He laughs, openly, only for the sound to be cut off as she straightens. The chemise is just transparent enough he can see everything, and just substantial enough that it renders her in gauzy shadows and somehow even more tantalising. This is— fun, and comfortable, in a way he hadn’t fully expected, but things with Gwenaëlle have always felt easy even when they’re difficult. And so this is simply an extension of it, of how it has felt natural to be vulnerable around her; to companionably occupy each others’ space; to trust each other. She keeps him on his toes. That sly edge to her smile makes him feel like he’s going a little insane.

So with that maybe and the bodice falling away, Stephen climbs back up and leans a knee astride hers on the edge of the bed. He leans into her again, kisses her again, one hand catching at her jaw and the other fanning across her ribcage once more, then drifting higher, palming a breast through the chemise.