The scent of Stuart wrapped around Josephine, just like it did five years ago whenever they hugged. But this time, his embrace felt way stronger.
He hunched over, completely shielding her in his arms. In the darkness, he pressed her against the elevator wall, using his body as a shield. Then, he quickly reached out and hit a bunch of buttons on the panel.
It seemed like a long time, but it was actually just a moment. The elevator kept dropping, and Josephine quickly figured out what was going on. When she snapped back to reality, she realized she had her arms wrapped tightly around Stuart's lean waist.
Stuart whispered, "Don't be scared, I'm here. Just hold on to me."
Josephine's feet were off the ground, and her heart was racing. She had no clue when the elevator would stop or what kind of injuries they might get from the fall. But Stuart's voice was right in her ear. She could even hear his breathing and heartbeat. In this tiny, dark space, she should've been terrified. But holding onto Stuart, she felt her anxiety and fear start to fade away.
"I'm here, Stuart," she whispered back.
Her voice was soft, but Stuart heard it. Even in this critical moment, he was tuned into her every reaction. Just as she was about to say more, the elevator made a horrible screeching noise and then suddenly stopped falling. The jolt made Stuart sway, but he held onto Josephine even tighter. He could barely stand, but letting go wasn't an option.
"Josephine, are you okay?" he asked, still not daring to put her down. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
Not knowing if the elevator would drop again, neither of them dared to move much.
"I'm fine," she said. "What about you?"
"I'm good too," he replied.
Since they had separated, this was the first time Stuart could really hold her in his arms, and Josephine didn't pull away. He couldn't see her, but his other senses kicked in. Her familiar scent filled his nostrils. He held her waist, and even through their clothes, he could imagine how smooth and delicate her skin was.
"What should we do?" Josephine asked, shifting slightly. "Call someone? Or bang on the door?"
"In places like this, safety is a priority," Stuart said. "Don't worry, someone will find us soon."
He freed one hand and pulled out his phone. "No signal," he muttered.
"Then..." Josephine started.
"Don't move," Stuart said, still holding her. "Can you move up a bit?"
Their bodies were pressed tightly together, with Stuart holding her directly. Her legs were off the ground, with no support. Stuart lifted her up, spreading her legs, and had her wrap them around his waist. The position was super intimate.
Josephine was silent for a few seconds before saying, "You can put me down."
"No," Stuart said firmly. "We don't know if the elevator will fall again."
He held her and took a couple of steps toward the elevator doors, then raised his hand and pounded on it.
"Someone!"
"They're here!"
Soon, there was movement outside.
"How are you guys?"
Stuart replied, "We're fine."
"Great! Don't worry, we're working on it. You'll be out soon!"
The noise outside was a bit chaotic, but for the two who had just faced a life-and-death moment, it was a comforting sound. It made them feel at ease and relaxed.
"It's okay now, put me down," Josephine said.
"No," Stuart insisted, lifting her up again. "This is safer."
"But..." Josephine didn't dare to move.
Stuart stayed silent. In the cramped space, the temperature seemed to rise.
"Stuart," Josephine said, feeling her body heat up too. "Put me down."
"Josephine," Stuart called out.
In the darkness, they couldn't see each other, but Josephine could hear Stuart's breathing. It was rough and heavy, like he was trying to control it but failing. To her, it was the kind of sound that made her blush.
"Put me down," she repeated, realizing her voice had become a bit strange. The position was too intimate, and they were pressed too close. She could feel the changes in Stuart's body. Even now, he had the mind for this.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to," Stuart said with difficulty. "But I can't control it."
"Stop talking," Josephine struggled in his arms.
The elevator suddenly shook.
Stuart was startled. "Don't move."
Someone outside immediately shouted, "Don't move inside! Stay quiet!"
They even lightened their breathing. But the more they did this, the more the intimate atmosphere seemed to intertwine with their breaths, becoming incredibly clear in the darkness.
Josephine knew Stuart's character well and knew how passionate he was about sex. In this situation, he could still react; she didn't know what to say about him. Wanting sex over life?
She even thought, 'With Stuart's character, he might kiss me the next second. What should I do? Punch him?'
She was still lost in thought when she noticed the light above flickered and then turned on. She closed her eyes and then slowly opened them. Then she saw Stuart staring at her without blinking. His gaze was intense, his eyes straightforward. The meaning in his eyes was clear to Josephine. After all, in their three years of marriage, whenever Stuart looked at her like this, it meant he wanted to kiss her. What followed naturally was making love.
But now, Josephine watched him, then looked away. He still held her, his body's reaction still present. But he avoided her gaze.
"Gently," Josephine said, "Put me down."
She thought Stuart wouldn't comply, but unexpectedly, he slowly let go. Josephine slid down from him. But before she could move away, Stuart placed his hand on her lower back.
"Just like this," Stuart said, "Don't move too far from me."
Josephine wanted to move, but Stuart controlled his strength, not letting her go. "Don't worry, I won't touch you. Josephine, you once said I should learn to respect. I know I haven't done enough, but I'm trying, I will..."
With a thud, the elevator doors slowly opened.
"Josephine!"
Stuart felt Josephine being pulled out of his arms quickly. The next second, she was in Roy's embrace.