Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 43

Lando

The next race wasn't for another week, and I could see that Lily needed a break from all the stress we'd been under lately. Between the pressure of racing and the hate she'd been receiving, I knew she needed to get away. 

I wanted to do something special for her, something that would take her mind off everything. So, I decided to surprise her with a trip to the Maldives.

"Hey, love," I called out as I walked into the living room where she was curled up with a book.

She looked up, her eyes brightening as she saw me. "Hey, what's up?"

I grinned, holding up the plane tickets I'd just printed. "How do you feel about spending a few days in the Maldives?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, and a huge smile spread across her face. "Are you serious? Lando, that's amazing! I've always wanted to go there!"

"I know," I said, sitting beside her and handing her the tickets. "We leave in a few hours. I've already booked everything—the villa, the flights, even a private jet to take us there."

Lily looked at the tickets, then back at me, her expression a mix of excitement and disbelief. "You're incredible, you know that?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool but feeling a rush of satisfaction at her reaction. "Just want to make you happy."

She leaned over and kissed me, her lips soft and warm against mine. "You already do."

The next morning, we packed our things for the trip. I tossed a few pairs of swim trunks, some light shirts, and my favourite sunglasses into my suitcase, while Lily meticulously folded her bikinis, sundresses, and beachwear.

"Don't forget your sunscreen," she reminded me with a playful smile. "I'm not letting you get sunburned on our first day."

"Yes, ma'am," I teased, packing the bottle of sunscreen.

With everything packed, we headed to the airport. The private jet was waiting for us on the tarmac, sleek and luxurious. As we boarded, Lily looked around, taking in the plush seats and the spacious cabin.

"This is amazing, Lando," she said, settling into one of the seats by the window.

"I'm glad you like it," I said, sitting beside her. "We're going to have an incredible time."

The flight to the Maldives was smooth and relaxing. We spent most of the time chatting, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. Lily was already looking more relaxed, her shoulders less tense as we soared through the sky.

When we finally landed, a speedboat was waiting to take us to our villa. The water was crystal clear, the colour of turquoise, and the white sand beaches stretched out as far as the eye could see. 

Lily's excitement was palpable as we sped across the water, the warm breeze blowing through her hair.

"Look at this place," she said, her voice full of awe as we approached the villa. It was perched on stilts above the water, with a small slide leading directly into the lagoon. "It's like paradise."

"Wait until you see the inside," I said, grinning as the boat docked.

We were greeted with a welcome drink and shown around the villa. The interior was even more beautiful than I'd imagined—bright, airy, with a huge bed draped in white linens, a private deck with lounge chairs, and a stunning view of the ocean. 

The best part, though, was the slide that led directly from our deck into the water. "I'm trying that slide right now," Lily announced as soon as we were alone.