the strongest avenger (2)

forty six

There's an arm draped over me.

That's the first thought that runs through my head as I'm lulled out of sleep.

My eyes open, and I blink a few times to adjust to the brightness. I see the familiar New York skyline through the windows across from me, the day light pouring into my room.

My gaze flicks down, observing how the sheet's thrown over me, along with a metal arm, resting just under the swell of my breasts, on my stomach.

The hairs on the back of my neck rise, as light breaths ghost along it.

James is still sleeping.

Here I'm met with two options; I can just lay down and enjoy being held, or I can get up and wake him in the process.

Being as I'm in the mood for being held, I turn in his arms, a soft smile forming on my face, as he unconsciously pulls my body closer to his.

I let myself enjoy this, even though it's James and he pisses me off to the max. I wrap an arm around his bare torso, and rest my head on his chest, letting out a breath as his arms tighten their hold on me.

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️

"Hey Snow."

I blink at his morning voice, a little turned on by it, which is unsettling since it's only morning.

"It was so much more peaceful when you were asleep." I mutter.

His chest jumps with silent laughs, while I just lift my head and glare at him.

"You gonna get off of me?" He quirks an eyebrow at me.

"You see...I'm quite comfortable. You should go back to sleep, it was better when you weren't speaking."

"Well, if you don't get up, then the team will start to wonder where we are. Did you lock the door last night?"

"I didn't. You were the one who closed it, why didn't you lock it?"

"I was busy playing with your ass, and holding you up. My hands were occupied."

I roll my eyes at him and set my head back down, holding in a sigh as James runs his finger down my back.

"Your hair looked nice." He mutters, causing me to turn and look up at him, at the way his hair sticks up at odd angles and how the light sharpens his cheekbones.

"What?"

"You had it down. I've never seen it down before."

"Oh. Uh, thanks?"

"Mmm. The dress was nice too, very nice if I must say—"

We both jump and freeze as someone knocks on the door to my room.

"Tal, we have training." I hear Nat's muffled voice from the other side.

"What? What training? The day after a party?"

"Goddammit Steve." James mutters.

"Lia, get up."

"Shit, shit, shit." I detangle myself from James and tug the sheet with me, keeping myself covered.

"Dude, why are you hiding now?" James mumbles as he pulls the comforter over his body.

"You're doing the same thing!" I whisper yell at him.

"Lia, I'm coming in."

"No-" I'm cut off as I trip in the sheets and slam down on the ground.

I hear the door open, and I sit up, my head popping out from over the bed to find Nat and—and Peter of all people staring wide eyed into the bedroom.