Page 58 of Malice

“Great. No pressure.”

“There’s some good news,” Crash says, bouncing on his toes. “The Horror is pretty depleted right now. His hissy fit set him back and the house spirits have been using their energy to block him too. It’s buying you some time.” Crash glances at me as a wide grin spreads across his face. “He doesn’t even know what you two have been up to.”

“Oh god,” I moan.

“Please tell me we didn’t have an uninvited audience?” Aster says.

“You didn’t. I’m not that rude. As soon I saw where it was going, I bounced.” Crash waggles his eyebrows at me. “Can’t saythe same for your house spirits. It’s been a while since they’ve seen any action here, and they’ve never seen men knock boots.”

Confused, I ask, “Knock boots?”

Aster exhales slowly. “We’ve got pervy ghosts. Awesome.”

Crash chuckles, reaching out to scratch Otto’s head. “Harmless pervs. So anyway, I’d say you’ve got a good day or two before the Horror makes a full comeback.”

“Great. Is the kitchen safe?”

“For you maybe. I’d keep Hudson away as long as you can.”

“Fine. I’ll investigate and make coffee, and then we’ll get to work.”

“Work?” I ask.

Aster nods, his jaw set. “Time is running out, and when the Horror regains his strength, I doubt he’s gonna take it easy on us.”

“Right.” I nod, even as a shiver of terror moves down my spine.

“Hey.”

I meet Aster’s intense gaze.

“You’re not alone. I won’t let him hurt you.”

“I know. Just don’t let him hurt you either, huh?”

Aster smiles, full of confidence that astounds me. “What’s the worst that can happen?”

“Best not to answer that one,” Crash says before disappearing and leaving us alone.

Aster closes the distance between us, offering a comforting smile. He reaches out to gently rub my arm. “I’m asking a lot, but try to trust me. My sole purpose in life right now is getting rid of that thing, and I’m no quitter.”

“I believe you.”

“Good.” He drops his hand, but I kind of wish I could burrow into his arms and pretend for just a little while that this is a budding relationship and nothing weird is going on.

“Cream or sugar?”

“Just black. Be careful in there, huh?”

“Don’t worry about me.”

He lingers, searching my eyes and soothing my concerns without words.

We’re trapped in this house together, with something terrible threatening our safety, and yet somehow, there’s nowhere I’d rather be.

Chapter 22

Aster

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