Page 124 of Scattered Glitter

Done.

His reply is instant.

Good.

Now, ask one of the guys to point out mark two for you.

I want the card in his chest pocket without him noticing.

I’m about to put my phone away when another text comes in, several seconds delayed from the others.

Be careful.

I smile softly to myself as I tuck my phone away and palm the hotel card.

Let’s get this over with.

I turn to Koen, my pulse already starting to quicken again. “All right. Who is mark two?”

Koen steps close to me and slides an arm around my waist in such a familiar, intimate way that shivers skate down my spine. Then he pulls me in front of him, his front flush to my back, and the heat of his body warms me all over. The sudden proximity sends my newfound nerves into overdrive, erasing any calm the conversation with Nicholas provided.

He turns us, his hand on my waist as he directs my focus toward the far side of the room.

“See him?” Koen murmurs, his lips dangerously close to my ear. “Off alone, leaning against the wall as if he owns the place, wine glass in hand.”

I follow his gaze, though it takes more effort than it should to concentrate on anything other than how Koen’s body feels pressed against mine.

Across the room stands a man who fits the description perfectly—sharp features and a suit that looks as though it costs more than I’ve ever made in a week. His posture radiates arrogance, the kind that makes my stomach churn, but it’s nothing compared to Koen’s grip tightening on my waist.

“That’s your mark.” Koen’s breath grazes my ear as he steps back, leaving me cold in his absence.

God, I hate that feeling.

“Tall, dark, and handsome.” Levi grins.

Sylus snorts as I shake off the lingering sensation of Koen’s touch. “Don’t fuck it up, Sparkle.”

“Thanks for the confidence boost.” I snark back at the guy I know best in this motley crew. And I only learned his last name minutes ago. And his first name a few minutes before that.

Shoving that all away, I take a deep breath.

You’ve got this, Nova. Focus, distract, plant the card.

Easy.

“Be careful.” Koen leans in, his lips brushing close to my ear once more. “He’s not just some guy.”

I glance up at him, reading the warning in his eyes, then turn my attention back to the mark.

Who the hell are you?

With my game face on, I slip through the crowd, brushing past clusters of people until I’m standing in front of him.

Tall, impeccably dressed, with wavy, dark brown hair. His shoes are spotless, polished to a shine, and even his tie knot is precise like he took his time to get every detail right.

Everything about him screamscontrol.

I smooth my dress and offer a flirtatious smile. “Hey.”

---