Chapter 8: Curiosity
Lyra looks up not really sure she heard right. Never has anyone asked for her opinion and least of all if she wants food. Blinking she keeps looking at Jaze and for the first time she looks at him with something other than fear. He confuses her. One moment he acts just like Emir and his friends then the next he asks if she is hungry. Not even on his most mellow days did Elmir speak as soft or nicely as Jaze. Makes her wonder what he wants.
"Should I take that as a no or yes?"
"Could you please help old Jaze here by at least nodding or something?"
"Old?"
"Not the answer I was looking for but at least you spoke.”
"What do you mean old?"
"It's only a figure of speech, or not." mumbling the last part more to himself than her.
Lyra watch as he smiles and tilts her head in wonder, thinking he looks much younger when smiling. Tilting her head a little more she continues to study the man in front of her and keep thinking that it's not often a genuine smile has been directed at her. It feels odd and out of place somehow. Without thinking she slowly crawls closer and gently touches his lips wanting to feel the smile. Occupied with that she misses the amused glint in his eyes.
What are you doing mousy?"
Taken out of her own thoughts she realizes that what she did might not have been approved of and moves backwards quickly. “I'm sorry." Fiddling with her fingers she curses herself several times over in her head for touching him like that. For touching him without permission. It has been a long time since she last did something so thoughtless and foolish. Thoughts of severe beatings flashes through her mind like a picture slider making her heart rate speed up. She refuses to meet his intense eyes despite feeling his gaze on her. Anytime soon he will surely dish out a blow.
"What are you sorry for?"
Jaze don't sound angry or in any way threatening. Surprised by the softness in his voice she turns her head and looks at him from the corner of her eyes. He is calmly resting against the headboard the same way he has been doing since she woke up.
"For touching you." She clarifies while wondering if this is some type of punishment. Forcing her to point out her own wrongdoings?
"No harm done so no need for you to be sorry.”
"Thank you."
"Why are you thanking me?"
"Not getting angry at me.”
Only a soft humming slips out as if he is deep in thoughts but his eyes appears to see everything that is her. Nothing seems to escape or go unnoticed. "There is no reason for me to get angry and I can promise you that such a day will never come either. Don't ever be afraid around me, mousy."
He sounds almost pleading but that can't be right? Feeling brave she takes the time to really study him. Hair black as the night with the sides cut short and the rest longer and tousled. Black fitted jeans and a black button up shirt. Well-built with a broad chest, shoulders and back. Long legs also packed with muscles. Light skin just like her. Tall, dark and handsome suited him well. Taking a chance Lyra diverts her attention away from him and starts to look around. Admiring the beautiful bedroom, she can't refrain from comparing it with the one she shared with HIM. Both rooms are roughly the same size but that's all. This one is more welcoming and warmer with soft creamed colored walls, large white rug and black furniture. Above them small spots are placed and are the only lights on at the moment. There are two lamps standing on nightstands on either side of the bed as well but other than that no other lights can be found. Moving along, her eyes stops at Jaze who already looks at her with a soft, amused, smile. His behavior is nothing like anyone else she's ever met before and the calmness is also something new. Despite recently meeting him and only exchanging a few sentences with him she feels like a little girl around him. He is so different that he appears strange in her eyes.
"Come, let's get something to eat.” he stands up slowly and offers his hand for her to take. Exiting the room, hand in hand, they step out into a hallway Lyra recognizes from their way to the bathroom thanks to the exquisite velvet-like wallpaper with its deep purple/ reddish shade that seems to shift depending on the angle and light. Large, heavy framed paintings with different kinds of winter scenarios decorates the walls. Dark hardwood floor with equally dark furniture. Spotlights are placed above each of the four paintings bathing the hallway in a soft shimmer. What she's seen of the house so far tells of good taste, money and elegance. Never has there been a time where she wished to explore like now, in this moment. Descending down the stairs she sees more paintings and like the other four she stops at each one admiring their beauty. Unlike the winter paintings with its rough brush strokes these have a softer touch and shows spring. Gazing around she spots four other doors, the kitchen and library from where they stand. Tugging gently on his hand she indicates he can move forward.
"What do you want to eat?
Taking a seat in the chair offered to her she follows Jaze with her eyes as he proceeds to poke around in the fridge in search of something to make.
"I'll eat whatever you wish to serve me." says softly.
"Come on there must be something you want?"
Lyra debates with herself whether or not to be brave and take a chance because there really is something she's been wishing to try. But will he get angry with her? This is new territory and not knowing how to behave, the uncertainty, nearly fries her nerves. Wringing her hands nervously she is unable to look at him.
“I promise to cook whatever you wish for.”
"Pancakes...?" she asks hesitantly.
She is rewarded with the brightest smile she’s ever seen. "Pancakes it is."
Fascinated she watches him pick stuff out from the fridge and cabinets and gathering everything around a large bowl. Eyes glued to him she follows every little movement as he prepares the ingredients skillfully.
"You don't talk much do you?"
“I'm sorry..."
"No need to say sorry. I simply asked because it feels like I'm alone in here.” He explains softly without looking away from the stove.
"..You want me to speak?"
"Only of you want to, but yes, it would be nice."
She heard the little chuckle he let out. It sounded so warm and friendly. For someone so tall and well-built he sure is very fluid in his movements and welcoming in his ways. Seems to always be relaxed and often smiling. Nothing like HIM and those associated with him.
"There we go. Enjoy!"
Eyeing the plate in astonishment she almost drools on the plate. Lyra has a hard time grasping that these four pancakes are for her. This is the first time someone has ever given her home cooked food and warm on top of everything. She can't even recall a time where another human being showed her this amount of kindness before. Overwhelmed she barely manages to stutter out her gratitude.
"T-thank y-yo-u.."