Balancing Protective Love

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Linda relaxed in his arms, though her face was still flushed. She let out a soft sigh, realizing that Alex wasn't going to let this teasing end anytime soon. He always had a way of getting under her skin in the most loving, playful way. She wasn't used to it yet-being this close to him, letting her guard down so easily. But he made it feel so natural, even when he was being a little too cheeky for her comfort.

"Okay, okay, you win," she muttered, burying her face against his chest, feeling his warm skin beneath her fingertips. "Just stop teasing me already."

Alex laughed softly, running his fingers gently through her hair. "Admit it, you like when I tease you," he said, his voice low and full of that playful confidence.

Linda bit her lip, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of a full confession. "M-maybe a little," she mumbled, her words muffled against his chest. She could feel his heartbeat, steady and strong, and it only made her feel more flustered.

"You're adorable when you're shy, you know that?" Alex said, still holding her close, his fingers tracing soothing circles on her back. "But you don't have to be. I'm all yours, sweetheart."

She tilted her head up slightly, her gaze meeting his, and though she was still embarrassed, there was a softness in her eyes. "I know," she whispered, her voice quieter now. "It's just... sometimes it feels like a lot, you know? You... and how much I feel for you."

Alex's smirk softened into a warm, understanding smile. He brought his hand up to cup her face gently, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "I get it, babe. But you don't ever have to feel overwhelmed. I'm not going anywhere."

Linda nodded, leaning into his touch. "I know," she repeated, her tone more assured this time. "It's just that sometimes you... take my breath away." She let out a little laugh, feeling silly for admitting it, but Alex's expression didn't change. He looked at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.

"That's good," he murmured, leaning down to kiss her forehead softly. "I plan on taking your breath away for the rest of our lives."

Linda smiled, her embarrassment fading into pure affection as she wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tightly. "You're such a smooth talker," she teased back, though her voice was full of warmth.

"Only for you, baby," Alex replied, his lips brushing against her hair as he hugged her closer.

They stood there in each other's arms, the teasing fading into a comfortable, affectionate silence. For a moment, everything felt perfect-just the two of them, lost in their own little world. And though Alex had been teasing her relentlessly, Linda couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky to have someone who loved her so deeply, even when she was at her most vulnerable.

Eventually, Alex pulled back slightly, looking down at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes again. "You know," he said, "now that you've had your little run, I think it's only fair that we finish this properly."

"Finish what?" Linda asked, blinking up at him, confused.

"You running away from me. I never got my real chase," he said with a grin.

Before she could protest, Alex scooped her up in his arms, lifting her easily as if she weighed nothing. Linda squealed in surprise, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as he carried her toward the couch. "A-Alex! What are you doing?!" she laughed, her heart racing.

"Carrying you away, princess," he said, his grin widening. "Can't have my girl running off without me catching her, right?"

Linda shook her head, laughing despite herself as he gently laid her down on the couch. "You're crazy," she muttered, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

"And you love me for it," Alex said, leaning down to kiss her softly on the lips.

Linda sighed contentedly against his mouth, her arms wrapping around his neck again as she pulled him closer. "Yeah," she whispered when they pulled apart, her eyes soft and full of affection. "I really do."

Alex smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face before sitting down beside her, pulling her into his lap. "Good. Now, let's just relax for a bit. No more running, no more teasing. Just us."

Linda nodded, resting her head against his chest, feeling safe and content in his arms. "Just us," she repeated softly.

And in that quiet, peaceful moment, everything felt exactly as it should.