Between our hands

Chapter 54: Beyond Employment.

Once the official address was over, Maëlle descended from the stage with a speed and discretion that betrayed an urgent desire to escape the gazes. Every word she had spoken still seemed to resonate in the air, and she felt the attention of the spectators enveloping her, suffocating and relentless. Her heart was beating steadily, a rhythm out of sync with the world around her. She was exhausted, drained by the weight of the responsibility that came with this speech, and all she wanted was to find some calm, a place where she could catch her breath, away from all this turmoil.

Without hesitation, her mind guided her toward Samy, a source of comfort that had become almost indispensable. She knew where to find him; her gaze had often turned toward him during the address. Now, she needed his presence, his support, and above all, the tranquility he offered her.

She quickly descended the stairs leading to the terrace, passing through the vast, richly decorated corridors of the palace, the shimmering chandeliers lighting her path. Her footsteps echoed softly on the smooth marble, her shoes barely brushing the ground as she moved lightly, propelled by adrenaline and fatigue. The faces of the guests and dignitaries passing by seemed blurred, like indistinct shadows in a dream. Maëlle had only one thought in mind: to seek refuge with Samy.

She found him in a room adjacent to the stage, not far from the other bodyguards exchanging quiet words. Samy, for his part, seemed to be waiting for her. As soon as their eyes met, he immediately understood her need. His eyes, always so expressive, conveyed what Maëlle didn't even need to articulate: she needed him. The nervousness in her gestures, her rapid breathing, all spoke of an inner urgency. He slightly straightened up, leaving his professional stance, ready to accompany her.

Without a word, she moved closer, slipping her hand into his with an intimate familiarity. This gesture had become a ritual between them, a discreet way of supporting each other. Samy followed her in silence, his watchful gaze scanning the surroundings as he let Maëlle lead the way. The mutual trust between them was palpable in the air, a trust built not only on duty but on something much deeper.

They walked through the palace corridors, passing majestic artworks, ancient tapestries, and intricately carved furniture. Yet, all this splendor, all this display of wealth and power seemed to fade in light of Maëlle’s simple desire to find a space of peace. The contrast between the opulence surrounding them and the silent intimacy of their bond was striking.

Finally, they reached a small secluded room, a private lounge shielded from prying eyes. Here, far from the commotion, the gossip, and the royal demands, Maëlle finally felt able to breathe. The room was furnished with comfortable armchairs and a large sofa covered in plush cushions. Thick curtains filtered the daylight, bathing the place in a soft twilight, creating a muffled and protective atmosphere.

Maëlle turned to Samy with a sigh of relief, as if the very air she breathed had become lighter in his presence. She gently placed her hand on his arm and encouraged him to sit in one of the deep, cushioned chairs. Without a word, he settled in, his eyes still fixed on her, attentively observing every small sign of her emotional state.

Maëlle then moved closer and sat beside him, but instead of keeping a formal distance, she nestled against him, resting her head on his shoulder with absolute trust. She could feel his familiar scent, his cologne, and it calmed her troubled mind. The silence of the room, combined with Samy’s reassuring warmth, began to dissipate the tension that had enveloped her body since the start of the address.

Samy, equally silent, wrapped his arm around her, holding her gently against him. He knew that sometimes words were unnecessary. This moment didn’t need explanations or discussions. It was a moment of pure comfort, where mere presence sufficed to meet all needs. He lowered his head slightly to place a soft kiss on the top of her head, his lips barely brushing her hair. This gesture, both protective and affectionate, expressed everything he felt for her.

Their breathing slowly synchronized, each breath becoming a little calmer, a little longer. Maëlle could feel the steady beat of Samy’s heart under her ear, and it helped her regain her focus. The events of the day, the speeches, the glances, all began to fade away, replaced by the tranquility of this shared moment.

As they remained there, nestled against each other, time seemed to stretch, suspended in this bubble of intimacy. Samy, always attentive, slid his fingers through Maëlle’s hair, gently caressing her dark strands. She let him, her eyelids growing heavier, until finally, she surrendered to sleep. Her breathing became deeper, more regular, signaling that she had found some peace in his arms.

Minutes passed slowly; Samy didn’t move, preferring to remain still so as not to disturb Maëlle’s well-deserved rest. He held her firmly, ensuring she was comfortable, while keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings, even in this secluded room. He knew that even in these moments of calm, his duty remained the same: to protect her.

It was then that the door to the lounge opened slowly. Victor entered first, followed by his bodyguard. They stopped almost immediately upon seeing the scene before them. Victor, touched by the sight of Maëlle asleep against Samy, remained silent for a moment, as if he didn’t want to disturb the serenity radiating from this tableau.

He approached slowly, a soft smile forming on his lips. “She needed this,” he murmured to Samy, an undeniable tenderness in his voice. Victor then gently leaned down to place a light kiss on Maëlle’s forehead, a gesture that conveyed all the love and protection he felt for his cousin.

Samy, still silent, nodded slightly. He understood. He too saw how hard Maëlle was fighting to keep her composure in this demanding environment.

“You’re doing an excellent job,” Victor continued in a low voice, a sincere smile on his face. “But I’m going to need to ask you to help me get her to her room. Important guests are going to arrive soon, and it’s best if she’s out of the way.”

Samy nodded, understanding the significance of the moment. With the same care he had taken while holding her in his arms, he gently rose, making sure not to wake her. He then stood up, Maëlle still asleep against him, lifting her with infinite tenderness, as if he were carrying a precious and fragile treasure.

Victor silently opened the door, guiding them through the corridors of the palace. The sounds that had echoed earlier seemed to have dissipated, as if the outside world respected their need for calm. The journey to Maëlle’s room was silent, but there was a kind of unspoken camaraderie between Samy and Victor, a bond that had strengthened over time.

Finally, they reached Maëlle’s room. Samy delicately laid her down on her bed, ensuring she was comfortable, her breathing still tranquil, her features relaxed. Victor remained at the door, watching with a mix of gratitude and appreciation in his eyes.

After a final glance at Maëlle, Victor turned to Samy and, in a lighter tone, said with a smile, “You know, you’re doing much more than your job. You’re taking care of her in a way that few people could understand.”

Samy straightened up, nodding humbly. “I’m doing what feels right... And I must admit that I really enjoy my job,” he finished with a wink at Victor.

Victor burst into a small laugh, full of warmth. “That’s exactly why I trust you.”