Skeleton King (The Dirty Heroes Collection #9)

by Charity B.

“Oh, somewhere deep inside these bones, an emptiness began to grow.” Jack Skellington

While I’ve always found living women attractive, they’re terrifying beings. They’ll cut you deeper than any blade ever could and laugh while you bleed.

“I wish I could make you come alive so I don’t have to pretend to have intimacy anymore.” That’s something I would never admit aloud to anyone that could repeat it. My being with women whose souls have left this earth is not only a large part of who I am, but it’s also my only source of affection.

It’s been ten years since that day, and my infatuation has only grown. I know his preferences, so it’s likely I will never feel him while alive, however, once I muster the courage, I plan to ask him to be with me when I die.

“You are many things to me. A daughter, a lover—but you’re also a symbol and a reminder. My pumpkin’s name was Sarah, and she loved dolls… Rag dolls specifically.”

Breaking our kiss, I whisper through heavy breathing, “I don’t want you cold.” She blinks a few times, stuttered puffs of air coming from her lips. I’d never noticed the pretty, light freckles sprinkled across her nose before. Panic constricts my chest as I finish my confession. “I want you just like this.”

“I’ve wanted you for years, John. Not Skeleton King, not who everyone thinks you are. You.”

“I’m scared,” he whispers. “Why?” After several long moments, his gaze finally meets mine. “Because you’re breathing.”

I am Skeleton King. Gravedigger, taxidermist, and necrophiliac. The industry of decay is my kingdom, cemeteries my solace. I’m a nightmare merchant that thrives in the darkness. I belong in the cold, not with her light and warmth. Her beauty would only deteriorate in my presence.

She’s jealous. Not only does she want me, she wants me all to herself. I hold back my laugh. Now that I’ve had her, the real her, I doubt a corpse would do anything for me.

“You’ve ruined the dead for me, Sarah. I’ll never desire them as long as you’re in my bed. However, for now anyway, I still run a business that requires cadavers. I’m still Skeleton King.”

“I’ve loved you since I was nine years old. All I’ve ever wanted was to hear you say that.”