Page 20 of Nightmare For Hire
“Oh, alright. That was enough excitement for me today. I really need to get to bed. And so do you.”
“I’m almost home, just a few more blocks. Stay on the line with me?”
“Anything for you, big guy. I love ya.”
“I love you too, Dev.”
Devon knows everything about me. What I went through as a child and teen. How I still have to build myself up sometimes just to function. The babies get me out of bed most nights, knowing I can make a difference in their young lives.
“So tell me more about your date. Did you kiss? Was he a gentleman?”
I press my fingers to my lips. “We kissed.”
Devon squeals on the other end. “Tell me everything!”
“We had waffles. He tasted like maple syrup. And it was so gentle. Apparently, it was his first kiss.”
I never thought I’d be anyone’s first anything. I was always a prize, but I think with Nox it’s different.
“You gavea Nightmarehis first kiss? That’s crazy!”
We chat about the rest of the date a little longer until I make it to my street. The apartment building is a two story brick building. I’m glad to be on the second floor and the building requires a key to get in. The extra protection is what helped me choose this complex over the others. I had a hunch about Mick coming after me and I was right. I just didn’t think he’d upend his entire life to find me.
I get in and up the stairs in record time. Now that I’m home, tiredness creeps into my bones.
Chapter 9
Nox
Never in my incredibly long existence have I ever wanted to murder someone. Mick has changed my mind. Watching through my shadows how he took away Cyrus’s happy eyes made me see red. I wasn’t going to visit Cyrus after Mick showed up at the diner, but now I need to make sure he’s okay. I won’t go into his head since Dani said I shouldn’t, but I need to see Cyrus.
My shadows tell me he’s close to sleep, so I’ll give him a bit of time. I don’t want him to wake up and see me looming over him. That might not be the best look. Maybe I should pay the merman a visit. Or the government office to tell them they have a loose monster running around without one of their stupid visas. Technically, merfolk are ofthisworld, creatures of legend, but the government doesn’t know that. I’d argue that Mick is a monster, no matter what he actually is.
Finally, Cyrus is asleep, and I pop into his bedroom, keeping to my shadow form. He’s adorably peaceful with his blanket pulled up. He’s on his side and his hands are curled at his chin. He looks so snuggly and warm.
The room surprises me. The long curtains sweeping the floor are bright orange. As is a desk in the corner and the office chair. On the wall the king-sized bed is pressed against, a framed painting of an orange and yellow galaxy catches my eye.
I float through his closet to find only black or a handful of long-sleeved white shirts and scrubs in pale pink. Because I’m curious, I look through the entire apartment, finding everything in place. Even his shoes and boots are all lined at the door. Not one dish or glass left in the sink, even the silverware in the drawer is perfect.
There’s a gasp from his room and I’m there instantly. He’s moved to his back in his sleep. One hand is tangled in his sheet. His legs thrash and he gasps again. A whimper escapes his lips.
“No. Please. Please don’t,” Cyrus cries out. “I’ll be a good boy. I promise. I’m good. I’m—” He thrashes. “No! Get off me! I’m a good boy!”
What the hell happened in Cyrus’s life that he has nightmareswithouta Nightmare? That only happens to the most traumatized.
Was it Mick? Is he the reason? Does Cyrus always have nightmares? What triggers them? How can I keep him from getting them ever again?
He whimpers from the bed. I can’t let him suffer. Dani said I shouldn’t pry, though, so I can’t feed from Cyrus, because then I’ll see what he sees. But he can’t continue on like this. He needs his sleep. For the babies.
I send bits of my shadows through his tear ducts, just enough to make contact and steal away the nightmare. I flick the intruding nightmare away from him. The relief washes over hisface instantly. He sighs and turns back to his side with his hands under his chin again.
He can’t feel me when I smooth a tendril of shadow across his brow, but I feel like I’m giving him comfort, anyway.Goodnight, sweet Cyrus.
I don’t know how long I stay, just watching him. I have to wonder, when was the last time he got a good night’s sleep? Cyrus yawns, and before he opens his eyes, I blink out of his room and go back home.
Chapter 10
Cyrus
