Matthew and Emily were carried away by the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of the bar, and the soft and sensual beat of the music invited them to dance again. Emily took Matthew's hand and, without saying anything, led him to the dance floor, a silent invitation that he accepted with a smile.
When they reached the center of the dance floor, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he gently pulled her by the waist, bringing their bodies closer.
The enveloping music dictated the slow and hypnotic movements, and each gesture was a subtle dance of closeness. They exchanged intense looks, as if the world around them had disappeared.
As they danced, Matthew slid his hands down Emily's back, feeling the softness of her every move. Emily closed her eyes, letting herself be carried away by his touch and the connection that emerged between them, as their bodies moved in perfect synchrony with the music. The dance became even more engaging, and the movements, more intimate, expressed the desire and complicity that existed between them.
Matthew brought his face closer, until his lips were millimeters from hers. Emily's gaze captured his, and without words, they understood each other.
He kissed her softly, exploring every second of that first touch with affection and intensity. Emily returned the kiss, and the gesture soon transformed into something deeper and more passionate, as if they had kept that moment for a long time.
When the kiss ended, they were both smiling, their eyes still shining with the intensity of the moment. But Emily was not ready to stop. With a playful smile, she held his hand and pulled him to a more reserved corner of the bar, where they could have a little more privacy.
There, away from the curious eyes, Matthew held her by the waist again, and Emily wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him closer. They kissed more intensely, a deep kiss that carried all the feelings that were revealed between them. Matthew's hands caressed her shoulders and back, while Emily felt his touch with growing passion.
They stayed like that, immersed in each other, in a moment of pure connection and emotion. When they finally pulled away, they were both panting, with their hearts racing and a smile that expressed everything they felt.
Looking at him with a sparkle in her eyes, Emily laughed softly, still with the taste of the kiss on her lips, and pulled away from Matthew with a mischievous look.
"I'm going to get us more drinks. Stay here... and see if you behave," she joked, giving him a warning look, but with a smile on her face.
Matthew raised his hands in surrender. "I promise I'll behave."
She took one last look before heading to the bar, but she had barely taken a few steps when two women, who had already noticed him before, decided to approach Matthew again, taking advantage of Emily's brief absence.
One of them, in a tight red dress and a provocative smile, slid closer to him, leaning casually on the table and giving him a bold look. "Hey, handsome. Your date is gone, so... how about giving us some of your attention?"
Matthew sighed, remaining polite but visibly uncomfortable. "Sorry, but I'm with someone," he said, trying to keep his tone friendly.
The other woman, a blonde with piercing eyes, didn't give up. "Oh, we're just trying to be nice," she insisted, giving him a mischievous smile and touching his arm in a suggestive way.
At that moment, Emily, who was at the bar and had noticed what was happening, came back with the drinks and, upon seeing the scene, felt a wave of irritation take over her. Her gaze hardened, and she quickly approached, interrupting the two.
"Sorry, girls," Emily said with a sarcastic smile, handing Matthew his drink and standing firmly beside him. "What are you doing here?"
The two women looked at each other and laughed, as if dismissing her presence. "Calm down, dear. We're just talking to him. No harm in that, right?"
Emily crossed her arms and gave him a piercing glare. "Wrong," she said firmly. "Because he's not interested, and neither am I going to let you try anything."
The woman in the red dress smirked. "Oh, sorry, honey. I didn't know he was a prisoner."
Emily tilted her head with a sharp smile and, without hesitation, replied, "Prisoner, no. But now I'm seriously considering locking him up in my house... far away from hateful bitches who think they can steal my boyfriend."
They both stepped back, clearly surprised by Emily's firmness. With one last frustrated look, they gave up and walked away. Once they were gone through the crowd, Emily turned to Matthew with a satisfied smile and put her arms around him.
"Sorry about the scene, but I was starting to lose my patience with these pretenses," she muttered, still slightly irritated.
Matthew chuckled, pulling her closer and giving her a kiss on the top of her head. "I admit I loved that possessive side of you," he said, looking at her with an amused glint in his eyes. "But to be honest, I don't need to be locked up at home. I already belong by your side."
Emily relaxed and laughed too, shaking her head. "Well, then I better keep an eye on you."
He grabbed her by the waist, sealing the moment with a kiss. "I'm all yours, and only yours. Always."
Emily's smile brightened, and they were once again lost in the night, completely wrapped up in each other, as if the world around them had disappeared.
The next morning, a soft ray of sunlight passed through the curtains of the hotel room, invading the room and gently touching Emily and Matthew's faces. Emily let out a soft moan and pulled the blanket over her face, trying to escape the light and the headache that was beginning to bother her.
"Ah... why is the sun so noisy today?" she mumbled, her eyes still closed and her face buried in the pillow.
Matthew, beside her, already awake, let out a low laugh, sitting on the edge of the bed and stroking her hair reassuringly. "I don't think the sun is to blame," he joked, with a patient smile. "I think it's the several rounds last night talking louder."
Emily let out another groan and turned around, now with her eyes half open, staring at him with an expression of slight irritation. "Why aren't you like this? I don't think it's fair that I have to deal with this whole hangover alone," she grumbled.
Matthew laughed, shaking his head. "Maybe I drank a little less," he admitted, grabbing a bottle of water and an aspirin that he had already left at hand, as if he had been prepared for the situation. "Here, take this. It'll help."
She looked at him with an expression of gratitude mixed with discomfort, taking the aspirin and water. "Thanks, but I still want to blame you for letting me drink so much," she joked before taking the medicine.
--skip
Matthew smiled and stood up, adjusting her pillow and making sure she was comfortable. Then he returned to the bed and sat next to her, rubbing her back as she sighed and tried to compose herself.
"If you need anything else, I'm here," he said softly, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close.
Emily closed her eyes, resting her head on his shoulder and relaxing into his gentle touch. "I need the world to stop spinning," she murmured as he rubbed her back.
Matthew chuckled softly, trying not to provoke her further irritation. "I'll see what I can do about that," he replied playfully, before arranging a cushion behind her so she could sit comfortably.
He spent the rest of the morning patiently caring for her, bringing her a light breakfast, helping her rehydrate, and making sure she got as much rest as possible. With every small gesture, she felt his care and patience, and even though she was grumbling about her headache, she couldn't help but smile at how much he cared.
"Thank you for everything, Matthew," she said, finally relaxing and taking his hand. "I think you're the only reason this morning isn't unbearable."
Matthew smiled, taking her hand back. "That's why I'm here," he replied softly.