SO AMERICAN | max verstappen

twenty.

Max's POV

My flight home wasn't until late this morning, meaning that I didn't make it back home until mid-afternoon. And after a long race weekend, I was more than ready to fall into bed for a few hours.

But my heart wanted something else. I wanted to see Riley, it felt weird wanting that, but I did and I'm not sure why.

Sending her and Lili home on Saturday sucked, I felt so lonely afterward, but it was needed after Jos and Serina pulled what they had.

Riley told me that they'd decided on staying at my apartment while I was gone, well, more so Lili had decided for them. Apparently, my little girl had also decided that they needed to sleep in my bed while I was gone to 'remind them Daddy will be home soon.' It was cute.

My phone vibrated as I stopped outside my door, searching for the key I asked Riley to hide by the door in case she wasn't here when I arrived.

Mark C.: there's a lot of press about the serina incident, we need you to post about the girls being okay and calling serina out without name-dropping. it'll work wonders!

I grimaced at his text.

He didn't even ask if they were okay, only wanting me to worry about how the media saw it. Maybe I'll find a new manager that cares a little more.

After finding the key that Riley hid, I unlocked the door only to be met with probably the quietest apartment ever. There was no noise aside from the faint sound of the television in one of the bedrooms. They definitely weren't out and about since the tv was on, but I feel like I should at least be able to hear them talking.

I walked back toward my room, figuring I'd find them eventually. Upon walking into my room, I found them, probably the easiest game of hide-and-seek I've ever played. There was a movie on the tv, yet Riley and Lili were dead asleep.

I smiled at the sight, setting my stuff down by the closet before crawling onto the bed. My eyes found Riley's face as I laid down, Lili settled between us. Thankfully, the swelling was gone and the bruises were only barely visible now. She seemed to be recovering nicely. I couldn't help but reach out, gently running my fingers over the soft skin of her cheek.

Her eyes fluttered open at my touch, her eyes widening for a second before relaxing seconds later. "Welcome home." Her voice was quiet, raspy even.

"You feeling any better?" I asked, fingers still running over her cheek.

"Not really, but your daughter is really good at cuddling."

My hand fell from her face, both of us looking down at Lili, admiring how peaceful she looked. She looked so at ease in Riley's arms, her head on her chest. I don't think I've ever seen Lili so peaceful aside from the times she's fallen asleep on me.

"She gets it from me." I smirked, my eyes shifting back up to lock with Riley's.

She giggles. "You're cocky, Mr. World Champion."

My stomach fluttered at the use of the nickname. I think that's why I hate when she calls me it, it makes me feel things I don't like. Well, that I shouldn't like, makes me feel out of control.

Growing up, my Dad always drilled it into me that anything that made you feel out of control was bad. It was something to eliminate from your life. To be successful, to be the best there was, you had to be in full control.

I think that might be why he hates when I get drunk, too.

"And you're not, Miss America?" I quipped back.

Her brows furrowed, "Why do you call me that?"

"I mean it fits you, but you're also so American." I laughed, my hand now on her arm, rubbing it.