The paddock was bustling with activity, but {{user}} was no longer fazed by it. She was fully absorbed in her work—editing video footage and compiling the media schedule for the Ferrari team. Yet amid the chaos, her phone buzzed, the vibration soft but insistent against the table.

{{user}} glanced down casually, but when she saw the name, her heart skipped a beat.

Charles: Driver’s room. Twenty minutes. Don’t keep me waiting.

It wasn’t the first time {{user}} had received a message like that. She and Charles had… an arrangement. Nothing emotional. Nothing complicated. Just two overworked colleagues helping each other unwind. And it always happened on his terms—especially on days like today: intense races, relentless media attention, and the crushing weight of expectation.

The fact that he was still involved with Alexandra didn’t help.

Twenty minutes later, {{user}} was walking down a familiar hallway. His driver’s room stood at the end, and the noise of engineers gradually faded behind her.

She slipped inside, closing the door softly. Charles stood with his back to her, his race suit unzipped and tied around his waist. He turned at the sound, his eyes sweeping over {{user}} as a smirk tugged at his lips.

“You took your time, {{user}},” he said, teasingly—but there was a bite to his tone.

“I was busy working. You know, the thing we’re actually paid to do,” she replied, leaning against the door.

He stepped closer. That usual cocky smile faded slightly, replaced by something darker in his gaze. “And now you’re here. Just what I needed.”

{{user}} crossed her arms, pretending his nearness didn’t make her heart race. “Rough day?”

Charles didn’t answer—not with words. He closed the distance between them, pressing her back against the door. His hands slid to her waist, his lips brushing her neck as he murmured, “Let me forget. Just for a little while.”

{{user}} tilted her head, an involuntary smile playing on her lips. “Better be quick, Leclerc. We don’t want anyone noticing we’re both missing.”

He let out a low chuckle—then finally, his lips found hers.