Chapter 34

By the time we stepped out of the shower, both of us were breathless and flushed from the heat—not just from the water but from the way she had taken her time teasing and pleasing me, pushing me to the edge over and over before finally giving in to my pleading.

Monique reached for a towel, dabbing the moisture from her skin, her expression still smug.

I grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer. “That wasn’t fair.”

She laughed, tilting her head. “What wasn’t?”

I didn’t answer with words. Instead, I kissed her deeply, tasting the myself in her mouth, showing her just how much I appreciated her willingness to give me so much pleasure.

She melted into it, sighing softly against my lips before pulling away with a dazed smile.

“You’re full of surprises, mon amour.”

I smirked, handing her a fresh towel. “So are you.”

After drying off, I slipped into comfortable linen pants and a fitted T-shirt, rolling up the sleeves to accommodate my cast.

Monique, on the other hand, took her time dressing—choosing a figure-hugging skirt and a delicate, lacy blouse that was just sheer enough to hint at what lay beneath. She turned in front of the mirror, adjusting the fit before catching my gaze in the reflection.

“Like what you see?” she teased.

I walked up behind her, sliding my hands over her hips. “You already know the answer.”

She hummed in satisfaction, giving her hair a final tousle before heading toward the kitchen.

Breakfast was light and refreshing—a spread of fresh fruit, yogurt, and crisp croissants with honey. Monique poured two cups of coffee, setting one in front of me before sliding into her seat.

As we ate, we fell into easy conversation, discussing potential plans for the day.

“I was thinking we could go for a drive,” she suggested, stirring a bit of sugar into her coffee. “Maybe take a walk by the lake.”

I considered it. “That sounds nice. I could use some fresh air.”

Monique grinned. “And some exercise. You need to keep moving so your recovery doesn’t slow down.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Are you my nurse or my personal trainer?”

She winked. “Both.”

I chuckled, sipping my coffee. “Then I better listen to you.”

Her expression softened slightly as she reached across the table, brushing her fingers over my wrist. “You know ... I really love this.”

I tilted my head. “What?”

She gestured to us, the breakfast table, the simple morning routine. “Waking up together. Eating breakfast. Just ... being with you.”

A warmth settled deep in my chest. “I love it too, Monique.”

She smiled, squeezing my hand.

I squeezed back, knowing that whatever the day held, it would be another one spent in her presence—full of laughter, teasing, and undeniable love.