ma chérie | cl16

chapter forty-two

very intense 🌶️ warning!! (not kidding, this is really spicy! beginning marked by 🌶️ and it's spicy from that part... till the end)
🎶 slow down by chase atlantic 🎶

Adeline's sleep was interrupted by a gentle breeze coming through the open window in Charles' bedroom. Attempting to cozy up to her blanket, she found it difficult to drift back to sleep after being awakened. Her hand instinctively reached to gently grab Charles' arm to seek some comfort and body heat, only to realize that Charles wasn't in bed. Adeline slowly opened her eyes, blinking a few times before settling herself down on the bed.

The neon green digits of the nightstand clock glowed, displaying the time as 3:34. Adeline was certain that they had arrived around 2 am after leaving the bar. They hadn't really drunk much—none of the drivers and friends had gone crazy (well, except Carlos). Adeline furrowed her brows slightly as she rose from the plush king-sized bed, determined to find Charles.

She didn't need to be searching for a long time—Charles was sitting at his piano, his head resting on the music desk. He was shirtless, wearing only his sleep boxers. "Charles? Is everything okay, mon chou?" Adeline softly asked, her question followed by a loud yawn.

It was as if her voice dragged him out of trans, concerned that he had disturbed her sleep. His gaze met Adeline's sleepy eyes, and even though it was dark in the apartment, he still could see the concern on her face. "Yeah, I am. Did I wake you up? I didn't touch the piano but–"

"No, it was the wind," Adeline shook her head as she approached Charles, taking a seat beside him. "Why aren't you sleeping?" she inquired, her hand finding its place on Charles' back.

The way even a gentle touch on his back was bringing Charles immense comfort was almost unbelievable to him. "I've been having some trouble sleeping since Japan," Charles let out a sigh. "It's not only about that, though. The pressure to secure that second place in the championship is huge," he cleared his throat.

"I understand," Adeline nodded, her hand rubbing Charles' back. "You know I can't even imagine the pressure, but if there's anything I can do to help, let me know."

"Thank you. You're helping me by being here for me," Charles' eyes finally met Adeline's, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of Adeline smiling back at him.

"Play something for me," she said, and Charles let out a chuckle.

"Now?"

"Yes. You haven't played for me yet," Adeline shrugged her shoulders, a playful smile gracing her plump lips.

"What would you like me to play for you?" Charles asked, his fingers poised on the keyboard as he straightened his posture.

"Something you composed," Adeline wanted to rise from the plush piano chair, but Charles' firm yet gentle grip on her wrist stopped her.

"I'll play something I wrote for you," he said, and Adeline couldn't pinpoint if the shivers on her spine were ignited by Charles' touch or his words.

"You... You wrote a song for me?"

"I did. A few, actually. But this one is my favorite," Charles said, his fingers gracefully resting on the keyboard once more.

Adeline watched his fingers breathe life into the composition, enveloping her in the embrace of the most beautiful melody she had ever heard. She didn't know if the melody sounded so beautiful because it was dedicated to her or because she couldn't believe the amount of talent Charles had. His hands danced across the black and white keys, captivating her gaze. Those very hands clenching a steering wheel with hunger and determination were now so gently and precisely playing such a breathtaking tune.