Chapter 21

I woke up to the feeling of warm, bare skin pressed against mine, Monique’s body curled into me like she belonged there. The sunlight filtering through the curtains cast a soft golden glow across the room, and I took a moment just to breathe her in—the faint floral scent of her shampoo, the heat radiating from her skin, the steady rise and fall of her chest against mine.

I sighed contentedly, brushing my fingers through the loose strands of her hair. “Morning, love.”

She let out a sleepy little hum, burrowing deeper into me. “Mmm ... do we have to get up?”

I chuckled. “Unless you want the Gendarmes to walk in on us like this.”

Monique groaned but finally lifted her head, her eyes still heavy with sleep. A lazy, playful smile tugged at her lips as she stretched, the movement pressing her body deliciously against mine.

“Fine,” she murmured. “But I reserve the right to tease you mercilessly all morning.”

I smirked, sliding my hand down the curve of her hip. “I’d expect nothing less.”

We got out of bed, and as always, Monique helped me. The bruising was better, but I still moved a little stiffly, and she was always watching, making sure I wasn’t pushing myself too hard.

Of course, that didn’t stop her from pushing me in other ways.

As she dressed, she made a deliberate show of it—stretching her arms above her head so her breasts lifted, wiggling her hips as she slid into her panties, taking her time adjusting the straps of her dress like she wasn’t perfectly aware that I was watching.

I exhaled slowly, shaking my head. “You are evil.”

She turned, biting her lip. “Evil? No. Just ... enthusiastic.”

I laughed. “If this is what I have to endure every morning, I might not survive.”

Monique winked as she kissed my cheek. “Oh, you’ll survive. I’ll make sure of it.”