Apex | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 34

I did the math in my head, knowing that we were the same age. In a span of five years, he lost three people. I couldn't help but move closer to him, leaning my head against his shoulder as his hand moved to my thigh.

It seems that we're more similar than he lets me believe. I don't know what's worse– losing three people consecutively or losing them all at once.

"How did you get through it?"

"Honestly? I don't have a fucking clue. Aside from what I've told you, it's one of the reasons why I don't believe in relationships anymore. I've seen what their partners went through and I don't want someone to feel that way because of me. Racing kept me busy just like your work does for you, but it's never enough is it?"

I shook my head and propped my chin on his shoulder, finding him already looking at me. "We're a fucked up pair, aren't we?" That familiar glint appeared in his eyes before quickly disappearing, lips pulled up into a sad smile.

"Yes, we are."

The next morning, I was getting ready in my bedroom when Charles dropped a bomb on me. He was in my en suite bathroom, using the clothes he brought beforehand that were placed inside the backpack he brought with him last night. When he told me that, I bit back the smile that was threatening to form on my face at the realization that he was planning to spend the night yesterday.

Since he only had free practice today, I was planning to spend the day going around the track and paddock with Gabby whenever the free practice sessions weren't ongoing. The weather was warm today so I was dressed in a light blue sleeveless top, tucked inside white high waisted shorts. I paired the look with some sneakers, knowing that I'd be doing a lot of walking today.

"My family wants to meet you." He blurted out as he walked out of the bathroom to grab his Ferrari shirt before going back inside as if the words he just said were normal for me to hear.

"What did you just say?" I asked, leaning both of my hands against the doorframe of the bathroom as I watched him get dressed. "Your family?"

"We're in Monaco, Nova. My mum and brothers will be there the entire race weekend."

Holy fuck.

The only thing I know about his family is that his brother is a race car driver as well. I knew one of them was there during the race in Baku and I didn't get to meet them because things weren't alright with us.

We both took our own bikes to the paddock since he told me it'd be difficult to park a car and that most of the drivers were either being dropped off or using bicycles as well. As we made our way to the paddock, the nerves set in that it's possible his family wouldn't like me. I've never gone through the process of meeting the family and personally, I don't know how I should act. Am I supposed to be the kind and loving girlfriend or the Nadia that's not afraid to speak up.

Charles held my hand as soon as we walked through the entrance of the paddock and he gave me an odd look. "Are you nervous?" He asked and I ignored him. My palms were sweating and I tried to convince myself that it was because of the heat today but I know better to believe that.

"I've never done this before." I muttered and he stopped walking, not minding the cameras around us as well as the people waiting to ask for his autograph.

"Hold hands?"

I hit his abdomen and he laughed before placing his hands over my arms. "I don't have the girlfriend act mastered, Charles. How do you expect me to do so with your family?"

"Just be yourself." He smiled, grabbing my hand once again and leading me to the Ferrari motorhome. "Minus the eye rolls, the physical violence, and the verbal sparring."