NINETEENTH BIRTHDAY
Letter #67
Happy Birthday, Love,
I hope you like the hats and gloves. I noticed yours was gone again. Finn said ten sets are too many, but he doesn’t know how often you lose things like I do.
I had to choose them myself, as Ora was away with her mother for a few weeks, but one of the female warriors assured me they were fine.
Nothing new has changed since my last letter. I still train daily, and I still think of you. I hope you think of me too and not that man who walks you home from work sometimes.
Would you be sad if something happened to him?
I wouldn’t.
Viciously Yours,
Nick
P.S. I lie awake some nights when you touch yourself, wondering if you’re naked or slipping your hand under your shift. Gods, I hope you’re naked. The mental image will be my undoing.
10
TWENTIETH BIRTHDAY
Letter #74
Happy Birthday, Love,
I didn’t think it was possible for you to be any prettier than you already are, but every time I see you, you prove me wrong.
I’ve left you ribbons that I picked out myself. I think they would look nice against your blonde hair, especially when the sunlight hits it.
Viciously Yours,
Nick
P.S. I love that you still wear your necklace. I imagine you keeping it on at night when you torture me. I’ll make sure you keep it on when I torture you.
11
TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY
Letter #80
Happy Birthday, Love,
I’ve left you a new pair of boots. They’re lined with wool to keep your feet warm. Ora said the color was in style.
Viciously Yours,
Nick
Amelia glared at the tall, leather, wool-lined boots and stomped across her room. Cocking her arm back, she threw the baby-shit-green footwear into the back of her closet as hard as she could.
Not only did she hear from Nick less and less, but his letters grew shorter each time.
And they always mentionedOra.
