The bet | Charles Leclerc

• Seventeen •

Tuesday

In my hotel-doorframe, Charles Leclerc stands. A suitcase beside him, sweats covering his body, he smiles gently.

"Come to Monaco with me" He requests, his voice almost pleading.

My heart skips a beat or two. Behind me, my own suitcase has been packed, ready for my flight home in a few hours.

"Leclerc, I can't" I tell him softly, smiling weakly at him, as I run a hand through my brunette hair.
It would go wrong, I can already tell.

"Please Isa, it'll be fun" Leclerc argues, now actually begging me. I shake my head lightly, unable to force away the smile that coats my lips.

"I have a family and friends Leclerc, maybe next time" I remind him, raising my eyebrow slightly, as I lean against the open door.

Leclerc dramatically sighs, smiling himself. His gaze drops to the floor, when a smug smirk starts pulling on the corners of his mouth. "But.."

Oh god, there he goes again..

"You did promise me you'd fly with me" He says, his eyes hopeful as they lock with mine. Shit, I actually did promise him that.

I open my mouth, about to object with some stupid excuse, but Leclerc stops me, gently holding his index finger against my lips.

Like that, I've been silenced.

"The flight leaves in an hour. We'll do a stopover in the Netherlands." Leclerc announces, leaving no room for objections.

His teeth flash in satisfied, charming grin. "I'll see you" He gently whispers, leaning in and leaving a soft kiss on my cheek, before cheerfully strolling away.

I stand frozen in the door. Slowly a smile appears on my flushed face, Charles Leclerc's kiss lingering on my cheek.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

Leclerc's private jet is so much more breathtakingly luxurious, than I could have ever imagined. Leather seats, champagne, private pilot...

My life feels unreal.

I've heard stories of flights like this for years, seen my father and brother take them every other day.. But never have I been invited.

"Like it?" Leclerc asks me softly, leaning forward on the table separating us. He's in a beige, leather seat, me in an identical one opposite him.

I stare out the window, where the ground slowly disappears as the plane rises, a grin unraveling on my lips.

"I love it." I admit, grin wide and honest.

"Good" Leclerc mutters, his dimples shining at me. His eyes are soft, green nuances taking in every inch of me bit by bit.

"What are you doing in the break till Australia?" He asks after a moment of silence, break meaning the small week until the next race in Australia.

I rest my head in my palms, leaning forward as well. "Spending time with my Mam, she'll kill me if I don't" I answer with a gentle smile.

It's impossible to think about my Mam, and not smile. She's my everything.

Leclerc beams sweetly, adjusting himself, his face edging closer and closer to mine. "What about your Dad, Jos?"