world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 24

Lucia held onto Paul's arm as he guided her through his home, soft laughs falling from her lips as she attempted to peek beneath the blindfold. She'd spent most of the day with Charlie while Paul was out preparing for his night with her. Her uncle had a knowing gleam in his eyes, and no matter how many times Lucia asked what Paul had planned for her birthday, Charlie would let up. It was frustrating, to say the least.

Bella hadn't been there -- surprise, surprise. She rarely was at this point. Every waking moment since the fight against the newborns was spent with Edward. She'd attempted to hang out with Jacob at one point, but the boy had avoided her, ignoring all her calls and asking Billy to send her away when she stopped by. It seemed he was serious about letting her go this time.

"Stop trying to peak, Lou," Paul scolded, flicking her nose gently. She scrunched her nose adorably at this, the shifter feeling as if his heart might just burst from her cuteness. "You're acting as if I'm not going to let you see eventually."

"I'm curious, okay." Lucia pouted, looking up at him though her eyes were blindfolded. Paul grinned down at her, pressed his lips to hers, and felt her smile.

"Well, let your curiosity wash away, sweetheart." Paul slipped away from her and moved behind her. He removed the blindfold, pressing a lingering kiss beneath her ear causing a shiver to trail up her spine. "Open your eyes."

Lucia let her eyelid flutter open and a gasp escaped her, her eyes dancing between Paul and the set up before her. She couldn't believe he did all of this. The dining area was transformed into a haven of romance, illuminated by the soft, flickering glow of a few candles. The air was infused with the delicate fragrance of roses, their petals scattered artfully across the floor, creating a path that led towards the table adorned with an array of mouthwatering dishes.

"Oh, Paul. This is beautiful," Lucia breathed, tears of joy welling in her eyes as she looked up at him.

Paul slid his arm around her waist and drew her near, her hand resting on his chest as she stared up at him with fondness at the effort he went through. His vacant hand came up and cupped her cheek, pressing his lips against hers. She kissed him back just as tenderly, falling victim to him like she always did. He pulled away and caressed her cheek with his thumb, his smile softening considerably at the beauty in front of him.

"Happy birthday, my love," he murmured, his tone soft and smooth like velvet. Blood rushed to her cheeks, tinting them beneath the glow as she smiled up at him. He pulled away from her and guided her to the table, pulling out her chair for her and helping her settle in her seat. "I had help from Emily of course. I'm not much help in the kitchen."

Lucia places her hand on his that rests atop the table once he takes his seat beside her, a permanent smile lining her lips at the effort he went to for her. "It looks good either way, cuore. It's the effort that counts."

A delightful flush spreads across Paul's tan cheeks at the nickname, a shy grin decorating his handsome features. Lucia rarely spoke Italian around him, but when she did, it sent a delicious shiver down his spine each time. He supposed he'd have to ask her to do it more often. "And what does that mean."

"It means heart," Lucia spoke softly, drinking in Paul's shy demeanour. It wasn't very often she saw him like this and she liked it very much. "And I thought it would be appropriate to call you that because you are the rhythm of my heart, Paul."

"Ah, shit." Paul looks away, his ears burning at that admission. Lucia can't help but laugh at this, the shifter unable to meet her eyes. When he did look back at her, he struggled to hold her gaze, shifting his stare to their hands. "You can't go saying stuff like that, Lou."