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Sunlight streamed into the room, forcing Alessandro's eyes open. He stretched under the sheets, his body still heavy with fatigue. His eyes felt like they were glued shut. He rubbed them harshly, trying to rid them of sleep.

The sheets rustled beside him, catching him by surprise.

Suddenly, all the memories from the night before came rushing back to him.

Dakota's long hair was spread out on the pillow, her face half hidden in the pillow as she lay on her side.

Alessandro smiled to himself, pulling the sheets over her shoulder. Glancing at the clock, he quickly got dressed as the sun began to warm the room.

He gave Dakota one last glance before quietly slipping out of the room.

He hurried down the hall to the elevator, slipping on a pair of dark sunglasses and his face mask. The lobby was fairly empty, but the streets of Italy were in full motion.

A small bakery was nestled in the corner of the street, a block down from the hotel. As a child, Alessandro used to stop by every day when he was in Monza for the race.

The owner of the family run bakery had died 2 years ago, but the pastries were just as good as they had been the first day.

Dakota woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing incessantly. A loud groan left her lips as she reached over to the side table, only for her hand to find air.

The bedside table in her room was on the right side.

Had it magically grown legs and walked off in the middle of the night?

Her eyes flew open, suddenly aware that she was no longer in her hotel room. Her eyes wandered the room before landing on the shining silver trophy on the table across the room.

She was in Alessandro's room.

Turning over, she found his side of the bed empty. Her phone lay on the table on the other side of the bed. The screen lit up with several new messages.

Mark Pain: where r u?

u need to c this

call me

r u in ur room?

open the damn door

WAKE UP WOMAN

DAKOTA

check your phone!!!!

u need to c thissss

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She sighed, rubbing her forehead and debated on opening his messages. A part of her was on cloud nine. Yesterday had been, in an odd way, perfect. She knew it was a mistake to get herself so attached when she would be leaving in a few days time. But at the same time, she couldn't care less.

Dakota had admitted to herself that no matter how much Alessandro irritated her, she had feelings for him. Whether he felt the same, now that was a different story. One that would take a bit of work to sort out.

It often slipped her mind that Alessandro was one of a kind, and that she was one of many. He was a star on a world stage. A good looking Formula One driver with high sex appeal who raced at speeds one could only imagine. He was surrounded by women that outshined her. They were sparkling diamonds and she was, well, a plain little pebble.

A long sigh left her lips as she played with the drawstrings of the hoodie. His hoodie.

It provided little, but necessary comfort. Comfort that maybe, just maybe, things might turn out alright.

Suddenly, Dakota remembered that she was alone in the room.

"Fuck, what have I gotten myself in to?" she muttered to herself.

Just as she threw the covers off her bed, the lock clicked and Alessandro stepped through the doorway.

He had yet to notice her standing frozen by the foot of the bed.

She watched as he removed his mask and sunglasses. He was dressed in a white linen shirt and dark wash jeans.

"Good morning," she greeted, smiling coyly when he jumped in surprise.

"You scared me, good morning."

"Where did you disappear off to?"

"Breakfast," he replied, raising the brown paper bag in his hand.

Dakota grinned, her eyes lighting up as she eyed the bag. Alessandro chuckled at her reaction, crossing the room to open the patio door.

Hot sun beat down on the wooden deck, warming Dakota's legs as she stepped out into the open. She hummed in content and gazed out at the Italian country side.

"I'm going to go freshen up and change in my room before I eat. You can start."

"It's alright, I'll wait for you," Alessandro replied, the breeze ruffling his chestnut coloured hair.

"As long as you come back," he added.

"Aww, does Alé want to spend more time with me?" she teased, looking over her shoulder.

Alessandro bit back a smile, shaking his head as she disappeared into the hallway.

He pulled out his phone, noticing a flood of notifications. There were several texts from Lando, probably his usual spam. Aaron and Zak had called him as well, but he didn't want to be bothered with work at the moment. Deciding to respond later, he turned his phone off and slipped it back into his pocket.

The door slid open, making him look up.

Dakota stood in the doorway with a scowl on her face.

"Alessandro, how the fuck am I supposed to cover this up?" she hissed, pointing at her neck.

He stifled a laugh, spotting the light bruises that littered her neck and chest.

"You can wear a scarf?" he suggested, amusement clear in his voice.

"A scarf? Are you dense? It's freaking hot outside," she huffed, her shoulders slouching.

"I'm sorry," he laughed, clearly not anywhere near apologetic. His eyes trailed down her tanned legs. It was the first time he was seeing her in something other than jeans.

Dakota was dressed in a cotton sage green romper with a belt around her waist, perfect for the summer weather.

"You're an ass," Dakota muttered when she noticed his cheeky look.

Alessandro looked bright and fresh, the dull mood from yesterdays loss clearly forgotten. Dakota was happy he was feeling better and had a rare smile on his face.

The two ate their breakfast in silence, admiring the scenic view from his hotel room.

"Why did I get a room on the inside hallway with no windows," she frowned, tossing a small piece of bread at a tiny bird on the railing.

"Because you're not VIP," Alessandro smirked, leaning back in his seat.

"And you are?" she asked. She raised a brow at him, looking over the rim of her cup as she sipped her coffee.

"Yes, who's the Formula One driver here?" he teased, making Dakota roll her eyes playfully.

"That's your entire personality at this point."

"And? Don't act like you don't love it."

"What if I don't?"

"That's not what you said last night."

Dakota bit her lip, heat rushing to her cheeks as she looked away quickly.

Alessandro laughed at her shyness, standing up to put away the trash.

"Are you ready for the greatest tour of Italy you've ever had?" he asked, a charming smirk on his lips. He held out a hand for her, the other holding the keys to his rental.

"This is your chance, Alé. Sweep me off my feet," she smiled, taking his hand.

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"Where are we?" Dakota asked. They had driven 45 minutes North into a small town with cobblestone roads. She watched as he drove towards what looked like a very narrow walking path.

The wide Mercedes that the team had given Alessandro was not going to fit through the cobblestone road.

"We are," he began, sitting up straighter to get a better look. "In Como, Italy."

"As in, Lake Como?" she asked, eyeing the side of the car.

The cobblestones made the road bumpy as the car rolled over them.

"Yes, as in Lake Como," he chuckled.

"Uh, are you sure the car will fit?" she asked hesitantly.

"It will," he replied, pressing a button to make the side mirrors fold shut.

Little by little, Alessandro managed to squeeze the car through the narrow path.

"Are you sure we're meant to drive here?" Dakota laughed, looking out the window.

"Yes, Kota,' he laughed, glancing over at her. "I've been here many times."

Rows of tiny houses and apartments lined the road. Several small Vespa's drove down the road, but no cars could be seen. Children played football in the streets as their mothers watched on from the balconies. Their laughter could be heard through the windows of the car.

Suddenly one of the little boys noticed the car and pointed, sending all 4 kids running towards them.

Alessandro rolled down the window, waving to the kids.

"It's not every day a car this big comes through here," he explained.

He finally reached the end of the road at the top of the hill.

"Welcome to my home," he smiled, unbuckling his seat belt.

Dakota's eyes widened as he got out of the car, leaving her to process his words.

The sound of a gate clanging shut made her look out the window. Alessandro's mother came out of the house, immediately wrapping her arms around her son.

She greeted him in Italian and all Dakota understood was the word 'piccolo'.

"You've grown so much!"

"Mama, I look the exact same," he grumbled, shaking his head with a smile.

"To me you don't, look at how thin you are! Are they not feeding you? Do I need to talk to Zak? Look at how pale your skin is! Is there no sun there?"

"Mama, I'm fine!" he laughed, shaking his head at her concern.

She scolded him in Italian before giving him another hug.

Dakota watched the exchange with a grin on her face, clearly amused with the situation.

"Mama, this is Dakota."

"Oh," she did a double take, focusing her attention on Dakota.

Dakota gave a small wave, shifting uncomfortably on her feet. She was surprised when his mother immediately wrapped her into a hug.

"Oh cara mia, I'm so happy to have you here! Welcome to Como, I'm Alessandro's mother, Rossana."

"Nice to meet you," Dakota smiled, glancing at Alessandro.

His mother immediately caught on, her gaze switching between the two young adults.

"Are you..." she trailed off, looking between them.

"Oh no, no, no, we're just friends," Dakota said quickly, flashing her a smile.

Alessandro tensed, his gaze flying to Dakota. An uneasy feeling churned in his stomach at his words.

Friendship? She's got to be kidding me. I'm not about to get friend-zoned by a woman who kissed me like she might die without it. No way. Fuck that.

"Is papa at the restaurant?" Alessandro spoke up in Italian, earning a nod from his mother.

"Si, let's go?"

Dakota quickly got into the backseat and Alessandro opened the front passenger door for his mother.

Less than 5 minutes later, they were back at the foot of the hill. He parked outside of a small restaurant with a few picnic tables set up outside. The door was propped open with a small brick, letting the smell of food filter outside.

The smell of fresh tomato and garlic, as well as baked cheese wafted out of the restaurant. Dakota's mouth watered at the smell, suddenly aware of how hungry she was.

Most people were eating outside so it wasn't very crowded inside.

"Papa!" Alessandro called, a grin on his face as he waited for a response.

A tall man, about Alessandro's height, came out from the back of the building. He had a confused look on his face, scanning the seating area in suspicion.

When his eyes finally landed on Alessandro, a grin broke out onto his face.

"I knew I heard a car drive up the hill! Come here!"

The father and son duo embraced in a tight hug, as if it had been decades since they last saw each other.

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" his father scolded, smoothening his apron.

"I wanted to surprise you."

"Fabio! Can you watch over, I'm taking a break!"

A fait 'si' came from the back of the kitchen and his father quickly removed his apron. He motioned for them to follow, leading them to the back patio of the building.

Dakota lingered in the back until Rossana turned to look back to make sure she was following.

"Come, darling. We will go to the patio," she said, giving her a warm smile.

The four of them sat at the tiny table overlooking the lake behind them.

"Wow, that's a stunning view."

"My favorite place in the city," Rossana smiled.

"Alessandro, you didn't introduce me to this lovely lady," his father scolded in Italian, slapping the back of his head.

Alessandro blushed, rubbing his head sheepishly.

"Papa, this is Dakota. Dakota, my dad, Luca."

"Hello," she greeted shyly, shaking his hand.

"Welcome to La Tirlindana, my family restaurant," he smiled.

"Thank you, it's a lovely place."

"Would you like anything to eat? Drink? I can ask Fa-"

"Please don't worry about me, there's plenty of time for me to taste all your amazing dishes. Alessandro has something he wants to show you first."

His parents turned their attention to Alessandro who gave Dakota a playful glare. He reached down to pick up the black box he had been carrying.

"For you," he said, sliding the box towards his parents.

They glanced at each other before Rossana moved to open the box. Dakota bit her lip in excitement, anxious to see their reaction.

"Beh, che io sia dannato (well, I'll be damned)," his father mumbled, staring at the box.

Inside was the tall silver trophy, the words Monza 2021 engraved at the bottom. Dakota had to refrain from saying 'awww' as Luca's eyes watered.

"This is for us?"

"Zak said you can keep it," Alessandro nodded.

Rossana stood up to give her son another hug, his frame engulfing her tiny figure. Meanwhile, Luca was trying his hardest not to cry.

"I'm so proud of you," he said, giving his son a pat on the back.

"Come, let's get you two something to eat. You aren't leaving here until you've gained at least 5 pounds, look at how thin you both have become!" Rossana chided, ushering them back into the restaurant.

Alessandro's hand rested on Dakota's lower back, giving her a sense of comfort. She smiled at the feeling of warmth seeping through her clothes. Looking up, she found Alessandro already smiling down at her, making her blush.

To Alessandro, he didn't give a shit if the world was ending.

He didn't care if he only had 24 hours left to live.

All he cared about was making sure his parents were happy.

That was more than enough.

But he couldn't help but glance at Dakota, checking to see if she had a smile on her face.

Of course, Dakota's eyes sparkled as she listened intently to his father tell her the history of his family's restaurant.

As if she felt his gaze, her eyes flickered over to him.

She could see it on his face. He was happy. Alessandro was quite literally glowing with happiness. The look of adoration on his face made her stomach flip flop.

The tide had shifted.