Corrode - [Charles Leclerc]

𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞

         Joanne looked at her reflection in the mirror. She had bought a new dress for the occasion of tonight, the casino night with Charles. She felt like it was an even bigger event than the party at the harbour restaurant last time. Just as the previous time she went out on a date with Charles, she felt butterflies in her stomach as if she was a teenager in love all over again. It was a privilege to be with this man and she looked forward to the feeling he gave her when his hand brushed over her lower back before it slotted around her hip and pulled her into his chest, the feeling that he caused to overflood her chest when he kissed her cheek or her lips and caressed her face meanwhile. Joanne had no idea how to describe the feelings he gave her, they were just special and something another man hadn't been able to make her feel like. Joanne smoothed out the dress and then moved her hands through her curly strands before moving away from the mirror.

Liam had his backpack ready downstairs and was waiting on the sofa in front of the window ever since Charles had texted Joanne that he'd arrive soon. The little boy was way too thrilled to watch movies with Jules in the cinnema room again. Joanne brought a small purse for her phone and her keys and took her shoes downstairs to put them on there. She sat down on the sofa next to Liam and bend down to slip her feet into the silver heeled shoes that matched her dress. "He's here!". Liam got up from the sofa to run to the front door. Joanne smiled and stood up again too, making sure the straps around her ankles were tight enough. She quickly checked if she had all of her essentials and she followed her son into the hallway, who opened the door already. "Hey, Liam. All packed for the night?". Charles asked and crouched down to ruffle his hair, but Liam chose to wrap his arms around his neck and hug him instead. Joanne froze at the moment, looking down at them from her position in the doorway.

Charles was briefly startled by the movement, yet relaxed soon after and his arm wrapped around Liam's small body, his hand rubbing over his back. "Let me greet your mom, buddy". Charles softly said with a smile and Joanne beamed at him when he stood up straight and reached for her. "Was that okay? Else I'll speak to him about it". Joanne softly said, looking into his eyes. "It's fine, don't worry". Charles had a soft smile on his lips when he gazed down at her. "You look breathtaking, Joanne". He nearly whispered, the look in his eyes making her weak at the knees and she nearly felt dizzy. "Thank you". Joanne replied. "You look as handsome as ever". She said, her palms gently moving over the jacket of his suit and the folded edges of his blouse. Charles felt her nails tickle the skin of his neck and his hand glided to the small of her back. "Someone's eager to go". He chuckled lowly and she turned her head to watch Liam wait at the door Charles' car already.

"Let's not keep him waiting". Joanne laughed. Charles kissed her cheek and unlocked the doors of the car, so Liam could climb into the backseat. He opened the passenger's door for Joanne and she sat down in the smooth leather seat of the Ferrari. She looked over her shoulder to make sure Liam had locked his seatbelt while she locked her own. "I have something for you". Charles announced first and his finger tapped on a button of the interior of the Ferrari, the small storage box opening and he took another box out. "What's this?". Joanne asked, feeling the heat creeping up her neck already at the thought of him buying her a present. "Open it up". Charles' lips curled upwards and he handed her the velvety box. Joanne took it from him and she undid the ribbon to open the lid. It revealed a gorgeous silver necklace with a small diamond pendant. She gasped at the sight, the diamond was sparkling even in the slightest amount of light. "You can't just give me this". Joanne muttered. "I just did, darling". Charles replied and took the necklace out of the box.

Joanne turned in the car seat and lifted her hair so he could put it around her neck. She shivered softly at the feeling of his fingertips brushing over her neck. "It's beautiful". She said and smiled at him. "Thank you". Joanne looked into his eyes. "Everything for you". Charles replied and she leaned forward to peck his lips. He finally started the car to drive away from her house and drop Liam off to get to Jules. The little kid must've been very impatient in the backseat, yet he hadn't said anything about it. Charles briefly enlightened her about what she could expect for tonight. He explained that a lot of his partners would be there, but also some new people. He promised he wouldn't wander from her side, however she said she'd be fine if he wanted a moment to speak to someone or something else. She was sure his men would keep an eye on her just in case. Charles turned the car onto the driveway of his apartment and the front door already flew open, revealing a very excited Jules in the doorway.