Page 33 of Up In Flames
“So, if it is him, then what?”
“I don't know.” I lost my grin. “I don't think I want to be with Jath.”
“Again, you mean?” Gray waggled his brows at me. “He's totally had you once already. Maybe dying and getting over his shit has made him realize what an awesome lay you were, and he's gagging for it.”
I sighed. “I love you, Gray.”
“I know.” Gray grinned broadly. “Seriously, though. Does it matter? Enjoy the letters. Get sappy and fantasize about these hot men you live with. Pick one and go with it in your head. Then, if he finally reveals himself, great. If not, you're still having fun.”
“Yeah. You're right. I've gotten too serious about this.”
“Shit, yeah, you have. Fucking lighten up, weirdo.”
I laughed, then said, “So, tell me more about Lord Liam.”
“Oh, fuck,” Gray groaned. “He does this thing with his tongue that makes my toes curl.”
Chapter Fifteen
The next morning, I left the suite early, as usual, and stepped on a letter. I picked it up with a smile, my heart starting to race as I opened it. He must have come during the night to leave it for me.
This man is becoming an obsession and you don't even know his name,Death said.
I ignored Death as I read. This one wasn't naughty, it was sad. My shoulders slumped and my heart started racing in another way. My secret admirer was disheartened because I hadn't found him yet. He said that I should have been able to figure out who he was with the clues he'd given me. He could only conclude that I was either not interested once I'd found him or didn't care enough to look for him. I slowly sunk to the floor and leaned against the wall as I finished the letter—his last letter.
“Fuck,” I whispered.
What's wrong?Death asked.
“He thinks I'm not interested,” I muttered. “This is a goodbye.”
Ah. I'm sorry, Ember. But a man who will not reveal himself boldly is the wrong choice for you.
I got up and went back into the suite.
Ember?
I went into the dressing room, then pushed aside my tunics to reveal the trunk where I kept some of my things from home. My old home. Beneath the pictures and other mementos, was a stack of letters bound in twine. I drew them out, then closed the trunk. Sitting in the center of the room, I opened the letters and started to read.
What are you doing?Death asked.
“I'm going to find him,” I said. “He said he gave me clues. I know I found a few, but maybe there are more that I missed.”
Ember, if you—
“No, I'm doing this. I don't care if you think he isn't good for me.”
I was only going to say that I could help you discover who your admirer is.
I lowered the letter and looked up, as if I could see Death. “Do you know? Have you seen him?”
No. He is cunning, whoever he is. He comes when I'm not around. But Death Magic can help you.
“It can?”
Certainly. You'd have to let it in fully so it could lead you, but yes, of course.
“What does that mean?”
