Chapter 34 #3
“She’s a professional athlete,” he continues.
“A champion demonstrating peak performance. She earned her place in that cockpit just like every other driver. In fact, she worked harder. You know why? Because the teams questioned a woman’s ability to drive an F1 car.
They questioned her strength, her determination, her endurance, and her intellect.
It’s fucking ridiculous, all of this. And it’s time she’s shown the same respect that’s given to the male drivers.
Because if you don’t, then all the drivers will stop giving you the soundbites, interviews, and photos you need to stay alive. ”
Reece and Wyn and Dad start clapping, Richard joins in and so do other principals and drivers, but Nico shakes his head.
“That was a lecture, not a speech. And I shouldn’t ever have to repeat it.” He scans the gathered journalists and even some of the team principals. “Do better.”
It’s strange, having someone fight these battles beside me. Strange but nice.
Dad catches my eye and nods. He approves of my ally. Even Marcus looks proud of his driver taking this stand.
Finally, a female journalist clears her throat. “Petra, anything to add?”
“Only that it’s nice to hear someone else say what I’ve been thinking for years.” Then I find my voice. “Listen. The technical breach affected multiple teams. Yet certain media outlets chose to focus on supposed romantic motivations rather than investigating the actual security issues.”
Nico repeats, “Because it’s easier to question the woman’s integrity, than examine your own biases.”
“Nico’s right. Stop lobbing softball questions at me like you think I can’t explain tire management or aerodynamics or brake cooling.
I’ve only been doing this since I was six years old.
I was only the youngest European and World Karting Champion.
But, yeah, apparently I don’t know what I’m talking about because I lack one thing. A penis.”
That cracks Nico’s severity and he laughs. So do a bunch of other people. His hand finds mine under the table.
I could get used to this. Not just having backup, but having someone who understands exactly what wall I keep slamming my head against and why it’s there.
Someone who makes me stronger rather than trying to protect me.
Another reporter takes a stab at this. “Petra, can you explain about how the relationship between drivers impacts your on-track decisions?”
“That’s irrelevant to the espionage investigation,” Richard interrupts. “The technical breach has been identified and contained. The responsible parties are facing consequences.”
“But the question of team loyalty—”
“Has been answered,” Dad cuts in. “By both drivers’ professional conduct and racing records.”
Marcus nods. “Indeed. Let’s discuss how this breach was actually discovered and the cooperation between teams that led to its resolution.”
The conversation shifts to discussing timelines, security measures, and new protocols for fans and media. But Nico’s hand stays linked with mine.
“Any questions about tomorrow’s race?” Victoria steps up, working to redirect focus. “There are a few qualified people up here who can answer your questions.”
Carlos leans close. “Hablaste bien, mijo.” He tells his son he spoke well. “Both of you.”
Nico shrugs. “Someone had to say it.” This is the normal, chill Nico Belmonte now.
“Many someones should have said it long ago.” Carlos smiles at us. “Perhaps things will change now.”
“They better,” Nico mutters.
After the conference, Nico and I return to his hotel room and order room service.
After a few bites of an excellent white fish, I look up at him. “Thank you.”
He’s ordered a chicken dish that’s made with tomatoes and oregano. It smells amazing. “For the press conference?”
I nod.
“Don’t.” Nico sits back, shaking his head. “I should’ve stepped up a long time ago, Petra. All of us should’ve.”
I frown. “That’s not your job.”
He looks at me, dead-on, zero hesitation. So Nico Belmonte of him. “If not mine, then whose?”
“What did I tell you about letting me fight my own battles?”
He grins. “I don’t remember.”
“No? It was just after Wyn met a wall.”
He laughs. “Oh, yeah. That. Oops.”
“‘Oops,’ he says.” I eat a little more.
His expression turns thoughtful. “Wyn said something interesting after everything came out about Graham.”
“Oh yeah?”
“That watching you and me together made him remember what racing should be. Competitive but fair.”
“That’s surprisingly insightful for someone who drinks milk at dinner.”
He snorts. “Don’t let Zara hear you say that. She’s unexpectedly protective of him.”
I laugh. “Speaking of unexpected relationships...”
He smirks. “?Qué?”
“You know what, Nico Belmonte. You’re an unexpected complication.”
That smirk persists. He’s so bloody confident. “Worth it though.” He gazes at me from beneath his brows and, lord, those grey eyes. They’re not playing fair.
God, so much has changed since Singapore. But some changes make you stronger, even when they’re hard. I look down, smile, and meet his gaze. “Yeah, Bunny Boy. Worth every second.”
His smirk morphs into a gentle smile. “Good.”
After we finish eating, Nico walks me back to my room. Every moment feels charged with everything we’re not doing tonight. But tomorrow looms—pole position versus P3, championship points at stake, the love of competition that drew us both to racing.
“Sleep well.” He brushes my hair off my face. “You’ll need it when I leave you behind at turn 1.”
“Aren’t you cocky.” But I’m grinning. “We’ll see about that.”
Nico’s lips find mine and his kiss makes promises I absolutely will make him keep.
A door creaks. The distinctive sound of a camera autofocusing.
Without breaking the kiss, I raise my hand, positioning it to block the shot. My hot pink middle fingernail says everything that needs saying.
Whoever it is gets the message and retreats.
“Subtle,” Nico murmurs against my lips.
“I have my moments.”
He kisses me once more, then steps back. “Buenas noches, mi corazón.”
I open my door. “Goodnight, Nico.”
We share one last look, one last moment of being just us. Then tomorrow we’re rivals again.
Exactly as it should be.