CHAPTER 35: Coddle

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As Elena slept beside me, her breath slow and even, I couldn't help but watch her

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As Elena slept beside me, her breath slow and even, I couldn't help but watch her. The gentle rise and fall of her chest, the way her lashes fluttered slightly, the peace that radiated from her-it all brought me a sense of calm I hadn't known before her. She was like a balm to the restlessness in my soul, soothing my mind and grounding me in a way nothing else could.

She thinks her stalker and I are two different people, and that's cute. One day, I'll tell her the truth-tell her that I was the one who watched her from the shadows, who sent her the notes and gifts, who was captivated by her long before we ever met in person. But not now. Not when everything feels so perfect. I don't want to ruin this moment with truths that might scare her. Not yet.

Her eyelids fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes, giving me that sleepy, adorable smile that I loved.

"Good afternoon, tesoro," I murmured, leaning down to kiss her forehead. Her skin was warm, and she smelled like the ocean, a scent that had become intoxicatingly familiar.

She tried to sit up, but I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her back into me. She let out a contented sigh and snuggled into my chest like a little baby. I couldn't help but smile at how perfectly she fit against me, how right it felt to have her here.

"Are you hungry?" I asked softly.

Before she could respond, her stomach let out a loud growl. I laughed, feeling her cheeks heat against my chest. "Okay, you're definitely hungry. Give me a minute, I'll order some food for us."

She nodded, and I reached for the phone on the bedside table, quickly dialing room service. I ordered a selection of her favorite dishes, knowing she'd appreciate the variety. After hanging up, I turned back to her, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"They'll take about 45 minutes," I said, sliding my arm around her waist and pulling her closer, crushing her against my chest. Her warmth seeped into me, igniting a familiar need. I couldn't help but lean down and kiss her, my lips capturing hers with a hunger that never seemed to fade.

She kissed me back, her hands resting on my chest, her touch light yet electrifying. When we finally pulled away, she looked up at me with those wide, innocent eyes, still a little sleepy.

"So, what are the plans for today?" she asked, her voice soft, a hint of shyness lacing her words.

I smiled, tracing my thumb over her bottom lip. "Nothing," I said, my voice low and husky. "Just cuddling, food, you, me, and making more of these precious moments together." I leaned in to kiss her again, a slow, lingering kiss that made her blush.

As I pulled back, I whispered against her ear, my lips brushing the delicate shell, "So until the food arrives, how about I give you some pleasure?" I kissed her neck, trailing my lips down her throat. She tilted her head to the side, giving me more space, a silent invitation that made my blood run hot.

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