Page 27 of Burning Embers

Why do I allow Grayson to hold such power over me? I need to get over this stupid crush on him, and fast.

I debate going back inside, finding Justin, and asking him to take me back to his parents’ pool house to fuck me senseless, but the thought of him touching me has unease skittering down my spine.

Briefly, Ethan’s face appears in my mind, his flushed cheeks, disheveled blond hair, and thick-framed glasses. Heat percolates low in my stomach.

My reaction to the strange man takes me by surprise.

I don’t even know him, yet I’m lusting after him like a bitch in heat. What is wrong with me? Sure, he’s sexy, but after what happened with Justin, I swore off sex with men I’ll have to seeon numerous occasions. And since Ethan’s attending the same school as me…he’s off-limits.

Even if he is one of the sexiest men I’ve ever laid eyes upon in my life.

With an annoyed huff aimed at myself, I move towards the road. It’ll be a long walk back to my house, but there’s no way in hell I’m waiting for Grayson. Besides, a little fresh air and exercise will do me good. I’m not afraid of the darkness and the secrets it holds. It’s the light that terrifies me—I don’t want to see the face of my attacker.

As I begin the trek home, I can’t help but feel as if there’s a pair of eyes on me.

Watching me.

Stalking me.

Huntingme.

Ten

IZZY

My phone buzzes on my bed for the twentieth time this morning, but I ignore it. I know, without a shadow of doubt, that it’s Gray demanding to know why I left without him.

And he’s probably a little pissed at me that I locked the window to my new bedroom, refusing to allow him entry.

Well, sucks to be him.

Shoving all thoughts of Gray to the back corner of my mind, I consider my reflection in the full-length mirror.

I decided to go with the “comfortable but stylish” route for my first day of school. They’re already a few weeks into the semester, so I want to make sure I don’t stand out too much. The last thing I need is a blazing beacon on my back, declaring me to be a new foster kid in the area. However, I don’t want to look like a hobo either.

The red sweater slides off one shoulder, revealing the strap of my bra. I paired the shirt with tight skinny jeans that mold to my legs. I kept my makeup minimal—a little bit of blush, a dab of mascara, and red lipstick. I debated what to do with my shock of blonde waves before deciding to keep my hair down.

Satisfied with my appearance, I reach for the backpack Hale gifted me this morning. It used to belong to Jake before he purchased a new one for himself.

Hale assured me that he’ll stop at the store and get me a different one, but I told him that I was completely fine with Jake’s old one. The ratty backpack with the duct tape on the side reminds me a little of…me—broken and haphazardly stitched back together.

“Izzy! Are you coming?” Jake calls from farther down the hall.

I stare at myself one more time in the mirror before nodding in satisfaction. Perfect.

Quickly, I move towards my mattress and lift it just enough to reveal the tiny slit on the bottom. It wouldn’t be noticeable unless you knew explicitly where to look. I stick my hand inside, grab two twenties, and shove the money into my backpack. I don’t know what I’ll need to pay for, but I found that it’s always better to keep just a little bit of change on you rather than nothing at all.

“Coming!” I hurry out of the room and race to the kitchen.

Hale’s standing at the stove, seemingly juggling two pans at once. The left one is filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, while the right pan has a pancake bubbling in the center. A stack of already cooked pancakes rests beside it on a plate.

Jake leans against the counter, nibbling on a piece of bacon, but he straightens when he sees me.

“Damn.” He offers me a bright, toothy grin. “I didn’t think it was possible for you tonotlook like a homeless person.”

“Ha, ha, ha, very funny,” I deadpan as I move towards him and snag a piece of crunchy bacon off the plate he’s hoarding.

He glares at me in mock disapproval and swats at my hand.

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