Page 112 of Scattered Glitter

“I thought you were good?” I goad with a grin instead. If I know anything about the woman beside me, it’s that she can’t say no to a challenge. “Show me you’ve at least got him hooked by the end of the night. I want him wanting more, enough that he’ll chase after you.”

She rolls her eyes but nods. “Piece of cake.”

I exit the car and walk around to her side, opening the door. Her fingers slip into mine, and we stand there for a beat longer than necessary. She tries to smile confidently, but her nerves are evident.

Fuck, maybe this is all too much too soon.

She’s good,really good. However, it doesn’t stop the protective instinct flaring up inside me. I’ve seen too many people get in over their heads, thinking they’re invincible. And I don’t want her in the line of fire, even if I’m the one pushing her there.

“Ready?” I ask because yes, I am an asshole.

She drops my hand and lifts her chin. Then she straightens, pulling her shoulders back, and her whole demeanor shifts into pure confidence and command, her eyes gleaming with determination. Her lips curl into a confident smile as she replies, “Ready.”

She steps forward, leading the way as if the night was made for her. I follow her into the building, watching as she strides through the back entrance with an aura that’s undeniable.

Whatever doubts I had?

Yeah, they’re gone now.

She’s going to pull this off.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Novalee

As soon as we step into the Lane Building, the pulse of energy is a physical vibration in the room. It’s the kind that comes from fancy décor, powerful people mingling, and more champagne than a New Year’s Eve party. The opulence of the place is unmistakable, especially with the backdrop of priceless artifacts housed within the museum section of the building.

And, of course, Levi is extra enough to have a full brass band playing somewhere off to the side, softly performing “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller as we enter.

He’s already in full social butterfly mode, greeting people left and right. The moment he spots me, his eyes go wide, and a grin spreads across his face. “There she is,” he exclaims as he rushes over, abandoning the people he was standing with. “Look at you! Absolutely stunning. Like, I knew you’d look good, but damn, you’re blowing everyone out of the water tonight.”

He’s dressed just as glittery as me, his white suit sparkling all over, not to mention the high heels he’s wearing that make him taller than Koen. Still, the way heand Koen look when standing together, two sides of the same coin, reminds me of what I’m missing, and grief slices my heart, but I only let it nick me.

Not tonight.

I need to focus.

“Right back at you, Levi.” I give him a half-smile. “Happy birthday, by the way.” Then, I catch sight of the gigantic cake next to him. “Oh my God.”

There, written in perfect pink frosting, it reads,Happy Birthday, Levi and Ken.

I glance at Koen, and he meets my gaze, a resigned kind of amusement in his eyes. “Ken, huh?” I tease, crossing my arms, feeling a genuine smile form. “Fits you. You’ve definitely got the hair for it.”

Koen shakes his head, but I catch the hint of a smile. It makes me think back to him picking me up and the ride here. My fingers drift to the beautiful bracelet he gave me, and I tug at it gently.

Surprisingly, he’s a nice guy in a hot package.

Dangerous.

And I should probably stay as far as possible from him.

Hopefully, after tonight, when I don’t mess this up, I’ll be on my way to Italy, and none of this will matter anymore.

“So, who’s the mark?” I ask, glancing between the twins. They exchange a look, a grin spreading across Levi’s face.

“Well, the main target is Nicholas Harrington, you—” Levi starts, but Koen cuts him off.

“I already told her about him. He’s here, arrived with us. He saw her with me.”

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