Break Fresh Ground

24: MALICO

As I stirred from my slumber, I was greeted by a sudden chill that sent shivers down my spine. Fumbling around with my eyes still closed, I reached out for the comfort of my blanket, but it failed to provide the warmth I needed.

Just as I was about to give up, I felt a tender embrace wrap around me, holding me close in the softest of ways. It was as though she had sensed my discomfort and had come to my rescue.

With her arms enveloping me, I could feel her chest gently rise and fall in sync with my own. The sweet fragrance of her natural scent filled my senses, bringing me a sense of peace and comfort that was beyond words.

As her body heat spread to mine, I felt myself sinking deeper into her embrace, relishing in the warmth and security that she provided. I nestled my face between her shoulder and neck.

As the sun's rays filtered through the open roof of the house, I woke up in a daze, feeling disoriented and confused. But before I could even sit up, I felt the warm embrace of the person beside me.

Her arms wrapped around me, holding me close as she continued to sleep soundly. With her face so peaceful, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration. Her beauty was magnified by the gentle morning light, and I found myself smiling at the sight of her.

As I remembered her playing guitar late into the night, a wave of tenderness washed over me. Her guitar lay beside the bed, a reminder of the sweet music that lulled me to sleep.

Unable to resist her charms, I decided to stay put and wait for her to wake up. But time seemed to stand still as she slept, and my attempts to wake her up proved futile.

In my desperation, I even resorted to poking her cheeks playfully, hoping that it would rouse her from her slumber. But she remained in her peaceful state, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her adorable stubbornness.

As I lay there, my mind started to wander, and my cheeks flushed with the thought of stealing a kiss from her. I quickly tried to push the thought away, but it lingered, refusing to leave.

Before I knew it, I found myself leaning in, stealing a light kiss on her cheek and jaw. I held my breath, hoping that she wouldn't wake up and catch me in the act.

To my delight, she remained asleep, and I couldn't resist stealing a few more kisses, savoring the softness of her skin.

But just as I thought I was in the clear, she moved, her arms wrapping around me, pulling me closer to her. Her left arm cradled my neck, and her right hand hovered just above my butt, tapping it playfully.

My heart skipped a beat, and I held my breath, afraid that she might have caught me. But to my surprise, she remained asleep, and I couldn't help but smile at her playful gesture.

Soft rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. I turned to look at Artemis, still lost in a peaceful slumber. I couldn't resist the urge to wake her up, calling out her name softly.

"Artemis?" I whispered, watching as she stirred slightly, a small groan escaping her lips. "Art?" I called out again, and this time, her lips tugged into a small smile as she hummed.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her sleepy state, but I knew that we had to get moving soon. "It's almost ten," I whispered, poking her cheek gently.

"Five more minutes," she mumbled, her eyes still closed. I didn't want to disturb her peaceful state, so I waited patiently, watching as she snuggled closer to me.

I gave her the five minutes she asked for, but even after that, she was still sleeping, her breaths slow and steady against my neck.

"Artemis, wakey-wakey," I tried again, shaking her slightly. She furrowed her brows, her grip on me tightening as she nuzzled her face on my neck.