Every fucking raceI had dominated. The car was better each weekend, and honestly, I think my confidence was getting a little too strong.
I knew I had a P1 finish under my belt. Cowan was finishing in top five, which was helping with our points massively. Could we get the constructors? Maybe. But me… my championship was getting closer. The weeks had passed quickly, and like promised, Athena and I had left that one night behind us.
Sighing, I glance over at her, sleeping on her front and her soft breaths filling the room.
I wanted her. Every fucking night I have to fight with myself not to start something. But things are good, we’re working; I was out of the headlines, and she was lost in her book.
I glance at the time; it’s past ten and I decide to take a walk. Pacing towards the hallway of our suite, I jot a quick note telling her I’ll be back with coffee and pastries. Strolling back into the bedroom, I place it on my pillow and focus on her, dusting my fingers across her face as I tuck a strand of hair away.
My heart jolts in my chest. I can’t cope.
I’m starting to wonder when this went from fake to what it now is. This doesn’t feel fake. I knew as soon as she agreed to let me show her, showed me her vulnerability... she had me in a chokehold.
Turning on my heel, I close the door softly and walk out of the apartment block, greeting Alexandre as I do.
“Bonjour.” I tip my head, my hands fisted into my pockets. Before I can even step outside, Dane and two security guards are beside me. “Damn it.” I sigh, slipping my glasses on.
“Not sure why you thought it was a good idea to walk the streets of Monaco on race weekend.”
“No one is going to be out, and if they are, they’ll be hanging around where Charles is staying.” I huff, moving down the cobbled streets.
“Where are you going?” Dane asks, looking down at me.
“To get coffee, and to see Rue.”
His brow raises.
“I’ve ordered a couple of Athena’s paperbacks in. I want to read them whilst we have some down time.”
“Royce.” He chuckles. “It’s race week, you don’t have down time.”
Flipping him off, I cut down the small alley and see Rue’s book shop, now spanning over three units. I peek through the window and see her standing behind the till, her head propped up by her hand, elbow resting with her nose in a book.
“Wait out here, lads.” I nod to my security guards and Dane, and they all give a heavy nod.
Pushing through the door, the small bell jingles and her head lifts, her opal eyes settle on me.
“Oh my God, Royce!” She runs towards me, throwing her arms around my neck.
“Hey you.” I step back and she gives me a wide smile.
“When did you get here?” she asks, stepping back towards the counter.
“Last night.”
“Ah, so you’ve got a day or two before you’re in full race mode.” She closes the book she was reading.
“Yeah.” I push my hand into my pockets. “We’ve missed you around the paddock,” I admit. “Obvs, the girls have missed you more.” I laugh and she rolls her eyes.
“Yeah, yeah.” Her hand is on her hip. “I’ve missed you all too. I have really wanted to get over, but what with all of this”—her hand glides around the room—“I just haven’t had the time.”
“We get it, you’ve forgotten about us.”
She laughs. “As if I could ever forget about the Saint Onyx crew.”
“You’re coming to the race, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
