Art to fall in love with /// Lando Norris

Chapter 22: Reassurance and Healing

Back at the McLaren garage, Lando paced anxiously, his eyes darting towards the entrance every few seconds. He couldn't concentrate on anything else until he knew Cassy was safe and sound. The post-race meeting had felt interminable, his mind constantly drifting to her. Finally, the door opened, and Cassy walked in with Alexandra, Kika, and Lily.

Lando's heart leapt. He rushed over, his face a mixture of relief and worry. Without a word, he gently took Cassy's hand and led her into his small private room within the garage. As soon as the door closed behind them, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I've been so worried," he murmured into her hair, holding her as if he might lose her if he let go.

Cassy felt overwhelmed by his concern, and tears pricked her eyes. She hugged him back just as tightly, finding comfort in his presence. "I'm okay," she whispered. "We confronted the girls. It's over now."

Lando pulled back slightly, his eyes searching her face for any signs of lingering distress. "You confronted them?" he asked, both impressed and concerned.

Cassy nodded, managing a small smile. "Yes. I couldn't just let them get away with it. Alexandra, Kika, and Lily helped. They were amazing."

A sense of pride mixed with his worry. "You're incredible, you know that?" He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle. "But I wish you hadn't had to go through any of this."

His eyes fell on the medical bandage wrapped around her arm, and his expression darkened with concern. "What happened here?" he asked softly, gently taking her arm in his hands.

Cassy sighed, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. "One of the girls grabbed me, and things got a bit... physical. It's just a bruise. The medical staff said I'll be fine."

Lando's eyes softened, and he lifted her arm to his lips, kissing the bruised area tenderly. "I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I should have been there to protect you."

Cassy shook her head, cupping his cheek with her free hand. "It's not your fault, Lando. You were doing your job. And honestly, I'm glad I stood up to them. It made me feel stronger."

Lando pulled her into another hug, his heart aching for her. "I'm so proud of you, Cassy. But I hate that you got hurt."

Cassy leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "It's okay. I'll heal. And I have you and my friends. That's all that matters."

They stood there in silence for a while, just holding each other. Lando's warmth and steady heartbeat were a soothing balm to Cassy's frazzled nerves. She felt safe in his arms, and the chaos of the day started to melt away.

Eventually, Lando pulled back, looking into her eyes. "You're staying with me tonight," he said firmly. "No arguments."

Cassy smiled, feeling a surge of affection for him. "I wasn't planning on arguing," she said softly.

Lando smiled back, his eyes filled with warmth and love. "Good."

He led her to a small couch in the room and sat down, pulling her onto his lap. Cassy nestled against him, feeling his arms wrap around her protectively. It was as if nothing else in the world mattered in that moment but the two of them.

"Tell me everything," Lando said quietly. "I want to know exactly what happened."

Cassy took a deep breath and began to recount the events of the day. She told him about seeing the girls, deciding to confront them, and the confrontation itself. She described how Alexandra, Kika, and Lily had stepped in and how they had all ended up at the medical tent.

Lando listened intently, his jaw clenching in anger at the thought of those girls hurting Cassy. But he also felt immense pride at how brave she had been. "You're amazing, Cassy," he said when she finished. "I don't know how you stayed so strong."

Cassy shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "I had a lot of support. And knowing you were worried about me gave me strength too."

Lando kissed her forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment. "I love you," he whispered against her skin.

Cassy's heart skipped a beat. She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes. "I love you too, Lando," she replied, her voice filled with emotion.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other's presence. The noise of the garage outside faded into the background, and it felt like they were the only two people in the world. Lando's fingers traced soothing patterns on Cassy's back, and she felt herself relaxing more and