Page 4 of Nightmare For Hire
Nev’s eyes grow wet with tears. “What was wrong withme?”
“Hey, hey. Forget this jerkwad, okay? You’re gonna find an awesome guy, or gal, or pal, or whatever you want, and fall in love and have lots of fun.” I can’t bring myself to say lots of babies because the thought of kids squeaks my shit. I stay away. Kids have nothing to fear fromthisNightmare.
“You really think so?”
“I know so. Just keep trying.” I shoot another message to Jaxson and we set up a time and place to meet. “I’ll message you tonight’s spoils when I can. And keep your chin up, you’re a total catch, Nev. Don’t let one stupid cheating human tell you otherwise.”
Nev wipes their nose with the back of their hand. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”
“Anytime. Now, I have to get ready for my date and night of terrorizing. Talk to ya soon.” Shadows wrap around me, taking my solid form and shifting it into nothing once more. Okay, so I lied. I use my shadow form for transportationandfeeding.
Nev watches as I snake around the diner until I find a crack in a window and wiggle my way out. From here, I shift the shadows into a raven before flying home. I just like the ominous look. Iama Nightmare.
#
What the hell did Nev like in this guy? Jaxson, a boring human the size of a linebacker, eats loudly with his mouth open. There’s a bit of spaghetti sauce on his chin that’s been staring at me for way too long.
“What’d you say you were again?” he asks with a voice that’s deep and nice to listen to, yet doesn’t do anything for me.
I bat my lashes as I lift my soup spoon to my lips. “I’m a wood nymph,” I lie. Tonight I conform to human gender ideas, wearing constrictive trousers that make my butt look amazing, but the rest of me feel suffocated. The hunter green button up dress shirt looks nice, but isn’t anywhere near my favorite. And I miss wearing one of my cute bags so much I have to keep myself from pouting about it.
“I hear wood nymphs are bendy.” Jaxson draws his tongue across his lips in a way that makes me shudder. Ew. Nev, why oh why are you sad about this guy? He’s a creep and a half.
“I’mverybendy.” I lean forward and walk my fingers up his arm, not letting him see the bit of shadow that flows off of me and latches around his pinky. That’ll go home with him because I willnotbe.
Jaxson lifts his hand to grab the server’s attention. “Check, please.”
Ugh. No. Not ready. “You’re not letting me have dessert first?”
“I think we can have dessert back at my place.” He winks.
Ew. “Got any whipped cream to make it fancy?” I bite my bottom lip and bat my lashes again.
“Oh darling, I have plenty of cream for ya to lick up.” He pays the check and grabs my hand to pull me to my feet. The man had so much garlic in his dinner, I have to hold back a gag when he leans in close. Nope. He’s got another think coming if he expects me to kiss him.
Playfully, I swat at his chest and pull away. “You’re so funny.” Ugh.
“Come on, sweet cheeks.” Jaxson wobbles on his feet as we walk to the exit. Hehaddrunk quite a bit of wine. I’m glad a ride share brought him here instead of him driving.
“You’re too drunk, Jaxy Poo. How about we try again later?”
“I’m good. Come on.” He grabs my hand and pushes me through the door. Nope. Not happening.
I stand my ground. “I’m calling you a cab.” He glares as I do just that. “Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you, Jaxy.” I cup his cheek, but don’t do anything more. I can see where Nev might have thought the man was handsome. If you like guys that have hard eyes and a mouth that seems to stay in a grimace. Jaxson’s confidence probably attracted Nev to him. Few people say no to this man. But I am.
Humans just do nothing for me. In my eons of existence, never once have I found anyone to settle down with. Not that I’ve been looking. No one has caught my fancy and, quite frankly, the idea of being attracted to my food receptacle is just weird to me. But I sure can act the part of smitten and horny. I’ve never experienced it before, so I’m going off observations over the years.
My touch leaves a bit more shadow behind his ear when I move away. I’ll know when he falls asleep so I can do my job, and I can’t wait.
Chapter 2
Cyrus
“Please. St—”
I gasp in a breath as Mick pounds into me over and over. His long auburn hair dusts my back. He never wants to do things face to face anymore.
“Hey. Can. Not. So.Fuck.”
