Corrode - [Charles Leclerc]

𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙤

"But we want to come too". Liam whined when Joanne held out his bag for him to take. Pierre was driving them to school today and for the first time in a long while, she wasn't going to be teaching him. Joanne had an appointment with Dr. Bernard at her clinic, as she was having her second ultrasound and they would see if they can figure out the gender of the baby. She had grown and she felt that her stomach had become more heavy. Her lower back started to get a little sore at the end of the day, however she still felt energetic. "I know you do". Joanne said as she caressed his face. "But you have to go to school. It's a short day anyway, the teacher you're getting today is very nice and when you come home, we'll let you know if it's a boy or a girl". Joanne spoke to her son and looked over at Jules, who looked just as sad as Liam that they couldn't come with her today. "Alright". Liam sighed, a pout still on his lips and he scrunched his nose when she kissed his cheek. Jules happily hugged her before she stood up straight again. "Good luck, Joanne". Pierre smiled at her and kissed her cheek as well before they left.

Joanne waved at them when Pierre put them in the backseat of the car and left the driveway of Charles' mansion. She turned around and made her way to his office, softly knocking on the door while leaning against the side that was opened. Charles' eyes diverted to her while he was on the phone with someone and he gave her a gentle smile. She waited for him to finish the conversation and he put his phone down. "I send Marcus after Pierre". Charles informed her, reaching for the jacket that belonged to his suit. Joanne nodded slowly. She knew he was been busy with extra security measurements. Joanne had tried calling Francesca last night to inform her about the dark businesses of her new love, but the phone had send her to voicemail. Francesca texted her later that they were out for dinner and they could call tomorrow, after her ultrasound. Joanne had agreed and hoped Gabriel was working and not with her. Well, if he was as dangerous as Charles had described him, she hoped he wasn't working either, but let's put that aside.

"Ready to go, love?". Charled asked, waking her from her thoughts. "Yes". She smiled at him, feeling the butterflies once more in her stomach when he looked at her with that loving gaze. His hands softly moved to her baby bump and he leaned forward to peck her lips. "The boys were so disappointed they couldn't come along today". Joanne giggled and moved a thin jacket around her shoulders. "I heard so". Charles chuckled, he had caught some noises from the hallway when Joanne was saying goodbye to them. "Mick will come with us and wait outside if necessary". Charles said then, taking his car keys from the rack. "Charles...". Joanne placed her hands on his arm. "Gabriel might have been around before, why are you worried now?". She asked. Charles looked down at her, a gentle frown of worry visible on his face. "Because he might want to know things about me, you or the kids. If Francesca thinks those are innocent questions, she might provide him with information that can harm us. I just want to protect us as much as I can, even if he's not interested in anything regarding to us. We've never been friends and our crews don't like each other". Charles explained.

Joanne sighed softly, understanding his worry. "Okay". She nodded. "If you feel comfortable with that, we keep it up for as long as needed. I will call Francesca this afternoon". She added. "Good". Charles showed her a small smile and his hand moved down her spine to rest on her lower back as they walked out the door. Charles helped her into his car and briefly exchanged a look with Mick, who waited for them to drive out of the gates so he could follow. Joanne rested her arm on the door, her head leaning in her hand as she looked at Mick's car in the mirror. She didn't really know how to act around the guards that were constantly near them. She felt safe nevertheless, but she had always felt safe with Charles, Pierre or Marcus and Mick. Ever since the FaceTime call with Francesca and Gabriel, his gun was loaded and resting on the nightstand and she had the feeling like every small sound in the bedroom made him perch up at night. She hoped he would think about his own well-being a little more too. Charles parked the car in front of Dr. Bernards clinic and they both got out. Charles gave her a smile, which she returned as they walked to the entrance.