The room is bathed in a soft, golden glow from the bedside lamp, casting shadows that dance lazily along the walls. The sheets are tangled beneath you.

Mattheo holds you close, his arms wrapped securely around your waist, as if afraid to let go. His chest rises and falls beneath your cheek, the steady thump of his heartbeat soothing, grounding.

He presses a soft kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering for a moment before he tilts his head down, his voice a low murmur against your skin.

"Are you okay, baby?"

His tone is gentle, laced with a tenderness that makes your heart ache in the best way. His grip tightens ever so slightly, as if he needs to feel you closer, to make sure you’re really there.

You shift, tilting your head up to meet his gaze. His deep brown eyes, filled with something raw and unspoken, search yours for any sign of discomfort. But there is none. Just warmth. Just love.

"More than okay," you whisper, fingers reaching up to brush the damp strands of hair from his forehead.

A soft smirk tugs at the corner of his lips before he leans down, peppering kisses along your forehead, your temple, your cheek—slow, deliberate, each one filled with quiet devotion. When his lips finally meet yours, the kiss is sweet and unhurried, a stark contrast to the fire that had burned between you moments ago.

"Good," he murmurs against your lips. "I never want you to feel anything less."

His hand moves to tangle in your hair, his fingers threading through the strands as he pulls you impossibly close.

"Can you stay here forever?" you murmur, your voice laced with drowsy contentment.

Mattheo chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrates against your cheek. He tilts your chin up with his fingers, pressing another lingering kiss to your lips.

"There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, love."

The world outside ceases to exist. There is no rush, no worry—just you, him, and the quiet promise wrapped in his embrace.