Page 46 of Malice

When he brushes his fingers across my cheek, my eyelids flutter, and I release a strangled noise.

“Maybe he just couldn’t resist you,” Aster says softly. “He knew a good thing when he saw it, but he was too damaged to hold on to it in the right way. Someday, someone will see you for all the wonderful things you are, and they’ll know how to keep you and love you the right way. I hope you learn to believe that.”

“I think you should be a therapist.”

Aster chuckles. “I don’t think you’d say that if you looked back at my own dating history.” His smile fades as his gaze softens. “Just know that no matter what happens, I’m here for you. I’m not leaving until it’s resolved. You have my word, Hudson.”

I nod, sniffling and blowing out a breath. “Should we call Joss now?”

“Let’s do that.”

As Aster releases me and we both get to our feet, there’s a deep sense of loss. I weirdly liked the way his arms felt around me and the way his gaze bored into me. He seems to understand me more than a lot of people who have known me much longer.

One thing I won’t do though, is trauma bond. I have to keep a clear head and not let this little crush blossom into something that will only set me back in the long run. I have no idea how I’m going to do that, but at least I’m aware of the potential for it.

Aster smiles, taking my phone from me when I hand it to him. It’s a comforting smile, full of the promise he just gave me and something else I’m trying to ignore. The way he makes me feel scares me more than the ghost currently haunting me.

“Hi, Jocelyn,” he says. “This is Aster. Hudson’s fine, but I have some questions for you. Got any protection wards up your sleeve?”

Chapter 18

Aster

“Ido. From something like Chester though? Hmm, let me think.”

“He managed to lock the house spirits in the attic, so he’s learning how to use his strength and abilities.”

“But he hasn’t hurt you?”

“No.” I glance at Hudson. “He’s trying, of course, but Hudson has a lot in his corner.”

“Gah, this is so stressful. One sec. Lemme grab my grimoire.”

“Sure.” I have no idea what a grimoire is, but she does and that’s good enough for me.

I listen to the sound of shuffling papers and muffled voices while Hudson paces behind me and Otto sits on the couch, gazing at me and wagging his tail happily. At least he’s in a good mood.

“Okay.” Jocelyn returns to the phone. “I’ll text you the instructions. Follow them step by step and it should work.”

“I don’t need any special skills?”

“No. Just believe in it. Believe it will work and it will.”

“Got it. Thanks, Jocelyn.”

“No problem. We’ll be down there in a few hours, less than a ten-minute drive away.”

“That’s great. Hudson will appreciate that.”

“Hey, before you go. You can really visit the underworld?”

“I can, yeah. I’ll tell you about it sometime.”

“Cool.” She blows out a breath. “Be careful, Aster.”

“I will. Promise.”

I end the call and turn to Hudson. “Jocelyn is sending me a list of items we need. At least we know there’s plenty of places in Salem to find the stuff.”

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