Page 28 of Nightmare For Hire
We get to what appears to be a break room; he opens the refrigerator and shoves the paper bag in. Curious. What could he have gotten that needs refrigeration?
He makes himself a cup of coffee and looks around some more.
“Maybe I’m just paranoid,” he mumbles as he takes a sip and moans. “But that damn Nightmare better get me Cyrus back.”
Once he leaves, I investigate to find a sandwich inside the bag. A sandwich. Boring.
Okay, maybe I’m making something out of nothing. Maybe he’s just friendly with someone that works through the portal. Maybe he’s paranoid after not really paying me.
I’m still monitoring Mick, and decide to spend the day at the hospital just to see what the man does. Perhaps I can find a way to keep him from Cyrus for good.
Chapter 14
Cyrus
I sit across from Nox at Portal Place diner, and he’s humming as he eats his waffles. Syrup drips from his chin, and every time he wipes, he really just smears it around. He may look like a mess, but he’s a damn sexy mess.
“Have you ever played video games or ridden in a vehicle?”
“Kind of?” he says with a mouthful. “I don’t really need to ride in a vehicle because I can get anywhere in my shadow form faster, but I’ve been in Maddox’s truck. For tiny, tiny short distances. And I’m not entirely sure what a video game is.”
“I was wondering if you’d like to go for a ride with me after we eat. Wouldn’t be too long. I have my camera bag in the truck. We can do a mini photo shoot.”
“Yes!” He shovels more of his waffle into his mouth and looks at me expectantly. “And I’m adorable, so I’ll be a good model.”
“You’re beautiful, Nox.” I chuckle as I cut off another piece of my waffle.
“I know. You need more syrup.” He grabs the strawberry flavor and pours it over my entire plate, making the rest of my waffle practically swim. “Perfect!” His plate is clear, and he eyes my waffles. I scoot my plate closer to him.
“You can help me finish and we can head out.” Portal Place always serves so much food I don’t usually finish everything.
Between the two of us, it doesn’t take long to finish the meal. We pay and head over to my apartment.
“I didn’t even know you had a vehicle. Everyone walks everywhere.”
“Sometimes I’ll take a drive to clear my head. It can be pretty freeing to just go wherever.”
“That’s how I feel about my shadow form. I can be wherever with a thought, especially if I left a bit of shadow somewhere. I monitor the entire town with little shadows along the perimeter.”
“Fascinating. How does that work?”
Nox stops to think. “Hmmm, it’s like a hum in the back of my mind I can tap into. If something weird happens, I get a fuzzy picture of it and I can be there in seconds.”
“Have you ever had to intervene in anything?” I take his hand, which makes his face light up.
“Not really. People know there’s a Nightmare here and they don’t want to piss it off.” He gives me a grin. “Being a Nightmare has its perks. It means a peaceful town, so the big bad monster doesn’t come get them.” He chuckles. “Most have no idea it’sme.”
“The least intimidating person in town. A waffle loving, candy loving, glitter fest.”
“Exactly.” His curls bounce when he nods. We’re at my truck now and his eyes go wide. “Bright blue suits you. Goes with your eyes.”
It’s just a two door short bed, but finding a vehicle that works with being six foot three inches was a lot of effort.
“Named her Lexi.”
Nox gasps and rubs his hands along her hood. “You named her? Do all vehicles have names? I like it.”
He’s so endearing. I want to kiss him again, but I don’t want to interrupt his adoration of my truck. It’s ridiculous and adorable. He rubs his cheek along her side mirror as he caresses her windshield. Luckily, there’s not bird poop everywhere.
