Page 117 of Scattered Glitter

I mull over how the hell I could make this happen as I continue scanning the room, searching for my other mark, Richard Belmont. He’s deep in conversation with none other than Nicholas’s mother, Veronica Harrington.

I’ve heard her name and seen her picture countless times, but I never knew she had a son. It only reinforces my theory that Nicholas is more reserved and maybe prefers to stay out of the limelight.

Belmont is too deep in conversation for me to make a move now. I need him alone, away from Veronica and prying eyes. So I decide to leave them be for now and move closer to Nicholas instead, positioning myself close enough to be in his line of sight but not so close that I seem obvious. I stop next to a display case featuring an old magician’s top hat, pretending to be engrossed in the artifact as I keep Nicholas in my peripheral vision.

I feel eyes on me, and when I glance over my shoulder, Nicholas is watching me. I hold his gaze for a few seconds before looking away, letting a hint of a shy smile play on my lips as I shift my attention back to the display. I move slowlyto the next exhibit, letting my presence linger. I casually glance in his direction to find that he’s still looking, his gaze curious.

Gotcha.

Turning away from him, I make my way through the room again when Veronica walks past me and approaches Nicholas, who doesn’t look pleased.

With her now otherwise occupied, I turn my attention to my other mark. He’s alone at the bar now, and I watch as he reaches into his pocket for his wallet. It’s then I notice the unmistakable hotel card from the Belmont Plaza on top of his other cards.

The bartender waves him off, and he slides the wallet back into his jacket as I approach the bar, positioning myself close to him. Belmont turns, his eyes meeting mine, and there’s a flicker of recognition. His brows raise, and he breathes out, “You?”

“Me,” I reply, letting a slow smile spread across my face as I set down my still-full glass of champagne.

“You didn’t call.” His gaze travels over me as if making sure I’m real.

I tilt my head, arching a brow. “I’ll call you when I want to call you,” I say quietly but firmly, dripping with authority. He visibly swallows, his eyes darkening as his submissive nature creeps back in.

“Right,” he mutters, almost to himself.

I let my fingers brush over his arm, trailing down slowly until they reach his wrist, then slipping lower into the pocket of his jacket. He freezes, his gaze never leaving mine, entranced as I draw closer.

“What are you drinking tonight, Richard?” I purr, my eyes still locked on his, while my other hand moves, locating his wallet.

“Whiskey,” he breathes out, his gaze dipping to my lips, and it’s obvious he’s struggling to keep his composure.

“Good… choice.” I smile, letting my thumb brush along his jawline as I pull the wallet out, keeping it hidden between our bodies. He’s too focused on the way I’m touching him to notice.

Sliding the wallet open, I slip the hotel card out with ease and place the wallet back where it belongs. All the while, I’m watching his reaction, the way his pupils are blown wide, his breathing uneven, while I’m still stroking his jaw. He shivers, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows hard.

When I’m palming the card, I lean in, my lips brushing against the shell of his ear. “What if I want to be the one being chased?” I whisper, knowing that my words just made me undesirable to him. I lean back, giving him a polite smile. “Have a nice evening, Richard.”

He blinks, the fire in his eyes dimming, confusion flickering across his features.

Good.

Without waiting for a response, I turn and walk away, leaving him standing there, bewildered. I slip into one of the exhibition rooms, a smaller one to the side, empty of people. The quiet is a relief, and I finally exhale while I take out my phone, snap a picture of the card, and send it to Captain Bossy.

Is that what you were after?

Told you you’ve got it.

Who do you want me to plant it on?

You’ve already wrapped Harrington around your finger?

I’m on it.

Tell me when you’re sure you’ve hooked him.

Then you’ll get the next mark.

I slip the card and my phone into my purse, taking a deep breath.

You heard him, Nova. Just get it over with.

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