Redline | L.Norris

thirty four

The door opened with a soft click, and Isla stirred beneath the thin hospital blanket, the beep of her monitors still annoyingly rhythmic. Her throat was dry, her skin still warm to the touch, but the worst of the fog had lifted. Her brain didn't feel like it was swimming anymore.

And then she heard him.

"Hey."

Lando's voice was soft, but it still filled the room like a sunrise.

She blinked, adjusting to the light. He stood there with a bag slung over one shoulder and a bottle of her favorite electrolyte drink in hand. He was already in travel clothes, sweats and a hoodie, his curls slightly tousled like he'd been running his hands through them too much.

"You came back," she rasped.

Lando smiled and made his way to her side. "They kicked me out last night, remember? Visiting hours and all that. But I was here at 6:01 this morning. The nurse didn't even fight me this time."

She laughed, then winced as her head panged with leftover dehydration.

"Careful," he warned, twisting the cap on the drink and handing it over. "Small sips."

She obeyed, letting the cool liquid sit on her tongue before swallowing. "You didn't have to come this early."

"You're ridiculous," he said, brushing a thumb across her knuckles. "Of course I did."

Before either of them could say more, the door creaked open again, and in walked a figure who'd somehow managed to evade the hospital staff's notice, Kimi Räikkönen.

Kimi stopped at the foot of the bed and looked her over, eyes sweeping her face like a mechanic assessing engine wear. There was a long silence before he finally spoke again.

"You're flying with Max to Abu Dhabi," he said. "I'm coming too."

That made Isla sit up a little straighter. "Wait, what?"

Kimi raised a brow. "You think I'm just going to watch the last race on television after this crap?"

"But your schedule. What about Robin's karting?"

"Robin will be fine for a weekend." he interrupted. "And clearly, you're not listening to your team, or your boyfriend, or anyone else with common sense."

Lando leaned back in his chair, arms crossed but clearly entertained.

"I'm guessing she gets that from you," he said, smirking.

Kimi ignored him.

"I'll be on the flight," he said again, firmer. "You don't get to argue."

Isla exhaled slowly, staring up at the ceiling.

"I don't want you to feel like you have to babysit me," she murmured.

Kimi shrugged. "I don't babysit. I watch from a distance and threaten people if they act stupid."

That earned a soft laugh from both Isla and Lando.

The nurse popped her head in and gave Isla a thumbs-up. "Discharge papers are signed. You're clear to go."

Kimi gave a nod and turned toward the hallway. "I'll make sure the car's ready. Don't take forever."

He stepped out with the same quiet authority he'd always carried in the paddock, leaving Lando and Isla alone again.

For a moment, there was only the hum of the machines powering down and the rustle of Isla pulling the blanket away from her legs.

"I can't believe he's actually coming with us," she said.