Page 99 of Their Pretty Little Monster

I can’t help but laugh along, watching them minus the usual seriousness, feeling more at ease with them than I ever thought possible.

“How many did you get?” I ask, curious about the contents of the mysterious bag.

“Only three,” Killian states.

“Perfect, there are three of us,” Wolfe says, already rising from his seat with a grin.

“Why only three?” I probe.

Wolfe’s smirk grows. “So he can give you one and keep two for himself.”

“Now I really want to try one of these popular Moon Puffs.”

Killian glares. “If I knew I’d need more, I would have ordered a larger batch.” He strides over and opens the bag, revealing the contents to me. Inside are bright purple, thick, sponge-like cookies sandwiching a generous layer of cream, with small, colorful bits sticking out.

I grab one out. “What are these little things in the cream?” I poke at another.

“They’re made to replicate the essence of our moons, which are teeming with… let’s call them lunar worms.”

“Please tell me these aren’t actual worms, right? And your kind has been to the moon?” I ask, staring at the worms’ different-colored bodies, slightly transparent and covered in what looks like sugar.

“We have powerful telescopes that reveal a lot of intricate details on our moons.” Wolfe bites into one, his eyelids slipping closed. “Absolutely delicious,” he murmurs between bites. “No worms here, only honey with a gelatin substance.”

Encouraged by his reaction, I do the same. The puff is unexpectedly sweet, the honey worm candy adding a chewy, slightly sour flavor that’s incredible. I find myself moaning much louder than I intended.

Just as Killian reaches for his share, Nyko calls out, “Did someone say Moon Puffs?”

I’m on my feet in an instant. “He’s awake!” I rush toward him, Killian huffing toward me, hand outstretched, handing me his untouched treat. “Here you go.”

“You’re amazing,” I tell him, then step into the bedroom to see Nyko propping himself up against the headboard.

He takes it greedily, staring at me while gorging on the Moon Puff.

Killian comes in, seeming to be stuffing some Moon Puff into his face, while Wolfe strolls into the bedroom behind him, hands in his pockets. He must have shared half his Moon Puff with Killian.

A streak of lightning snaps alight across the sky outside the balcony glass doors, quickly followed by the crashing roar of thunder. I flinch at how long it sounds.

“You’re looking more alive,” Killian states, licking his fingers, not bothered by the storm.

“I could do with more of the Moon Puffs,” Nyko croaks, glancing my way and smirking.

“Guess I’m going back for more, then?” Killian’s already heading to the door as Wolfe and Nyko say yes in unison.

“Get at least a dozen,” Nyko calls out, then chuckles as Killian heads out. “I’m fucking starving.”

“Means you’re getting better,” I say.

“I sure fucking hope so,” Nyko groans. Sitting in bed, covered to his waist with the blanket, and his hair a mess, I find him so sexy… even when sick. “I’ve been having these confusing dreams,” he continues. “Like I’m trying to count the fish in the sea. And it never adds up, just keeps going and going. It’s maddening.”

Wolfe comes and stands behind me, his hands around my waist.

The ship rocks at once, sending me into a stumble, but Wolfe catches me, holding me against him.

From behind me, Wolfe bursts out laughing. “I had crazy-ass dreams like that.”

“My mother used to say when you have what she called fever-induced dreams, it means you’ve hit the worst of your sickness.”

“Thank fuck,” Nyko murmurs, his eyelids fluttering as if he’s fighting to stay awake. “I’m ready to have my energy back.”

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