Read Online The Bone Orchard by Abigail Roux - Free Book Online Page A

her. But she didn’t react to him, didn’t slow her determined pace or sidestep him. She stamped right through him, making his head ache, his stomach lurch, and causing the world to spin in dizzying circles. He squeezed his eyes closed to combat the feeling, and when he opened them again, he was in the middle of the street, staring at the sky, the gallows not far off.
    It felt like hours before he could convince himself to sit up. This was really happening to him. No one could see him. He was a ghost. Dead. He was . . . He now understood even more clearly why Ambrose had asked for his help when he’d` realized Ezra could see him. He had to get to Ambrose. To face this reality alone would be terrifying.
    When he finally reached the doors of the Continental Hotel, he stared morosely at their imposing heft. He remembered the look on Ambrose’s face when he’d claimed doors were heavy, and Ezra now understand the air of defeat and sadness he’d carried with him.
    Something so unassuming as a door could keep him from a loved one simply because he couldn’t push it open.
    “Ezra!”
    Ezra glanced around the sidewalk, frowning. Who would be able to see him? Who would even know him in this town?
    “Ezra! The door!” Ezra peered through the lead glass window when he heard banging. Ambrose was standing on the other side, his face wavering in a haunting manner in the uneven glass.
    Ezra bolted forward, pressing his hand against the window.
    “Are you okay?” Ambrose shouted.
    Ezra nodded, then changed his mind and shook his head. “I’m so tired.”
    “It’ll wear off,” Ambrose promised. He placed his hand on the other side of the glass, their fingers aligning. “Go wait by the door. When it opens, you get your spurs on, understand?”
    Ezra nodded, and then Ambrose was gone. Ezra made his way to the doors, dodging passersby who didn’t see him, desperately trying to avoid being walked through again.
    He loitered for several minutes, and finally someone opened the door, standing aside to hold it for his female companion. Ezra rushed inside, brushing past the woman and knocking her hat askew.
    “Sorry,” he said to her in passing.
    She held to her hat, glancing around with a confused frown.
    “She can’t hear you,” Ambrose told him with a melancholy smile.
    Ezra stopped short and stared. Ambrose seemed different somehow. His complexion was ruddier. Healthier. His hair was more reddish blond than silver blond, and his icy eyes were actually a blue as brilliant as sapphire. He grinned, and the laugh lines and crow’s feet around his mouth and eyes crinkled.
    “My God,” Ezra breathed. “You are a beautiful sight.”
    Ambrose stepped closer and drew Ezra into a tight hug. Ezra let out a sigh of relief and damn near giddiness. Ambrose was warm against him. Warm and solid. “Oh my God.”
    Ambrose buried his face in Ezra’s neck. “I’m right happy you stayed.”
    Ezra huffed and held Ambrose tighter. “I wouldn’t have dared leave you behind.” He pulled back and grabbed Ambrose’s face, kissing him delightedly.
    It was one thing being able to kiss the man without the sting of that cold on his lips, to hold him close without the ever-present worry of his impending disappearance from his arms. But it was an entirely different feeling to be able to embrace him in the midst of a busy hotel, steps from a rowdy saloon, and not fear the evil, ostracizing looks people might give them.
    They kissed passionately, wrapping around each other. No one could see them. They could stand here and do this all day. Well, unless someone walked through them, which would take things to a whole new level of unpleasantness.
    Ambrose broke the kiss, still grinning as he stepped back. “They’ve cleared out the room. All your possessions were sent by rail back east to your brother.”
    Ezra scowled. “That was fast.”
    “Ezra . . . it took you three days to get here.”
    “Three . . . days ? Good God! Has anyone else been