Page 22 of Safe in Shadow
It was a fake feeling, of course, but one that was good enough, one that allowed him the confusing make-believe that she wanted him. Wanted this.
Oh, well. She most definitely wantedthis, if her frenzied grunts were anything to go by.
With a last push, she slid herself down onto him, sitting, sinking, until she was bottomed out on an erection he had willed to grow as she stretched. Now, she rocked on him, rubbing frantically, letting out little puffed curses.
When he felt her final shudder of pleasure, he withdrew, his own orgasm of spilt smoke right behind hers. Fortunately, Grace yanked the shower on, shaking and spluttering under the steaming spray.
“Did that really fucking happen?” she demanded, her eyes wide but unfocused.
He said nothing.
“Hey! Hey, dream lover, if you’re here... What’s the deal? Are you like... A ghost?”
Nyx swallowed, panting in his own aftermath.
Couldn’t she simply enjoy it? Stupid girl.
His satisfaction was ebbing away as he saw the confusion and fear on her face.
Shouldn’t have done it. What the hell are you? What made you think this could ever end amicably?He slammed his loathing at the door of the bathroom, but it was already shut. It simply rattled
Grace gasped, but to her credit, she didn’t scream and flee. “Okay. Okay, is that a yes? If it’s a yes... Damn, the afterlife isn’t so bad? I mean, I... I don’t know what I mean. I might have dreamed that. If I didn’t dream that... Give me a sign? Tell me a name?”
No. No, he wouldn’t speak. Wasn’t really sure if hecould—if his language still matched his understanding. Shades didn’t move like humans, didn’t hold shape like humans. Why should their language be understood by humans?
He supposed he could try, but that... That would open a dangerous door. Talking.
If he had someone to truly talk to, would he ever be able to let her go?
You could end her. Keep her.
What guarantees that? Many have died here. They don’t stay. If they did, perhaps I wouldn’t be what I am, something not-quite human, not properly ghost. Ghosts at least get to keep their human resemblance.
I’m... Ink and shadow. Hunger and fear.
“That was nice—for what it's worth. I guess I can call you ‘dream lover,’ but man, I’d love to know if I was awake or asleepfor that little escapade...” Grace laughed, a high, nervous laugh, and drew the curtain around the tub.
He peeked and watched her through the steam, rinsing the bubbles off, rinsing off the slickness between her thighs.
The fog kissed the mirror, filling it.
Could he touch it?
Move through it?
One finger began a silent drag through the tiny droplets that created the cloud of gray.
GRACE ALMOST SCREAMEDwhen she saw it.
Neat, large letters with ragged edges.
NYX
“His name is Nyx. What kind of name is that?”
Ghostly one?
I guess...
