Ava Sinclair was now face to face with one of the most famous F1 drivers in the world right now—Leo Vargas-Clairmont. The very same man who unknowingly bought Tsuki and he had no idea that the artist behind it was standing right in front of him. He didn't even know her real name. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
What were the odds they'd cross paths again? Probably close to none. That was the only reason she'd allowed herself to flirt with him—just a little. She prayed he wouldn't take her seriously and would simply play along, as she had intended.
"So, Florence. You like F1?" he asked.
She chuckled, not at the question itself but at the name. Florence—her stepmother's name. Still, she played along.
"F1 is overrated," she teased, tilting her head slightly. "I'm more into illegal mud drifting. Why do you ask?" she said teasingly.
Leo arched a brow, intrigued. "Oh?.. You don 't look like the type to like those.., but you should know—I was scouted for F1 after competing in illegal races at 17. So, technically, street racing made me who I am today." He smirked, clearly proud of the fact.
Ava internally cursed. She had only been teasing, but now he probably thought she was actually interested. "Wow. I didn't expect that," she admitted.
"To be honest, I don't really like racing. I don't hate it either, but I could never do it myself. I once drove too fast and almost crashed. It traumatized me to this day." She wasn't sure why she told him that. Maybe because his confidence was contagious, or maybe because she needed to deflect.
Leo's expression softened. He reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring pat. "I'm really sorry that happened to you. If you 'd like, I could give you a tour of the F1 circuit before the Grand Prix starts this weekend." His excitement combined with his British accent was palpable.
She hesitated before slowly pulling her hand away. "I have a flight back to Milan at 3:30 PM today, and a full workload waiting for me before one of my projects starts renovation. But thanks for the invitation."
He studied her, a hint of disappointment flickering across his face. "You 're not as easygoing as you look, are you?"
"I'm just... distracted." She felt guilty for some reason. She exhaled and offered, "How about dinner when you come to Milan?" She stood, grabbed her jacket, and exchanged numbers with him before retreating to her hotel room.
She wasn't ready for anything—not yet. She had one major project and three smaller ones to complete. She had no time for dating or distractions. So why did she feel guilty for turning Leo down?
Ava quickly packed her bag with the essentials and rushed out, hoping to avoid running into him again. But, of course, fate had other plans.
"Let me take you to the airport," Leo offered, reaching for her bag in the lobby. Seems he's waiting for her.
"No, it's fine," she declined with a polite smile. "I already ordered a cab." She made her way toward the entrance, but before she could escape, he grabbed her hand.
"At least let me do this," he said. "Since you lied to me." Ava froze. Shock spread through her.
"What are you talking about?" she feigned ignorance.
Leo smirked, tilting his head slightly. "I wasn't sure before, but now I am. I've smelled this fragrance before —the first time you came here you know... when we shared the hotel elevator, remember?" She swallowed hard, her pulse quickening.
"And," he continued, reaching into his pocket, "I happen to have something of yours, Ava Sinclair." Her breath hitched when he held up an exclusive La Galerie Noire card. "You dropped this yesterday," he added.
Ava was speechless. How much did he know? It had to be his sharp observation skills—something all great F1 drivers had.
"Cat got your tongue, my love?" His smirk widened, clearly enjoying her reaction.
Her jaw clenched. "What do you want?" she snapped ,annoyed. "First, let me take you to the airport," he said. With no other choice, she reluctantly agreed and got into his car. She remained silent the entire ride, arms crossed, eyes staring out the window.
Leo sighed. "Ava, I'm sorry. I know you're mad at me, but I swear I didn't mean any harm. I just want to get to know you." Then he chuckled. She scrolled her eyes and ignored him.
Once they arrived, she practically bolted toward the check-in counter, pretending not to hear him when he called after her. "See you soon, Ava!" Heads turned. People stared. Heat rushed to her face. She put on her headphones, blasted the loudest song from her playlist, and boarded her flight.
Leo Vargas-Clairmont had completely blindsided her. Thankfully, the Grand Prix season was about to begin, which meant she'd have a much-needed break from this Madness.
Milan
Two hours later, Ava was picked up by Milo Amato, nephew of her assistant aka her best friend Maya Amato. "How are you, sis?" Milo greeted her with a bright smile as he loaded her small suitcase into his car.
"Tired," she muttered before adding under her thought, 'and annoyed.' Milo chuckled.
"Luxe Haven's penthouse project is going well, by the way. We've documented almost half the measurements. Alessia is finishing up. She's really the definition of work now, play later." Ava noted the way Milo's face slightly reddened when he spoke about Alessia. She smirked.
"Does she know?" she asked casually.
Milo blinked in confusion. "Know what?"
"That you have a massive crush on her."
His jaw dropped. "Wait, what? How do you know? Did she say anything? But she has a boyfriend, right?" He bombarded her with questions, looking both panicked and hopeful.
Ava burst out laughing. "Relax! I was just guessing." Milo sighed in relief but still looked suspicious. "Drop me off at Luxe Haven, Milo." Ava instructed. "Leave my stuff in front of my apartment as usual. I need to check on something."
"Alright. Alessia has the project numbers if you need it, so you can ask her for them." Milo said to her.
Minutes later, Milo pulled up in front of Luxe Haven. Ava stepped out, grabbed her architect bag, and headed toward the elevator. "Go eat and rest," she told Milo before the doors closed. "I'll see you all tomorrow."
Inside the elevator, she checked her phone. A new message from an unknown number. She opened it—and groaned.
Leo: After the Grand Prix, I'm coming to Milan. And I'm claiming back everything you owe me. Choose the first activity for our date. 😉
Ava scowled at the screen. 'Damn it. I told you, Ava—lying never leads to anything good.' With an exasperated sigh, she exited the elevator—only to bump straight into Ethan Vescovi.
And he was holding hot coffee. Which was now all over her.
"Shit." he said.
Ava grunted.
"I'm sorry," Ethan said immediately.
Ava blinked. 'Well. That's a first.'