Page 35 of Wynter

I open it, and this time, I want to throw up. Because he wrote an article. About me. While I lay in his bed. Trusting him. And all the while he betrayed me.

I race outside before I vomit all over Xavi’s apartment. Or confront him. And the memory of confronting Ghost and seeing that cold indifference on his face—I don’t think I could do that again. Not with Xavi. Because if I found out that his innocent shyness was all an act, I don’t think I’d survive.

My van’s still parked outside Jewels Cafe, and I almost reach it when a black sedan with tinted windows pulls up. In that instant, all my agency training kicks in, and my magic locks on the nearest object—the newly fixed Pumpkin Spice Latte sign.

The window rolls down, and I come face to face with Ghost.

“Wyn, can we talk?” He has the audacity to pat the passenger’s seat.

“No,” I snap. And for a second I consider smashing the Pumpkin Spice Latte sign on his car. Maybe I still should. Except Amber really likes that sign, and it’s not her fault he’s a Ghosthole. Or that he left me to clean up the whole Jewels Cafe mess. “And you owe me money.”

“What?” He has the audacity to look completely shocked.

“For destroying the cafe. You owe me.”

I expect him to argue, but he nods. “Yeah, okay. Just please, get in.”

“No way in hell.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“I…” He hesitates for a split second and then adds, “I found out something about the thief. Something you should see. And I’ve got cash, too.”

The cash can wait, but the thief can’t. Not when Xavi’s article is going to run the Cleanly Den out of business. So, against my better judgement, I get in the car.

Ghost drives out to the Tilbury Manor hotel. It appears out of nowhere from amongst the trees, but I’ve driven out here before so I’m used to it by now.

There are stone dragons weaving in between the banister as we climb the steps and enter the hotel. Ember’s just crossing the lobby, dressed as if it’s summer. She’s wearing a pair of jeans and a pretty tank top, and has her skates pulled over one shoulder and her duffel bag over the other.

Like Xavi—the thought of whom makes my chest hurt—Ember never seems to get cold. Lucky fire Kitsune. Though the thought of her on the ice without a coat is always enough to send a chill through me.

“Off to practice?” I raise an eyebrow. Because when is Ember ever not off to figure skating practice?

“Yeah. I’m running late. Garrick’s going to kill me.” She rummages for something in her bag and doesn’t even seem to notice Ghost.

“You say that every time,” I point out.

“That’s because it’s true. And I can’t find my car keys.” She resumes her search. “Oh, there they are. Listen, I have to run. But I’ll call you later. Promise.”

I kind of wish I could talk to her now, but Ghost is still waiting and Garrick’s no joke, so I nod.

“Friend of yours?” Ghost asks as she races out of the hotel.

“None of your business.” I push past him and lead the way up the stairs.

I already know my way around. I’ve visited Ember a few times, and I helped Lupine and Enzo clean the place up when it opened.

Ghost gestures for us to go left at the top of the stairs. He unlocks the door to his room and invites me to go in first. Like he’s being a freaking gentleman. Or sending me to scope the place out in case an attacker’s inside.

The room looks like a mirrored image of Ember’s, with a large bed in the center and a desk on the opposite wall.

Ghost closes the door behind us, and then he stops and stares at me.

“Well?” I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Where’s my money, and what did you find?”

Ghost shakes his head. “Look, Wyn. I just want us to talk.”

“So talk. About the thief.”

“Not about the thief. About us.”