

Suddenly my phone begins to buzz again in my hand, the unknown caller ID lighting up the screen, this time as a FaceTime call.

"Give it" Lorenzo demands, yanking the phone from my hand and sliding his finger to answer it.

The image that appears on the phone shows a red digital countdown timer,

6 hours, 23 minutes, 14 seconds

"Where the fuck did you take my brother, asshole?" Lorenzo bellows down the phone.

"Lorenzo, buddy, nice to see you again, mate. How's life as a married man?" Bradley chuckles thrown the phone, although we can't see him.

"Where's Charles?" Lorenzo ignores his questions.

"He's taking a little nap" Bradley mocks.

"I swear to fucking god, if you..."

Bradley doesn't let him finish his threat before he turns the phone, his face all battered and sweaty. "You'll what?" He chuckles. "What the fuck are you going to do? I control this rodeo, do you understand me?"

I snatch the phone from Lorenzo's hand, unable to take anymore of this. I place myself in the screen, the visual of tear stained cheeks illuminating in the view.

"Adley, baby. How are you Princess?" Bradley coos and it makes me feel violently ill.

"Bradley, please" I beg. "Whatever this is about, I'm sure it's more to do with me, than it is Charles. Please just let him go and we can talk"

He's head is shaking in amusement as he chuckles low through the phone.

"You've had 8 months to talk, Adley. But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. You had the opportunity outside of the bakery. You had the opportunity at the wedding. You've had your chances sweetheart."

The sob escapes my throat. "Please, just let me know he's okay" I beg.

The phone shifts, revealing the image of Charles lying facedown on the floor, strapped to a chair. I can't see the evidence of blood and bruises and what looks like burn marks all over his arms. My hand slaps against my mouth in horror as my vision goes blurry with tears.

"Charles?" I whimper.

"6 hours, baby." Bradley teases before the line goes dead.

Chapter Text

CHARLES

"Okay, wakey wakey, Princess"

I try to blink, squeeze away the darkness, but only a small glimmer of light passes through no matter how much I try and open my eyes.

"Come on, now. We don't have all day"

I hear his condescending voice from above.

Doing as best as I could to turn my body to face him, feeling every last inch of me scream out in pain. Feeling like I'd be run over by a freight train.

"There he is" Bradley's voice comes a little clearer to me now. "Ready for some more?"

The groan that passes my lips, was my response to ultimately is trying to tell him to go fuck himself, but I'm not entirely sure it came out the way I wanted it too.

"You need to look at least a little presentable for when your girl arrives"

Now he has my attention, what little strength I have left in me, I manage to pull myself up from the floor, now in a seated position.

"Leave her out of this" I mumble.

"She's on a deadline now" Bradley chuckles, "we're down to..." his head cocks toward the side, glancing at something in the distance. "5 hours, 4 minutes and.... 8 seconds"

I turn my head to his direction, viewing a countdown timer quickly ticking down on the wall.

"And then what?" I ask.

"Then we'll see exactly where she stands" Wyatt inputs.

Fuck that guy, seriously.

"Why bring her here? What's that going to do?" I ask. 

"Adley will understand when she is here, she will be aware of what she needs to do." he replies vaguely. 

I have the feeling though that this has nothing to do with Adley, and everything to do with him. He likes control and have someone submissive to him. But his relationship with Adley sounds like nothing more than a lie. I'm don't completely know here yet, but I know her enough to know she isn't apart of all of this. She couldn't be.  

ADLEY

"I think I know where he is" I gasp as the line goes dead.

"What?" Lorenzo asks.

"It's a long shot, but I think I recognise the place they were in" I offer, trying to seperate myself from emotion and fact.

I want to know where he is so badly, I just hope I don't waste any time in leading us somewhere pointless.

"Let's go!" Arthur exclaims.

"Wait!" Lorenzo intercepts, "Just hold on a minute. We can't go bursting in there without a plan, we don't even know if what Adley remembers has any substance to it" he shoots me a remorseful look, "No offence" 

I hold my hands up in defence, "No, no. None taken" 

"We just to just think about this" Lorenzo calms. 

"My brother is in some holding cell somewhere, dead for all we know. He's been in there for what, 3 - 4 days now. I'm not letting him wait any longer" Arthur defends, pushing off the couch and storming out across the room, slamming the front door as he exits. 

Lorenzo and I share a brief glance at one another, before we hear a light knocking on the front door. 

I can't help but let out a little chuckle as I open it, revealing a defeated looking Arthur on the other side.

"I'm going to need an address" he muses. 

I open the door completely, allowing him to come back inside. 

"Great plan, dickhead" Lorenzo teases. 

"His intentions were genuine, just a poorly executed plan" I joke, taking a seat next to Lorenzo. 

"And this is my point" Lorenzo adds. "We need to think this through. Adley, what can you tell us, literally anything will help at this point. Then I'll get the guys onto it,  see what they can come up with"

I nod my head in understanding, "Bradley's family worked this old farm, just outside of Kent when we were still in high school. Bradley and I would often go down there on the weekends, ride the horses, whatever" I shake my head, freeing the pointless trip down memory lane, "Bradley's father had this barn, warehouse, looking thing that we were never allowed to go in. Claimed it was private or whatever. It wasn't until we graduated that Bradley told me his father finally let him inside. Said he was old enough to take over the family business" 

Lorenzo and Arthur listen intently. "What is it? Like a drug operation or something?" Arthur chuckles. 

I nod my head, "Yeah, amongst other things" I admit. 

Lorenzo shoots me a confused glance. 

"They run a sort of dealer and collector arrangement out there" I begin to explain, "And I guess, from what I heard, the dealers, who in their own right, are criminals, sometimes thought their cut wasn't fair" 

"I'm not sure I'm following" Arthur mutters. 

"Meaning if dealers fell out of line, or questioned, there were consequences" Lorenzo confirms. 

I nod my head in agreement, feeling disappointed in myself, that even though I knew of this, I proceeded to continue dating him. 

"They kill people!?" Arthur gasps. 

I shrug my shoulders when they both look to me in question, "Not that I'm aware of, but they definitely knew how to keep them in line" 

"Fuck" Arthur mutters, "We need to find Charles, now" 

I agree in a nod. 

"You said this farm was just outside of Kent?" Lorenzo confirms. 

"Yeah, I could take you there" I explain even though Lorenzo is already shaking his head. 

"Nope. This is far bigger than the three of us can handle" 

"But, I know Bradley. Maybe I could talk to him?" I weakly suggest. 

"No offence, but I don't think you've ever known this guy. Not the true version of him anyway." Lorenzo confesses. 

"So, what? We get the police involved?" I ask. 

"Not exactly the police, but we know some people" Arthur chuckles. 

And with that, no more than two hours later, I'm in one of the black SUVs sent in the direction of Kent.  

Chapter Text

ADLEY

As the cars pull up a short walk away from the farm, I catch the slightest glimpse of the barn in the distance, behind some scattered trees. 

"Is this it?" One of the detectives questions. 

I nod, wrapping my arms further around my body, feeling a shiver take over my body. 

"Hurry up, Adley" his voice echoes through 

my ears as if he was speaking to me whilst I 

was underwater.  "We need to go now! Drive!" 

I couldn't get the car to drive, my body wouldn't 

allow me to move. His body was 

soaked in so much blood, I couldn't comprehend it.

"Hey? Everything okay?" Lorenzo's voice breaks me out of my daydream. 

"What? Sorry? Yeah" I stutter. "What is the plan?" 

"You're going to wait here" he informs with a smile, although it kind of feels like a warning.

"I can't just wait here?" I conflict.

"You've done a lot by just bringing us here. We can take it from here, Adley. Plus, Charles will literally kill me if I let anything happen to you" 

He places a comforting hand on my shoulder. 

"FUCKING DRIVE, ADLEY" he screams again, 

his hand roughly grabbing my shoulder 

to force my hands up onto the wheel. 

I could feel my breath picking up as the 

tears soaked my cheeks. "Is he dead?" I ask in terror, 

so afraid of his answer, I wasn't sure I even wanted to hear it. 

"Doesn't matter! Drive, 

we need to get out of here!" he bellows again.

"Woah, sorry" Lorenzo apologises, removing his hand from my shoulder as if it had just electrocuted him. "You okay?" 

I nod my head.

"Okay, listen, it's all going to be okay." He reassures again. 

"Please let me come? I'll stand back. I won't get in the way.  How much time do we have left anyway?" I ask in horror, remembering we are on a deadline. 

"We've got about 3 hours left" he informs, defeated. 

I let out a staggered breath, "What if I'm wrong? What if they aren't here? What if it's too late?" 

Blood. That's all that I could see. 

It coated everything. I had never seen so 

much of it in my life. 

"LET'S GO!" one of the commending officers announces to the group. 

Lorenzo turns his head back to me, a look of sorrow crossing his face. "Stay here" 

LORENZO   

We follow the command of Hawk. He trained with the navy seals in the US for 15 years before he decided he liked to work more.. private.. relations. 

To be honest, I had no idea what we would be walking into when we got up there. If truth be known, I think I had also mentally prepared to find my lifeless brother when we opened those doors, and I struggled with any other alternative. Which one was the worst case scenario, finding him dead, or not finding him at all? 

I didn't trust this guy, I shouldn't have from the moment I met him, which just makes me feel even more idiotic. 

And then there's Adley. 

The only girl who seemed to turn Charles head, permanently. She seems unaware of her affect on my brother but the Leclerc's, we can see it. 

But from what I gathered, they didn't know enough about each other yet for us to get enough concept on what we are walking into. 

And whilst up until this moment, I've been thanking every god in every religion for her presence in my ice cold hearted brothers life, I'm now seriously questioning it. 

Arthur is to my left, walking with a determined face to find our other third. If I had it my way, he wouldn't be here either, but there was definitely no stopping him, and my focus was on keeping Adley safe for the minute. 

Besides, Arthur's naive courage would be enough to get him in trouble regardless of how much I tried to protect him. 

I glance back towards Adley, watching her leaning against the SUV, her eyes eagerly watching our incline toward the barn. 

"Alright" Hawk whispers as we get closer. Signally some hand motions, our group splits up into 4 to try and cover all parts of the barn. 

As we approach the wall of the barn, my heart rate increases and I can feel my senses slipping away from me although I need them to be extra sharp right now. 

I feel a tap on my arm from behind, and I turn around to see Arthur's eager eyes burning into me. He doesn't say anything, but I know exactly what he's fearing. I fear it too. In every single part of me and I really hope my instincts are betraying me right now. 

Every single one of us has been assigned a gun for this pursuit, although I have no idea if half of us know how to actually operate them. I think its more a prop to seem more dominate, rather than let them know about the insane amount of fear I have trolling through my veins. 

We wait for the signal. 

3.

2.

1.

Hawk pulls open our door, the sound of shouting coming from all corners as our team enters the building. 

But it echos. 

Because it's empty. 

SHIT!

I lower my gun as I see a few of our guys search the perimeter, making sure we haven't missed anything. 

Then I trust my instincts. 

I bust back out the door, the SUV in my sight. 

Adley's not standing by it anymore. 

"FUCK!" I exclaim. 

"What's wrong?" Arthur asks. 

"Adley's gone" I announce in panic. 

"What the fuck!?" he screams. 

"Boss" Ori, one of the guys on my team, "She's there" he points. 

Our eyes follow the direction of his gaze, as I catch the sight of her sprinting up the hill in the distance, heading past the barn and toward a house. 

ADLEY

I grasp a hold of my mouth, fearful of making a noise, although I knew I was alone. Peering around the barn. Everything was coated in blood. The knives. The wire. The benches. The bags of pre-packed drugs. Everything. 

Then I hear it. 

The sobs. 

"Hello?"

She was the same age as me. Looked just like me too. And I've never seen fear humanised before. Her eyes were dark. Almost black. Her skin shook. Its beaded in sweat. I didn't know where her injuries started, and where they ended. I didn't know what parts of her were bleeding, it seemed as though it was everything.

They aren't in the barn.  

They weren't then. 

They won't be now. 

I sprinted for the house the minute the boys reached the barn doors. The memories came flooding back to me in waves. 

When I found that girl, her partner was Bradley's target. He had been for months. She got in the way. And he was well aware of the set up and proceedings that took place in the barn. 

He wasn't a dealer. 

He was Bradley's best friend. 

He tried to undermine him. 

The barn wouldn't work. 

So they had to find another. 

They found somewhere. 

The basement. 

Chapter Text

ADLEY

I didn't even give myself enough time to work out what my next move would be. Adrenaline pushed through my senses and brought me to the basement, storm cellar door.

And the second I heard a scream out in pain, I descended the stairs and pulled open the iron door, my breath catching in my throat when I'm confronted with the site of Bradley standing over the top of someone who I could not see, but knew exactly who it was.

"There she is" Bradley coos, stepping out of the way and revealing a blood soaked, beaten black and blue, limp, Charles.

My hand flies to my mouth as I try and contain my tears.

"Adley?" Charles weak whimper barely makes it out.

"Charles" I mutter.

"Look, I could sit back here, grab my popcorn and watch the final of his romcom, but that's not why you''re here. You know that?" He muses.

"I don't know what you're talking about" I defend.

"Close the door. My bets are you didn't actually come alone" he instructs.

I was about to turn and follow his orders, until I hear the iron door shut and lock behind me.

Turning around, I'm stunned again. "Wyatt?" I gasp.

"Oh yeah, forgot you two knew each other" Bradley amuses from behind.

"How could you?" I whisper to him, shaking my head.

He curls his face up at me, looking completely disgusted. "Oh, don't be so shocked, Adley. You didn't actually think someone of my statue would be interested in a girl like you? Did you?" He chuckles.

I shake my head in disappointment.

"Anyway, now that we have the reunions out of the way." Bradley announces, "Let's get down to business shall we?"

"I don't know what you're talking about" I grunt.

"Stop playing your little games, Adley. The jig is up" He chuckles. "Two words for you. Lila Rhodes."

"Hey, I'm not going to
hurt you. Lila, it's Adley" I
try and comfort her as she
pushes herself back along
the floor away from me.

"Lila, I won't hurt you.
I'm here to help you"
I try and comfort her.

"Stay. Away" she exclaims
Her voice trembling with
Fear.

"Lila" I shake my head.

"Don't" I shake my head, warning him.

"There she is" he chuckles. "You remember her don't you? Haunt your memories every night does she?"

"Stop it" I plead.

"Have you heard from the Rhodes family these past few months?" He mocks. "I'm sure no killer, can't say the same for you"

"I didn't kill her" I boast, I can feel Charles' eyes on me, seeking information.

"Sure, sure" Bradley nudges, sending me a condescending wink.

"I didn't do anything" I protest.

"You were just protecting me, I understand baby, I'm not mad" he reminds.

"Adley?" Charles whimpers from his chair.

"What does Lila have to do with Charles?" I question.

"Let's call it, an eye for an eye" Wyatt admits from behind.

My head darts back and forth between them. And then to Charles.

"You took Lila from me." Wyatt boasts. "I loved her"

My jaw drops.

"You were who Bradley was after? You worked for him?" I mutter.

He nods his head.

"He betrayed you. And now you're working together?" I ask Bradley.

"We sorted out our disagreements." Bradley acknowledges.

"He stole 10 million" I remind him.

"Plenty of motive you had then, Adley" Bradley mocks.

I shake my head. "No. I never touched Lila, I was trying to help her" I defend.

"You were trying to shut her up" Wyatt yells.

"Alright, alright" Bradley holds his hands up. "Enough you two. We have a guest. You're being rude"

My head glances toward the door, wondering why no one is down here yet.

"They're not coming, sweetheart" Bradley coos, noticing my query.

I glance back at him.

"We have a trap door installed, looks just like the landscape, they would have run by us a thousand times" he chuckles in pride.

"What does this have to do with Charles? What do you want from me?" I beg.

"Admit you killed her" Wyatt boasts.

"But I didn't!" I defend.

"Let's just say you did" Bradley amuses.

"Let's not" I quickly fire back.

Bradley sends me a warning glare and I quickly retreat.

"Now you have to kill Charles" he commands.

"What!" I gasp.

"You took Lila from me, now you can take Charles from you" Wyatt announces.

I shake my head. "No"

"Either you kill him, or we will" Bradley shrugs.

"I didn't touch Lila. She was afraid of me. She wouldn't let me near her. I walked away" I defend.

"You're a fucking liar" Wyatt yells.

I feel like I'm getting no where. I can't convince them.

"I promise you! I didn't touch her. She was alive when I left her"

"Where is she then?" Wyatt bellows.

"Give me time to find her" I suggest.

Bradley glances sarcastically towards the clock on the wall, nearly 2 hours to go. He points to it in gesture.

"Seriously?" I mutter.

He holds silence for a moments, before bursting into laughter.

"I have no interest in finding her. So that bargaining tool will be between you and Wyatt. You leave me and Charles out of it" he mocks.

"Let him go, your issue is with me. Just let him go" I beg.

"Wrong again princess" Bradley coos.

"Adley?" Charles mumbles.

"We'll give you two 5 minutes to get reacquainted" Bradley informs, pulling Wyatt off toward the other side of the room.

I rush over to Charles position, crouching down in front of him and brushing his hair off his face. "I'm so sorry" I whimper. "I'm so sorry I got you into all of this. I'm sorry" I beg.

He lets out a breathily chuckle. "What are you talking about? This isn't our first official date?" He mocks.

I shake my head through a mixture of tears and laughs.

"I didn't kill that girl, I promise you Charles" I beg.

"I know. Of course, I know that, Adley. He seems more concerned with something you may have told me. About why you broke up? He kept asking me what I knew?" He informs me.

I try and flick through my memories.

"I'll figure this out" I promise. "I'm so sorry"

"Stop apologising, Porter." He chuckles.

I run my thumb lightly across his bruised cheek, and follow it around the outside of his jaw and across his bottom lip.

"I'm going to fix this. Okay" I assure him.

He nods his head, slightly unconvinced. "Okay, Porter. But, can you just kiss me first?"

Chapter Text

LORENZO

"Where the fuck is she?" I boast as we all make our way to the top of the hill, trolling through the house and the shed, both of which are empty.

"I'm so confused?" Arthur mutters, both of our bodies turning aimlessly in multiple directions, totally unaware of where Adley could have gone.

"We're running out of time" I groan in stress.

I watch as small groups of our guys peel off in different directions, looking for any possible clue as to what could have happened.

"Did anyone see where she went?" One calls out.

I shake my head.

"What do you want us to do, Boss?" Hawk asks me as his crew comes back from scouring out the back of the house.

"She couldn't have just...disappeared. She couldn't have just evaporated." I frustrate.

"Unless aliens took her" Arthur mocks, "Or the mole rats"

That's when it hits me, "Oh my god, that's it"

"Lor, I was kidding" he stutters.

I shake my head at him whilst I push past, heading toward the SUV.

"You got anything in here that can like detect if there's anything underground?" I ask Finn,

"I have a metal detector?" He suggests, pointing toward the machine up on the wall.

"That'll do" I assure, peeling it from the wall and running back up toward Hawk, toward where we last caught sight of Adley.

A few of the other guys grab their ones from their respective SUVs and we do what we can to try and cover as much ground as we can.

After waving the detector around, we finally stumble across the smallest of changes.

"Do you think?" I ask toward Hector.

He shrugs his shoulders, "Worth a try?" He agrees, ordering a few of his men around whilst they get to work on the section of grass below me.

Banging my foot down on the patch, I close my eyes, trying my best to try and channel some sense of siblings connection.

"We have something!"

ADLEY

"It'll be okay" I whisper, my forehead resting against his, my lips coated with a hint of sweat and copper.

He nods in agreement, "When we get out, I owe you a date" he mocks in a chuckle. "A super, extraordinary, date of all dates"

I let out a breathily chuckle, "Okay" I mutter.

"Times UP!" I hear Bradley boast from across the room.

I let my eyes stay held within Charles' gaze for a moment longer, a silent plan and promise passing between us.

"I can get you to Lila" I inform him.

He shakes his head in a chuckle, "You're a liar"

"I'm not." I cover, "I've known where she was from all that time ago. I helped her hide"

My eyes dart toward Charles who is looking at me which tension.

"I will have no problem skinning you alive and wearing it as a coat if you're lying to me, Porter" Wyatt inputs.

"Tad creepy for a Doctor there, bet they didn't teach you that at medical school" Charles sasses.

I smug lightly at his comment, but it quick subsides when I hear his wail out in pain. I whip my head in his direction to see him tense up, his face in agony before going limp.

"Whoops, sorry, finger must have slipped" Bradley mocks, holding his heads up in surrender.

"What the hell is that?" I boast.

"I'm fine, baby" Charles assures from beside me.

"Tough guy?" Wyatt hisses, crossing the room and slamming his fist down on the button, sending Charles into another frenzy.

"Stop it" I whimper, "Stop it"

"Can you bring Lila to me?" Wyatt asks, his hand showing no sign of releasing that button.

I feel my tears drowning my emotions, suddenly not feeling as in control of this, "Stop it" I cry out as Charles doubles over in front of me.

"Can you bring Lila to me?" He repeats again.

"Yes" I commit.

He sends me a condescending look.

"I can" I press.

"You're acting like I care about that?" Bradley contributes.

Wyatt and my head turn toward Bradley.

"What is it you want from me?" I ask him in defeat.

"You"

My jaw falls open. "What?"

"You belong with me, Adley. Simple as that. You agree to stop your stupid games, return to me, then everything will be restored." He shrugs.

"That's not fucking happening" Charles spits.

"I'll do it" I cut him off.

I feel Charles instantly grab my hand, pulling my attention to him.

"It's the only way I can keep you safe" I admit.

He shakes his head, a firmer grip being applied to my hand.

My hand slowly slips from Charles as I pull from him. He shakes his head slightly just as our fingers disconnect.

"You'll let Charles go right? If I agree to come home to you, you'll let him go?" I confirm.

Bradley shrugs, "If you're serious about coming home to me, you shouldn't worry about what happens to him" he gestures his head toward Charles.

"You're not an evil man" I try and calmly suggest to him, "I know deep down, this isn't you"

"What do you think I am, Porter?" He asks.

"Not this" I simply put it, because deep down, I think he's one of the most conniving, evil and vindictive people I know.

"Then don't you worry about him" He coos pulling me closer to him by my waist.

When I feel his hands on me, I feel violently ill and his touch burns into my skin. I feel myself tense up to his touch, wanting to move as far away from him as I can.

"Welcome home sweetheart" he whispers.

I can feel the presence of Charles pulling me back to him, whilst the hands of my tortured past yank me toward him.

"Adley?" Charles weak beg filters behind me before the sound of his struggled yelp commences.

"Don't you worry about him" Bradley encourages, trying his best to pull me against him.

I can see it in his eyes that he neither trusts me or cares about what happens after this. It's about what he always wants. Control.

"Back the fuck up, you psychotic piece of shit"

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"Ouch" Charles winces as I press the ice pack against his cheek.

"I'm sorry" I apologise, pulling some pressure off.

His lips curl up slightly, reaching his hand between up and grasping onto the outside of my hand, directing the ice pack from his cheek and across to my lip.

When Lorenzo and the others burst into the cellar, Bradley offered me an impulse backhand across my face, sending me straight into the corner of the table and onto the floor.

Everything else happened in a blur and the next thing I knew, as we were in the back of an SUV, speeding away from my hell.

'How are you feeling?" He asks.

I nod my head, "Embarrassed" I admit.

His face turns up at me in confusion.

"Everything that just happened, Charles, you didn't deserve that" I inform him.

"Baby, it's okay" he assures, his free hand cupping the side of my face in his hand, brushing his thumb across my jaw line .

I shake my head against his grip, suddenly feeling completely overwhelmed with everything.

Our attention turns to a knock at the hotel room door, "Am I interrupting?" Lorenzo asks as enters.

"No, you're okay." Charles informs, removing his hand from my jaw, yet making no movement to remove the ice from my face.

Lorenzo makes his way toward the bed that we are currently both settled on.

His face whines at the sight of me, "Geez, Porter. He got you good" he examines, his hand coming up to evaluate my injuries.

"Where is he?" Charles asks.

"They've got him in holding at the moment. Both he and Wyatt have been detained." He obviously notices the concern on both of our faces. "For real this time"

"I can't believe Wyatt" I shake my head in disbelief.

"You weren't to know. Don't beat yourself up" Charles assures.

"Adley?" My head snaps in the direction of the door, to see the overly emotional mess balling through it.

"Oxland" I announce, sliding my legs off the bed and rushing to meet her.

"You seriously get into the most crazy shit when I'm not around" she grips me tightly.

"I'm sorry" I chuckle, then catching a glimpse of Lando coming through the door in a pant, obviously attempting to keep up with Oxland.

"Hey kiddo. You okay?" He asks, giving me a welcome hug.

I nod my head against him.

We made our way back over to the bed, coming in mid conversation with Lorenzo and Charles.

"Will it stick this time?" Charles asks.

Lorenzo nods his head, "Yeah, there is more than enough time from what we have from the cellar"

"Good. And Wyatt, he'll be stripped of his license yeah?"

"They should both be locked up for long enough that it wouldn't matter" Lorenzo chuckles. 

"Owe" Charles winces as Oxland slaps his arm. "What was that for?"

"You said you would keep her safe" she accuses.

"To be fair, Ox" I cut in, "I think I'm the one who put him in more danger than anything else"

Charles smirks lightly, "She's right"

"And don't hit him" I alert to Oxland.

"So, happens now?" Oxland asks.

"We try and enjoy the rest of our summer break" Charles suggests in a chuckle.

"Yes, well I have a honeymoon that I wish to attend" Lorenzo adds in. "Speaking of, I best go. Trisha is waiting for me downstairs. I just wanted to drop these off" he hands Charles a folder.

"The investigation is ongoing, but this is everything we have on them" Lorenzo's attentions then turns to me, his face riddled with regret. "There's a section there on Lila Rhodes"

"She's alive?" I gasp.

His head shakes in remorse. "She isn't"

I feel Charles' full attention waiver over me, "Adley?"

"But... I...." I stutter.

"It was not you're doing, Adley. You aren't even a suspect in their investigation. But the detectives still want to talk to you" he informs.

I nod in understanding.

He settles a comforting hand on my shoulder, "I'll catch up with you guys soon okay. But don't let it worry you now. You two go off and restart. God knows you both deserve it"

"Thank you, Lorenzo. Seriously. For everything" Charles appreciates.

He nods his head. "You've got yourself a good girl there, brother. Don't fuck it up"

I can't help but smile at his comment.

Once Lorenzo leaves, Charles, Lando, Oxland and I position ourselves in the bed, catching them up on the past 24 hours.

"Geez mate, didn't get enough attention on the track, you wanted it all over the summer break too" Lando mocks.

Charles shrugs beside me, "What can I say? I really do need to have it all"

"What about you two?" Oxland asks. "Surely near death experiences is enough for you to want to tie this girl down?"

I chuckle, "Surely that would be more of a red flag than anything?" I tease.

"You would think so, wouldn't you" Lando adds in humour.

"I don't" Charles insists, interlocking his fingers with mine.

I can't deny just how the butterflies swarming in my stomach made me feel in that moment.

Oxland makes a fake vomit sound, "Okay, no, gross, I can't stand by and watch this"

"We'll catch up with you guys for dinner later okay? Looks like you could both do with some rest?" Lando suggests.

"Sounds good" Charles agrees.

Once they've left and it finally just remains Charles and I, I feel a certain amount of tension, suddenly feeling awkward, and a little shy.

"So" Charles mutters trying to break some of the tension.

"I know you told me to stop, but I do really apologise for what happened"

I feel his hand cup my chin, guiding it so my eyes find his, "You honestly don't need to"

"Charles, be serious" I give him a deadpan look, "You nearly died"

"Give me some credit" he teases.

"Charles"

"Okay" he breaths, "let's call it even"

"We are no where close to even" I chuckle.

"I catfished you" he reminds me.

"Oh I remember" I laugh, "I'm saying what you did was so much worse"

He rolls his eyes at me in amusement, "thought so."

As his hand folds around the back of my neck, I feel him pull slightly to bring me toward him. Our foreheads mould together, as I breath in his scent.

"This is right" he whispers.

I nod.

"Can I please kiss you now?" He requests.

I let out a breathily chuckle, "yes, Charles. You can kiss me now?"

The minute he presses his warm lips to mine, I feel connected again. The next few moments pass by in slow motion as we completely take each other in.

As he pulls his lips slightly from me, I feel his eyes on me as I slowly peel open mine.

"Be mine?" He asks.

"What?" I chuckle.

"I mean it, Porter." He says in all seriousness. "Be mine"

Chapter Text

CHARLES

Bradley was locked away, Wyatt had been taken into custody with multiple charges, including now being the major suspect in Lila's death, and Adley and I were on our way back to Ibiza, trying to celebrate what little time we had left of the summer break before I was due back at the factory.

"Everything okay?" she mutters beside me, her fingers sliding in to interlock with mine.

Turning to look at her, the tiny spectacles that spread across her cheek bone, showing evidence of where he lay hands on her. She houses a smile, but I can tell there's something tormenting her under the surface. Yet, she only seems to care about my wellbeing.

"I'm good" I fabricate, sliding my fingers as tightly as I can through hers.

Truth is, I hadn't told Adley about the threats made to Grandpa Joe. Part of me, a big part of me, didn't believe that the threat was real. But there's always that hint, that small incline of, what if it is.

I had to make sure.

Sure, Ibiza held significance to Adley and I, and it was a beautiful place to be able to return to for our week off, but I had matters to take care of.

I had some of the guys look into the movement around Grandpa Joe's villa, and the reports back were inconclusive. I needed to find out myself, without alerting Adley.

"I'm so glad we get to come back here. This place kind of feels like ours now" she muses, the memories of our time together here flashing across her expression.

"It does, doesn't it" I smile.

Since Adley had agreed to be mine, I've felt her withdrawing from me slightly. It's only been a few days, I'll give her that, and it's probably new. Hell, it's new to me as well. I've never cared for a girl enough to have the want to make her stick around. But something about Adley, made me never want her to leave.

I knew part of her didn't trust me. Or trust this to be something lasting. But it didn't worry me. I looked forward to proving her wrong.

"Mr Leclerc? Excuse me sir" Hartley, one of the attendants on my parents plane approaches. "We will be landing in about 20 minutes. Oh, and here is the documents you requested"

I pull the file into my arms, trying to hide the identification from Adley. "Thank you, Hartley" I appreciate. Hoping he'll say no more.

Adley offers me a comforting smile when our eyes meet. A look that tells me she's going to respect my privacy.

"Are we going to stay at your parents place here?"  She asks me, shyly.

I can't help but absolutely adore this girl, "No, baby. I've booked us somewhere special. I believe you and I deserve a little special treatment after everything" I mock.

She hums a sigh of agreement before packing up her things into her handbag, ready for our landing.

On our way toward the villa, I notice she's a little quiet,  but then again, I notice that I am as well.

I feel like I just really want to finish all this Bradley business to feel like I can really start with Adley. I feel like no matter how much we try, until we can say all the loose ends have been tied up, we'll never fully be able to be us.

"Wow" Adley gushes as we walk through the doors of our beach front villa. "Charles, this is incredible"

We edge further into villa, floor to ceiling bi-fold doors opening up to an outdoor bath which leads right to the sand of our own private, secluded beach.

For a brief moment, I think maybe I've gone too far with the romance of the property. Something like this isn't really you'd spend a first date with a new girlfriend, but I quickly shake it off, being that it's Adley, and it's me, and we've been through enough to deserve this, and more.

"I'm glad you like it" I appreciate, coming up behind her, placing my hands onto her shoulders and giving them a slight squeeze.

Feeling her head drop back weightless against my shoulder, I place a delicate kiss to the side of her face.

My arms find themselves wrapping their way around her, holding her right up against me, "What do you want to do tonight?" I ask her, realising our bodies are slightly swaying from side to side.

I'm pleasantly surprised when her head cocks slightly to the side, a playful smirk coating her lips.

"Hmm." I hum in delight, cupping her jaw in my hand and pulling her lips closer to mine, enough so I'm able to close the gap, enclosing mine around hers.

She spins effortlessly in my arms, her hands finding themselves around the back of my neck, keeping a firm hold of me against her, before I feel the spark of her tongue dance lightly across my bottom lip.

Her hands begin to grasp frequently at my body, becoming slightly needy and feral as I feel the lust fuel her urgency.

I reluctantly pull away, moaning at my own withdrawal of her taste.

"As much as I want to throw your legs up around my shoulders and burying myself between them, hearing you whimper and scream my name" I'm making myself hard with the image, "That's not how I want to fuck you tonight, Porter"

Her lip pouts in front of me, and I couldn't resist the urge to fall forward and claim it, biting it lightly between teeth.

I hear her pleasured groan at the contact and I've got a serious battle of blood rush between my head and my... other brain.

Pulling back slightly, I frame the outside of her face, sliding my fingers around the edges, and pausing on her cheeks, admiring her gorgeous face.

"I know you probably don't trust, this, right now. I know I haven't given you the greatest reasons to trust me, but I want to prove this to you now, Ads. You are exactly the person I want, I admire everything about the person you are and I would really love the opportunity to get to know you more. To be given the honour in being the closest person to you" I vow.

A dimple appears in her cheek with her smile.

"You have to stop looking at me like that" I chuckle.

"Like what?" She ponders in coo.

I let out a breathily sigh, "Like you've forgiven me already"

"But I have" she admits with a shrug.

"No" I defeat, "You can't yet"

"Charles" she removes my hands from her face, holding them in her grasp between us. "I'm pretty sure enough has happened that we deserve a clean slate."

I nod my head, before bringing her hands up between us and placing a longing kiss on her palm.

"Just you and me now. We can do this the proper way this time. No secrets, no ulterior motive."

I feel my stomach sink instantly.

I let her hands go, turning around and facing the opposite way, a pent up breath catching in my lungs.

"Charles? Are you alright? Did I do something wrong?" She gasps.

I shake my head, "You haven't baby." I take a deep breath, "But I have"  

Chapter Text

ADLEY

"What do you mean you can't find him?" I gasp, my breath increasing painfully in my chest. "When was the last time someone knew where he was?"

The colour in Charles' face drains, he looks so guilt, "Baby, I'm trying to handle this so you don't have too. We have people looking for him" he stresses.

I feel helpless, "But, Charles?" I whimper.

He holds me tightly, "We're going to find him" he assures.

"What do you know?" I beg.

Letting me slip from his arms, he crosses the room to his suitcase, pulling out the file from the plane.

"This is everything I know, up until now" he admits, giving me full access to it's continents.

My emotion spills over and I find myself overwhelmed in fear, sadness and jut overall exhaustion. It seems to be never ending for us.

"I need to talk to his nurse. She would have to know something?" I suggest.

His face turns defeated, "We tried to contact her, she hasn't gotten back to us, and the hospital stated she hasn't been at her regular shifts this week"

I deflate.

"We're going to find him, baby"

My attention catches to his phone ringing on the bed.

"Hello?" He answers, his attention on me cautiously. "Got it, we'll come right away. Thank you, Hartley"

"Well?" I ask impatiently, before he's even had the chance to hang up the phone.

"They've found him" he informs, making relief wash through me, followed by a shudder of panic when Charles doesn't match my relief.

"What is it?" I mutter.

"He's alive, Ads. But he's in intensive care" he regretfully informs.

My mind is completely blank the entire way up to the hospital, I could hear Charles trying to explain things to me, but it was only making it's way to my ears in mumbles and riddles.

"Adley?" he gasps, grabbing my attention which is only then when I realise I'm sitting in a parked car, already arrived at the entrance.

I turn my head to look at him, blurred vision from my tears.

"I have to go" I whisper to him in terror.

Making my way through the halls, I'm lead by one of the nurses towards his ward.

Stepping inside the room, the piercing noise of machinery mixed with the sight of cables connected to all parts of his body, a tube lodged deep within his throat, I'm frozen at the entrance.

"What happened?" I manage to sniffle out.

"Your grandfather had a heart attack. Quite a severe one. He was very lucky to be brought in when he was" she informs me. "However when the surgeons went in, we unfortunately found quite an advanced cancerous tumour in your grandfathers heart. We're very sorry"

"Who? Who brought him in?" I mutter.

"We aren't sure of that, sorry." She admits, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Will it? Does this type of cancer, will it..?' I couldn't bring myself to say it. I didn't want too.

"It''s hard to say, every case is so incredibly different. But given that it is in the advanced stages, and taking into an account his age" she doesn't finish her sentence, she doesn't need too.

"Does he know?" I ask in a whimper.

She nods gracefully, with a comforting smirk. "He's well aware"

"Thank you" I appreciate before she turns to leave the room, the silence holding me hostage, demanding my place in the floor.

"Ads?" His grumbly whisper hits my ears like a freight train.

"Gramps" I gush, being pulled to his side.

Collapsing myself on top of his body, I hear a slight grunt at the contact, followed by a chuckle.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't here. I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you" I gush in sadness.

"It's not your job to take care of me, princess. I'm doing just fine" he muses. "I was due for a change in scenery" he mocks.

My chuckle comes out in a sob, "That isn't funny"

"I beg to differ" he teases, tapping the space beside him.

I settle myself down right next to him, keeping a firm grasp on his hands. "Will you tell me it's going to be okay?" I beg, feeling myself becoming overwhelmed.

He squeezes my hands tighter, giving me a comforting look. "You're going to be just fine, my special girl"

............

Nothing about that night, was fine.

Tonight, the final rug was torn out from underneath me, and this time, sent my entire world into a painful, lasting, free fall.

Charles stayed with me through Grandpa Joe's lasting breaths, breaths that eventually become a little more shallow. Breaths that eventually grasped onto it's final stages of life.

And with a comforting squeeze from the man behind me, I watched the man in front of me slip into his peaceful eternity.

.................

When we made it back to the villa, we laid on top of the duvet, I was positioned completely within the grasp of Charles, fitting perfectly into the space around him, and I cried.

I let the feelings of death take over me.

I allowed the frustrations of life consume me.

Whilst feeling the desperate pull of my right now trying eagerly to comfort me into a parallel universe where this doesn't completely shatter me to pieces.

"I'm so sorry, Adley" he whispers into the back of my neck, sealing his words with as many kisses as he could manage.

"I'm so sorry this had to happen" he remorses again.

I shake my head. "I can't." I struggle. "I can't believe this is happening."

Our romantic week in Ibiza resulted in spending the days packing up Grandpa Joe's things. Packing up an entire life into itemised boxes before we attend his celebration of life at the end of the week.

Charles has been an absolute rock through all of this, and I've never felt more supported and connected to a person in my life.

"Adley?" Charles announces, accompanied by a slight knock on the bedroom door of Grandpa Joe's room.  "There's someone here to see you"

As I make my way to the front door, I'm met with a man, quick a rough looking man, holding the daily paper in his grip.

"Hi, can I help you?" I ask, pulling the front door open.

"Adley, is it?" The man asks.

I nod my head.

"Hi, I'm Daniel Rhodes" he introduces. "My daughter was.."

"Lila" I cut him off.

He nods sadly, "That's right"

"How can I help you, Mr Rhodes?"

He shuffles nervously in front of me, the grip on the newspaper tightening so I can hear the crumble of the pages.

"I work, well worked, for.. umm, for Bradley" he announces and my skin turns ice cold.

"Just hear him out" Charles encourages.

"I was on strict instructions to watch over your Grandpa Joe, and if given the word, I was," he trails off, looking ashamed in himself. "I saw your Grandpa collapse, I was the one who took him to the hospital'

"He died anyway" I deadpan. Completely cold hearted.

"I read, I'm so sorry" he offers his condolences.

I don't answer him, frankly, I don't even know why he's telling me all of this.

"I just wanted to apologise to you. I somehow feel responsible" he acknowledges.

"What happened to your daughter, Mr Rhodes?" I ask coldly.

"Lila, she took her own life, almost a year ago" he announces.

"You realise the man you work for is probably the reason for that" I hiss.

He nods his head, "I'm well aware, that's why I took on this job. I guess you could say I'm undercover" he chuckles briefly, before stopping himself.

"What is it you want from me, Mr Rhodes?"

He shakes his head, "Nothing from you, Ms Porter. I just wanted to offer you my word, that Bradley and Wyatt will never set foot in the free world again"

I glare at him, untrusting.

"I'm extremely sorry for your loss. I'll leave you to it"

Chapter Text

ADLEY
Abu Dhabi - Final Grand Prix

"Can you believe them?" Oxland chuckles as we walk side by side into the paddock, amused by the huge line up of fans, begging to catch a glimpse at their idols.

"Same crowds gather every week" I amuse, my eyes darting around the fan pen, trying to read some of the crafted signs and proposals. Apparently a lot of people want to marry Lewis.

Heading toward the hospitality tents, I let out a pent up sigh. "Final race, gosh I hope it goes well" I admit.

"How many points between he and Max?" Oxland asks.

"For Charles to win the championship, Max needs to place 7th or lower"

Oxland gives me a knowing look.

"I know" I roll my eyes. "He's going to do great though. I'm sure he'll be happy no matter what"

"Where is he taking you after?" She quizzes, sipping through the straw of her freshly squeeze pineapple martini.

"We're going back to Ibiza, meeting a potential buyer on Grandpas house" I inform her.

"Is that good news?"

I shrug lightly, trying to push past how it makes me feel at the moment, "I'll let you know after it sells"

"Ladies" Lando announces as he approaches the railway separating the hospitality seating from the main paddock. "Day drinking? What has you two so stressed?"

"Going to score any points today babe?" Oxland coos, earning her a playful smirk from Lando.

"I'll get 2. One for each of you" he teases as Oxland and I dramatically look touched by his gesture.

"How's our main man feeling?" Lando asks, his head nodding in my direction.

"He's okay" I breath out, feeling so much more nervous than he probably does right now. "He knows what he's got to do and he's starting on pole, that's good for him"

"Yeah but Max is right next to him" he reminds me.

"You'll just have to take him out for us" Oxland mocks.

"I'm in P7, I'll have to wait a little before I can do that" he jokes. "I better go" he announces before giving a gentle kiss to Oxland's lips and ruffling my hair.

I can't help but let out a chuckle.

"What?" Oxland questions.

"You could absolutely die if you could see how you look at him" I gush.

Embarrassment spreads to her face immediately, "shut up" she chuckles.

"Where are you two heading over break?" I ask

"New York" she admits with an excited giggle.

By the time we make it back to the McLaren garage to watch the race, both Oxland and I are visibly nervous.

"Are you nervous for Lando or Charles?" I ask her in amusement.

"I'm nervous for you" she admits. "The result of this will determine what kind of sex that man is going to give you tonight, and as your best friend, I care about your well-being"

I shake my head in a chuckle. "I'm sure I'll be just fine"

"You say that now" she informs, "say that again when your making awkward love to a man who's balling his eyes out when your riding him"

"Oxland, my god" I shudder in a giggle. "He's going to be fine"

And he was fine.

More than fine.

Charles won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and after an incident leaving the pit lane between Lando and Max on lap 42 left Max with a puncture, Max crossed the line in 14th.

Charles became World Champion.

..........................

My champion.

We barely made it through the hotel door before our hands were pulling aimlessly on each others clothing, like no matter what we did, it wasn't ridding each other quick enough of the material that stood in our way.

We mumbled sweet, inaudible, beautiful words to each other between our sloppy kisses, words that would need to be repeated at a later time.

As the door slammed behind me, and the nature of our aloneness took hold of us, our frantic grasping seemed to catch up with our realities.

I feel his hand reach up, brushing my hair out of my face and resting on my cheek, his face only millimetres from mine, his eyes burning into my soul.

"You did it baby" I appreciate, in absolute awe.

His forehead comes crashing into mine as I watch his eyes squint in disbelief.

Lunging forward to taste him again, I can't control the way I'm begging for him now. The way I can feel the throb of my sex aching for him to be close, to be inside of me, offering the friction and warmth and connection I so desperately seek from him.

Reaching down between us, I take his throbbing length into my grip, relished in the presence of his need for me as well. An approving groan bellows from the depths of his throat, urging me to continue.

As I circle my wrist, edging my way back up his shaft, I allow my hand to sink inside his pants, shuffling past the lining of his underwear too until I come into bare contact with his lust. Seeping with urgency.

His hand roughly pulls the back of my head closet to him, parting my lips wider with his own, allowing his tongue to dip generously inside of me, completely tasting me and taking me further into his orbit.

Removing my hand out from his pants, I use both hands to take the handful of material of either side of his waist band, pulling it down the length of his legs as he shifts his weight, stepping out of them and shuffling my tights and underwear down my legs, leaving me bottom bare in front of him.

Wasting no time, he hooks his hands up underneath my knees, hoisting me up and settling me comfortably on his waist, walking us away from the front door.

As I feel him lower himself down onto the bed, and shuffling back so he's hard up against the backboard, he's managed to hold tightly onto me, not disconnecting us for even a moment.

Sitting on his lap, straddling him perfectly and feeling the small pulses of desire below me, I allow my hips to circle gracefully ontop of him, feeling the effect it has on him.

His hand finds it's way to my throat, applying the smallest among of pressure, sending small shudders of light headed waves through my body, only intensifying my approaching high.

"I need to be inside you" he mumbles between kisses. "I need to sink so far deep into you and have you ride me, I want to watch you conform to me, totally lose yourself in me."

Allowing myself to lift slightly up on my knees, I bring my hand up between us, my tongue making light contact with the palm of my hand as I slowly drag it up to the fingertips, his eyes totally engrossed into the motion.

Bringing my hand back down between us, keeping his eyes firmly on following the direction of my hand, my head falls back as I make contact with my tingling clit.

"Oh baby" he gushes. "Yes"

Involuntary, I couldn't help just how much I continue to circle my fingertips around my sensitive area, the sensation building, making me feral on top of him.

"Keep doing that baby" he encourages, sending a pleasurable whine to fall from my lips as I feel the intensity growing.

"Ride yourself fully, baby. Keep going" Charles breaths, pulling my neck toward his lips, the warmth of his tongue gliding up the length of my neck, adding to the pleasure swelling at the base of my stomach.

"I need you" I whine.

"Soon baby, keep doing what you're doing" my fingers begin to circle with more intensity around my clit, feeling the bubble threatening to burst.

I couldn't take the feeling anymore. I needed him, I remove my hand from my area and whilst still raised on my knees, I tuck my toes underneath me, pulling myself up onto my feet, standing on the bed, my legs either side of him.

His face now right where I need him, I encourage him to close the gap with my hands tangled tightly in his hair.

His desperate, hungry lips come into contact right where I need them, furthermore just hustling me over the edge, my head throws back in an overwhelming sense of relief as I feel myself come completely undone over him.

Looking down at him, completely out of breath, he looks up at me with lust filled eyes, a glimmer of menace in him.

"That's round one, baby. Now get down here" he commands, my legs buckling themselves immediately, crashing me back down into his hold.

"I'll only give you a moment to level yourself, then you're going again" he warns, his hips bucking slightly at his words. 

A man true to his promise, before I know it, I'm on my back, his fingers pumping relentlessly into me, building that surge up deep within me, his tongue dancing around my nipple, further encouraging the second free fall.

I moan out in pleasure, unable to compile any words, any sense of structure. The only way I knew how to communicate was with whines and grunts, but these seems to be all he needed to pick up speed and desperation.

As I fall apart all over his fingers, he draws them slowly out of me, holding my gaze as he guides them to his lips, completely tasting the remains of my pleasure.

"I'll let you decide how we finish this, I can take you here, throw your legs over my shoulders and drive you home. I can flip you around, nail you deeper and harder than you've ever felt possible, you'll struggle to sit down for a week.."

I cut him off, forcing him back down, shoving my hands into his shoulders so his back comes into rough contact with the mattress below.

"I'll take option 3" I whisper in sass.

"There wasn't a.." he begins to defend before I climb on top of him, positioning myself right above where I know he desires me. "Oh"

Lowering myself down onto him, I feel the tip of his penis come into direct contact with my g spot, almost sending me right over the edge there and then.

"Fuck you look absolutely beautiful up there" he comments before taking a firm hold of my hips.

Steadying myself with a hand firmly on his chest, I begin to rock myself back and forth, feeling that unforgiving pounding of the edge of him against one of my most reactive sensors.

His head rolls back further into the pillow, his eyes pinching closed as I feel him grow even harder and bigger inside of me.

"For crying out loud, move baby" he begs as I roll my lips again, causing cuss words to be spoken from his lips.

Picking up my rhythm, I feel myself building to my climax again, reading his body language tells me he's going to join me in this undoing.

"Fuck yes baby, keep going" he grunts breathless.

I feel myself constrict around him as he pulsates into me.

My body falls beside him, completely drained of every last inch of energy.

"What's the matter, Porter?" Charles coos, folding himself up around me. "Im not done with you yet" he mocks.

"My legs don't work anymore. They're dead" I tease.

I feel the bed dip beside me, and sense his presence circle around the bed to stand in front of me.

Peering one eye open, I gaze up at him and notice his outstretched hand.

"What?" I encourage.

"Come with me" he commands.

Sliding me off the bed, Charles scoops me up into his arms, my legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

I stay in this position like a koala bear as he steps us both into the shower, the warm water instantly cascading down my back.

Settling us both down on the built in wall step, I straddle Charles's hips, letting my fingertips run through his hair.

Our faces are only inches apart, as we just take the moment in to gaze at each other.

"I can't believe you're mine" he whispers in pride.

I blink away the droplets of water falling across my face, as his hand comes between us, drawing aimless lines around the side of my face, down my neck line, between my breasts and back up to where he started. I watch as he watches his track with nothing but absolute adoration.

"I am so proud of you" I gush. "Not just for your win. But for the man that you are today"

"It's because of you" he suggests and I shake my head in disbelief.

"No" I whisper. "You're just..." I search the lines of his face. "Everything."

"I love you, Porter" he admits in relief, a smile presenting itself at his words, "I really do love you"

My heart completely melts at his confession. I know I feel the same.

"I love you too, Lee" I send him a playful wink as his face moulds into an amused disappointment. 

"Are you ever going to let me live that down?" He asks in regret.

I shake my head as I heighten myself, settling back down on his awaiting length, watching the pleasure roll through him like a tidal wave. "Never"

——————————————

That completes the Deviant Book.
Thankyou so much to everyone who read this book, I had a lot of fun writing it.

Thank you again so much for reading. I've loved reading your comments along the way and all the messages I've received full of kind words. You really make my day, so thank you :)

X x