Between our hands

Chapter 95: In the Softness of Dawn

The morning rose gently, bathing the room in a golden, soft, and comforting light. Maëlle, still wrapped in the warmth of the sheets, slowly opened her eyes. Nestled against Samy, her head resting on his still-bandaged chest, she listened to his steady breathing, the calm beat of his heart beneath her cheek. These moments of quiet intimacy had become precious, an anchor amid the chaos they had recently endured.

Samy was still asleep, his arms around her as if to protect her even in his slumber. Maëlle slowly lifted her head, her messy hair brushing her face, and observed her lover. The bandage around his shoulder looked fresh and clean, a sign that the doctor had changed it during the night. She gently caressed his face, her fingers tracing along his jawline, moving up to his hair. A tender smile spread across her lips as she ran her hand through his tousled hair, savoring every detail, every little sign of life in him.

Samy woke up to Maëlle’s caresses on his face. He slowly opened his eyes, still drowsy from sleep, but when his gaze met hers, a smile formed on his lips. They exchanged a knowing look, a silent conversation full of love and relief. They were together, and that was all that mattered.

“Do you want a bath this morning?” Maëlle murmured, her voice soft and soothing. She wanted him to feel good, to be able to relax despite the pain that still weighed on him. Samy nodded, too tired to speak right away. He appreciated these moments when she cared for him with such tenderness. He watched her get up carefully, her movements light and graceful, almost like she was dancing around him, then she made her way to the bathroom.

She ran the warm water, adding a few essential oils, creating a gentle, soothing steam that filled the room. The aroma of lavender and chamomile slowly spread through the air, bringing an immediate sense of calm. Maëlle checked the water temperature, making sure it would be perfect for easing Samy’s sore muscles, then returned to him.

Samy, still a bit groggy from the night and his injuries, accepted her help to get up. He grimaced slightly as he stood, but he didn’t let the pain spoil the moment. They slowly made their way to the bathroom, Maëlle attentive to every movement, ensuring he didn’t put too much pressure on his leg. She helped him take off his shirt, her gaze lingering for a moment on the bandages that still marked his skin.

Once undressed, she gently supported him as he stepped into the bathtub. Samy let out a sigh of relief as the warm water surrounded his body, soothing his tense muscles and dull aches. Despite the wounds and bandages, the sensation of the water on his skin was comforting, a welcome respite after all they had been through.

As Maëlle prepared to get up and give him some privacy, Samy gently grabbed her wrist, his eyes sparkling with a playful glint. With a mischievous smile, he pulled her softly toward him, without warning, making her slightly fall into the tub. Maëlle, surprised, let out a small squeal before partially tumbling into the water, splashing it all around them. Her light dress immediately became transparent, clinging to her skin, revealing far more than she would have liked.

She froze for a moment, shocked by the situation, before meeting Samy’s amused gaze. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she burst out laughing despite herself.

“Samy!” she protested, still laughing, her cheeks red with embarrassment. “You could have warned me!”

Samy, unable to hold back his laughter, shrugged, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Sorry, but it was too tempting,” he said, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “And besides... you look gorgeous.”

Maëlle, still embarrassed but amused by the situation, shot him a mock accusing look before smiling in return. She tried to get up, but Samy, taking advantage of this rare moment of lightness, gently held her against him, his hands sliding around her waist.

“Stay a little,” he whispered, his gaze full of love. He placed a tender kiss on her forehead, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. Maëlle relaxed against him, letting herself be enveloped by the warmth of the water and the tenderness of the shared moment.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers playing with his wet hair, twisting the strands around her fingers. “I love you, you know?” she whispered, her lips brushing softly against his.

Samy smiled back, his hands resting on her hips with infinite gentleness. “I know. And I love you even more,” he replied, his eyes shining with sincere emotion. He pulled her a little closer, his thumb drawing circles on her bare skin, a simple gesture filled with the depth of his affection.

They stayed like that, immersed in the warm water, surrounded by silence, but their bond spoke for them. The outside world seemed to have disappeared, leaving only the two of them, huddled together, savoring every second of this moment stolen from reality.

After a while, Maëlle gently pulled away, picking up a sponge to wash Samy’s shoulders and neck with slow, careful movements. Each motion was full of tenderness, as if she wanted to convey all her love through her delicate touches.

Samy closed his eyes, completely surrendering to Maëlle’s soothing gestures. “I could get used to this,” he murmured, a light smile on his lips.

Maëlle laughed softly. “You don’t have a choice. I’d do it every day if I have to, and if you want me to.” She continued to wash him attentively, her fingers gliding over his chest, tracing the contours of his muscles, carefully avoiding the injured areas. Samy shivered slightly under her touch, but the sensation was far from unpleasant.

When she finished washing him, she helped him rinse off before stepping out of the tub. She dried him gently with a large, fluffy towel, her movements still soft and considerate. They returned to the bedroom together, Maëlle ensuring Samy didn’t strain himself too much. She helped him settle comfortably on the bed, covering him with fresh sheets so he could rest.

Ely and Summer, their faithful dogs, immediately came to lie beside them, their presence bringing a comforting warmth. Samy absentmindedly petted Ely’s head, while Maëlle lay beside him, her head resting on his uninjured shoulder.

“How do you feel now?” she asked softly, her gaze searching his face for any signs of pain.

Samy gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, Maëlle. I told you, you take such good care of me that I can’t help but feel better.”

Maëlle smiled, relieved, before placing a tender kiss on his shoulder. They remained there, cuddled up together, savoring this bubble of serenity after so much turmoil.

The day passed slowly, peacefully. They needed nothing more than each other’s presence, their gestures full of tenderness and silent understanding. Every smile, every look, every touch spoke of their deep and unbreakable love. For them, the day was perfect, a moment of calm amidst the storm.

And as night fell again, wrapping the room in gentle darkness, they drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms, comforted by the warmth and closeness of their bodies.