30. Monaco
Monaco
Luc y
To say that I’m nervous would be the understatement of the year.
I’ve changed my outfit three times already, and I’m sweating—more like suffocating—as I think about the race today.
It’s strange to care so deeply for someone after knowing him for only a few weeks.
Even crazier? I think I might be in love with Elio.
Usually, it takes me months to develop feelings for someone, but two weeks with Elio did the trick. It must be his superpower or something.
Yes, I know. This is exactly what I was afraid of, and Elio and I being together may definitely impact my professional life and future career. But being with Elio feels right. I shouldn’t let what people think dictate my life choices and my chance at happiness.
I shake my head back into focus. I’m getting ahead of myself. We still have to survive today, and since the rain is still drenching Monaco, it’s definitely not a given that we’ll make it out of this unscathed.
Another chill crawls down my spine as I grab my bag and head out to meet Elio.
He’s already waiting for me, leaning against the wall, and my heart swells at how perfect he is.
Effortlessly handsome, his tousled hair catching the light in just the right way.
He’s even more magnetic than usual. There’s also a quiet confidence in the way he stands, with his arms casually crossed.
But it's the way his eyes lock onto mine that really makes my breath catch.
“ Ciao , Bella .”
Yeah, that line will never get old.
He extends his hand, and as I tak e it, he draws me against him, kissing me softly on the lips.
“Got you something,” he says, pulling away and handing me an RM cap. “Now you can finally show everyone who you’re rooting for. I even signed it for you.”
I take the cap and smile. “Well, now I can’t wear it. It’s memorabilia.”
“Of course you can. Haven’t you seen people walking around with signed caps at the track?”
I shuffle my feet. “Yeah. But I thought they were printed signatures, not actually signed with a sharpie.”
“Nope, they’re the real deal.” He raises his eyebrows. “So, what do you say? Are you ready to pledge allegiance?” His gaze deepens, and I begin to wonder if the cap thing is the same as the jersey thing in hockey.
“Fine. I’ll wear it. At least I have the right color outfit today,” I say, glancing down at my white jumpsuit. “What do you think?”
He licks his lips. “ Que bella .”
I roll my eyes. “You always say that.”
“Because it’s always true.”
I shake my head. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Hold on.” He takes my hand, forcing me to a stop. “Why don’t you just accept my compliments? You always shake your head or roll your eyes.”
I shrug, ignoring the heat rising to my cheeks. “I don’t know.”
He tilts his head slightly, study ing me, his warm hand still wrapped around mine. “You think I don’t mean it, don’t you? That I say those things to just about anybody?”
I bite my lip. “I used to think that, but now I’m not so sure. It’s just, I know I don’t have a conventionally beautiful body, and I’ve learned to live with that, but—” My words trail off, that familiar insecurity creeping in before I can stop it.
“But what? You’re perfect, Lucy. I mean it every single time.”
My heart leaps, the words hitting me like a jolt of lightning. His gaze softens, and I feel the warmth of my cheeks betraying the rush of emotions surging through me. Okay, I won’t deny it. I’m swooning hard. Fireworks activated.
“I know it’s silly, but it’s hard to feel pretty sometimes. That’s all.”
“Well, we’re going to have to work on that, Bella . Because I can assure you, you’re always the prettiest girl in the room.”
I look down, struggling to accept the compliment.
“You still don’t believe me, do you?” he asks, leaning against the wall.
“I’m sorry,” I say, placing a hand on his chest. He reaches up and squeezes my palm. “It just takes some effort on my end to accept that a man like you could find someone like me beautiful.”
His eyebrows furrow. “What is that supposed to mean? A man like me, someone like you? Are there rules I don’t know about?”
“No, of course not,” I mumble , knowing how silly this sounds. “It’s just—”
“Is this about your ex? Did he put those misconceptions in your head when he cheated on you?”
I swallow hard as my chest constricts. “The doubts were always there, but when I saw who he cheated on me with, it didn’t help,” I admit, my voice barely audible.
Elio glances away, cursing in Italian, before turning back to me.
“Just so you’re aware, it was never a game, or me being a charmer, or whatever you might think.
When I called you beautiful, I always meant it, from the first time I saw you.
I need you to know that.” He kisses my hand, and I may as well have melted on the floor.
“And I’m definitely not your ex. The man was an idiot for cheating on a girl like you.
Beautiful, smart, kind,” he says, kissing each of my knuckles.
My words catch in my throat, my breath suddenly shallow. “Thank you.” I manage to smile. “For the compliment.”
“There. Much better.” He kisses me again, but when we hear someone’s room handle jiggling, we break apart. “Let’s go,” he says, his smile going straight to my heart. “I have a race to win.”
Everywhere I look, I can see the importance and pressure of this race. Fans are wilder than ever, there are twice as many journalists and cameras compared to the Italian race, and all the drivers and team members have the same focused expression.
Time seems to rush as fast as the rain that’s beating down on the track, and after some training and press interviews, it’s already time for the racers to get into their starting positions.
I’m standing in the garage with Matteo while Elio’s parents are watching from the hospitality suites.
I’m not sure I made the right choice, but I wanted to be close to him before the race.
Besides, this is my last chance to get exclusive content.
I want the last day to be amazing for the fans.
It’s rush hour in the garage, and Matteo and I are pressed against a wall, trying to make ourselves small as everyone hustles around us, preparing for the race.
The possibility of a big crash is on everyone’s lips, the worry etched on their faces. Despite the tense atmosphere, I do my best to concentrate on work, taking notes and snapping pictures.
“It’s going to be okay,” Matteo says softly, sensing my anxiety. “I know this is new to you, but please, don’t let him see you’re worried, okay?”
“Right.” I straighten my shoulders, trying to look more confident than I feel.
It’s not that I don’t have faith in him.
I know he’s a good driver, and this is his job.
He’s got this. But there’s always that shred of doubt in the back of my mind.
“How do you do it? You must feel at least some fear when he gets behind the wheel, especially with weather like we have today.”
He nods. “Of course. You’ve seen how close we are.
But I can’t let my fear show, especially not in the garage.
Worry has no place here. Why do you think my m om doesn’t come down here?
Even she knows that a driver’s confidence right before the race is crucial.
He needs support, not people doubting his abilities. ”
His words are harsh, but I understand the importance and the urgency. “Right. I’m fine. I believe in him.”
“That’s what I’m talking about.” He winks.
After a few minutes, Elio comes down from his room, and I record the moment with my phone as everyone shakes his hand, telling him this one’s for him, that he can make up the places and win. How historic it would be.
My throat constricts as he ambles toward us, a smile set on his face and determination burning in his eyes.
I glance at the TV with the countdown. Ten minutes until they have to be in position.
Matteo hugs his brother hard, and they talk fast in Italian, so I don’t quite catch what they’re saying.
Elio shakes his head, then nods.
“I told him to try not to end up in the hospital again,” Matteo says to me. “I wouldn’t be able to save him this time.”
Chuckling, Matteo steps back to give Elio and me some space.
“Don’t listen to him,” Elio says. “I feel good, ready.”
“Yeah.” I press my lips so tight they hurt. “I know.”
“Well, I’ll see you later.” He gazes at me with an intensity that suggests he may have kissed me if we weren’t surrounded by his crew. Fireworks soar and crackle inside me, and a surge of heat spreads through my body.
“Good luck, break a leg—or a wheel. I don’t know.”
He laughs, then takes my hand and squeezes it. “I will.”
He starts to walk away, but I tug on his hand. “Wait.”
He glances around, and I’m aware there are tons of people here in the garage, but I don’t care.
I close the space between us and extend my hand to him. As soon as he takes it, I wrap my other arm around his neck and kiss him unashamedly. He hugs me, bringing me closer and deepening the kiss.
He pulls back, just enough to whisper against my lips, “I’m going to be okay, Bella . I promise.”
My forehead presses against his, and I caress his cheek. “I know. Go win this race, okay?”
He takes a step back, studying my face. “You’re not going to tell me to go easy or whatever?”
“Nuh-uh. Race like the champion you are.”
A full smile breaks onto his lips, and I know Matteo was right. This is what Elio needs right now, even if it’s hard to not tell him to be careful. “Sure thing, Bella . I will.”
I look beyond Elio, and everyone is gaping at us with wide eyes. Believe it or not, I don’t really care what anyone thinks in this moment. I just needed to give my man a good-luck kiss.
“Are you okay with this?” he asks, following my gaze. “It’s not really professional.”
I give a firm nod. “I am. We’ll deal with this later.”
“Perfect, because what I want w ith you is the opposite of professional,” he says, sending my body temperature into overdrive.
“Really?” A hopeful smile dances on my lips.
“Absolutely. I want everything with you, Lucy.”
“I thought relationships weren’t your thing,” I say, chewing on my lip. I know, it’s not exactly the best place and time to have this conversation, but this has been weighing on me since the first time we kissed.
“You’re right, I was never a relationship guy. But with you, I can only see long term.” He kisses my hand, and I can’t suppress my giddy smile.
Someone calls for him, and he suddenly seems to remember we’re minutes from one of the most important races of the season.
“You have to go,” I say with a soft giggle. “I’ll be right here waiting.”
“Yes.” He nods, shifting himself back into focus. “I’ll be right back, Bella . I’ve got a race to win.”