Page 100 of Scattered Glitter

“Sowhat, Little Thief?” He draws out the nickname, his thumb brushing one last time over my knuckles before I pull my hand away.

“Sofancy. I’m in my sweatpants, for fuck’s sake,” I mutter, glaring at him.

“I hadn’t even noticed.” He suppresses a smile and rests his hand on my elbow, steering me toward the shop. “And trust me, nobody else will either.”

“You’re not exactly a fashion icon yourself.” I huff, still feeling the awkwardness prickling under my skin. “So that’s not very reassuring.”

“Oh, now you’re critiquing my wardrobe?” There’s a glint in his eyes that dares me to push back.

“No,” I mumble, glancing at his leather jacket, black jeans, and the way the fabric clings in all the right places. “You dress in the same black stuff every damn day. It’s predictable.”

And annoyingly hot, not that I’d say that out loud.

“First off, they’re not the same. I have twenty pairs of these jeans and shirts. I wash them between wearingthem, believe it or not. Second…” he pauses, giving me that cocky, half-lidded look, “… we’ve only met four times. A bit early to say it’severy damn day,don’t you think? Prejudice much?”

“Well, I’ve seen you on TV, in magazines, and billboards. It’s always the same look. So, no. Not prejudice, simply observation skills.”

“You’ve got me all figured out, haven’t you?”

“Absolutely not.” I huff a laugh. “I have no idea who you are. You’ve been a rock, cold and unreadable. And now, today, you flicked a switch.”

Koen stops walking, turning to face me. “How so?”

Before I can answer, Levi’s voice cuts through the moment. “Guys, you coming or what?” He’s standing at the shop door a few feet away, radiating impatience.

It seems that boy never had to wait for anything in his life.

I glance toward him, but Koen’s fingers catch my chin, pulling my focus back.

“How am I different today?” His dark eyes are searching, and I’m suddenly hyperaware of how close we are. Close enough that I register the warmth of his breath.

I swallow, feeling the weight of his question and the way his gaze seems to pin me in place. “Well, you’re… like this.” I gesture vaguely, feeling stupid under his gaze. “Nice.”I swat his hand away. “And I don’t know if I like it.”

He studies me, his eyes boring into mine as if he’s stripping away my words to see what’s underneath. And dammit, he must find the truth in them because a genuine smile spreads across his face.

I hate that he knows and sees through my sarcasm and hesitation. Yes, I like this side of Koen, which is even more dangerous than his infuriating side.

If the last few days have taught me anything, it’s that I’m done being alone. Maybe Levi is right. Maybe I should live in case something good happens. Maybe thisissomething good. And if it isn’t, I can still sink back into my black hole if it goes wrong.

It’s not like anybody is waiting for me there.

Koen’s eyes glimmer with something I can’t quite place—an invitation, a promise, or maybe it’s the satisfaction of knowing he’s cracked my façade. He raises an eyebrow, his lips still curved. “Nice, huh? I’ll take it.” His hand brushes down my arm, then he steps back, his smirk growing wider. “Let’s catch up before Levi explodes.”

“Finally.” Levi throws his arms up dramatically. “You guys can flirt some more when we’re inside, not standing on the threshold like peasants who aren’t invited.”

Koen snorts, shaking his head. “Relax, Dove. Not everyone is as desperate to make an entrance as you.”

Levi places a hand on his chest, feigning offense. “Desperate? I prefer the termenthusiastically dramatic. It’s called charisma, darling.”

Koen turns to me, his smirk still in place as he whispers, “See what I have to deal with every day?”

“Excuse me? I heard that,” Levi accuses while stepping into the shop, and I follow him, suppressing a laugh.

The clerk at the counter glances up, and her eyes widen as she immediately recognizes the twins. Her face lights up, and she practically skips around the counter to greet Levi. “Hey, you,” she says, throwing her arms around him. Pulling back, she questions, “You’re back already?”

“You know me.” Levi returns the hug, then shrugs boyishly as he adds, “I can’t stay away. But today, it’s not about me. I’ve got you a nice little project.”

“You do?” she asks, glancing at Koen and giving him a friendly smile, which he returns with a polite nod.

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