L O C K -U P | c. leclerc

7| During Bahrain Part 2

A. Devereaux

Just as I was about to approach my car, Charles stepped in front of me stopping me dead on my tracks. "Go away Lord Percy or I'll break your nose," I warned and he just didn't even budge. No sigh, no rolling of eyes, not even a tease.

What is wrong with him?

"What were you doing with Carlos?," he questioned his face looming closer to mine.

"None of your business Charles, now step aside cause you're pissing me off," I said, trying to shove him aside but he won't budge. What is his problem?!

"What is your problem?!," I scolded, "Why does it matter to you if I do anything with him?"

"Are you dumb? He raced for Red Bull, you have to be careful with what you say to him?," he warned and I was just taken aback by his behaviour. What is he doing?! He's being ridiculous right now.

"Charles, If you don't stop acting like this, I'm going to force you to DNF, what is wrong with you?!," I yelled this time, getting annoyed that he won't let me through. I couldn't get a read on him, he had this intent look on his face, like he wanted to get a point across.

"I just..."

"What? Spit it out!," I demanded, shoving him again but he still won't budge. There was a sad look in his eyes when he muttered, "I don't want you jumping ship like he did."

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

For once the poor man was being genuine. I didn't quite have the arsenal to comfort him so I awkwardly patted him on the head like a dog and said, "There, there, I'm not leaving the team anytime soon. Especially when Ferrari seemed to be the only one interested in hiring me."

"Well after qualifying it might be different now-," he said again like a poor child, scared that his toy is being taken away. I started patting him harder on the head, unsure of what to do and just said, "Don't worry, it'll be a long while before I stop pissing you off."

He smacked my hand away and said, "Are you trying to give me a concussion?!"

"You're the one acting like a mopey dog!," I scolded and he just rolled his eyes as I continued to say, "Next time, if you're gonna be a sad sob, remember that I'm not equipped with the skills to comfort you."

"I wasn't being sad! I'm just looking out for the team!," he said to collect himself but I just laughed and commented, "Yeah yeah, you tell yourself that. I'm starting to think you're beginning to like me. Be careful Lord Percy before you get pricked by my thorns."

"Ah yes, I forgot you're a cactus not a person," he joked and I smirked then said, "Touché."

"Now can you please let me through before I smash you into the ground," I said, shoving him away and I swear I saw the hint of a smile. What is this guy trying to do?

I shook my thoughts away and put on my head cover as I got into the car. I secured my helmet then I was given the steering wheel. I put it on the car as the mechanics brought my car to pole position. Fuck it feels good to be at the front of the grid, and show the world that a woman can walk all these men like dogs.

And that woman is me.

As my car was being brought to the front, I passed by Carlos who just gave me a wink before putting his visor down. I let out a big sigh, now I really have to beat him because I don't know what I've gotten myself into. It's new territory and I don't like it.

All of us were given a warm up lap to make sure the tires were at it's optimum state and so were the brake and clutches. Seems to be that no one has had to retire their car. It wasn't raining either so there was no delayed start.