Page 53 of Malice

“You’ve been hurt too?”

Aster nods. “Hasn’t everyone who’s put their heart out there?”

“Yeah. Of course. I feel so stupid though.”

“Why?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I was so desperate for romance I went out with every guy who asked. That’s how I met Chester. Hewasn’t my type looks-wise, and even on our first date I found him a little cringe, but he was confident and could carry a good conversation. I convinced myself that my attraction could grow, but all I accomplished was giving him a foothold in my life so he could destroy it.”

“He didn’t destroy it though. Look around you, Hudson. Look at what you’ve accomplished in spite of him.”

“Logically, I know that, but emotionally it feels like I’ll never move past this.”

“Can’t you see you’re already taking steps? You’re talking to me. That’s a big start.”

His words resonate and I end up sagging into him with relief. He wraps his arm around me and I lay my head on his shoulder, soaking in the simple touch of another man.

“Baby steps, Hudson,” he whispers, rubbing my back. “You’ll get there.”

“Thanks.”

After holding me for a few minutes, he pulls back slightly. “You must be exhausted. Why don’t you lie down and I’ll keep an eye on things? I want to do some research too.”

“I could help.”

Aster’s eyes soften as he gently cups my cheek. “Resting and getting well is how you’re helping.”

I nod, giving up the fight. I really could use some rest. My body still hurts and all of this is taking it out of me.

“I don’t want to be alone.”

“I’ll be right beside you.”

As I study his warm eyes, a sense of calmness spreads through me, and I decide to try and let my guard down, at least with him. He came here to save me, and he has a lot on the line himself. The least I can do is put myself out there a little.

If I’m wrong about him, it’ll set me back, but if I’m right, well, wouldn’t that be something?

Chapter 20

Aster

Isettle into the armchair next to the bed, reading through the handbook for more tips while Hudson sleeps soundly. The more time I spend with him, the more interested I am in getting to know him outside of this situation, but we’ll never have that chance if I don’t figure out how to get the Horror back to the Below.

Crash is sprawled out on the floor, cuddling my dog and lazily answering questions I have as I read. My eyelids grow heavy, but I resist sleep as long as possible. The Horror is going to regain strength and if the handbook is correct, he’s only going to get angrier the more I interfere with his target.

Jocelyn’s potion is working well though, draining his energy and forcing him to prolong his efforts. The house spirits dutifully keep an eye on him and report to Crash, who shares the news with me.

After a few hours of research, Crash takes off and I stand to stretch, but pause when Hudson murmurs in his sleep. Within seconds, he’s flailing and making distressed sounds. Oh shit. Is he having a nightmare? I crawl into bed beside him, pulling him into my arms.

“I’m here, Hudson. You’re safe.”

He struggles against me, clawing at his neck as if trying to get free from an unseen assailant.

“Hudson, wake up. I’m here.”

I gently shake him until he snaps his eyes open. Relief spreads over his face, and I’m expecting him to back away when he realizes he’s awake, but instead he pulls me down, crashing his mouth into mine.

I yelp in surprise, but give in to the kiss, unable or unwilling to let him go, and the two of us fall into a steamy embrace.

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