Page 95 of Scattered Glitter

He did?

“Why do you even care? Worried about your asset?”

“Worried aboutyou, yes. You looked upset, and I was the reason for it. I’m sorry.”

What is it with today and everyone apologizing?

The words catch me off guard, and a mix of emotions swirls inside me—anger, confusion, and something I can’t quite put a name to.

Annabelle is giggling, and when I turn to see why, I see Levi signing his name on her cleavage.

Oh my God.

I swallow and turn back to Koen, whose gaze is still intent on me.

Trying to maintain my tough façade, I say, “You don’t need to apologize. It was your bossy friend who wanted me to steal that car.”

“Right, but I acted like an asshole, pulling you into that alley and keeping a hold on you there. You were already upset.”

“I wasn’t.”I so was.“I’m fine.”

“Sure you are.” Koen’s eyes search mine.

Right, the lie detector.

Goddammit.

“And since you’re fine and there’s nothing to apologize for, how about we go dress shopping?” Koen reaches out to brush a strand of hair that has slipped out of my ponytail behind my ear, making me shudder at his touch.

What is even happening?

Annabelle clears her throat, her eyes darting between Koen and me. “Sooo… you guys are friends?”

“We’ve met.” I keep my eyes on Koen. “Not sure I’d call us friends, though.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Koen bites his lips to suppress a laugh. “I think we’re getting there, Little Thief.”

I glare at him, but there’s no real heat behind it. “Stop calling me that.”

“Make me,” he replies, the challenge written all over his face.

Levi steps forward then, his eyes flicking to Koen and then to me. “We’re not here to cause trouble. Right, brother?”

“Right, you’re here to take me dress shopping.” I huff, skepticism lacing my tone. “And pray tell, what do I need that dress for?”

Levi glances at Koen again, then back at me. “We’ll explain everything, just not… here.”

“Vague as always. And you know I don’t like that.” I cross my arms tighter, eyeing them both. “So why should I go with you?”

“Because…” Koen steps closer. “You’re already in this, whether you like it or not. And I promise, it’s worth your while.”

I look at him, then at Levi, then back at Annabelle, who’s still staring at the two of them as though they’ve stepped straight out from a movie screen.

Fuck it.

I’ve got nothing better to do.

And it’s not as if I’m committing to anything serious. It’s only a dress, a moment to play pretend. Nothing more. I can handle that. I can still draw the line, stopping it from going further before it could really hurt me.

---