Page 16 of Hush, Little Baby

Press.

Circle.

“You were exactly what I’ve been waiting for.”

“That’s not—” I whisper weakly. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough,” he answers. “And I will take great pleasure in learning the rest.”

Constantine watches my face carefully before questioning, “Is there anything you want but never thought you could have?”

I nod shakily.

“I’ll give you whatever you want,” Nikolaus whispers into my hair. “Whatever you need will be yours.”

“You’re tired, Charlie,” Constantine says as Nikolaus’s thumb drifts lightly down my neck. “And you shouldn’t have to do everything alone.” Nikolaus’s hand slides up again to cradle the back of my head. “He wants to take care of you.”

“You don’t have to be alone anymore,” Nikolaus adds, voice soft as falling snow.

My chest tightens so much it hurts because I want that more than anything, and the thought terrifies me almost as much as the fear that still thrums beneath my skin.

“I don’t know you,” I whisper again, my voice even weaker.

“You will,” he promises.

4

Charlie

“Charlie,” Constantine says, his voice suddenly becoming serious, “we need you to stand up and come with us now.”

“I don’t wanna,” I quiver, shaking my head.

He steps closer, all cold authority. “I know, but walking out with us calmly is the safest way to do this.”

Safest.

That word claws at my ribs.

“You’re coming with me,” Nikolaus murmurs softly against my temple.

“I don’t—” I start to protest, but Constantine cuts me off.

“If you come with us quietly,” he hisses, voice laced with threat, “no one gets upset. No one gets suspicious. No one interferes.”

Those are not words people usually use in the little room.

“And I really don’t want to have to hurt you,” Constantine adds, softer than a lullaby but sharper than a blade.

“H-hurt me?” My breath catches in my throat.

Nikolaus grasps my chin in his hand, pushing it up so I’m looking at him. My vision swims as I take in the intense look in his dark eyes.

“No one’s going to get hurt if you’re a good boy, Charlie. We don’t want to have to do that.”

Constantine nods in agreement.

My brain can’t decide what’s happening.