The Bolter | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 5

"I'll be right back, I just need to speak to that photographer," she pointed towards the bar to a woman with a huge, expensive looking camera. Before I could say anything, she disappeared and I was left alone, staring at Charles.

"I heard you've broken up another model or was it a footballer or maybe a singer? Or was it all three?" Charles' words broke the silence like a machete.

"I've heard you're selling ice cream now," I retorted. "Career prospects really that bad?"

He scoffed. "At least I have a career. Modelling, really?"

I rolled my eyes, if he was going to try and insult me, he could at least try and hit me where it hurts. "Weren't your last girlfriends models? Or were they all just friends with each other?"

We stared at each other in bitter silence, at a sort of stalemate. I knew he was jealous of Max, and he knew that. They acted as friends in public, but remove the cameras and it was as if they were high school enemies in a 2000s sitcom. It was a bit pathetic if you asked me.

"I'm sure your dad would love to know that you're here," he said again, poking the bear.

"Don't bring up my dad Charles," I warned him. He always knew how to push my buttons, and Jos Verstappen was like a detonator.

"Why not?" He shrugged. "He probably wouldn't care anyway, everyone knows you only act out to get his attention."

That hurt. He had no idea of the relationship I had with my dad. It wasn't good, but I certainly didn't want his attention. "For once in your life can you not be such a dickhead?"

"You could try not being a bitch," he retorted.

I blinked. Something flickered in his eyes that suggested he regretted it, but he made no apology. I know I sounded like a hypocrite, but that was too far. I know I'd insulted him, but there was something about being called a bitch by a man that added an extra layer of insulation. "Fuck you. I don't have time for this. I'm leaving."

"Good," he said as I grabbed my bag from the table.

I stormed towards the door when Mila stopped me. "Dani? Where are you going?"

"Back to my hotel, I'm sorry but this just wasn't a good idea," I shook my head. "I'll call you tomorrow."

I left and felt the cool night air wash over me. I could've screamed. Nothing ever went right for me.