Page 150 of Scattered Glitter

I tilt my head, curiosity filling my voice as I say, “You’re so different like this… a freaking illusionist.”

He smiles, a flicker of his old self returning. “Isn’t it weird,” he begins. “How so many versions of you exist in people’s minds? Some may know you as shy, some see youas annoying. Every person creates a version of you in their head. There are a thousand different versions of you.”

His words hang in the air, but my attention drifts past him to Koen, sitting with Sylus, deep in discussion with Ezra. He looks confident, composed, completely in control, as always.

I wonder how many versions of him exist. There are already two of him inmyhead. There’s the Koen who’s warm, protective—the one who makes me feel safe. And then there’s the Koen who’s cold, calculating, eyes always watching, reading my every move.

Both of them annoying, yet equally hot.

“Hey, can you do me a favor?” Levi’s voice pulls me back, quieter now, almost hesitant.

I blink, drawn out of my thoughts. “What?”

“Please don’t.”

“Please don’t what?”

Levi steps closer, his smile softening as he reaches out and taps my nose. “I can read it on the tip of your nose.”

“Oh yeah?” I let out a laugh, swatting at his hand as I reach up to tap his nose in return. “What can you read, Mr. Illusionist?”

“What you’re thinking.” His smile fades a little, and his gaze turns earnest, almost pleading. “And honestly, please don’t.”

I laugh again, though it comes out a bit forced, the lightness slipping. “What are you even talking about?”

“Koen.” He holds my gaze. “He’s not the guy for casual, okay? He’d fall in love, get attached so damn fast, and you’d break his heart, even if you didn’t mean to.”

His words hit harder than I expect, and I shift on my feet, glancing away. “I never said—” I start, defensive, but Levi doesn’t let me finish.

“Hey, listen.” He steps in closer again. “I get it, all right?I’m into casual too. I don’t think twice before I fuck someone. But it’sKoenwe’re talking about. He’s kind, responsible,waytoo grown up, loyal… he’s not the same asus.”

I try to come up with something to say, but nothing comes. He’s watching me, his expression a mix of worry and something softer, something that twists in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

I swallow, my throat tight, words caught somewhere between my heart and lips.

“So please,” Levi repeats, his voice dropping, gentler now. “Don’t sleep with him if you’re not taking it seriously. Don’t hurt him.”

A beat passes, the silence heavy between us, filled with everything I haven’t said or don’t even know how to say. The truth slips out before I can catch it. “I don’t want to hurt him,” I murmur, frowning. “I didn’t think I even had the power to do that.”

“I know.” Levi’s gaze softens, and he nods, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. “That’s why I’m asking.”

He reaches out, his fingers brushing against my arm as he steps back, giving me space.

His words hang in the air, and my gaze drifts over to Koen once more. His expression is relaxed, his posture easy as he talks to Ezra. Koen’s slightly unguarded right now, like he’s allowing himself to be a little vulnerable around them.

Ezra looks up to seemingly check on Levi, and I think about how his gaze always seems to linger on Levi, how Levi’s eyes soften whenever Ezra is near. There’s something between them, something they clearly think is well hidden.

Maybe even from each other.

“Not like us?” I say, turning back to Levi, my brow arched. “You sleeping around? Wouldn’t think you do. I’ve never heard anything.”

Levi grins, shrugging. “That’s because I’m good at keeping it quiet. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want a good man if I found one.” He gives me a sly look, his grin widening, something challenging in his eyes. “So maybe we’re different after all because Koen is a good man, and Sylus is too.”

“What about Ezra?” I ask, watching for his reaction.

Levi’s eyes narrow, the playful glint in them fading slightly. “What about him? You think he’s hot?” Jealousy radiates off him, making me huff a laugh.

“Well, yes, he is,” I admit, teasing and leaning closer. “But it’s pretty obvious he only has eyes for you.”

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