Page 43 of Untamed

You mean… they really exist? They’re real?

I laugh out loud.

Well yes, obviously.

Bookbabe

I thought they were made up for the book world!

I smile at that.

Some are, some aren’t

Bookbabe

I smirk.

Bookbabe

Okay, I gotta go to class. Ugggh, responsibility rearing its ugly head once more. Le sigh. Keep me posted!

She’s a teacher by day, one of the reasons why shesmartlykeptallher identifying information off her socials. Meanwhile, I might as well have hung a neon sign around my neck that saysStalk Me.

Freud would have a field day with this.

I go back to my messages.

I saw the pictures...

He responds immediately. My heart beats so fast that I’m a little dizzy.

Bratvabloodline

And my latest video, I see. I promise you, Ember. I’m not bluffing. I meant every word.

Yes

I pinch the bridge of my nose, unsure of how to respond because honestly? A part of me…wantsthis. There’s a reason why I spend so much time reading the books. There’s a reason I started this account. And sure, while I keep telling myself that this is fantasy, that I don’t really want this, it would be a lie to say there isn’t a part of me—a small, hidden, quiet part of me I don’t share with anyone else—that fantasizes about what’s directly in front of me.

I swallow hard and don’t respond. I quickly check my texts, and my blood runs cold.

Shawn has sent me twelve messages since last night.

Shawn

Hey, sis. I really want to see you. It’s been so long, and I’m only back in town for a while. How’s breakfast?

When I didn’t respond, the messages grew increasingly urgent and pushy.

Shawn

Why are you ignoring me? I’m waiting.

Shawn

Hello? Are you up? I know where you live, Ember. If you don’t respond to me, I’m coming by in person.

I don’t know how to play this. If I tell him off, hewillretaliate and make my life a living hell.

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