Page 121 of Scattered Glitter

It’s the first time I’ve been able to get a good, close look at him with a relatively clear head, so I instantly catalog things I didn’t have the time to take in earlier like the slit through his eyebrow, which gives his face a rugged charm that contrasts beautifully with his otherwise almost model-like features. His dark brown hair is cut shorter on the sides but left a bit longer on top, and as he turns his head to regard me, I notice a glint of metal in his ear. Ithangs from his left ear, the opposite side of his bisected eyebrow.

Nicholas steps closer, his eyes locking onto mine. The silk of my dress suddenly feels tight against my body, and I have to force myself not to tense at his proximity. With a subtle inhale, I sink deep into character.

I know how to do this.

“Oh, hey,” I say, letting a hint of embarrassment color my expression as if I’ve only noticed him.

“Hey again,” Nicholas replies, his gaze lingering. “Not a fan of Sylus Walker?”

That’s his last name?

My answering snort is genuine. “No comment.”

Curiosity flickers in his eyes. “Why do you seem to be withthemtonight, then?”

I hesitate, the question cutting deeper than it should. WhyamI really here? Is it only about the job, or am I starting to care about what happens to these people?

“I’m… sort of the twins’ cousin.”

“The Lanes?” He sounds genuinely surprised. “I’ve never seen you.”

“Yeah, we reconnected recently. After Uncle Oscar’s death, you know?” I look away for a moment, feigning a hint of sadness. “They offered me a job as their personal assistant. I’m from Phoenix, and working and living in Vegas sounded… good. Plus, I thought it might be nice to get to know them better, as I don’t have any other family left.” I sigh. “Honestly, this lifestyle isn’t for me. And the twins?” I glance back at Nicholas, scrunching up my nose. “Total assholes.”

Nicholas laughs, the sound soft and genuine, but there’s also understanding in his expression.

He likes what I said.

“Why are you still here, then?”

I shake my head, giving a slight shrug. “I don’t know. I thought I’d give it until their birthday, see if it got any better. But they made me organize all of this tonight. Told me I could have some fun, but they’re the fun police, glaring at everything I do.”

“That’s… not very nice,” Nicholas agrees, a sympathetic smile playing on his lips.

“Yeah, I know.” I huff. “Honestly, I’d rather be… anywhere, really.”

“I get that.” His eyes soften, curiosity lingering. “What’s your name?”

Fuck.

I hadn’t even thought of that.Think quick, Nova.

“Rosie,” I blurt out.

Nicholas tilts his head, a frown forming. “Wasn’t their sister named Rose?”

Right.I try not to let my panic show as I force a small, awkward smile onto my face. “Yeah… uh, we’re a… weird family.”

He studies me for a moment before breaking into a grin. “I bet my family could out-dysfunction yours.”

“Oh, I’d take that bet,” I reply, feeling the tension ease as I let myself smile back. “However, I don’t know if either of us wants to win that one.”

“Touché.” Nicholas laughs again. “So, Rosie, tell me, do you always have such terrible taste in company?” He gestures vaguely in the direction Sylus had gone, and given he’d rescued me from Belmont earlier, the question is legit.

I let out a dramatic sigh, pretending to consider it. “Sadly, it seems to be a running theme lately.”

“I might know a thing or two about avoiding bad company,” he offers, his smile gentle but knowing. “If you need a change of scenery, I’d be happy to help.”

“Maybe you can,” I reply, letting just enough curiosity show. “What’s your name?”

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