17. Dared

Penelope began running her fingers through my hair as we lay there in the quiet of the playroom. It was a simple gesture, but its effect was immediate and profound. The sensation was soothing, almost hypnotic. I closed my eyes, letting out a contented sigh, and rolled my head gently, savoring the feeling. Her touch was tender, the kind of affectionate gesture that I had missed more than I realized.

I could feel her eyes on me, watching me closely as her fingers worked their magic. There was an intensity in her gaze, a focus that made the moment feel even more intimate. It was as if she was trying to communicate something through her touch, something words couldn't quite capture.

Eventually, I opened one eye and looked at her with a half-grin, a silent question in my gaze. She simply shook her head with a small smile and continued running her fingers through my hair. Her movement was rhythmic, lulling me further into a state of relaxation.

As she kept up the gentle motion, her head