Page 61 of Marked

Our initials are displayed perfectly in the middle of the V-neck of the top. I have no doubt he knew exactly what he was doing when he chose the spot to display his artwork.

I sip my drink and watch people grinding on the makeshift dance floor.

“Do you see him?” I ask after I’m half done with my drink.

“Yeah. He’s in the back there.” Zack gestures with his chin. “He’s talking with the owners of the club; I want to wait until he’s alone.”

“In this place? He’ll never be alone.”

“He’ll leave through the back entrance. Probably best to grab him then, but I want to watch him first. See who he talks to, see if he does any other business here.”

Zack knows more about this stuff than Ido, so I don’t argue. I try to get a good look at Vince, but it’s too crowded. I only see a glimpse of his face every now and then as people move around him.

I lean into Zack.

He runs his hand over my head, petting me.

“You look good as a redhead,” he says in my ear. “Valerie was right not to go too red. This lighter shade is perfect.”

“I always wanted to color my hair, but Mom wouldn’t let me. She said women paid hundreds of dollars to get the blonde I had.” Maybe she just wanted me to keep looking exactly like Quinn. I was a walking image of the daughter she’d chosen to keep.

“You still salty I wouldn’t let Valerie cut it?” His chest rumbles with a chuckle.

“No.” I fake a sigh. “I’ll just let it grow out like Rapunzel.”

He fists my hair, pulling my head back and glaring into my eyes. His eyebrow is arched in that way of his, challenging me to go toe-to-toe.

“I’m not salty.” I grin. “But I do have to pee.”

He unravels his hand from my hair, letting me start to slide out of the booth.

“Harley,” he snaps my name, stilling me for a beat.

“It’s all right. I’ll be careful.” I pat his arm. “I promise.”

His jaw tenses. “Don’t talk to anyone,” he orders.

“Of course not.” I give him a fake salute which makes his eyebrow arch to a steep point.

“If you’re going to be bratty, I’m sure I can find someone here with a gag I can use.” His voice is hard.

A memory flickers, but I easily shove it away.

Zack’s not them.

“I’ve never been accused of being a brat before.” I smile at him as I finish scooting out of the booth.

“No accusation. Pure facts.” He leans back, hooking his arms over the back of the bench seat. “You have two minutes, little bird, before I come findyou.”

“I don’t think that’s the threat you think it is.” I laugh. There’s no point in ever thinking I could outrun him, but the chase would be exhilarating.

He shakes his head.

“Two minutes.” He wiggles his fingers at me.

I head to the back of the bar toward the restrooms, working my way around the dancers and through the crowd at the bar. When I get closer to the restrooms, Vince comes into view. I don’t recognize his face, but I can tell it’s him, because everyone’s sitting around him like he’s some sort of god.

The bathroom is empty, so I’m able to get in and out quickly. If Zack says he’s counting down the time, he’s counting down the time.

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