Page 7 of Pole Position (Sexy As Sin #12)

Chapter seven

Bianca

I woke the next morning disappointed but not surprised to find myself alone. I yawned into my fist and took a moment to think about all that had happened the night before. Kristian had been a real surprise, and I felt myself fighting a smile. I’d had pretty high standards going into our relationship, but he’d somehow managed to surpass them. I hoped the feeling was mutual.

I sat up and threw the sheets off before scooting to the edge of the mattress. I was a little bit sore from my night of pleasure with Kristian, but in the best way. Another smile worked its way onto my face. I got to my feet, nearly slipping on the still–wet tiles and yelped as my hand shot out to steady myself against the footboard of the bed. My soaking wet clothes from the night before were still rumpled up where I’d left them on the floor, but Kristian’s had been taken. I shrugged and kicked them out of my way.

“Where the fuck is my phone?” I muttered, looking around the hotel room. My stomach dropped, hoping I’d remembered to remove it from my jeans pocket before my impromptu swim last night. I snatched the pile of wet denim up, breathing a sigh of relief not to find my phone inside them. I dropped them back on the floor and turned with a scowl and my hands on my hips.

As if sensing my growing frustration, I heard a faint notification bleep and tracked the noise to the opposite side of the room. It wasn’t my personal phone, but the McLaren team device. I picked it up anyway, glancing at the list of notifications. There were several missed calls and a few texts from Sophia and the rest of the team asking whether I was coming to the party and where I was, but only one name stood out to me. I opened my messages.

KRISTIAN: The jet has been chartered for 4PM. Meet in the lobby at 2PM. Hope there aren’t too many sore heads this morning.

Well, that was a decidedly chipper message from the team principal in comparison to his usual morose, impersonal texts to the team. I wonder what could have possibly put him in such a good mood. My grin widened and I tapped in the number of my personal phone, waiting for it to ring. A loud rumbling caught my attention and in no time at all I’d located my iPhone, tucked just out of sight underneath the bedside table. I must have kicked it there by accident in my haste to get Kristian into bed.

I fished my phone out, wiping the screen off with my sleeve and unlocked it. I had more missed calls and texts from the team on this phone too, albeit less, but several more from Kristian, I noticed with delight. I hurried to open my messages. He’d sent these at 6:30AM, and I marvelled that he’d managed to get up so early after what could only have been an hour or two of sleep.

KRISTIAN: I hope you don’t mind but I left early to get back to my room before anyone noticed I was missing. I didn’t want to wake you.

Then twenty minutes later…

KRISTIAN: Last night was amazing, but this morning has been anything but. I left my fucking room key in my trousers last night. It was ruined and I had to go down to the desk in soaking wet clothes to get a new one. I got some strange looks, that’s for sure.

I laughed aloud, just imagining the stir that must have caused. It was just as well Kristian was up so early, and the hotel would have been quiet. I scrolled to read his next message.

KRISTIAN: Still worth it though.

I felt my cheeks grow warm and I clicked my tongue, embarrassed for myself. I tried to deny the sex had been swoon worthy, but I knew I was lying to myself. Instead, I plugged both my phones in to charge and went to the large glass doors leading to the pool, contemplating my plans for the rest of the day. It was another glorious day outside and the cold, crystal waters of the pool were looking especially inviting. Perhaps a few hours lolling in the sun was deserved after my victory – both on the track and between the sheets. I hastily dug out my bikini and slipped it on, before gathering my hair into a messy bun, sliding on my sunglasses and heading out to the pool.

Complimentary towels had been laid over sun loungers and as I sat down, a waiter appeared at my side. He placed a jug of ice water and a glass down atop a nearby table.

“Morning ma’am.” He dipped his head. “Can I get you anything? Perhaps a drink or our breakfast menu?”

“Can I get an iced coffee?” I asked, pausing before adding. “And a grilled cheese?”

“Of course.” The waiter smiled. “Coming right up.”

I leant back against my lounger, kicking my legs out in front of me and pushing my sunglasses up on top of my head. The sun was blazing down, and I stretched out, enjoying the warmth of it on my skin.

“Girl! Where have you been?”

I squinted into the sun, Sophia stood over me with her hands on her hips.

“Oh, hey,” I replied, closing my eyes once more. “Did you have a good night last night?”

“Yeah, but where did you get to?” she asked, settling down on the empty lounger beside me. I barely resisted a sigh. Looked like a minute of peace was too much to ask for.

“I was tired and didn’t feel much like partying.” I shrugged.

“Would it have killed you to let me know? One minute you were right behind me and the next—”

“Sorry, Mum,” I said sarcastically. Before Sophia could continue to read me the riot act, the waiter returned with the fanciest–looking iced coffee I’d ever seen and a plate with a grilled cheese sandwich that was still sizzling. I sat up and muttered my thanks, eagerly tucking in.

“Ooh, that looks good,” Sophia said, eyeing my breakfast. “I might have to get one of those.”

I mumbled my appreciation for the sandwich through a mouthful and Sophia got to settling herself down beside me. I watched her from my peripheral vision, curious to see if she had any suspicions of my real whereabouts last night. I took a sip of my coffee and cleared my throat.

“So how was the after party? Did it live up to Vegas’s standards?”

Sophia grinned. “Absolutely. There were showgirls and everything. You missed out.”

Oh, Sophia. I really, really didn’t.

I fought a smirk. “Sounds like it.”

“It’s okay though. You weren’t the only one who sloped off early,” she said, rubbing sun lotion into her arms and legs.

I felt my stomach squeeze with both excitement and dread. “Oh?” I asked, feigning indifference.

“Half the mechanics and engineers were beat, too. Some managed to power through, but I think the late race really takes its toll.” She paused. “Even Kristian didn’t show his face.”

That’s because his face was busy between my thighs.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” I replied, handing my now empty plate to a waiter and kicking my legs out as I lay back on my sun lounger. “He’s a stick in the mud at the best of times.”

Sophia sniggered. “Now, now. I know there’s no love lost between you, but you really should be more careful how you talk about him, y’know. You may not like it, but he is your boss.”

This time I couldn’t hide the smirk on my face. I closed my eyes, tilting my face up into the sun and hoping Sophia didn’t read too much into it. Just as I was beginning to relax, I heard my teammate suck in a breath.

“Speak of the devil,” she muttered quietly.

I couldn’t resist. I hurriedly took my sunglasses from my head to hide my eyes from view, eager to lay them upon Kristian for the first time since we’d become intimate. He was at the opposite side of the pool, striding towards the bar. He didn’t cast me even a hint of a glance, and though I now knew that was purposeful so as not to arouse suspicion, it still rankled me. I pursed my lips. I wanted Kristian to be obsessed with me, to watch him fight with himself not to stare at me, to lose his cool whenever we were around one another… I sat forward, folding the back of my sun lounger down until it lay flat and rolled over onto my stomach.

“Bee,” Sophia giggled. “You seem to have forgotten half of your bikini!”

I grinned and hiked the thong even further between my cheeks before unfastening the ties that held my bikini top in place. “So?”

“So, I was literally just saying how you should try to be more professional around Kristian…” she trailed off with a heavy sigh. “I shouldn’t be surprised with you.”

My phone buzzed on the table beside me and I already knew it was a message on my personal device. I sank my teeth into my cheek to keep from grinning like an idiot, deliberately not rushing to answer the text I knew was waiting for me.

I held off as long as I could, knowing my delayed response was going to wind Kristian up. Just before I cracked and gave in, my phone buzzed a second time, and I knew I had won the battle of wills between myself and the team principal.

“You need to get that?” Sophia asked.

“Mm, I suppose I should,” I replied, playing down my eagerness. “Pass it over?” I held out my palm, listening to Sophia’s lounger creak as she leant forward and grabbed my phone. With my device in hand, I unlocked it.

KRISTIAN: I know your choice in bikini is deliberate, and I fucking love it. Remaining professional is going to be harder than I thought…

KRISTIAN: Answer your phone, you little witch! Stop playing with me.

I smiled to myself, ecstatic I’d gotten a rise from Kristian so easily. I had been dreading returning to the status quo, but it appeared my relationship with the team principal was forever altered and I couldn’t have been happier. I tapped out a response.

BIANCA: I’m not sure I know what you mean.

I hoped the sarcasm came across as I intended. Two blue ticks illuminated beside the message, and I waited with excitement fizzing in my chest as I watched Kristian typing.

KRISTIAN: Hm, I’m sure you don’t. How are you feeling this morning?

BIANCA: Rather refreshed and relaxed, thanks for asking. Yourself?

KRISTIAN: What a coincidence – the same here. I wonder why that is?

I smiled and typed out a reply.

BIANCA: It’s a mystery.

“What’s got you grinning at your phone like a Cheshire cat?” Sophia’s voice broke my train of thought, and I quickly schooled my features into a more familiar scowl. I locked my phone screen, keeping my hand planted over it.

“Nothing. Just a funny meme,” I replied.

“Show me?”

“I’ve closed it down now.” I lay my head on the lounger, ignoring my phone when it buzzed in my palm.

“Alright, sorry,” Sophia huffed. “Didn’t mean to pry.”

I held off as long as I was able to, ensuring Sophia’s attention was fixed elsewhere before I risked glancing at my phone again.

KRISTIAN: Can we get together again sometime?

His question caught me off guard, but in the best way. I’d been nervous about broaching the subject of making sex with Kristian a regular thing without coming across as too keen, but here was Mr Wright, just putting it out there plainly. I loved that.

BIANCA: After last night’s performance? Whenever the hell you’d like!

KRISTIAN: Well, that’s nice to know. I’ll keep it in mind.

BIANCA: You’d better.

KRISTIAN: Trust me, I’m going to have a hard time keeping last night off my mind. Especially when you’ve got your arse out.

I wondered just how closely I was being watched. I didn’t respond and instead casually stretched out my back, lifting my behind a little into the air before lowering myself back down onto the lounger. Three dots appeared as Kristian typed.

KRISTIAN: You’re cruel.

BIANCA: Sorry, not sorry.

KRISTIAN: That’s alright. The more you wind me up, the more I’ll be making you pay for it when we’re alone. That’s a promise, gorgeous.

I felt my cheeks flush and I hastily closed my screen down and turned my phone over. I had well and truly opened a can of worms with the team principal, but whilst I knew it had the potential to get messy, I couldn’t bring myself to regret a moment of it.

As the race season progressed, the McLaren team’s early successes were short–lived. The races that followed were a string of disappointments – engine failures, minor crashes and time penalties for stupid mistakes. The points that Sophia and I had worked so hard to net for both the team’s constructor championship and our chances at the driver’s championship dwindled. It set me on edge, lighting a fire of determination beneath me. I wasn’t about to go down without a fight.

Both Kristian and I found ourselves consumed by work. It was as relentless as always – dawn ‘til dusk, 24/7 – but I found myself growing steadily more and more frustrated. It felt as if my entire life had been swallowed up. With the fear of our success slipping away from us, Sophia and I weren’t the only ones desperate to hold on to it. Kristian kept us all busy between races with team meetings, testing out new improvements out on the racetrack, followed by hours and hours of technical debriefs. When I wasn’t jetting between countries or in the cockpit of my car racing around a track, I was in the gym with my PT breathing down my neck. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, there were the constant press engagements and sponsor dinners… It had always been this way, but it occurred to me that perhaps this was the first time I’d had something outside of racing that I was keen to pursue; Kristian.

On the surface, things were just as they’d always been. I continued to push back against Kristian’s attempt to wrangle me under control and we constantly butted heads, but in private our conversations were decidedly steamier. The weeks passed us by, and we hadn’t yet found another opportunity to be physical with one another. It was driving me crazy. The sexual tension between us was intense, and the excitement of pretending it wasn’t during working hours combined with the filthy text messages and occasional photograph that we shared after dark was the perfect storm.

It was after yet another disappointing race – where I had taken wing damage early on, and Sophia’s mechanics had fumbled her pit stop – that I sat at the edge of my bed, dolled up and waiting for the call to tell me the car had arrived to take the McLaren team to a sponsor function. Thankfully it was a cocktail party and not a stuffy, formal dinner so it would be easier for me to slope off when I’d had enough of fluffing the egos of the rich, old men who funded our team. I glanced at myself in the mirror, tugging at the neckline of my dress and hoping it wasn’t too much to ask not to be pawed at all night. There was only one man in attendance this evening who I would want grabbing my arse, but I had a feeling I was going to spend the night avoiding unwanted advances from others instead. I shuddered. The sooner this was over, the better.

My phone buzzed and I glanced down at it. There was a message from Sophia.

SOPHIA: I’m feeling a little under the weather. Sorry, you’re going to be on your own tonight.

“God damn it,” I grumbled. That meant all the attention was going to be fixed on me. So much for my plans to slip away early. I typed out a reply.

BIANCA: You’d better be chucking your guts up, unable to lift your head off the pillow!

SOPHIA: It’s the other end, if you must know!

I laughed and tapped another response.

BIANCA: Hm, I suppose I’ll give you a pass then. Hope you feel better soon.

SOPHIA: Thanks, have a good time tonight.

That was unlikely. I sighed heavily, slipping my phone into my clutch. My personal device rumbled on the bedside table, and I smiled, stretching to grab it.

KRISTIAN: Team car will be five minutes. Has Sophia told you she’s not well enough to join us?

BIANCA: Shitting through the eye of a needle I hear.

KRISTIAN: God, you’re such a class act, aren’t you?

BIANCA: So I’ve been told. She owes me one – these sponsor functions are torturous at the best of times and now I’m going to be the centre of attention.

KRISTIAN: I didn’t think that would be a problem for you.

BIANCA: Usually it isn’t, but when I’m in a room of handsy old codgers being in the spotlight isn’t a good thing.

Kristian’s response was delayed, and I smirked, tapping out another message.

BIANCA: I’m only interested in one handsy old codger tonight.

There was a knock at the door, and I hopped up, tugging it open, surprised to see Kristian. He was reading my reply, and I laughed at the disgruntled frown on his face.

“A handsy old codger?” He smirked, shaking his head. “It’s a good job I like you. Although sometimes I wonder why.”

“You know exactly why you like me,” I replied, gesturing to my dress. “There’s no mystery here.” I popped my hip and rested my hand on it as Kristian took in my outfit.

“I can’t argue with that,” he murmured. “Are you ready? The car is here.”

“Sure, let me grab my bag.” I strode back into the room, leaving Kristian holding the door open. My heels thudded on the carpet as I did my best to wiggle my hips enticingly, leaning over the bed to snatch my purse. I popped my personal phone alongside my team one and cast Kristian a smile.

“Let’s go,” I said, ducking underneath his arm as he held the door open. After checking my room was locked up, we both headed to the elevators in silence. It was strange to be attending a work event without Sophia acting as a buffer between us. I could almost pretend we were just another couple, heading out to a fancy dinner together. I eyed Kristian subtly as we waited for the lift to arrive. He was looking good tonight – dressed in another expensive, well–tailored suit with a crisp, white shirt that was open at the collar. I pressed my lips together, fighting a smile.

The lift pinged and we stepped inside, the tension already mounting. I held my breath, waiting for the doors to slide shut, trapping us in a rare moment of privacy. Tucking my bag beneath my arm, I reached out with the other to smooth my hand down Kristian’s back. His attention snapped to me immediately.

“It’s been a hot minute since Vegas,” I whispered. “Do you think you can find some time for me in your busy schedule tonight?” I allowed my hand to trail lower still, grabbing a handful of his behind, heart fluttering when he allowed it.

“Now who’s being handsy?” he teased, treating me to a smouldering grin. “Trust me, it hasn’t been through lack of trying. The team schedule has been intense these last few weeks.”

“Yeah, but you’re the one who sets the team schedule. You’re the boss,” I argued, feeling my cheeks flush when Kristian smirked.

“I’m glad you’ve learnt your place at least.”

“Oh, shut up,” I huffed, snatching my hand away from him to run it through my hair. “Are we fucking tonight, or not?”

The lift slowed and the doors rolled open. I pursed my lips with irritation as Kristian failed to answer me and instead shoved his hands in his pockets and strode away, out into the hotel lobby.

We were racing in Singapore this weekend. The heat and humidity hit us like a wall as we left the air–conditioned hotel and hopped into the team car beside one another. I was practically squirming with excitement, thrilled to have Kristian all to myself for the first time in weeks. The driver closed the door behind the team principal, and he buckled himself in. A moment later the car rolled off, heading to the event on the other side of town.

I glanced at Kristian, his handsome features illuminated by the lights as we headed into the city. I was surprised to see him looking back at me and I smiled, narrowing my eyes quizzically.

“What’re you looking at?”

“You. We don’t often find quiet time like this. I’m making the most of it,” he replied, his voice low.

I nibbled my lip, turning to check the hatch between us and the driver was closed before stretching across and dragging Kristian into a kiss. He returned it wholeheartedly and I felt all the desire and wanting I’d been trying to suppress since that night in Vegas rise up inside me. Our kissing didn’t remain chaste for long and when I delved my tongue into his mouth, Kristian groaned. The noise alone set my heart racing. Was he as desperate for this as I was?

Our hands were everywhere, groping and grabbing one another wherever we could as we kissed messily. When Kristian’s mouth found my neck, I took a deep, albeit shaky, breath in an attempt to control myself. I reached out an arm, steadying myself against the car door as we turned a corner.

“Fuck, Kristian,” I sighed, arching up into his touch as one of his hands found my breasts. “What are you doing to me?”

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m also doing it to myself,” came his muffled reply. He pulled away, attempting to untangle himself from me as he sat back into his seat, but I continued to stroke my hands over him – from his wide chest down to the hard column of flesh I could feel beneath his suit trousers.

“Seriously,” he murmured. “We need to put the brakes on.”

“Why?” I whispered, evading his weak attempts to fight me off.

“Because we’re going to be at the event hall soon and—” He pressed my hand firmly against his erection. I moaned in response and took his mouth with my own once more. Kristian allowed me to kiss him for a moment longer before pulling back.

“Alright, alright,” I teased, sitting back into my own seat and tousling my hair. “I’ll give you a breather.”

“Thank you,” he muttered with a laugh. He scrubbed a hand over his face and stared out of the window at the cityscape. A moment of comfortable silence overcame us and whilst Kristian attempted to calm himself, I gazed across the car at him. God, he was handsome… Had he always been so hot, or was I just horny? Maybe both. I chuckled, realising some of my lipstick had smeared over his mouth, and the noise of it drew Kristian’s attention.

“Come here,” I said, gesturing him closer. When he obediently leant in, I wiped his lips off with my thumbs. “You’ve got lipstick all over you.”

“Oh, thanks.” Our eyes locked and I felt giddy. It was both exhilarating and nerve–wracking.

“There,” I sighed. “I think that’s all of it.”

“It had better be. The press would have a field day. Can you imagine?” he laughed.

Before I could answer, the car turned in to a long, sweeping horseshoe driveway that led to the event centre where the sponsor’s cocktail party was being hosted. Cameras were already flashing through the heavily tinted windows before we’d even come to a stop.

“Ready?” I asked, unbuckling myself. “Has your cock calmed down?”

“We’re all good,” Kristian replied with a grin.

I cast him a devilish smile. “For now. I have plans to get you so hard, you’ll be begging me for relief later.”

Kristian simply laughed and the door to the car opened. I swung my legs out, being careful not to flash anything inappropriate, and climbed out to greet the press. Kristian and I spent a moment smiling and posing side by side before heading inside. I breathed a sigh of relief, glad to be out of the tabloid’s scrutiny, though I knew some of the more prestigious journalists in motorsport would have been invited to attend this event.

Kristian and I were immediately accosted by various sponsors. I had hoped to stick beside the team principal for the night, keen for his protection from the worst of the leery old men, but we were quickly separated. Cocktail after cocktail was thrust into my hand as various CEOs, billionaires and marketing professionals sought my attention. The drinks were delicious, but I’d made the rookie mistake of having a light dinner. By the time I’d realised my error, I was already a little tipsy and that was a dangerous state to be in at this sort of event.

“Miss Rossi,” a familiar voice called through the sea of old men that seemed to loiter beside me wherever I went. I locked eyes with Davina Giovanni, one of the few female motorsport influencers and journalists, and an old friend.

“Am I glad to see you,” I muttered, tugging her close and kissing both her cheeks in greeting.

“You can say that again,” Davina replied. “You know, just as I think the racing circuit is making some real strides towards equality, I come to events like these and…” She trailed off, shooting me a wide–eyed grimace.

I threw my head back with a laugh. “I’m relieved that it’s not just me.”

“If one more crusty, old, white guy touches the small of my back, I think I’m going to scream,” Davina groaned, looping her arm in mine. “Come. You’re having a drink with me.”

“I really shouldn’t,” I argued, all the while allowing Davina to steer me through the crowds towards the bar. “I’ve had too many already.”

“Psh!” She flapped her hand. “You’re not racing again until next weekend. That’s plenty of time to recover.” She winked, passing her drink request to the mixologist before hopping up onto a bar stool. She patted the one beside her and I cautiously joined her.

“So, how has the season been so far without Harold?”

I knew that question had been coming, and I didn’t like to guess how many times I had already answered it, but with Davina it was different. My shoulders sagged.

“It’s been tough. Harold was like a father to me in many ways. He was my coach and mentor throughout my debut… I haven’t spoken to him since the news of his embezzlement got out.” I paused, willing my voice to remain steady. “I miss him.”

Davina’s face crumpled with sympathy, and she stroked my arm. “I’m sure. Everyone was shocked to hear it. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with the aftermath of Harold’s actions.” Her dark eyes flitted up to the barman as he handed us our drinks – what appeared to be some form of mojito – and she smiled in thanks. I eagerly took the glass from her, sipping a large mouthful. The drink was strong and burnt my throat, but I was glad for the distraction.

“And how are things panning out with Kristian Wright?”

I inhaled my drink and coughed. “How do you mean?” I spluttered.

“Well, he’s a bit of a dark horse, is he not?” Davina replied, her eyes glinting. “I’ve done my research and couldn’t find out much about him. How is he as a team principal?”

“He’s… fine.”

“Yeah, he is,” Davina all but growled and we both burst into giggles.

“Well, yes, he’s certainly easy on the eyes too, but he’s also a good team principal. Better than I’d expected from someone who’s only managed up to F2. He’s got a bit of a stick up his arse on occasion, but he’s survived my mood swings and tantrums so far.” I grinned.

“A real feat,” Davina teased, taking a sip from her drink. She glanced out across the room. “He’s like an oasis in the desert here, that’s for sure.”

I followed Davina’s line of sight, spotting Kristian amongst a group of the aforementioned crusty, old men. He had to be the youngest man in here by at least a decade. I fought a smile, hiding it by taking a drink.

“The Maddie Michaels years seem such a long time ago, and yet not much has changed, hm?” Davina sighed. “Not quickly enough, at least. Sure, women are finally on an even ground with men in motorsports, but our male counterparts don’t have to deal with… this.” She gestured to the room. “I wonder if change would come swiftly if it were men who were being pawed at in such a way.”

“You know it would,” I grumbled. “I’ll keep fighting the good fight for women in this sport, you know that.”

Davina smiled and took my hand, squeezing it. “Oh, I don’t doubt it. You’re a little firecracker. We could benefit from more women like you in the world.”

I laughed. “Be careful what you wish for!”

Davina quickly drained the last of her glass. “Listen, it’s been wonderful catching up, but I need to schmooze. My editor will have my head if I don’t dredge up some sort of story tonight.”

“Sure, great to see you too.” I slipped down off my stool and allowed Davina to drag me into an embrace.

“You take care of yourself,” she said. “Only a few hours longer, then you can escape this hell hole… Until the next one.” She rolled her eyes.

I smirked. “I can handle myself. See you around, Davina.”

“You too, Bianca.”

I waved goodbye to my friend as she slipped away through the crowds and suddenly felt exposed, almost vulnerable. My stomach churned, just waiting for the next stranger to introduce himself and invade my personal space. I turned to the bar, holding up a hand for the barman’s attention.

“A shot of tequila,” I said and a moment later, a tall shot glass was placed before me. I threw it back. Taking a second to steady myself before striding back into the crowds.

I was really tipsy now, the room around me growing fuzzy. I wanted to see Kristian. I ached for him, desperate to press my body against his. Sponsors attempted to garner my attention, but I politely refused, eyes scanning the crowds for the only person I had any interest in speaking to. I eventually spotted him a short distance away, deep in conversation with a group of middle–aged men. An almost feral grin crept onto my face, and I flipped my hair over my shoulder, striding across the room with the kind of confidence only alcohol could provide. Kristian hadn’t noticed me approaching yet and my gaze dropped to his shapely behind. God, I just wanted to bite it… but I doubted that would go down very well. Instead, I settled for the next best thing.

“There you are,” I all but purred, sidling up beside him. I rested my hand against the small of his back, just as every decrepit, leering old man had done to me this evening. Kristian stiffened, though instantly relaxed a little as he laid eyes on me and realised who was touching him.

“Ah, hello. I wondered where you had got to.” He gestured to the men he was talking to. “Bianca, let me introduce you to—”

Before he’d managed to finish his sentence, I allowed my hand to drop to his arse, grabbing a firm handful. I somehow managed to maintain my poker face, but internally I was cackling with glee. Kristian’s body tensed beside me, and he cleared his throat.

“I, uh, this is Mr Thomlin from OKX,” he said, voice tight.

“Pleasure to meet you.” I smiled politely.

“And you too, Miss Rossi. I hope the remainder of your season is more fortuitous than the last few races have been.”

Kristian reached behind his body and grasped my wrist, tugging my hand away from his behind. I smirked, but held Mr Thomlin’s eye, nodding along as he talked at me about my own career. I wasn’t listening to a word, my thoughts fixed solely on the team principal.

Eventually, Mr Thomlin and the rest of his cronies excused themselves. Kristian and I finally had a moment to ourselves and I chuckled as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Bianca,” he sighed.

“What?” I grinned. “I’ve had my body groped and grabbed more times than I’d care to count this evening. I was just balancing the scales a little.”

Kristian’s annoyance disappeared instantly. “What do you mean?”

I shrugged. “You know how these things are.”

“No, I don’t.” Kristian’s eyes narrowed, his mouth set in a grim line.

I felt suddenly flustered. “These events are always this way. I’m paraded around like a commodity and the men who fund our team’s success think that entitles them to invade my personal space.” I paused. “We need their sponsorship, so I just grin and bear it for the evening.”

Kristian stared at me for a long moment. He was livid, that much was clear, and I suddenly felt nauseous. I fanned myself with my hand, keen for some air upon my clammy skin.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned anything,” I muttered, turning away.

Kristian reached out and grasped me by my shoulder. “Bianca, you should have told me sooner. I didn’t know…” he trailed off and ran a hand through his hair. “This is my first time as a team principal for a female driver. It hadn’t even crossed my mind.”

I shrugged. “Well, now you know. It’s not your fault. It’s just how these events go. It’s always been this way.”

“Well, it shouldn’t be,” he snapped. “It’s a disgrace. Come on, let’s get you out of here.”

“It’s alright, Kristian. You don’t need to—” I faltered, taken aback by the seriousness of his expression. He took my elbow and steered me through the crowds, smiling stiffly as we passed swathes of sponsors and journalists. Soon enough we were at the exit and Kristian relayed instructions to the valet employees. It was quieter here and I finally felt as if I could breathe. We stood in silence, and I watched Kristian as he paced back and forth, clearly agitated.

“You really didn’t know?” I murmured.

“Of course not.” He scowled. “The next sponsorship event we attend, you and Sophia are not leaving my sight. I will not accept anyone disrespecting either of you.”

I blushed and looked away, crossing my arms beneath my bust. “We shouldn’t need your protection at all. Why does it take a man’s presence to stop other men from thinking it’s alright to lay their hands all over a woman?”

“You’re right, it shouldn’t, but if that’s what it takes to make sure you’re comfortable and safe at these events, then that’s what we will do.” He paused. “Rome wasn’t built in a day. You and Sophia are my responsibility. I won’t stand idly by and allow this to continue. Not on my watch.”

“And they say chivalry is dead,” I teased, keen to lighten the mood.

“It’s not chivalry, it’s just common decency,” Kristian snapped. “You and Sophia are athletes at the top of your field. You deserve every ounce of respect.”

I blinked, surprised by the strength of Kristian’s feelings. Harold had always turned a blind eye at these events, even when I’d complained and grown upset, he’d dismissed me and acted as if this were just an extension of my job as an F1 driver. Kristian’s anger was refreshing and my heart fluttered.

The car arrived and we slipped inside, each buckling ourselves in before the car rolled off into the night. The atmosphere was tense, and I fought for something to say. When I sighed heavily, Kristian met my eye.

“Thank you. It means a lot to have your support.”

He frowned. “You always have my support, especially in matters like these. You really should have told me sooner, I could have—”

“You know now. That’s all that matters.”

We stared at one another for a long moment before Kristian rubbed the back of his neck.

“What happened between us… That wasn’t…?”

I laughed. “Absolutely not. I pursued you, remember? Our relationship is exceedingly consensual, believe me. I’m not sure I’ve ever wanted anything as desperately.”

“Good,” Kristian sighed. A playful scowl returned to his face. “What were you playing at, groping me like that in public?”

I shrugged with a grin. “I couldn’t help myself. I’m tipsy and you have such a great arse.”

“Hm,” he muttered, unconvinced. “You’d better hope no one saw you.”

“No one can see us now,” I whispered, leaning my head back against the seat. To my delight, Kristian moved in and took my face in his hand, kissing me softly. I melted into him immediately, opening up and inviting him to deepen the kiss. When Kristian delved his tongue into me, I moaned.

“Fuck, I want you,” I gasped between kisses, our embrace growing gradually more and more frantic, just as it had done on the way to this sponsor event.

Kristian simply groaned in response, and he smoothed his hand up my leg, from my knee to the hem of my dress. When he pushed beneath the tight material, I moaned, enjoying his touch as he traced the tips of his fingers along the edge of my lacy underwear to grab my behind. He kissed his way down my neck, sucking and licking the soft skin and I shuddered.

“That feels so good,” I sighed, uncrossing my legs and parting them. “Put your fingers in my pussy.”

“Not here,” Kristian replied, voice muffled by my neck.

“Why?” I whined, rolling my hips up to him. “Just a little?”

“No.”

“Haven’t I been a good girl?”

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I felt Kristian’s grip tighten on me. He liked that and I wondered how far he would let me push him. Before I had the chance to find out, he removed his hand from my behind, instead bringing it up and grabbing me gently by the jaw as he kissed me. When I attempted to guide the other back down my body, he resisted me.

“No,” he replied breathlessly between chaste kisses. “We don’t have time for that, not here.”

“Fine,” I huffed. “Will you come to my room?”

“No, you can come to mine.”

“But—”

“Come on, I’ve done the walk of shame once already. It’s only fair to take it in turns,” Kristian replied with a laugh.

“God, you’re so annoying! Fine, we’ll go to your room,” I grumbled. “If you’re not going to touch me, at least kiss me until we get back to the hotel?”

“I can do that,” Kristian replied, pressing his mouth to mine firmly. We kissed feverishly and deeply, each taking turns to brush our tongues together. My desire skyrocketed, somehow to even greater heights now I knew progressing past kissing was firmly off the table. I squeezed my thighs together, desperate to alleviate the aching between them. A loud chirp broke through the tension and Kristian pulled away slightly to glance at his watch, the screen lighting up his face. He chuckled before returning to kissing me.

“What’s so funny?” I asked, chest heaving.

“My smart watch just registered an abnormally high heart rate.”

I smirked, running my hands all over him through his shirt. “Oh, yeah? Do I get your heart racing? Is that how into me you are?”

Kristian laughed breathlessly between kisses before grabbing my hands and prying them away. To my surprise, he placed one against his crotch and I eagerly rubbed the heel of my hand up and down the hard flesh I felt beneath.

“Painfully,” he murmured. “That’s how into you I am.”

His words were like an electric shock. I moaned and kissed him harder. No car journey in living memory had ever been slower and to my annoyance, I felt the team car crawling to a stop. Kristian and I parted hastily, straightening our clothes and hair just in time as the hatch rolled open between us and the driver.

“Sorry, Mr Wright. The city is gridlocked due to an accident. Nothing is moving,” he called to us.

“There’s no alternative route?” Kristian asked, clearing his throat.

“I’m afraid not. It looks like we might be here for a while.”

I felt the team principal’s gaze on me, and I was helpless but to meet it. The intensity of simply locking eyes was astounding and I took my lip between my teeth.

“Alright,” Kristian eventually replied. “Looks like there’s no other option.”

A thrill shot through my body, wondering if he was referring to the traffic or the almost torturous level of attraction between us. I smiled and unbuckled my seatbelt.

“Might as well get comfortable then, hm?”