章 48: My Lighthouse

Laura - The cabin in the woods

I look at the wooden ceiling, my head flooded with questions. Why am I here with Paul? Why does having him so near make me feel so good?

His arm is around my waist, his hot breath on my shoulder. I'm too scared to move. Is it because I don't want to wake him up, or because it's so good that I want to stop time right here and now?

His head moves, and his lips touch my neck. “You can’t sleep?”

I nod. My throat doesn't seem ready to form words.

“Why?” He groans, pulling me closer to him.

Why am I not asleep? Because his heart beats far too loudly. I can’t stop wondering if it pounds like that for me. My misgivings are mine to bear. What would be the point of saying them out loud?

“Strigois don’t need sleep.” My voice comes out cold and assertive, and I’m relieved. “Since it’s optional and I’ve been dozing off enough these days, I can’t seem to sleep anymore.”