Part 17

The following days.....

Colet led Maloi into her penthouse, and as soon as the door opened, Maloi was taken aback by the sheer elegance of the place. The penthouse exuded luxury, with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city below, and sleek, modern furniture that was both tasteful and inviting. Every detail, from the polished wooden floors to the contemporary artwork on the walls, showcased Colet's refined taste.

"Welcome," Colet said with a smile, watching as Maloi took in her surroundings.

Maloi's eyes wandered around the room, impressed by the sophisticated atmosphere. "Wow, this place is... incredible," she said, her voice filled with awe. "You really know how to make a place feel... elegant."

Colet chuckled softly, pleased by the compliment. "Thank you. I've always loved creating a space that feels both functional and calming."

Maloi nodded, taking in the vastness of the living room, the plush sofas, and the carefully curated decor. She was used to her own apartment, which was cozy and filled with her personal touches, but this was a whole different level of style. It was clear that Colet had a strong sense of both class and comfort.

They moved into the living area, and Colet gestured to a seat. "Make yourself comfortable. I can offer you some wine or anything else you might want."

Maloi sank into the plush couch, smiling up at Colet. "Wine sounds perfect," she said. "This place is... seriously gorgeous. It's like a hotel suite, but warmer."

Colet poured two glasses of wine and sat next to Maloi, handing her a glass. "I'm glad you like it. It's a work in progress, but it feels like home now."

As they settled into the evening, the conversation flowed easily, just as it always did between them. There was something about the atmosphere of Colet's penthouse—luxurious yet welcoming—that made Maloi feel at ease, as if she could completely relax and enjoy the moment. The warmth between them only grew stronger in the intimate setting, and Maloi couldn't help but feel a deeper connection to Colet, who, despite her high-powered life, made this space feel so personal and inviting.

"This is a beautiful place, Colet," Maloi said, taking a sip of her wine and meeting Colet's gaze. "I can tell you put a lot of thought into it."

Colet's expression softened, and she smiled, her eyes lingering on Maloi for a moment. "It's not just the space, though," she replied, her voice low and sincere. "It's the people I choose to share it with that really make it special."

Maloi's heart skipped a beat as she realized the weight behind Colet's words. The evening had just begun, and yet, in this elegant space, with Colet's gaze so warm and inviting.

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As the evening wore on, the warmth from the wine and the soft ambiance of the penthouse settled over them. Colet had prepared a delicious dinner, which they enjoyed together, laughing and sharing stories. The wine flowed, and before long, Maloi felt a light buzz, a pleasant warmth spreading through her.

As they finished their meal, Maloi felt a little tipsier than usual, her cheeks flushed, and her gaze lingered on Colet. Colet noticed the change in Maloi's demeanor, the way her eyes softened, and a smile played on her lips.

"You okay?" Colet asked gently, watching her carefully.

Maloi tilted her head, her gaze never leaving Colet. "Yeah, just feeling a little... light. You make everything feel so easy, Colet," she murmured, her words slightly slower, more thoughtful than usual.

Colet's eyes softened. "I'm glad. You deserve to feel that way." She reached across the table, brushing her hand gently over Maloi's.

Maloi's heart skipped a beat. There was something in the air between them, a quiet tension that neither of them could ignore. Maloi, feeling the warmth from both the wine and the intimate moment, leaned forward, her lips parting as she closed the distance between them.

Before either could say another word, Maloi kissed Colet, a soft, slow kiss, filled with warmth and a growing connection that neither had fully acknowledged before. It was tender, yet it held a depth of meaning, as if this kiss was a culmination of everything they had shared—unspoken feelings, the deepening bond, and the comfort they found in one another.

Colet was momentarily still, surprised by the kiss, but then she responded, her hand gently cupping Maloi's cheek as she kissed her back, more firmly this time, her lips fitting against Maloi's as if they belonged there. The kiss deepened, and in that moment, all the teasing, the quiet glances, and the unspoken feelings seemed to fade away. There was only them, in the quiet of Colet's penthouse, the rest of the world distant and irrelevant.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, their faces flushed. Maloi's eyes were wide, a little surprised at her own boldness, but there was no regret in her expression. Colet smiled softly, her hand still resting on Maloi's cheek.

"Wow," Maloi breathed, her voice hushed. "I... I didn't expect that."

Colet chuckled lightly, her thumb brushing over Maloi's skin. "Neither did I," she admitted, her voice low and sincere. "But I'm glad it happened."

They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the kiss hanging in the air, but in a way that felt right, that felt like the beginning of something deeper between them.

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The night continued to unfold with a sense of calm and closeness between Colet and Maloi. After their kiss, they moved to the bedroom, the soft lighting casting gentle shadows around them. Colet led Maloi to the bed, and they both changed into comfortable clothes before slipping under the covers.

The silence between them felt warm, not awkward, as if they were both content just being in each other's presence. Maloi, still feeling the effects of the wine, found herself relaxing in Colet's arms, the steady rhythm of Colet's breathing soothing her into a peaceful drowsiness.

Colet, equally content, wrapped her arms around Maloi as she tucked her head against Maloi's shoulder. The quiet hum of the city outside, the soft sheets, and the feeling of being so close to each other made the night feel intimate in a way neither had anticipated.

Colet placed a gentle kiss on the top of Maloi's head, her fingers tracing slow patterns on her back. "Goodnight, Maloi," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with warmth.

Maloi, with a sleepy smile on her face, squeezed Colet's hand gently. "Goodnight, Colet. Thank you for today... for everything."

And with that, they both drifted off to sleep, their bodies entwined and their hearts closer than ever.

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Maloi slowly stirred, the warmth of Colet's embrace wrapping around her like a soft blanket. She could feel Colet's steady breathing against her, and the sound of the city outside seemed distant compared to the peaceful moment they were sharing. She glanced at Colet, who was still asleep, her face relaxed and serene, the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Maloi couldn't help but smile herself. The closeness between them felt so natural, so right. She felt safe, comfortable, and happy in a way she hadn't realized she was craving. She shifted slightly, careful not to disturb Colet, and gently laid her head back down against the pillow, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment.

Colet stirred a little, tightening her arms around Maloi in her sleep, as if instinctively pulling her closer. Maloi's heart fluttered at the gesture. She hadn't expected this kind of connection, but now that she had it, she wasn't sure she wanted to let go.

After a few more peaceful moments, Maloi softly whispered, "Colet... it's morning."

Colet's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled softly when she saw Maloi's face. "Morning," she mumbled, her voice still husky from sleep. She tightened her hold on Maloi just a little more, unwilling to let go yet.

Maloi laughed softly, her heart swelling with affection. "You're too comfy. I didn't want to wake you, but we should probably get up..."

Colet chuckled, the sound warm and low. "I'd happily stay here all day with you," she said, her voice teasing but sincere.

Maloi's cheeks flushed, and she smiled, her heart racing. "You're a softie, Colet."

Colet lifted her head slightly, her expression shifting into something more serious. "For you, I am," she said softly, her eyes locking with Maloi's.

Maloi's breath caught in her throat for a moment, feeling the weight of her words. She smiled, her own heart opening in response. "I like that," she whispered back, leaning in to kiss Colet gently on the lips.

As they pulled away, the world outside the window seemed to fade away, leaving only the quiet, intimate space they had created together.

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As Colet stepped into the shower, the warm water cascading down her skin, she let out a contented sigh. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind—balancing work, spending time with Maloi, and now waking up with her in her arms. It was a feeling she was still getting used to, but she welcomed it.

Meanwhile, Maloi stretched on the bed, still wrapped in the lingering warmth of Colet's embrace. She smiled to herself, staring at the ceiling, replaying the morning in her head. The way Colet held her, the way she looked at her—she was falling, and she knew it.

Curious, Maloi sat up and glanced toward the bathroom door, hearing the faint sound of water running. She smirked to herself, tempted to tease Colet once she came out. Instead, she got up and wandered into the kitchen, deciding to prepare something simple for breakfast.

A few minutes later, as Maloi was setting up the coffee machine, she heard the bathroom door open. She turned around just in time to see Colet walking out, a towel wrapped around her , another one draped over her shoulders as she dried her hair.

Colet noticed Maloi's gaze and smirked. "Enjoying the view?"

Maloi playfully rolled her eyes, though her slightly flushed cheeks betrayed her. "Just making sure my girl is well taken care of."

Colet chuckled, stepping closer. "Is that so?"

Maloi turned back to the coffee machine, pouring a cup. "Yep. Sit down, breakfast is almost ready."

Colet leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on Maloi's cheek before whispering, "You're spoiling me, you know that?"

Maloi laughed. "Good. Now go put on some clothes before you distract me too much."

Colet chuckled, heading toward her closet, knowing full well that Maloi was already completely distracted.