Between our hands

Chapter 104: Where Time Stops

When Maëlle entered the room, she didn’t need to say a word. Her usually bright face seemed darker, marked by an inner tension she struggled to hide. Samy, lying on the couch, distractedly reading a book, immediately sensed this change. He looked at her closely, his smile gradually fading as he noticed her worried expression. His brows furrowed slightly, and a glimmer of concern crossed his eyes. He closed his book and slowly got up, moving toward her.

“Is Sacha okay?” he asked gently, his hands brushing against Maëlle’s arms, as if to establish a first reassuring contact. “You seem worried…”

Maëlle froze for a moment, her mind swirling between her brother’s secret and her own need to confide. She wanted so much to tell Samy everything, to share the heaviness weighing on her heart, but she knew she had to honor the promise made to Sacha. Taking a deep breath, she sighed before replying, her voice slightly trembling.

“I promised Sacha not to say anything… And I can’t betray that promise, even if it burdens me.” She avoided Samy’s gaze, her fingers nervously playing with a strand of her hair.

Samy watched her in silence, his understanding and respect for the situation evident in his eyes. He knew how much Maëlle cared for her brothers and how difficult it could be for her to keep a secret, especially when it came to protecting one of them. He gently placed a hand under her chin, softly urging her to look up at him.

“It’s nothing serious. Don’t worry. It’s just… complicated,” she added quickly, wanting to soothe the concern she saw in his eyes.

Samy slowly nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. He didn’t need to ask more questions; he respected her boundaries, but the worry for her remained palpable in his expression. He knew she was carrying more than she showed, and it touched him deeply. Without another word, he gently pulled her against him, wrapping her in his arms in a warm, comforting embrace.

Maëlle let herself go, her tense muscles gradually relaxing in the reassuring contact of Samy. Her arms naturally found their place around him, and she closed her eyes, surrendering completely to the embrace. The pressure of his arms around her, the warmth of his body against hers… it was exactly what she needed to feel grounded, at peace. The slow, steady rhythm of Samy’s breathing seemed to calm the turmoil of her thoughts.

“As long as Sacha is okay, nothing else matters, Maëlle,” Samy murmured softly against her hair, his hands slowly gliding down her back in a soothing gesture. He wanted her to know she didn’t have to carry everything alone, that he would always be there for her, every step of the way, even in moments when she felt powerless.

Maëlle took a deep breath, the familiar scent of Samy, a mix of soap and warmth, filling her nostrils. She hugged him a little tighter, finding in this embrace the comfort she had been seeking since leaving Sacha. Her fingers distractedly played with the folds of Samy’s shirt, an unconscious way of holding on to him, anchoring herself to this stable and reassuring presence.

They remained like this for a long time, in the soothing silence of the suite. Only the steady beats of their hearts could be heard, beating in unison in this intimate bubble they shared. Samy placed a soft kiss on the top of her head, a nearly imperceptible gesture filled with love. Maëlle, eyes still closed, let out a soft sigh, feeling the weight on her shoulders lighten, even if only temporarily.

Eventually, she pulled back slightly, just enough to meet his gaze, and a faint smile formed on her lips. “Thank you,” she murmured simply, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Samy smiled back, affectionately stroking her cheek, looking at her tenderly, his gaze overflowing with love.

He pulled her against him again, this time in a softer, quieter embrace. They stayed like this, enjoying the warmth and comfort they transmitted to each other. Maëlle felt finally a little more at peace, ready to face whatever awaited her, as long as she knew she could count on Samy by her side.