Page 36 of Nightmare For Hire
Devon sighs. “Rivenfield sounds like the best.” She yawns. “Ugh, gotta head my ass to bed. After work, Norris and I took a painting class for lunch and had a blast. But I am wiped.”
“Sleep tight. I gotta get ready for my date.”
“I’m so glad you found such a great guy, Cy. You deserve it.”
My cheeks burn. “Thanks, Devon.”
“Kisses!” She hangs up the phone and I can’t help but laugh as I plug my phone into the charger while I get ready.
I tug on a pair of black skinny jeans and a black button-down shirt that has a subtle darker black paisley pattern. And of course I can’t forget my platforms. To complete the look, I wrap a hot pink belt around my waist.
Nox likes my long hair and loves when I keep it down rather than have it up. I have to admit I’m the same. Mick always hated the reminder that my hair was longer than his. At least he never went through with any of his threats of cutting it. I give the ends a quick brush to make sure there aren’t any tangles, but otherwise leave it alone.
I give myself a once-over and nod in approval before heading out.
It’s a bright day, and I soak up the sun on my way to meet Nox. He’s been patient with me and I don’t know how to thank him.
“Cyrus!”
Think of the Nightmare and he’ll appear, it seems. “Hey, Nox.” I give him my biggest smile.
Nox walks behind me to weave his fingers through my hair. “Your hair is so pretty.” He grabs a handful of it and walks beside me as if my hair is a leash and my laugh bellows out before I can stop it. He’s so endearing. Nox looks down at his hand. “Wait. Is this weird? Do you not like it?”
I laugh some more and wrap my arm around his waist to pull him closer. “I’m good with it as long as you don’t tug too hard.”
His face lights up and he hums his happy little Nightmare song. The first time he did that, a sharp pang of dread sizzled down my spine. But I don’t know if I’m used to him or the song now, because it doesn’t affect me. Or maybe it’s because I’m touching the Nightmare. His head drops to my shoulder, and heplays with my sleeve. Then he releases my hair to examine my nails.
“Ah! Purple glitter!”
I shrug. “You said you liked purple, and it’s obvious you like glitter.” I gesture to the bright, glittery pink heart purse across his chest.
“Love the stuff.”
I kiss his hair.
“That’s so sweet.” Nox keeps rubbing his own glittery fingers along my nails. A shot of memory reminds me that Mick never appreciated anything like this. He’d laugh and tell me I was an idiot. What the hell did I ever see in that guy?
Nox skips along and I go with it before he stops dead, making me skitter to a halt.
“Everything okay, Nox?”
“Yeah! I just forgot to see what boots you have on.” Another bright grin, then he’s on his hands and knees. His short skirt slides down his back, exposing his bottom and the jock strap under his skirt. I bite back a laugh. At least all the important bits are covered.
Nox pets my shoe as I get my mind out of the gutter. “Omg Anita Lita special edition six buckle two inch midnight black with—” He looks up at me and I have to push back memories of me in that position in the worst time of my life. “Pink glitter buckles.” He squeals and pops back to his feet. He’s so excited my brain forgets I was about to spiral. “I have the same pair, but not midnight black. Mine are pink on pink.”
Like Devon, Nox lets me be me and with him I feel like I canslowlybring color into my wardrobe.
“And I love your pink on pink pair. What other designers do you have?”
“All of them I can find, but Anita Lita’s are my favorite. They’re so comfortable.” Nox lifts his foot. “Anita Lita special edition hotpink three strap three inchers with silver buckles. Probably my favorites. I like that they make me taller so I can put my head on your shoulder when we walk together.” He tips his head. “But why do you wear platforms? You’re alreadytalltall.”
I snort. “I don’t know if the answer is silly or not—”
“Not silly, promise.” Nox grabs my arm and pulls me to him again, and we’re walking.
“I like being even taller. It makes me feel more secure. Like, dunno, there’s more of me.”
“You want to seem intimidating?”
