A Criminal Kiss [Max Verstappen]

chapter twenty five

Annalise P.O.V

Clara was absolutely glowing.

It was the kind of glow that only came from excitement so strong it couldn't be contained, no matter how dignified or reserved you tried to be. And Clara, dignified as ever, was failing spectacularly.

"Wait, when does it say Franco is in town?" Lando asks, his tone as casual as if he were asking about the weather, though the mischievous glint in his eyes betrays him.

Clara's head snaps up from the letter in her hand. She blinks a few times, pretending to read it like it was the first time she'd seen it.

"Uhh... today," she finally says, her voice higher than usual.

"Today?" Lando repeats, feigning surprise. His grin widens. "Well then, we must go!"

Clara sputters, her cheeks immediately turning a bright shade of crimson. "Go? Where? We—"

But Lando isn't having any of it. "To town, of course! What better time to visit Franco than when he's conveniently in the area?"

I bite back a smile as I watch the exchange. Clara's usual 'composure' had completely unraveled, and it was endearing to see her so flustered. Clara was now reduced to a squealing, paper-clutching mess.

Clara attempts to bury her face behind the letter, emitting a rather undignified squeal, which only makes Lando laugh harder.

"Oh, this is going to be fun," Lando says, clapping his hands together. "Oscar! Tell Pierre to prepare the car. We're going to town!"

Oscar, who had been leaning against the doorframe with a bemused expression, raises an eyebrow. "Is this an official trip, or just an excuse to embarrass Clara?"

"Both," Lando replies without missing a beat.

"I'm not embarrassed!" Clara interjects, though her voice betrays her.

"Sure you're not," I tease, earning a glare from her.

Clara huffs, folding the letter with exaggerated precision. "Fine. Let's go. But if anyone ruins this for me, I'm holding them personally responsible."

Lando and Oscar exchange amused glances, but they wisely said nothing as they all begin preparing to leave.

The ride into town is lively, to say the least. Lando can't resist teasing Clara at every turn, while Oscar occasionally throws in a dry remark that sends everyone into fits of laughter. Me, for the most part, stays mostly quiet, enjoying the rare lightheartedness of the moment.

When we arrive, the town was bustling with activity. Vendors calling out their wares, children darting between stalls, and the scent of freshly baked bread filling the air. I take a deep breath in, letting the liveliness of the town wash over me

And then I see him.

Franco was standing near one of the larger stalls, speaking to a merchant with his usual calm demeanor. His dark hair caught the sunlight, and he wore a tailored coat that made him look every bit the gentleman Clara so obviously adored.

Clara spotted him at the same time and froze.

"There he is!" Lando said, nudging her forward. "Go on, then. Don't keep him waiting."

Clara shot him a withering glare, but she stepped forward, smoothing her skirts as she approached Franco.

I watched from a distance, a small smile tugging at my lips. I was happy for Clara—truly, I was. But as she looked at Franco, so composed and proper, she couldn't help but think of Max. Of his crooked smile, his chalk-dusted hands, and the way he made her feel like she could breathe for the first time in years.