The Markelov Papers - Artem Markelov

CHAPTER 4

Racing boy,

What time we're leaving tomorrow, again? I'm struggling so much with packing. How do you do it every week?

Love, tequila girl

Tequila girl,

Basically I never unfold my suitcase so I never have to pack. But then you never feel at home, which is not so nice. But you know, just pack a bikini, that's all you need really. I'm picking you up at 5am, don't be late! Can't wait to see you.

Love, racing boy

It has been a month since the British Grand Prix. I only saw Artem once, he spent the evening in my apartment after a day of testing with Renault in Enstone, and ended sleeping on my couch because it was very late. Then he flew to Hungary where his car suffered from a lack of performance, finishing 8th of the first race and 13th of the second. I found myself watching both races in a bar in town, because I didn't have the right channel at home. Artem mocked me when I told him, but I knew he was actually happy about it. He called me right after his second race, that was a total disaster, and we spent hours on the phone just talking about everything and anything to distract him.

We kept texting and calling each other even though he was away. I thought it would be alright to see him just once in a month, I thought I would just text him once or twice to see if he was ok. In the end, we talked all day, every day, because neither him nor I could stay away from the other. I was surprised and a bit scared of how fast I became Artem-dependent. I only knew him for a few weeks but I couldn't imagine my life without him anymore.

I also kept in touch with Alex and Jack. Jack was joining her in Abu Dhabi in August, during the break for Formula 2, and she also asked Artem and I to come for a few days. I had never been there so I was quite excited, even though it took some convincing from Artem to get me to agree. I was almost done with my investigation on the hospitals and I didn't want to stop now, but Artem told me a break would do me good. He was right.

"Privet!" I exclaimed when Artem parked in front of my apartment's building on the next day, at 5 am. I was strangely wide awake despite the short amount of sleep I got. Artem laughed at my terrible Russian attempt and hugged me tightly, leaving a small kiss just next to my ear. I hope he didn't catch the shivers running through my body at this.

"It's so good to see you, Raina. I missed you."

"So did I, Artem." I sighed in content at having him in my arms. "Let's enjoy those few days away, yes? I also can't wait to see Alex and Jack again!"

"Yeah, but don't spend all your time with them." He pouted which made me smirk. What a cutie.

"Why? Jealous?"

"Well yes, I have only seen you once the past month. I want you all for myself."

"Then have me." Alright, I admit this was a bit – totally – provocative. Let's blame the lack of sleep, shall we? I didn't even see his reaction anyway because I put my suitcase in the boot of his car, then sat in the passenger seat.

Abu Dhabi, here we come!

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Alex had rented a house for the 4 of us because there wasn't enough room in her apartment. We told her we could have booked a hotel but she didn't want to, said it wouldn't be like we were on holidays together if we did that.