PARTNERS || MAX VERSTAPPEN

XXVI

Authors note: Get your headphones and be prepared for...something.

Scarlett POV:

When Lando arrived, he found me sitting under a tree. My clothes were soaking wet, and my body was trembling. But I didn't feel that. Not at all.

I stared into the rainy night. Being unable to move, I sat there the whole time, thinking about what I witnessed earlier.

Lando jumped out of his car and ran towards me. He took off his jacket and put it over my shoulders.

"Scarlett, what the hell are you doing out here?! You could get sick!" 

He pulled me into a tight hug and even then the numbness didn't leave my body. I closed my eyes slowly, not having enough energy to hug him back. 

"Let's go. You're as cold as ice. Come on." 

He broke the hug and dragged me up with him. My ankle hurt terribly and I felt weak standing on my feet. When I stood up straight, I wanted to take a step forwards but all I did was fall in Lando's arms. 

"Hey, I got you. It's okay, you can lean on me." 

His voice tone was harsh but also soothing at the same time. I had no other choice but to let him lead me to his car. Before he started driving, he got the key to my car and took the sportsbag with him. 

As he came back, he somehow managed to dry me enough, so I didn't tremble like before. He turned on the seat heating and always kept checking on me. 

"If you need anything, tell me. Okay? I'm here for you and you can trust me. I'll get you everything you need." 

My knees were pulled towards my chest, I had my arms wrapped around them. Having no energy left in my body I rested my head on my knees, looking out of the window. 

When he said that, I bit my lip. I can trust him? I know these words all too well. And they managed to hurt me every single time. My swollen eyes watered up again. After all those tears, I thought there were none left anymore. 

Suddenly I felt my phone vibrating in the pocket of my pants. I was tired but something was telling me to check the notification. 

3 missed calls from Max Verstappen

3 unread messages from Max Verstappen 

Not opening the messages, I put my phone away and went back into the position like before. 

"Who is it?"

I didn't answer. I didn't need to answer. He knew. 

"Do you want me to take care of it?" 

Hardly noticeable I shook my head. I don't want anyone to take care of anything anymore. I don't want anyone to do something for me. Because in the end, I get hurt and proved how stupid I am. 

For the rest of the drive Lando stayed quiet. Probably for the best. The rain didn't stop either.

When we arrived back at the hotel, he helped me to get out of the car. The clothes stuck on my body and I felt more uncomfortable and sick with every step I took. At times, I needed a break from walking because I felt lightheaded. My heart was beating fast and I started to cough as well.