Apex | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 51

There are no doubts about how he would look at me. I trust him enough to know his actions, but I'm scared of how he will choose to retaliate with this. 

I watched from the motorhome, along with a few guests. Imara was at the Paddock Club because she came across an old friend who was attending the race as well. I reassured her that I was alright to be alone since the team has reported that Manuele wouldn't be attending this race, staying in Maranello to handle management matters. 

The race result was not what everyone expected. Since the championship fight was with Charles and Lewis, people were surprised to see Max bag the win. The car was having issues this weekend for Charles and from what he told me about their most recent meeting, the best possible outcome they were hoping for was second place. Lewis experienced a delay in his pitstop, causing Max to breeze past him as he moved to pole position, Charles following right behind. Lewis' exit from the pitlane was tight, him and Charles almost touching wheels but the control between the two drivers was impeccable as Charles managed to gain P2 over Lewis. 

I knew Charles was going to take longer than expected with the post-race interviews, just like how he usually does whenever he finishes on the podium. There were a lot of eyes on him as well during the weekend because of the significance of the track for him. I've heard Jules' name a bunch of times in the paddock, and even more so when I saw interviews of Charles online. 

I busied myself with a book as I waited for him at the motorhome. People had already left, guests attending the festivities organized after the race. Most of the team members were either on the first floor or fixing up some things in the garage, allowing me to read in peace. 

At least that's what I thought. 

It felt like a bucket of ice had been poured over me, my fingers halting as I made a move to flip a page. I didn't move, body rigid as I hoped the eerie feeling was just an incoming panic attack. I heard the scuffle of feet as I closed my eyes, my chest moving up and down in fear. The entire floor was so quiet I could hear every movement, every step, and every exhale he made. I knew he was moving towards me and when I felt a puff of air by my cheek, I closed my eyes tighter, fighting my lip to keep myself from sobbing. 

A hand landed on my shoulder and it was like a spark went through me. I jumped up from my seat, dropping my book as I moved to a defensive stance, turning around with my hands held in front of me. 

My eyes widened when they met Charles' green ones, shock and worry clearly evident in them. My body sagged in relief upon seeing him and the sob I was trying to keep silent tore away from my lips as I collapsed to the floor. I held my knees to my chest, whispering the two letters I remember vividly from that night. 

"Nova." Charles said quietly and I looked up to see him crouching down in front of me. He was still in his race suit, a Ferrari cap sitting on top of his head. I noticed him quickly assess me before coming nearer, testing if I was going to pull away. When I didn't he evaporated every ounce of space as he cradled my face in his hands. "Are you having a panic attack? I have my phone on–" 

I frantically shook my head, feeling his warm hands on me but I didn't reciprocate the touch. "It's not a panic attack. I–" Another sob escaped my lips as I felt disgusted at myself. My body didn't feel like it was mine anymore. "I'm sorry." I sobbed, feeling my vision blur as Charles shook his head at me. 

"Why are you apologizing?" He asked, pulling me flush against his chest. "If this is about earlier, you don't have to tell me yet. I can wait until you're ready, okay?" He pulled me up onto my feet, moving towards one of the couches on the second floor. 

He was about to sit me down when we heard a set of footsteps coming up the stairs. "Charles!" A voice called and my body froze, knowing exactly who it belonged to. This didn't go unnoticed to Charles as he eyed me with curiosity in his features, turning his head to see who called him. "Non è stato il massimo, ma hai fatto bene. Sono appena arrivato un paio di–" [It was not the best, but you did good. I just arrived a few–]. Manuele's voice was cut off when he stepped on the landing, eyes immediately stopping on me. I instinctively took a step back, the hand that Charles placed on my waist falling back to his side. "Oh, Nadia." Manuele grinned and I felt sick to my stomach when I recognized the look in his eyes. 

He remembers. He fucking remembers and there's no sign of regret on his face. 

"It's good to see you again." Manuele added. 

When I didn't reply, he stepped closer. I fought the urge to run when he stopped a few feet from me and Charles who was watching the interaction. I can see his eyes flitting from me to his team principal, taking note of how I placed my hands behind my back– a habit that I've formed whenever they were shaking. He took note of how I avoided Manuele's gaze as the latter continued to smile at me. 

Charles took a step towards me, hand reaching out to hold my hand but I only pulled my body closer to myself, casting a quick look at Manuele before looking down at the floor. I could feel the two of their gazes hot on me as I wished for a miracle that would magically make me disappear from this moment. 

I saw Charles' feet move and I looked up to see him turn his back to me as he faced Manuele. His shoulders were rigid, back completely straight as I watched him calmly place his hands by his sides. I couldn't see his face, but there was an air of intensity as Manuele's smile dropped upon seeing his number one driver's face. 

"What the fuck did you do?" Charles' tone was as cold as ice as he kept his ground. 

Manuele had the nerve to act clueless, eyebrows furrowing in feigned confusion. "What are you talking about?" He asked, crossing his arms defensively over his chest. 

"You heard me." 

The two of them stared at one another for a few more seconds until Manuele's expression completely changed. The warm and kind look he's been wearing as Ferrari's team principal disappeared and was replaced with the menacing smirk that cornered me that night. His eyes moved to mine, gaze lingering on my body and I saw Charles' hands form into fists. A laugh escaped Manuele's lips as he brushed one of his fingers over his lips, not bothering to hide the fact that he was practically ogling me. 

"Maybe you should ask your girlfriend. I know she liked it just as much as I did." 

"Fuck you!" It was like something snapped inside of me as I lunged at him, feeling Charles' arms wrap around my waist as he pulled me back. He was a second late when I felt one of my nails scratch against Manuele's face, a long red mark forming from his cheekbone to the side of his lips. 

He ran a hand over the side of his face, jaw moving as he watched me. The cruel glint in his eyes was the last thing I saw before he spoke once again. "You already have, darling." 

The arms around me loosened which urged me to give him more than a scratch, but before I could do so, Manuele's body was tackled to the ground. 

⚠️

A harsh crack vibrated throughout the room as Charles' fist came in contact with Manuele's, his body looming over him. He didn't stop as Manuele fought back, but it was obvious who was more physically capable. I stood frozen as I watched Charles, a murderous look in his eyes. His green eyes had turned a shade darker as he landed punch after punch on Manuele's face, knuckles turning red and some of the skin splitting open. 

I didn't think he was going to stop because the Charles I saw in front of me was someone who looked like he was capable of doing damage. He only stopped when a whimper escaped my lips and Charles turned around to face me, eyes softening when they landed on me. 

Manuele coughed up blood underneath him as Charles stood up, giving him one last look of fury before taking a step back. 

"I'm going to ruin you." Charles told him, voice daunting as he looked down at Manuele, a mix of anger and disappointment in his eyes. 

"I'd like to see you try." Manuele had the nerve to chuckle as he wiped his bloody nose. 

Charles matched his arrogance, as he sent one last glare at Manuele. "Trust me, I fucking will." 

*****

This gave me mafia vibes lol

✧Reese✧