Deviant [Charles Leclerc]

CHAPTER VI

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.