Page 164 of Gathered Sparkle

If Ace can face his fears like this, I can too.

I glance down, my fingers brushing over my bracelet before I breathe in, exhale, and climb into the back seat.

As I settle in, it hits me—it’s getting easier.

The tightness in my chest is less severe, the fear quieter. I’m doing this step by step, and I feel a spark of pride in the realization.

“Hey,” I greet Ezra as Ace follows.

“Oh, finally,” Levi says dramatically, almost making me jump. Apparently, Ezra’s on the phone with him, and his voice fills the car through the speakers. “You two took forever. Were you making out in there? Did you rip those horrid uniforms yet? Please tell me you did.”

Ezra’s stoic expression cracks slightly. “No, Dove, they’re intact.”

“Shame,” Levi replies with an exaggerated sigh. “Though, Ric, you really should just rip your shirt off next time. It would distract Veronica and please me.”

“Dove,” Ace drawls, leaning back in his seat. “Are you flirting with me, or is this a new form of torture?”

“Both. But flirting is all I can give you. I belong to the stud in the driver’s seat.” Levi replies smoothly. “Ezra, darling, are you blushing again? Please say yes.”

“I’m not.” Ezra’s jaw tightens, but there absolutely is a blush.

God, I love this.

“Oh, but you are.” Levi practically purrs. “I bet you’re gripping the steering wheel, trying not to smile. Don’t fight it, baby. It’s okay to admit you love me.”

Ezra clears his throat, his knuckles whitening on the wheel. “Dove, can you focus? Are we still on track for the next phase?”

“Yes, Captain Killjoy, everything’s fine.” Levi laughs. “Sylus and I have it under control, which you will see when you come back here in a few. But don’t think I missed how you dodged your confession of love. It’s rude, really. My heart is so fragile.”

“You’re impossible,” Ezra mutters, but there’s the faintest hint of a smile on his lips. “See you at home.”

“Drive safely for me, Ezy baby. I love you.”

“Love you, too,”Ezra mutters as if he’s uncomfortable saying it in front of us before hanging up and driving out of the parking lot and onto the main road.

I pull my phone out and type a quick message to Sylus, even if I’m sure Levi will inform him that we’re on our way home.

We’re done. Heading home.

Barely a second later, my phone buzzes with his reply.

I need a selfie of you in that wig.

I roll my eyes but smirk as I glance at Ace. “Sylus wants a picture of me in the wig.”

“No wonder,” he replies dryly. “You look like a budget Marilyn Monroe.”

“Gee, thanks,” I shoot back, leaning in closer to him and lifting the phone, snapping a selfie of the two of us. The blonde wig is slightly askew, and Ace is smirking with his bestunbotheredexpression.

I send it to Sylus, feeling a little too amused with myself. A moment later, my phone buzzes again.

Not with Ric in it. Just you.

I think I have enough pictures of you with other guys’ faces in them.

I don’t stifle the laugh that comes out of me, thinking about the selfie I sent him from Nicholas’s phone yesterday.

At least this time it’s my face and not my pussy.

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