[3] MARANELLO || C. LECLERC

FOURTEEN

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CAMILLE

"It's so obvious how much he hates me," Lando scoffed, rolling his eyes as we lay together on my bed, my hair covering his chest as he dragged his fingers through it. He was leaving Monaco for London in a matter of hours, and I didn't want to see him go. "I just can't control myself around you. It's impossible."

"But you have to," I sighed, chewing on my lip as I thought about Charles who was back at our apartment. He was yet to call me and tell me he was ready to talk, but it was only yesterday morning when we argued. I wanted to give him the time and space he needed to think, no matter how much pain it caused me. "Charles doesn't hate you, Lando, it's just difficult for him to see me with other men because he's protective and has a jealous side."

"I didn't mean to cause any of this," Lando shook his head whilst clearing his throat. I was unbelievably comfortable in his arms, the gentle sound of his heart pounding through my chest making me shiver with delight. I loved having him around. "I never wanted to cause any issues for you. I am sorry, you know that, don't you?"

"Of course I do," I almost giggled as a weight lifted off of my shoulders. "I know Charles will get over it. Nothing happened between us anyway, despite your intentions."

"But you know that it'll be okay. It's you and Charles, you can get through anything," Lando's words were gentle as he pressed his lips to my forehead. "You're okay and no matter what happens, I'll always love you and see you as one of the most important people in my life. I miss you whilst we're apart, you know? I loved it when you spent all that time with me back home."

"I know, Lando, I loved every second," I sat up, rolling over slightly before pressing my forehead against his. The warmth of his skin was so enticing. "I do want to spend the rest of my life with Charles and I know that, I'm sure he knows it too." 

"I'll always be here for you, no matter what." Lando muttered into my hair as he wrapped his arms around my body and I sighed whilst relaxing into his grip. His arms were strong and firm, somewhere I felt extremely safe, but it never compared to Charles. All I wanted was to be back at home with him, but I'd promised to take Lando back to the airport. I planned on using Charles' car, because he'd not even messaged me about collecting it. I felt my heart snapping in two at the thought of being separated for much longer, which was exactly why I planned on heading over to see him after dropping Lando in Nice. I needed to know that he was okay and that I was awfully sorry for upsetting him.

"Nothing will ever happen between us again, you know, like that," I chewed on my lip, my heart pounding against my petite chest. I sat up and looked Lando in the eyes, the soft smile on his face sending shivers up my spine. I loved him so much and felt so lucky to have him in my life. Without him, especially right now, I wouldn't feel as content or as calm as I did. There was something about him that I was drawn to, a bond between us that grew stronger with every second we spent together. "My life would be awfully different without you, Lando, but I can't let our relationship interfere with mine and Charles'. I feel awful for him."

"I know, Camille. I'm so sorry for everything, but I'll always have your back," Lando nuzzled his face against mine, a smile curling up on his lips as he placed his hand at the bottom of my back, his fingers tracing careful circles across my skin. "Everything will be okay."

I nodded, sitting up and allowing Lando to take me into his arms. I wrapped my arm across his stomach, resting my ear against his shoulder. His scent was so sweet and I felt so safe here. Since my argument with Charles, Lando refused to leave my side and along with his company and Max's, I calmed down and felt much better about myself. Although, this was still not at all the start I wanted to the new year. This year was going to be special for Charles and I, with our wedding at the front of everybody's minds.