Behind Closed doors

Chapter 34

Kamala stirred as the soft press of lips met her temple, then her cheek, her chin, and finally her neck. The tender, butterfly-like kisses trailed lower, accompanied by the warmth of breath against her skin. A quiet, contented moan escaped her lips as Lauren's kisses reached the sensitive spot just beneath her ear.

"Mmm," Kamala murmured, her voice husky with sleep. Her eyes fluttered open to meet Lauren's mischievous grin hovering above her. "What a way to wake up."

Lauren chuckled, her voice low and teasing. "Good morning, Madam President."

Kamala's laughter was soft and sleepy as she reached up to cradle Lauren's face, her thumb brushing over her cheek. "Well, certainly a Good morning ."

They lingered in that warm, intimate moment, Kamala's fingers tracing gentle patterns along Lauren's jawline. The sunlight streaming through the curtains painted them in a golden hue, making the morning feel almost magical. But reality wasn't far behind.

Lauren sighed, reluctantly breaking the silence. "As much as I'd love to stay here all day, we've got to get moving. We need to head back to the White House. I've got to arrange my shifts with Agent Smith before catching my flight."

Kamala's lips curved into a playful pout as she groaned in protest. "Do you have to remind me that you're leaving so soon? It's Christmas Eve. Can't you just stay?"

Lauren smiled, pressing a kiss to Kamala's forehead. "I wish I could, Kam. But you know I promised my family I'd be there this year. It's been way too long since I've seen them."

Kamala's pout deepened, but her eyes held a glimmer of understanding. "Fine. But just a few more minutes. I need more cuddles to make up for the week you'll be away."

Lauren's laughter was rich and affectionate. "Alright, Madam President. A few more minutes."

Kamala nestled closer, draping an arm over Lauren's waist as their legs tangled beneath the sheets. The quiet intimacy of the moment was a stark contrast to the chaos of their usual schedules. It was a rare gift—one they both cherished deeply.

"Where are you headed again?" Kamala asked after a moment, her voice muffled against Lauren's shoulder.

"Ohio," Lauren replied. "Not too far, but it's a world away from here. My mother and sister still live in the house I grew up in. Small town, lots of snow this time of year."

Kamala lifted her head slightly, a soft smile gracing her lips. "It sounds lovely. I can picture you as a little girl, running around in the snow."

Lauren grinned. "Oh, I was a terror. My mom still complains about the snowball fights I used to start. But it's home, you know? It'll be good to be back, even if it's just for a few days."

Kamala's fingers trailed idly over Lauren's bare shoulder. "I'm glad you're going. Family's important. But I'm still going to miss you like crazy."

"I'll miss you too," Lauren said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Kamala's face. "But we'll call, and I'll be back before you know it."

Kamala's gaze was warm but tinged with longing. "Promise me you'll take some time to relax while you're there. No thinking about work, no checking in on your shifts."

Lauren laughed lightly. "That's rich coming from you. When's the last time you took a real break?"

Kamala's eyes sparkled with mock indignation. "I'm the President. My breaks look a little different, thank you very much."

"Exactly," Lauren teased, leaning in to press a kiss to Kamala's nose. "So maybe we both need to work on that."

Kamala sighed, a smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. Deal." She paused, her expression growing more serious. "Just... promise me you'll be careful. I know it's your family and not a security threat, but... I worry about you."