Page 28 of The House of Whispers

“You got a little something,” Chesmu pointed to my mouth. I wiped the nasty taste of the woman from my lips, her red lipstick smearing all over my face.

Chesmu laughed as I glared at him, punching his hard chest. “Knock it off.”

“Thought you didn’t swing that way, Casper,” he teased me.

The man moaned, his pants soaked as he exhaled. “Please, please bring her back. I need to see more.”

I spat the woman’s taste from my mouth onto her husband. “Other pig.”

“Clean yourself up, Casper.” Chesmu grabbed the man’s arm and began dragging him toward the back door. “I’ll take care of this trash.” Chesmu dragged the man out into the alley behind the brothel as Min appeared at my side.

“Are you okay?” She fussed over me.

“I’m fine.” I snapped. I could feel remnants of the man’s excitement against my lower back along my blouse. “Just need to change.”

Min nodded. “I’ll bring you some fresh clothes.” She fluttered away toward the basement as I quickly scaled the stairs and made my way to my room.

Immediately upon entering my room, I ripped my blouse from my body and threw it onto the floor, my magik setting it aflame with disgust. The blouse burned into ash.

Disgusting Others.

I tied my hair above my head and stared into the small mirror above the sink in my washroom. The woman’s red lip stain was smeared across my mouth. I spat into the sink, removing my gloves before I turned the hot water knob and waited for the water to warm up.

As the steam began to fog the mirror, I glanced at my reflection to spy Jakkal standing behind me. I instantly turned around, scared, only to find nothing. He wasn’t there. My heart raced as I attempted to calm it.

Breathe, he’s not here. It’s safe.

I inhaled, closing my eyes for a moment before glancing back to the mirror. Only my reflection stared back. Relieved, I grabbed a small towel and began to scrub the red from my face. I then started scrubbing the lower half of my back, annoyed by what all had occurred. My thoughts began to wander back to the never ending questions that haunted me as I continued rubbing my lower back.

How could Reynard be alive? Could Reynard be Jakkal? Why did Jakkal kiss me…and why did I let him? Why was he obsessed with me? Why can’t he just leave me be?!

A heavy knock at my door startled me, pulling me from my inner thoughts. I moved, turning off the water, my back burning as I looked to see my skin was raw. Lovely.

I turned off the water, threw the rag over my shoulder and answered the door. “Min, I—” The unexpected sight of Chesmu silenced my voice as he stared down at me, one eyebrow raised.

“Nice brands,” he teased, his eyes glued to my exposed chest.

I crossed my arms, hiding my breasts as my cheeks flushed. “What do you want?” At this point, I wasn’t sure if I should be proud or embarrassed of what he saw.

Chesmu raised his arm, a pile of neatly folded clothes in his hand. “I brought these.” His eyes looked at mine. “Figured you’d want to get out of what you had on.”

We stood quiet for a moment before my foot kicked the door open. “You can put them on the dresser there.” I pointed to the wall opposite my bed.

Chesmu smirked as he moved through the door frame, slightly ducking, and stepped into the room. He glanced around as he remained holding the pile, turning to face me.

I sighed, kicking the door shut and walked to him, one arm tucked around my breasts, the other extended. “My clothes?”

He smiled, extending them in my direction causing me to reach further. My hand almost slipped, exposing myself to him as I snatched the pile from his palm.

“You can leave now.” I snapped, making my way into the washroom. He remained silent as I pulled the clean, fresh scented blouse over my chest. I then took the leather vest and buttoned it tightly across my breasts, causing them to slightly bulge from the dipping collar of my blouse, my brands fully visible. Grabbing my gloves from the side of the sink, I slid my hands into the faded leather and stepped toward the room only to merely slam into Chesmu.

He stared down at me with a hungry look in his eyes as they trailed to my hair. He pulled the ribbon, causing my hair to fall loosely around my shoulders and bounce down my back. “I prefer your hair wild, just like you, Casper.” His hand brushed along my chin. I winced as he touched a fading bruise. “I’m sorry for causing you pain,” he carefully leaned his forehead against mine, “but you know we must all bear the pain of this house.” Chesmu’s hand traveled to the back of my neck and down to my brands. He traced the older brand with his fingers, warmth following as he moved gently. “You have a wild and strong spirit. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.” The smell of sage and lavender filled the air as I closed my eyes and breathed him in. Despite everything, he was a welcoming comfort.

Chesmu pulled back, almost reluctantly, causing me to stumble as his hand fell to catch mine. “Come, we must return. Your shift isn’t over yet, and tonight’s full of chaos.”

Together we left the room and made our way down the hall and to the stairs that led to the main parlor of the house. His hand remained in mine as I gawked at him. He was beautiful and strong and seemed to genuinely feel bad about what he had done. Something about him spoke to me and I felt as though I could trust him. Chesmu swung me toward the stairs, releasing my hand.

“Sometimes,” I said to him, “I wish I would have never found Min.” He stared down at me curious. “That we would have never formed our sister-bond… then she would never know of this place and wouldn’t be burdened by me.” My eyes fell to the floor as the secret confession fell from my lips. I don’t know why I felt the urge to tell him, but I did. “She deserves more than this life,” I whispered.

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