The bet | Charles Leclerc

• Fifteen •

Sunday
Leclerc's POV

It's only been a few minutes since I said goodnight to Isa by her hotel room. And yet, I already miss her.

Ever since I saw her for that first time in Bahrain, my head has been a mess, constantly haunted by those gorgeous green-blue eyes.

My footsteps feel heavy against the concrete, as I pass through the ghost-town like paddock. Everyone's gone home by now, the darkness falling upon Jeddah.

But I don't have time to rest yet. As stupid as it sounds, I'm on a mission. I promised Isa something, and I'm a man who holds his word.

I come to a halt at the Mercedes sign. My future teammate, told me he'd still be here, his reasoning being complications with the team.

Now I can only pray he has time to even speak to me.

My entrance echoes through the Mercedes building, that's just as empty as the somber paddock. It feels almost illegal to be here, like I'm betraying my team.

When in reality, all I'm doing is making sure the drop dead gorgeous girl in my mind, is getting what she deserves.

"Lewis?" I ask into the first office I see. As I'd expected, Lewis Hamilton sits inside, headphones pulled over his ears.

The moment he sees me, he pulls them off, a smile escaping on his previously emotionless face. He quickly stands up from his chair, approaching me.

"What's up dude?" He greets me with a grin, hugging me immediately, just like he always does.

Even though I've known the plans for a long time, I still can't put my mind on that he's my teammate next year.

Lewis Hamilton in red is one hell of a sight.

"Sorry, I know it's late.. but I gotta ask you for a favor" I say, rubbing the back of my neck, as Lewis furrows his brows at me.

"A favor?" He questions, raising a brow at me.

I nod. "A favor." I confirm, biting down on my inner cheek. Narrowing his eyes at me confusingly, Lewis slowly nods, agreeing on a favor.

Thank god.

"Do you know Isa, Max's sister?" I ask him, fiddling with the silver rings on my fingers. My hand still lingers the place where her hand interlocked with mine earlier...

God, what I wouldn't do to simply hold her hand in this very moment.

Lewis hesitates for a moment. "Yeah, I think so, she's interviewed me once or twice" He answers, his eyes still narrow with suspicion. "Why?" He follows up.

I bite down in my lower lip. How do I even ask this...?! "Could you maybe do an exclusive interview with her?" I boldly put the question on the table.

My stomach tightens with anticipation.

"What does that imply?" Lewis asks, still so goddamn suspicious.

"A tell-all type interview about the whole Mercedes-Ferrari move" I answer truthfully. He won't agree to this, I can feel it.

I somehow need to convince him..