Page 54 of The House of Whispers

The care in his voice made my heart flutter. “I’ll be fine, Chesmu.” I rose, dropping the sheet as I walked to my wardrobe. “Besides, I have my magik.” I pulled a tight, black long-sleeve blouse over my torso.

“Didn’t you say it yourself? That he has magik like yours?” Chesmu rose, stepping behind me as I cinched the leather vest under my chest. He twirled me to face him, his hands taking the strings from mine as he pulled the vest tight causing me to gasp. “I don’t want you getting hurt.” He tied the strings tight, running his hands down the sides of my body, feeling every curve. He stepped closer, his hands now resting along my backside. “Think of all the other ways we could spend the day together.” His mouth kissed my neck. “All the ways I could twist your body,” he continued to kiss my neck, sending fire through my veins, “the sounds we could make together.” His lips found mine as my body pressed into his. He continued to kiss me passionately, our breaths mixing together as I fought the urge to throw him back onto my bed.

“Chesmu,” I whispered into his mouth as his tongue slid along mine.

“Yes?” He smiled, pulling back slowly as I struggled to catch my breath.

My heart raced. “As much as I would love to tangle ourselves together for the day,” he lowered his head, smiling as he shook it side to side, “I can’t. I need to do this.”

His eyes met mine as he kissed me once more. “I know, you stubborn little hexer.” He sighed, respecting my choice as he hugged me. “Promise you’ll be safe?”

My hands laid across his bare chest, my face buried into him. “I promise.”

“Here,” Chesmu stepped back, removing one of his beaded necklaces.

“Chesmu, I—” I stepped away, unable to accept his gift. “These are all you have from your home. I can’t take it.”

He held one of the necklaces out, stepping toward me as he raised my hand and placed it in my palm. “If it’ll keep you safe,” he curled my fingers over the colorful beads, “then use it. Besides, I’m sure my mother would approve of you having it.” He smiled, kissing the top of my head before heading to the door. “Just promise you’ll return it to me.” He winked, leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

I opened my hand and stared at the colorful pile of threaded beads, bones, and charms. Chesmu had given me one of the few possessions he owned from his home, from his world. He did so knowing that it would protect me against Jakkal.

I clutched the beaded necklace tight, holding it to my chest.I won’t let him have this. I took the necklace and lowered it over my head as it dangled past my navel. I stuffed it beneath my blouse, feeling the beads along my skin, close to my heart.I’m going to end this, Chesmu. I grabbed my boots, quickly lacing them as I shoved my hands into my gloves and grabbed a long black coat.For us. I tightened the harness around my thigh and pushed my blade into its sheath.

As I left the room, I tied my hair high, a few strands falling in front of my eyes as I approached Nathair, waiting. “Chesmu seems quite fond of you.” His eyes angled toward Chesmu as he smiled, descended the stairs at the end of the hall.

I smiled back at Chesmu, ignoring Nathair’s playful remark. “Are you ready?”

Nathair pushed from the wall and followed me as we marched down the hall. “Can you handle this, Casper?” We reached the hidden door, quickly ducking behind as we hurried down the spiral stairs.

I touched my chest where Chesmu’s beaded necklace lay beneath my blouse. “More than you know.”

Nathair and I snuck out the back of the brothel and quickly paced in the direction of Bedeville Hospital. The morning air was cold, causing my bones to harden as we walked, a strong breeze pushing against us.

Nathair remained quiet as we walked, the weird tension between us growing. I had to cut it as it was beginning to choke me. “How’s Min?” She was the only topic I knew we could discuss.

Nathair coughed, keeping his eyes ahead. “She’s good. A little ruffled after last night, but she’s okay.”

I nodded, the awkwardness returning. “I’m glad she has you.” Nathair looked at me, slightly confused by my statement. I released an odd laugh, “I know we might not see eye to eye at the moment, but I know you only want what’s best for her.”

“What if what’s best doesn’t involve you?”

Nathair’s question stopped me in my tracks. “What do you mean?”

He sighed, shaking his head. “Nothing. It was just a thought.”

Or was it?

He tried to motion me to continue walking, but I remained firmly halted. “Nathair, I have cared for Min since we were kids. I may not have made all the best decisions, but all I’ve ever wanted was to give her the most.”

Nathair raised his head. “And you think serving Madame Chepi in a brothel is the best?”

And we’re back to that.

“Do you even know how I came to find Min?” I stepped near him, my brows furrowed in anger as he remained still. “Has she ever told you how we met?” He remained silent. “Didn’t think so.”

I pushed past him with aggression.

Nathair turned, shouting to me. “How does that change anything? Just because you stumbled upon her doesn’t mean she owes you her life!”

---