Between our hands

Chapter 96: In the Embrace of the Day

The sun pierced through the curtains, gently bathing the room in a golden light. That morning, Maëlle had woken up long before Samy. She stretched softly, careful not to disturb his sleep, and quietly slipped out of bed. Samy was still peacefully asleep, his breathing calm, his features relaxed. She watched him tenderly before moving to the table, determined to make progress on her work before the day fully unfolded.

Settling in quietly, she immersed herself in her notes and sketches, letting her mind focus entirely on her project. The silence of the room, interrupted only by Samy's steady breathing, allowed her to concentrate. Yet, from time to time, she would lift her eyes to look at him, a smile dancing on her lips. He was there, close to her, and the mere thought warmed her heart.

After making headway on her work, Maëlle felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her. She reread her project, adjusted a few details, then got up to write a note to Samy, which she placed on the table. With a gentle touch, she brushed his cheek before leaving the suite.

_"My love, rest well and don’t move too much so you don’t hurt yourself. I love you so much. I won’t be long."_

She kissed his forehead and headed toward her grandfather’s quarters to drop off her project. On her way, she ran into her brothers, who teased her about her early-morning energy, and then shared a few laughs with her mother and her little brother, Charles, who was playing in the garden. This brief interaction brought her a welcome sense of peace. After sharing a few moments of family camaraderie, Maëlle, eager to return to Samy, made her way back to their suite.

Opening the door softly, she expected to find Samy still asleep. But to her surprise, he was already awake, sitting at the table, his gaze fixed on her notes. As soon as he saw Maëlle, a bright smile lit up his face, and before she could say a word, he stood up, limping slightly, and pulled her into his arms, holding her with such strength that it took her by surprise.

“What’s wrong, my love?” she asked softly, placing her hands on his back.

Samy buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply. “Nothing at all… just that I don’t like waking up without you.” His words were barely a whisper, but the sincerity in them melted Maëlle's heart.

She smiled, her heartbeat gently echoing Samy's. “I won’t be far anymore, I promise.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him tenderly, their lips meeting in a soft, comforting embrace.

They then moved to the table, where Maëlle sat to finalize the last details of her project. Samy, still restless, watched her, unable to sit still. His legs lightly drummed against the floor, and even though Maëlle was focused, she began to be distracted by his constant movements.

Gently, she reached out her hand, placing her fingers on his leg to calm him. Samy stopped immediately, though his impatience remained evident. He bit the inside of his cheek, a gesture betraying his need for attention. Amused, Maëlle looked up, and without saying a word, leaned toward him, her hands sliding around his neck before kissing him softly, answering his silent request for affection. Samy closed his eyes, savoring the long-awaited moment, his heart beating faster.

After the kiss, Maëlle sat back, a tender smile on her lips, while Samy, now calmer, gazed at her with infinite affection. She returned to her work, but focusing was difficult with Samy nearby, staring at her lovingly. Finally, unable to sit still any longer, Samy got up and headed to the balcony for some fresh air.

Maëlle, seeing him leave, smiled knowingly, easily guessing what was on his mind. A few minutes later, after finishing her tasks, she joined him on the balcony, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind. Samy, feeling her presence, turned around instantly, a playful smile spreading across his lips. Without a word, he grabbed her hand and gently led her back to the bed.

Once by the bed, he playfully pushed her back. Maëlle, still smiling, fell onto the sheets, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. Samy lay over her, his gaze filled with desire and tenderness. He leaned in to kiss her, his lips grazing her forehead, her cheeks, her neck, before returning to her lips. Their bodies intertwined, their breaths mingling in a passionate embrace.

Their embrace grew more intense, their hands exploring the familiar curves of each other, each touch speaking of the deep love they shared. Minutes passed, and they let themselves be swept away by the intimate moment, forgetting everything else.

Later, when the heat of their passion had subsided, Maëlle sat up slightly, running a hand through her tousled hair. “I’m going to take a shower…” she whispered with a smile.

Samy, still lying down, looked at her with a teasing smile. “Need a hand?” he offered in a playful voice.

Maëlle burst out laughing, turning to him. “I think I can manage on my own this time.” But seeing the gentle insistence in his eyes, she finally gave in. “Alright, come on.”

Under the warm water, their bodies slid against each other. Samy, gentle as ever, planted kisses along her neck, while Maëlle laughed softly, letting herself be carried away by the moment. They savored this intimacy, their actions filled with endless tenderness.

After finishing their shower, they returned to the bedroom, slipping under the sheets. Maëlle, snuggled up against Samy, sighed in contentment. “We should shower together more often…” she said with a smile.

Samy held her tighter, a satisfied grin on his lips. “I totally agree,” he murmured, kissing her forehead. They relaxed there, their bodies intertwined, slowly drifting into sleep in an atmosphere of calm and shared love.

They fell asleep like that, perfectly entwined, comforted by the love they shared, savoring every second of their silent connection.

After these moments of love, a sharp knock sounded at the door. Maëlle sat up abruptly, turning to Samy with a playful smile.

“One second!” she called out, hurrying to get dressed while throwing an amused glance at Samy, who was doing the same in a rush.

Once ready, Maëlle opened the door to find Victor leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a subtle smile on his lips. He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by what he had interrupted, but he made no comment.

“Sorry if I’m interrupting,” he said with an innocent tone that fooled no one. “But I came to let you know there’s a little fancy soirée tomorrow night. So, make sure you dress up accordingly.”

Maëlle nodded, a bit embarrassed but keeping her smile. Samy, standing not far behind her with his hair still tousled, listened attentively.

Victor then turned to Maëlle with a more serious expression. “By the way, I need some clarifications on the project you sent me. Do you have a bit of time to discuss it now?”

Maëlle agreed, glancing at Samy before following Victor onto the balcony. The cool breeze gently swept through their hair as they settled in.

“I’m not sure I fully understood a few points,” Victor began, pulling out some notes. He quickly explained his questions, and Maëlle answered calmly, adjusting a few details to make her ideas clearer.

After they finished discussing the project, Victor turned to Samy, still on the balcony.

“And you, how are you feeling?” he asked, his eyes filled with genuine concern. “Are your injuries healing well?”

Samy nodded. “It’s getting better, thanks. I’m trying to take it easy.” He smiled, though his movements still showed slight stiffness.

Victor stood to leave, but before stepping out the door, he couldn’t resist throwing out a little tease. “Oh, and by the way… try to behave yourselves. Just a warning: I’m not ready to be an uncle yet, so try not to have too much fun in the immediate future!”

Maëlle couldn’t help but laugh, while Samy shook his head with a smile. “Promise, we’ll be careful,” she replied, gently closing the door behind Victor, a playful smile still on her lips.