Corrode - [Charles Leclerc]

𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞

WARNINGS: sexual scene (do not read when under 18, this is your own responsibility. Do not be immature about it)

         Charles sat in the passenger's seat of Pierre's car when the night was over. They had stayed at the casino for a little while to call some people and take the body from the unknown man away. Charles hadn't said a word ever since Joanne got into his car with Marcus and he drove her home. His jaw slacked and his eyebrows were furrowed into a frustrated frown. Pierre didn't say anything about it either. He drove Caterina to the hotel they were staying in for the night and then continued the drive to reach Charles' apartment. Pierre wasn't sure how Joanne would respond to the situation later on. She wasn't one of the women who would just accept his behaviour. Caterina wasn't like that either and that's what kept him real. Pierre hoped for him that Joanne would understand that Charles was just really protective over her and wanted her to be safe in his apartment in case anything else would happen.

Pierre stopped the car in front of the gates and he looked over at his friend and boss. "Thanks". Charles said and Pierre just nodded, watching as Charles got out of the car and made his way over to his apartment. Charles didn't look back, but he heard the engine rumbling when Pierre drove onto the road again. The front door opened and he made his way inside, shaking the jacket of his suit off his shoulders and he slipped his arms out of the sleeves. "Mr. Leclerc". One of the maids came down the stairs, holding some glasses in her hand. "Where's Joanne?". He asked, looking at her. "She's in the bathroom, sir". The maid had a gentle blush on her face. "We offered her something to eat, but she refused". She explained next. "The kids are sleeping". She bowed gently. Charles slowly nodded. "Thank you". He replied. "We provided her with clean towels and the robe and nightwear you assigned for her earlier".

Charles nodded at her again and gave her a faint smile before walking up the stairs. The door of his bedroom was slightly ajar and he moved inside, closing the door behind him. He heard the shower running. He sat down on the edge of the bed, taking his phone out of his pocket and reading some missed texts that had been sent to him. One of them a question from Sebastian, who was curious if he had made some useful contacts during the casino night. Charles ignored it for now and put his phone on his nightstand. He took his gun from his slacks and unloaded it, checking the clip with bullets before he opened the drawer of his nightstand and placed it there. "Charles?". Her voice sounded softly when she opened the door of the bathroom and came out. Joanne pulled the satin robe around her waist, tying the knot to cover her naked body. "Joanne...". Charles turned to her and took a steps towards her. "I'm sorry". Joanne allowed him to come closer to her.

He looked down at her, seeing her puffy eyes and his heart clenched at the thought that he had made her cry. "You didn't have to yell at me like that". Joanne started. "I'm in your life now. Don't hide things for me or let Marcus or someone else take me away when I don't even know what's going on". She said and Charles was about to speak up when she continued. "And then I come back, in tears, and my son is asking me why I'm crying and why you aren't with me". She nearly whispered. "I can't do that a second time, Charles". Joanne shook her head. His fingers felt warm on her chin when he lifted her face. She blinked slowly when he caressed her cheek. "A rival crew here is lashing out at me and my partners. They used a fake bomb to ruin the evening, but we thought it was real". His forehead leans against hers. "I was in a rush to get you safe, because I would never forgive myself if something happens to you while I was there to protect you".

Charles swallowed hard and she closed her eyes when she felt his lips against her forehead. "I'm sorry, Joanne". He repeated. "You mean the world to me and I don't want something like this to ruin it". He softly said, his hand cupping her neck and making sure she was looking into his eyes. Joanne nodded, her hands rested on his chest and smoothed out the material of his blouse. Charles gave her a small smile and she returned it. She closed her eyes again when he pressed his lips to hers, kissing her firmly. Joanne felt the familiar feeling of love fill her body and his hands slid down to her lower back to push her up against his chest. He slowly stepped backwards till he felt the edge of the bed against the back of his knees. Charles gently pulled her onto his lap when he sat down and she shivered slightly when she felt his fingertips brushing up her thighs when she straddled him.