Trackside Temptation

Chapter Four

FRANCESCA

"And do you think you have what it takes to regain the world championship title?" a reporter said, eagerly.

I watched from the side as Matthias folded his arms and held his microphone closer.

"I think anyone has what it takes," he began. "You know we're all here because we're the best of the best. But this year, we have the car for it, the right mindset and a strong team behind us. So yes, I do think we have what it takes."

Beside me, the De Rossi PR manager, Lily, sighed a breath of relief. "Oh, thank God he answered that appropriately. I was worried we'd have a front-page article with his blunt words displayed in bold ink."

I chuckled. I think we were all a bit worried about that.

"I noticed you mentioned the team a lot, but do you believe you'll be able to win the championship yourself?" another journalist said.

I rolled my eyes. He was trying to provoke a negative response. Journalists always did.

Matthias stared blankly at the man for a few seconds. He held his microphone close to his mouth as he said, "Obviously. I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I was good."

The journalist chuckled, but I could tell he was uncomfortable. That was what he got for asking shit like that.

"What did he think he was going to say?" I whispered. "No, I think I suck, and I'm just here 'cause it's a hobby."

"To be fair, that's been said before," Lily chuckled.

I shook my head and laughed. "That's awesome."

Matthias walked over to me after his interview. "Fuck, that was ridiculous."

"Cheer up, cupcake." I patted him on the chest. "There are worse things to deal with in the world." I started walking towards the exit. "Let's get you on the sim," I yelled without turning back.

I heard the sound of footsteps picking up the pace behind me.

"Has anyone ever told you you're so demanding," Matthias said when he'd finally caught up.

I turned my head swiftly. "Has anyone ever told you you're a terrible listener?"

We entered the training room and spent the first ten minutes warming up.

"Okay, let's start with the weighted sim first and then we'll practice your times."

Matthias nodded, but he didn't look pleased with the plan—he never did. He lifted his jumper off, revealing a small glimpse of his toned body underneath.

I looked away... out of respect, obviously.

I watched as he trained his neck muscles. His face scrunched in pain as he pulled against the resistance, flashing his full set of perfect white teeth. He crossed his arms over his chest, revealing the detailed veins on his forearms and hands. His legs were apart, and his strong thighs were straining against his pants. I was only staring because I was standing in front of him, I lied to myself.

I turned away. "Good. Hold it. Hold it." Matthias had his eyes closed, so he couldn't have known I wasn't looking anymore. He did as I asked, then released his neck.

"How'd that feel?" I asked as I removed my jumper. It was getting hot in there...because of the weather, obviously.

"Fine," he said abruptly. A small bead of sweat lingered at the edge of his forehead, and the redness of his cheeks made the blue in his eyes stand out. "I'll do a few more rounds."

I nodded and watched him as he repeated his movements. It was crucial that he trained himself to withstand the G-forces, but I never fully grasped how intensely he had to push himself to prepare for it.