Page 43 of Malice

“Did I miss anything?” I ask.

Crash grins, swinging his leg. “Oh boy, did you.”

“What does that mean? Did the Horror show up again?”

“Nope.” Crash appears behind me, putting his hands on my shoulders as he leans in and whispers, “The human has a thing for you.”

“I thought you said he was being manipulated?”

“Not the feelings. Those are real. Just the expression of them. Apparently he had himself a naughty little fantasy as he drifted off to sleep. He whispered your name and was rubbing himself. It was very exciting to watch.”

My body heats with embarrassment and curiosity. “What?”

“In my day, it was so hard to be openly gay. I adore seeing it so celebrated now. He wants to bang you. He wants to get in your pants and swallow your long, hard?—”

“Crash. Stop that.”

Crash cackles, disappearing and reappearing behind the couch. He leans over Hudson, brushing his hand through his hair, making him stir. Hudson mumbles my name and my breath hitches.

“See?” Crash says. “I’d be very careful though. I have a feeling our resident Horror won’t appreciate Hudson catching feelings for someone else. Did I say that right?”

“Say what right?”

“Catching feelings? I heard it on a TV show made two years ago.”

“Um, yeah, I think that’s right.” I bite my bottom lip. “I need to figure out where the Horror is right now.”

“Kitchen. Seems to be home base since he met his end there. Did Farnsworth help?”

“Kind of, yeah. I need to get his name. His underworld name.”

Crash scrunches his nose. “Not an easy feat. He won’t give it up without a fight.”

“I figured.”

“Maybe you should rest too,” Crash says. “While the Horror is dormant. You’re gonna need it because when he shows up again, he’ll probably be much stronger than he was.”

“Super.”

“I’ll keep watch.”

I nod, cuddling Otto close and settling in the recliner next to the sofa where Hudson sleeps peacefully.

“I guess a quick power nap wouldn’t hurt.”

“It won’t,” Crash assures me.

“Promise you’ll wake me if Hudson gets up or the Horror appears.”

“Cross my heart and hope to die. Again.”

I shake my head but close my eyes, hoping for at least a few minutes of rest. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.

Chapter 17

Hudson

Iwake to the sound of gentle breathing and soft snoring. Reluctantly, I force my eyes open, relieved to see nothing but my ceiling above me. When I turn my head, I see Aster asleep on the recliner beside me, his dog curled up in his lap. His presence instantly calms my nerves.

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