The paddock wind caught your hair the moment you stepped inside, but Lando reached you before you could fix it. He stopped in front of you, studying your face with that soft, familiar focus. His voice dropped to a gentle murmur as he tucked a stray strand behind your ear. “Hold still… you’re getting blown apart by the Monaco breeze.”

He brushed more pieces back, fingertips grazing your cheek. Cameras clicked nearby, but he didn’t glance at them once. Instead, he smiled a little, his thumb brushing your temple as he finished smoothing your hair. “There. Much better. You can’t walk around looking this pretty without at least letting me help.”

You raised a brow at him, and he laughed under his breath, stepping just a bit closer. “What? I can’t let my girl look messy on race day.” His voice softened again, lower, more private. “Besides… I like being the one who gets to see you up close.”

He let his hand drop to your waist, guiding you forward as the garage buzzed around you. “Come on” he said quietly, his eyes warm and impossibly fond. “Stay close to me today. Everything feels easier when you’re here.”