Page 53 of Nightmare For Hire
CyCy_123:I was trafficked by my parents from the age of six to sixteen. They ran an entire trafficking ring. I didn’t even know what they did was wrong for the longest time. They demanded excellence in school and would punish me with more men if I got anything below an A. They threatened to hurt the other boys more if I ever told anyone. A teacher finally noticed bruising and alerted the authorities. In the end, I testified to put my parents and as many people as possible in jail.
That’s the gist of it, anyway. I told my parents I had a crush on a boy and that’s where my childhood ended. It was my fault my parents started trafficking. My fault, my childhood best friend died. I watched so many other boys die going through what wewent through.Tortured or used until their bodies refused to heal anymore.
Luckily for us all, my parents ran a “sophisticated pleasure house,” as they called it. Everyone that used them had to show papers that they were negative for everything. I still don’t know if my parents did it out of love or if boys were easier to sell if they didn’t look sick. They kept our hair buzzed short and since gaining my freedom, I let mine grow out. It’s my daily reminder that things do get better.
My heart beats so hard, but it’s like more weight has lifted from my chest.
When I blink as I stare at my words, tears roll down my cheeks. Who could I have been had I been raised differently?
Nox_Nightmare:I have no words. I’m so sorry you went through that. I wish I could give you a hug right now.
Nox_Nightmare:UNLESS I’M BAD FOR THINKING ABOUT HUGGING YOU?! I’M SORRY!
I choke out a laugh.
CyCy_123:I’d love a hug.
Nox is in my bedroom the instant he gets the message, no doubt. He’s in a hot pink t-shirt, surprisingly covering his stomach and a purple skirt that brushes past his calves. He’s barefoot, which seems weird because every time I’ve seen him, he’s wearing platform boots.
I stand from my bed, and he launches himself at me.
“I’m so sorry for what I did,” he says.
“Don’t be. You wanted to help me. I had to process everything, though. I’ve been used and abused. I don’t pick the best guys to date and you seemed too good to be true. I tell myself I don’t deserve someone like you because you’re so nice to me.”
“I didn’t know too nice was a thing.” Nox squeezes me tighter and doesn’t let go. He’s warm and comforting. Despite being somuch smaller than me, it feels like he fills up the entire room with his presence and I take comfort in it.
“It’s not. Mick messes with my self-worth. Him being here just throws me off. He confronted me in the locker room today.”
Nox’s eyes turn completely black as he pulls away. Little cracks of shadows snake out. “I’ve been following Mick. Not giving him nightmares because he’dknowit was me. I think he’s planning something. But I can’t tell if the other person is a monster or not.”
“He hates the monsters,” I say.
“I know. That’s why it’s so confusing. I’ve followed him and the other person around. Can’t figure it out. Mick never goes to the monster realm, but the other person does. I think they live there.”
“Humans can come and go as they please through the portals.”
“Right. But I can’t tell if it is a human or a monster that’s like me, with a fully human form.”
I take Nox’s hands and pull him back to me. “I don’t want to think about it right now. Or him.”
“Okay. Can I hold you? Have you taken a shower and washed off the day? Have you eaten? I can make… okay, I’ve never cooked, but I can try?” He bounces on his toes. “Maybe something with eggs!”
I chuckle, but a sob slips out. “You’re amazing, Nox.” I wrap my arms around him. “Just hold me a little while?”
“Anything you need.” He kisses my temple and we settle into my bed. It’s not long before I fall asleep in my Nightmare’s arms.
Chapter 23
Nox
Cyrus blinks and rubs his eyes when he wakes up. “There’s something else I’ve been keeping from you.”
My heart drops.
“I’m not used to sharing them with others, but I want to now. I think you’ll appreciate them.”
My head doesn’t wrap around his words until he’s pulling his shirt off, revealing tattoos. Dozen of tattoos cover his chest, wrapping around his torso.
