𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟖 +

𝐅 𝐎 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐒 𝐈 𝐗

Eden

When I finally got home to our penthouse, all I wanted to do was collapse. The elevator ride felt longer than usual, my legs heavy as if I had bricks tied to my ankles. The day had been gruelling, catching up on work after being out for a few days due to being sick had me swamped, and every task seemed to pile on top of the last. By the time the elevator doors open, I was barely holding myself together.

The scent of something floral and fresh hit me as I walked through the hall. Lenore must have lit one of her candles again, I thought as I dragged myself toward our bedroom. My mind was too foggy to register much else. No sooner did I step through the door and see our bed, the plush comforter inviting me like a warm embrace, than I collapsed onto it without a second thought. My body sank into the mattress, every muscle in me surrendering to the weight of exhaustion.

I lay there, face-down, my mind clouded with the haze of the day's stress, barely noticing anything else around me. I heard the faint clink of a glass from the balcony, a reminder that Lenore was out there. She had probably been enjoying a quiet evening while waiting for me to get home. But I couldn't even muster the energy to get up and greet her.

The sliding door creaked open, and I heard Lenore's soft footsteps approaching the bed. I felt a brief pang of guilt for not going out to see her first, but it vanished the moment her gentle chuckle filled the room.

"Well, well," she teased, her voice warm and familiar as she stood by the bed. "You didn't even make it to me, sweetheart."

I mumbled something incoherent into the pillow. All I could manage to say was, "Tired...so tired." My words came out muffled, and I felt her presence beside me as the mattress dipped under her weight.

Lenore's fingers lightly trailed over my back, and even through my work clothes, I felt the warmth of her touch. I turned my head slightly to the side, just enough to catch a glimpse of her with her glass of wine in hand, her eyes soft as she looked at me. She set the glass down on the nightstand and leaned over me, brushing a few strands of hair out of my face.

"You poor thing," she murmured, concern lacing her voice. "You've been working yourself too hard again."

I groaned softly. "I had to catch up... couldn't stop," I muttered, my body still unwilling to move.

Lenore sighed, but it wasn't in frustration, it was in that tender, understanding way she had. "Alright," she said softly, "let's get you more comfortable."

Before I could protest, or even attempt to move on my own, Lenore gently helped me sit up. She was careful, taking her time as she guided me out of my jacket and unbuttoned my blouse. Her touch was soothing, and I found myself leaning into her hands, my body limp and compliant.

"I've got you," she whispered as she slipped my blouse off, replacing it with one of my soft pajama tops. Her fingers brushed against my skin, and I shivered, not from cold but from the comfort that only Lenore could provide.

She helped me with the rest of my clothes, taking her time, and I was too exhausted to feel self-conscious or awkward. When I was finally dressed in my pajamas, she pulled back the covers, guiding me under them. The sheets were cool against my skin, and I sighed in relief as I sank deeper into the bed.

I expected Lenore to return to her wine or head back to the balcony, but instead, she slid into bed beside me. Her arms wrapped around me, pulling me close to her chest, and I immediately felt my body relax even more. She smelled like her perfume, a hint of lavender mixed with something warm and musky, and I let myself breathe her in as I rested my head against her chest.

Lenore's fingers gently played with the ends of my hair, and I could feel the steady rhythm of her breathing as she held me. "You work too hard," she said softly, her lips brushing against the top of my head. "You need to slow down sometimes."

"I know," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll try."

She chuckled, a soft, melodic sound that vibrated against me. "I'll hold you to that, sweetheart."

The exhaustion was beginning to catch up with me again, but being in Lenore's arms made it all feel bearable. I snuggled deeper into her chest, feeling the warmth of her body wrap around me like a protective cocoon. The stress and fatigue from the day slowly started to melt away, replaced by the comfort and safety of being close to her.

"You're too good to me," I mumbled sleepily, my eyes fluttering shut as her fingers continued their soothing motions through my hair.

"You deserve it," she whispered back, kissing the top of my head. "Always."

We lay there in silence for a while, the soft sound of the city outside barely audible through the windows. Lenore's heartbeat was steady beneath my ear, and I found myself matching my breathing to hers. There was something incredibly grounding about the way she held me, like I was exactly where I was meant to be, no matter how tired or overwhelmed I felt.

"Just rest," Lenore murmured. "I'll be right here."

I didn't need to be told twice. My body was already drifting, sinking into the softness of the bed and the warmth of her arms. I felt safe, like nothing could touch me while she was there, holding me so close.

And as I began to slip into sleep, I couldn't help but smile, grateful for the woman beside me. Grateful for the love and care that had become the constant in my life. Lenore was everything I hadn't known I needed, and I was so lucky to have her.

With her soft touch against my back, I let the exhaustion take me, my last thought before sleep took over being how lucky I was to come home to her every day.

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~ R