Behind the Pit Wall: Jamie Albon's Challenge // Lando Norris // F1

Chapter 32: Determined and Defiant

Lando could usually shake things off. He was known for his carefree attitude, for brushing off mistakes and moving on with a grin. But today, as he jogged along the quiet coastline of Monaco, he couldn't shake the frustration bubbling inside him. The argument with Jamie was still fresh in his mind, festering like an old wound that wouldn't heal.

He had gotten up early, something he rarely did unless he had a purpose. Today, that purpose was Jamie. He knows that Jamie and Alex are currently in Monaco. She had been avoiding him for weeks, and it was starting to drive him mad. Lando wasn't sure why it bothered him so much—maybe it was because he was used to getting under her skin, to their usual back-and-forth. But this silent treatment? It was something new, and he didn't like it.

As he stopped to stretch, trying to work out the tension that had settled in his shoulders, he let his gaze drift out over the water. Normally, the peacefulness of the ocean would calm him, but not today. Today, he was too wound up, too focused on figuring out how to get Jamie to talk to him again.

He didn't know what he was going to say when he saw her, but he knew he couldn't let things continue like this. Ignoring the problem wasn't an option—not when Jamie was involved. He had to confront it head-on, even if it meant pushing her buttons a little more.

Lando was just about to start jogging again when he heard the sound of footsteps behind him. He turned slightly, catching a glimpse of someone familiar—a figure with determined strides and a pace that suggested she had somewhere to be. Jamie.

A grin spread across his face. This was his chance. He was about to call out to her, but before he could say anything, Jamie stopped dead in her tracks. She spun around on her heel and bolted in the opposite direction.

"What the hell?" Lando muttered under his breath, completely taken aback.

For a moment, he just stood there, staring after her in disbelief. But then a smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. Oh, this was going to be fun.

Without a second thought, he took off after her. "Jamie! Wait up!" he called, but she didn't even glance back.

Lando's grin widened as he picked up the pace. He was faster than her, and they both knew it. He wasn't going to let her get away that easily. Within minutes, he caught up to her, watching as she slowed down and sat by a small beach, clearly thinking she'd escaped him.

This time, he approached her quietly, almost stealthily, until he was right behind her. He couldn't resist the urge to reach out and grab her shoulders.

"Jay!" he called out, unable to suppress the amusement in his voice.

Jamie's scream was sharp and startled, and she jumped up, spinning around to face him. The shock on her face was priceless, but it quickly morphed into something else—anger, pure and fierce. Lando could see the fire in her eyes, and it only fueled his own mischievous streak.

"Why the hell did you sneak up on me like that?" she snapped, her voice tight with irritation.

Lando shrugged, the grin never leaving his face. "You're the one who ran away. What was that about?"

Jamie's eyes narrowed to slits, her entire demeanor screaming fury. "You're insufferable, you know that?"

"Maybe," Lando said, his tone light. "But you didn't have to run. What's the matter, Jay? Scared?"

Her glare could have melted steel. "Scared? Of you? Please."

She turned on her heel and started walking away, clearly intent on leaving him behind. Lando wasn't having it. He quickly fell into step beside her, matching her pace with ease.