world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 26

The dull light of the early morning broke through the curtains, bathing Paul's serene features; his dark eyelashes brushed against the soft skin of his cheeks as he slept. Lucia reached up, tracing his stubble jawline with the pads of her fingers, her heart feeling as though it may just stop as he leaned into her touch, a small smile gracing his lips.

Looking at him in moments like this made her feel so stupid, so lovestruck, it was amusing. Her mind seemed to slow, every worrying thought slipping away like a whisper in the wind. She felt gooey inside as if every part of her had melted and become so soft for him and him alone. And it was in moments like these that made her realise just how much he loved her because even when he was sleeping, he could recognise her touch and realise he, too, was home.

Paul's hold on Lucia tightened as he began to wake, blinking slowly as he adjusted to the morning light. His gaze is heavy-lidded, laden with sleep as he looks at Lucia. He moves closer to her, leaning closer instinctively before resting his cheek on her chest, seeking the warmth that radiates from her despite being as hot as a furnace. He nestles closer, grumbling half-heatedly at being woken up so early.

"What time did you get in last night?" Lucia asked, her hand coming up to run through Paul's cropped hair, a hum of approval escaping him at the feeling. He nestled further into her embrace, tightening his hold slightly before relaxing once more.

"Dunno," Paul murmured, his voice was deeper than usual, carrying a husky quality due to the remnants of sleep. "Leeches been running through the territory for the wedding Sunday. They like to be chased, I guess."

Lucia let out a hum at his response. It was a disheartening reminder that Bella was following through with marrying Edward and turning into a vampire, something she hoped Bella who change her mind on. In spite of everything that happened because of her involvement with the Cullens, she continued to hang around them, forgetting entirely about Charlie in the process.

"You're thinking too much," Paul told her, his warm breath brushing against the skin of her collarbone. His tone was soft, intimate, as if he was sharing a secret. "It's too early for that."

Lucia's lips quirk up into a smile, a breathy chuckle escaping her at that. She looked at the clock that sat on her bedside table, reading the numbers that glared at her. "It's eleven o'clock, Paul."

A gentle yawn escapes his lips, and he stretches languidly, his arms remaining close to her body, muscles stiff from sleep. "Just a bit longer."

"Aren't you hungry?" Lucia inquired, running her fingers up the contoured planes of his back, mapping out the tone muscles she felt beneath her hands time and again. Paul mumbles something incoherent, clearly fighting off sleep that threatens to take him under. "Paul..."

Paul lets out a groan, rolling off of Lucia and nestling into his pillow. She rises from the bed, the faint rustling of the sheets accompanying her movements, his gaze following her every action. She lifts her arms above her head in a long stretch, arching her back slightly. Paul admired the way her body elongated, his eyes taking in the skin that peeked out beneath he'd top at the action. Turning her head, she peered over her shoulder, catching his eye, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. She knew he'd been watching, and revels in the attention she receives.

Lucia turned on the coffee pot when she entered the kitchen, the rich, earthy scent of fresh coffee beans hanging in the air like a cloud of dust. The dark liquid cascades into the pot, swirling and bubbling, while Lucia sets out to make breakfast. Soon, the buttery scent of frying eggs and smoky bacon mingles with the smell of coffee, pulling Paul from the comfort of their bed and beckoning him to the kitchen.

"Smells good," Paul complimented upon entering, bringing his hand up to his face and rubbing his cheeks to rid himself of sleep. He stood beside her as she sliced a few tomatoes, taking a piece from the freshly cut fruit and plopping it in his mouth. "How do you have so much energy this early?"

Lucia placed the evenly cut slices on the awaiting plates, sprinkling a bit of salt and pepper on them. "Besides the fact it's almost noon, I enjoy cooking for people."

"You're not always this animated, though," Paul pointed out, taking a bite of a sweet strawberry he'd taken from the fruit bowl. He hums in appreciation, spying the cheeky grin that graced Lucia's lips.

"Because you wear me out most nights," She responded, her tone coated with insinuation. Paul chuckled despite the heat that rose on his cheeks, rubbing them as if that could make it go away. Lucia turns her attention back to the bacon and eggs, swiftly plating them. Paul had a larger serving, as usual, his stomach seemingly a bottomless pit.

Paul takes the two to the table while Lucia pours them both a cup of coffee--Paul has a bit of sugar in his while Lucia has both sugar and cream. The two sat down at the table, their legs brushing against one another at how close they sat together.

"I noticed that some of your stuff is already set up around the house." Paul took a bite of his food, hiding his smile behind it. He swallowed, grasping onto the handle of his coffee. "Seems like you've made yourself at home, hm?"

Lucia rolled her eyes at his facade of innocence, knowing damn well he very much enjoyed the fact she was getting settled. "I did it while you were out yesterday. I got some help from Charlie."

She toyed with her fork for a moment, watching Paul as he ate before she spoke up once more. "I've been meaning to ask you if you'd come to Bella's wedding with me."

He pauses just before he takes another bite, his eyes shifting to Lucia's, who is intently watching his reaction. He just stared at her for a moment, knowing that it wasn't the most absurd question to ask of him. He was hesitant to be surrounded by so many vampires at once.

"Billy, Seth and Sue will be there," Lucia spoke again, her fingers reaching out and holding his hand. "I'm more so going for Charlie than anything and I'd really like it if you came along with me."

Paul took a bite, chewing slowly before he gave her a nod. "It may not be the most comforting experience but I'd do it for you."

Her eyes gleam in the morning light and a broad, genuine smile spreads across her face, revealing her appreciation. It's the kind of smile that can melt away any apprehension he may have just to see her like this, to see her happy.