Between our hands

Chapter 97: In His Arms

Maëlle settled at her desk, focused on a new project she had just started, this time on waste management in the kingdom. She knew that the issue of managing natural resources and ecological infrastructure was crucial, but she had noticed that waste treatment systems were outdated or even nonexistent in some regions. This not only caused environmental problems but also posed health risks to the population.

Maëlle pondered several solutions. One of her first ideas was to implement a waste sorting system at the source, similar to those in large European cities, starting with awareness campaigns for the residents. She also thought about setting up recycling centers in rural areas to encourage material reuse. Another option she considered was the installation of waste-to-energy plants, which would generate electricity from trash while reducing landfill use. She calculated the costs, analyzed the pros and cons, and began imagining how to present these ideas to her grandfather.

As she worked, the doctor entered the room to examine Samy. After a careful examination, he turned to Maëlle and said:

“Samy is recovering well, but he’ll need at least three more weeks of rest.”

Maëlle nodded, grateful for the news, though worried about Samy’s growing impatience. The doctor left the room, and a few minutes later, Samy approached Maëlle, leaning against the table.

“Maëlle, do you think I could go see the security guys?” he asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Maëlle looked up from her project, slightly skeptical.

“Only if you promise to be careful, and I want you to be accompanied. I’m really afraid you’ll hurt yourself.”

Samy smiled, seeing her concern, but he knew she was right.

“Alright. I’ll take one of the guards with me.”

Moments later, Samy, with his crutches, left the room accompanied by one of the bodyguards stationed outside the door. Together, they headed toward the security quarters. As he arrived, a series of whistles and greetings erupted.

“There’s our hero!” one of the guards shouted.

“Hey, you got shot and still look better than some of us after a day on duty!” joked another, gently patting his uninjured shoulder.

Samy grinned, enjoying the camaraderie.

“Yeah, maybe the pain is what keeps me in shape. You guys should try it!” he replied with a touch of dark humor.

The men burst out laughing, and then one of the guards added seriously:

“On a serious note, we all wanted to congratulate you, Samy. What you did to protect Maëlle was incredible.”

The words resonated with sincerity, and Samy nodded, touched.

“Thanks, guys. But I wasn’t alone; there were several of us.”

“Maybe, but you took bullets anyway!” replied another guard with admiration.

Samy sat down, continuing to joke and share stories with them. The good-natured banter flowed easily, but the respect for his heroic act remained evident in every exchange.

Meanwhile, Maëlle continued working on her project. She closely examined the costs that setting up such a waste management system would entail. Installing sorting and recycling centers would require high initial investments, but the long-term benefits, in terms of public health and environmental impact, were immense. She also assessed how this could affect local small businesses, which could potentially profit from this new sector.

She awaited Samy’s return with a touch of impatience, hoping he hadn’t overexerted himself.

When he came back into the room, limping slightly but with a satisfied smile on his lips, Maëlle quickly approached him, her eyes sparkling, and kissed him tenderly.

“I think I’m becoming addicted to you,” she murmured against his lips. “I missed you so much, even for those twenty minutes you were gone.”

Samy, amused and moved, smiled. Despite the pain pulling at his shoulder and leg, he couldn’t resist the urge to surprise her. He let his crutches fall to the floor and, in a burst of affection, gently lifted her into his arms. Maëlle gasped, half-surprised, half-laughing.

He then sat down on the couch with her, placing her on his lap. Maëlle wrapped her arms around his neck, savoring the moment of tenderness.

Samy, with that intense gaze he reserved for her, slipped his hands under Maëlle’s shirt, softly brushing her skin. His fingers moved slowly along her back, tracing gentle caresses that sent shivers through her. He kissed her, first on the lips, then trailing kisses down to her neck, a warm sensation rising within her. Maëlle, smiling, closed her eyes and nestled her head in the crook of Samy’s neck, savoring the moment.

“I missed you so much too,” Samy murmured, his lips brushing Maëlle’s ear.

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other, savoring the intimacy and the palpable love that bound them.

Samy let his hands glide under Maëlle’s shirt, her soft skin contrasting with the intensity of their breaths. He caressed her slowly, relishing every moment, while Maëlle, now lying beneath him, let out quiet sighs, evidence of her growing pleasure. Her hands roamed his back, clinging to him slightly, her fingers tracing soft lines across his skin.

Samy lingered, kissing her neck and moving slowly up to her jaw, while Maëlle, her head tilted slightly back, closed her eyes under the effect of each kiss. His lips left light traces, imprints of desire, wherever they touched. He could feel her body reacting to his caresses, and that sensation made him want to cherish her even more.

They undressed each other gradually, without rushing, taking time to rediscover one another. Their movements were gentle yet passionate, every touch heightening the intensity of their closeness. Samy, lying partially on top of her, ran a hand through her hair while continuing to caress her, their eyes rarely breaking contact, a palpable connection settling between them.

When their bodies finally joined, the rhythm was slow and deliberate, their breaths in sync, both seeking to prolong this moment of shared bliss. They alternated between deep kisses and tender embraces, careful with each gesture, each sensation, as if wanting to capture the moment. Maëlle, caught between the love she felt and the tenderness of their exchange, slid her hands along Samy’s arms and shoulders, instinctively wrapping her legs around him.

Their breathing quickened gradually, the heat of their bodies filling the room with an almost tangible energy. Samy, despite his injury, made sure to maintain that gentleness, staying attentive to Maëlle, while she, content, guided him with a look or a subtle movement.

Finally, they reached that peak of ecstasy together, their bodies trembling with pleasure, before collapsing against each other. Samy lay gently beside her, still out of breath, while Maëlle, her cheeks slightly flushed, placed a hand on his chest, at peace. They remained like that, in silence, arms wrapped around each other, simply enjoying each other’s presence, cradled by a wave of tenderness that seemed endless.